The Arcam A49 is a powerful high-end integrated amplifier made with premium components and is capable of exceptional sonic performance. For listeners who want only the best when it comes to sound quality, the A49 is definitely one of the top choices. To fully utilize the sonic prowess of this magnificent amplifier, you will need equally impressive speakers so that both of them will sound their absolute best.
Matching the speakers by price is just one of the main criteria, we will need to learn more about the Arcam A49 sonic characteristics and also its strengths. With such data, we will be able to find the right speakers that are both compatible and matching. So let’s start by learning more about the Arcam A49 and afterward we will also be sharing with you the list of the best speakers that you can go for.
Table of Contents
Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Arcam A49
At first glance, the Arcam A49 already gives you the confidence that it is a very capable and powerful amp. It is an integrated amplifier which you will be proud to show it off prominently in your listening room and will match aesthetically well with most modern speakers. As mentioned before, the A49 has plenty of muscles to drive almost all modern speakers. The rated power output is 200 Watts into 8 Ohms with both channels driven and can go all the way up to 400 Watts in 4 Ohms with a single channel driven. The unique Class G amplification delivers 50 Watts in pure class A mode, providing you with a higher level of sonic purity and musicality. To utilize this feature, a highly efficient speaker will be one of the ideal choices to match with the Arcam FMJ A49.
The frequency response is 20Hz-20kHz and with just these specs alone, it shows that the Arcam amplifier can drive most bookshelf and floor-standing speakers with ease. There aren’t any digital connectivities but there is a moving magnet Phono input to delight turntable users. There is also a premium headphone output allowing you to have some high-quality private listening time with your headphones. Other than the various analog inputs, there are also preamplifier outputs (RCA/XLR).
More Details at Amazon – Arcam A49 Integrated Amplifier
The soundstage created by the Arcam A49 is simply breathtaking, the width and depth are extraordinary, including the height of the stage are as tall as the listening room. This Arcam integrated amp fills the room with sound effortlessly and with large-scale sonic imagery. The stereo imaging is accurate and precisely placed each musician on the spacious soundstage. The separation is highly defined and each instrument has its own distinct character where it produces intricate details filling the sound field with rich musical nuances. The transparency of the Arcam FMJ A49 is superb as well.
The overall sound reproduction is very balanced and musically refined. The bass performance is taut and has class-leading control, the low ends never once lose their composure, always blending in nicely with the rest of the frequencies. It does punch hard when it needs to and lands an impactful deep bass grunt but never overstays their welcome. The bass is detailed and textured further making the music presentation sound even richer. The timing is well-paced but does sometimes feel it lacks a little attack. The Arcam A49 seems to excel on stability, producing large-scale sound and has a clean musical refinement, it is still extremely enjoyable to listen to even though it lacks a bit of expressiveness.
The level of insights that the Arcam A49 has is amazing as well and more importantly it never once sounded clinical. The revealing nature of the FMJ A49 makes certain music sound brilliant especially when it comes to musical instruments as the integrated amp is able to produce the intricate details with clarity. When playing at loud volumes, the amp never once sounded harsh and still has that warmth to it. We have what we need, it is time for us to share with you the list of the best speakers that you can go for and pair with the Arcam A49. It is definitely worth it to invest in a high-quality pair of stereo speakers.
Arcam A49 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 200 Watts into 8 Ohms (both channels driven), 400 Watts in 4 Ohms (single channel driven)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.2%
- Inputs: 1 MM Phono input, 6 RCA inputs, 1 XLR
- Outputs: Headphone output, 1 Preout, 1 Tape, 1 XLR
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 433mm x 425mm x 171mm (17″ x 16.7″ x 6.7″)
- Weight: 19.7kg (43.4lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Arcam A49
The Arcam A49 uses a Class G amplifier where the first 50 Watts is using pure class A mode and to make full use of this, you will need quality speakers with high efficiency. The Omega Speaker Systems flagship Super Alnico High Output XRS will be the ideal speaker choice. The speaker sensitivity of these flagship speakers is 97dB and their power requirement is as little as 2 Watts to make them sing. The Super Alnico High Output XRS has an impressive frequency response as well, which is 35-20kHz, fitting nicely with the Arcam A49 amplifier. We will suggest that you arrange an audition with these Omega speakers as it will certainly be worth your time.
Another amazing highly efficient speaker to go for and match with your Arcam A49 will be the coveted Klipsch Cornwall IV, a powerful floor-standing speaker with an extremely high speaker sensitivity of 102dB. With such high efficiency, the Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers can easily make full use of the first 50 Watts (Pure Class A) and provide you with mesmerizing music delivery. Furthermore, the energy and lively sonic performance of the Cornwall IV loudspeakers will rock your listening room and wake your neighbors. The enthusiastic music delivery of these floor-standers also complements the Arcam A49 amplifier really well.
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch Cornwall IV
The Q Acoustics Concept 500 is one of the best speakers to go with the Arcam A49. It is a high-end floor-standing speaker that has won many awards ever since its debut, all thanks to its excellent sound quality and highly refined musicality. The Concept 500 speakers are quite similar to the A49 high-end amplifier, they are balanced, insightful, and transparent but with a bit more gripe to make the overall music delivery sound slightly more exciting. The class-leading control of the music allows the Q Acoustics Concept 500 to remain composed and never loses its cool. The soundstage projected by these premium floor-standers is equally impressive.
More Details at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 500 Floorstanding Speaker
To provide a little more excitement and enthusiasm to the overall music delivery, the agile Dali Epicon 2 will be a fantastic pair of bookshelf speakers to go for. The midrange reproduction of the Epicon 2 is its greatest strength and one of the best in its price range, brilliantly creates beautiful sounding vocals that will hook you into the music instantly. The energy in the treble and delivery as well as the pacing helps to provide snappy attacks which make the music sound more lively. The musical refinement of the Arcam A49 also complements the Dali Epicon 2 stand-mounters really well, providing slightly tighter control over the expressive delivery and make it sound a tad more organized as well.
The multi-awards winning KEF Reference 1 will be one of the very best speakers to partner with the Arcam A49. The KEF Reference 1 scales really well with power and the A49 integrated amplifier has just that, able to unlock the full potentials of these remarkable high-end bookshelf speakers. The musical refinement and finesse of the Arcam A49 make it an amazing amplifier match for the KEF Reference 1 speakers. The sonic authority of the stand-mounters complements the A49 amplifier as well. Together, the music presentation sounds even richer and more detailed where the subtlest of nuances are revealed with clarity. Furthermore, the KEF Reference 1 does not sound clinical.
More Detail at Amazon – KEF Reference 1 Bookshelf Speaker
If your budget is tight, you might want to check out Q Acoustics Concept 40, it is modestly priced and has an incredible sound quality for the money. The Klipsch speakers and Omega Speaker System have more affordable options as well, furthermore, their speaker models are usually more efficient and have high speaker sensitivity, allowing them to make use of the first 50 Watts Class A mode of the Arcam A49. You can check out Klipsch Heritage Series Heresy IV and the Omega Speakers System Super 3 High Output XRS, both have high speaker sensitivity and are sanely priced.
More Details at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 40
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch Heritage Series Heresy IV Floorstanding Speakers
To Sum It Up
You may want to go through the listed speakers and select the ones which fit your main requirements. You should then organize an audition with each of the selected speakers and hear them out. Shortlist the speakers that you find the sound quality best suits your preference, arrange another round of auditions or have a side-by-side comparison. From there, you should be able to finalize which speakers you would like to go for and pair them with your Arcam A49 amplifier.
