The Arcam SA20 is one of the more powerful integrated amplifiers in the HDA range and uses the Class G hybrid amplification technology. The Class G amplifier topology enables the SA20 to operate in Class A up to 12 Watts and switches to Class B when more power is needed, providing more clarity when reproducing subtle musical details. The Arcam SA20 also comes built-in with a plethora of features, providing its users with even more value and performance.
You will definitely need matching speakers to pair with this Arcam HDA range amplifier so that both of them can bring the very best out from each other. To be able to find such compatible speakers, we will need to start by learning more about the Arcam SA20 such as its sonic characteristics. Once we have this knowledge, we will then be able to list out the best speakers that you can go for and match with the Arcam SA20 integrated amp.
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Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Arcam SA20
Sometimes we do find that the Arcam SA20 has that vintage look to it even though it has that minimalistic design. All in all, the SA20 will look nice in most listening rooms and will match aesthetically well with modern speakers. Visual appeal is just a minor aspect when it comes to pairing with compatible speakers though. The rated power output of the Arcam SA20 is 90 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (stereo), goes up to 150 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms (stereo), and has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz. The first 12 Watts will be in Class A mode and going for speakers with high efficiency allow you to take advantage of this feature but such speakers can be expensive. The SA20 amp is certainly muscular enough to drive most bookshelf speakers and is also capable of driving floor-standers that are not power-hungry or difficult to drive.
There is a Preout where you can connect to an external power amplifier but we do find it a waste of the built-in Class G amplification if you were to do so. You probably want to use the Preout to connect to an active subwoofer where it could improve the overall bass performance especially if you are using bookshelf speakers. Other notable features of the Arcam SA20 will be the premium 32-bit ESS 9038K2M Sabre D/A converter, Phono input, Processor Mode, and Headphones output (3.5mm).
The Arcam SA20 delivers a fluid and smooth music presentation, which is pleasing to our ears and never sounded harsh no matter how high the volume we crank up. There is a hint of warmth and the refinement of the SA20 makes this integrated amplifier very musical sounding. If you want a relaxing evening and just enjoy your music, the Arcam SA20 is that amp for you. The music delivery is not completely laid-back, there is timing and pacing intricately executed which makes the overall sound reproduction a little more exciting to listen to. Still, if only the SA20 is a bit more punchy, it would make it more fun sounding.
The bass performance of the Arcam SA20 is tightly controlled and only lands hard when it really needs to. The low ends of the SA20 are as agile as the rest of the higher frequencies which makes the overall sound reproduction well-balanced and sounds very natural. It is not an aggressive amplifier and shows mercy to bad recordings, not going all out to show how badly the music was recorded. With the right pair of speakers, the Arcam SA20 can sound pretty powerful, and probably adding an active subwoofer will help in this area as well.
At this price point, the features do seem to be a bit incomplete like not having a USB input which can be quite a bummer. Having a dedicated subwoofer output would be nice as well. All in all, the Arcam SA20 is still an enjoyable integrated amp to listen to since it never once sounded harsh or strained. The SA20 seems to have enough reserves to handle all sorts of music peaks with ease and remaining composed even when the going gets tough. We have all the crucial information we need to start sharing with you the best speakers to partner with your Arcam SA20. The price of the speakers will be taken into account as well and we will try to match it closely with the price range of the SA20 amp.
Arcam SA20 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 90 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (stereo), 150 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms (stereo)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.5%
- DAC: ESS 9038K2M
- Inputs: 1 Phono input, 3 Analog inputs, 1 Optical input, 2 Coaxial inputs, Ethernet port
- Outputs: Preout, Headphone output
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 433mm x 87mm x 323mm (17″ x 3.4″ x 12.7″)
- Weight: 9.2kg (20.3lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Arcam SA20
The Revel Concerta2 M16 is one of the best speakers to pair with the Arcam SA20 as this award-winning stand-mounter has the right sonic characteristics to complement this integrated amplifier really well. They have the enthusiasm and ability to deliver to you impressive dynamics which makes the overall music listening experience more exciting. The superb bass performance of the Revel Concerta2 M16 helps to bring more weight and presence in the low ends. The speakers’ timing is immaculate with snappy attacks and if this is the type of sonic performance you are looking for then you should immediately audition them.
If a high level of transparency and accuracy is what you are looking for in a speaker then perhaps the KEF LS50 Meta will be an excellent choice to pair with your Arcam SA20 amp. The multi-award-winning studio monitors are one of the very best in their price range, it is very revealing and can present to you tons of musical details. The sonic character of the Arcam SA20 helps slightly ease the harshness and softens the edges so as to not make the overall sound reproduction overly bright. If you like listening to the delicate details and subtleties then the KEF LS50 Meta will be the speakers for you.
More Details at Amazon – KEF LS50 Meta
The Wharfedale Linton is the ideal retro speaker for listeners who just want to relax and enjoy listening to their music every single time. Pairing the Lintons with the Arcam SA20 will definitely help deliver a relaxing and laid-back music presentation of your favorite tunes. Furthermore, these retro speakers have amazing dynamics and project a large soundstage that has a sense of scale and presence, partly thanks to the effortless bass performance that the Wharfedale Linton can conjure. The pleasing and warm sonic personality of these loudspeakers is really easy on the ears. It also helps to provide a slightly fuller sound when match with the Arcam SA20.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Speaker Linton
For floor-standing speakers, the KEF R5 will be a fantastic choice to match with the Arcam SA20. These floor-standers have the ability to deliver quite an exciting listening experience for their users without losing composure and musical refinement. The powerful music presentation and large-scale soundstage will simply immerse you into the music. The stereo imaging is equally impressive with nicely defined separation and accuracy. The balance of the KEF R5 is very well suited for the Arcam SA20 as they strongly complement what the amplifier lacks. The overall sound reproduction does not sound harsh as well when driven to high volume levels.
More Details at Amazon – KEF R5 Floorstanding Speaker
Dynaudio Emit M20 is another amazing pair of bookshelf speakers to go with the Arcam SA20 especially if you like an energetic sonic performance without compromising musical refinement. The way the M20 handles the dynamics is immaculate, providing plenty of attacks and always ready to entertain the listeners, keeping you up on your feet. They are very transparent as well, and fortunately, the SA20 amp does help to soften the blow when it comes to bad recordings. The Arcam SA20 and Dynaudio Emit M20 will make a wonderful pair together, certainly deserves your time to audition them.
More Details at Amazon – DYNAUDIO EMIT M20 Monitor Speaker
There are other floor-standing speakers which you can check and one of them will be the award-winning Tannoy Revolution XT6F. It is a pair of lively sounding floor-standers without compromising the balance and dynamics. The bass performance of the XT6F is tight and agile as well, an amazing match with the Arcam SA20. The Klipsch RP-8000F will be another floor-stander that is worth having a look at, it has that wide dynamic range and energy when delivering any genre of music. With the high speaker sensitivity that the RP-8000Fs possess, they can go really loud with ease. They can still be bright-sounding even when matched with the Arcam SA20 amplifier which has a warm sonic personality so is wise to hear them out first.
More Details at Amazon – TANNOY Revolution XT 6F
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch RP-8000F
To Sum It Up
You can first pick the speakers from the list based on your requirements and budget, once you have shortlisted the speakers, you should arrange an audition with them. These speakers are some of the very best on the market of their own price categories and so they will be worthy of your time to have a listen. If you have auditioned the potential speakers but you are still not sure which one to choose, we will suggest doing one more round of audition using a side-by-side comparison. This should help you to determine which speaker’s sound quality you really like.
