Arcam A25+ Integrated Amplifier

The A25+ is the point in Arcam's range where the question of what an integrated amplifier should do gets a considered answer. Not streaming — that is what the SA35 is for. Not home cinema — that is what the AVR range is for. The A25+ is an amplifier, in the tradition of nearly 50 years of Arcam amplifier design, with a phono stage, a DAC, wireless connectivity, and nothing included that dilutes what it is fundamentally trying to do.

Fifth-Generation Class G

The amplifier section is Arcam's fifth-generation Class G design. Class G uses multiple supply rails, engaging higher voltage only when the signal demands it — a more efficient arrangement than Class AB, with lower operating temperatures and better dynamic behaviour on transients. Two channels driven, 20Hz–20kHz into 8Ω: 100W per channel. Into 4Ω at 1kHz: 165W per channel. Harmonic distortion at 80% power into 8Ω at 1kHz: 0.002%. That last figure is worth noting — it is exceptionally low, and reflects the care Arcam have put into a design that traces a direct line back to the A&R Cambridge A60 of 1976.

The DAC — ESS ES9018

The digital section is built around the ESS ES9018 DAC — a high-resolution chip that handles digital inputs up to 32-bit via USB-C, and up to 24-bit via all other digital inputs. USB-C supports sample rates up to 384kHz; all other digital inputs support up to 192kHz. The DAC's signal-to-noise ratio measures 109dB (A-weighted, ref. 50W, 0dBFS). There is no streaming platform here — the A25+ takes digital signals from connected sources and converts them cleanly. That is the right approach for a product at this level; a streaming module added as an afterthought rarely serves either function well.

Analogue Inputs and Phono Stage

Three RCA analogue input pairs are provided. The phono stage is MM, with an input impedance of 47kΩ + 100pF and a frequency response tracking the RIAA curve to within ±1dB across 20Hz–20kHz. The analogue section as a whole measures 20Hz–20kHz ±0.2dB with a signal-to-noise ratio of 106dB (A-weighted, ref. 50W, 1V input). These are not modest specifications for an integrated at this price.

Wireless — Snapdragon Sound and Auracast

Bluetooth is version 5.4, with Snapdragon Sound for wireless lossless audio. Snapdragon Sound is Qualcomm's end-to-end audio platform, delivering uncompressed digital audio over Bluetooth when both devices support it — a meaningful step beyond the lossy Bluetooth connections that most products at this level offer. Auracast is also included: Bluetooth's broadcast audio standard, which allows the A25+ to share audio to compatible headphones or speakers without conventional pairing. Supported codecs include AAC and LE Audio.

Headphone Output

A headphone output is provided, with a load range of 16Ω to 2kΩ. Maximum output level into 32Ω is 2.5V RMS; into 300Ω it is 5V RMS. The range of supported impedances makes it genuinely useful — from efficient in-ear monitors to high-impedance over-ear headphones.

Build

The front panel, top, sides, and rear panels are aluminium. The dials are solid aluminium. At 431 × 344 × 83mm and 9kg, the A25+ is compact relative to its output — a considered fit for a typical shelf or rack position.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The A25+ is for a listener who wants a capable, well-built integrated amplifier — one that handles analogue sources, a turntable, digital inputs, and wireless playback without requiring additional boxes. It is particularly well suited to someone who already has a streaming source and does not need the amplifier to duplicate it. If you are pairing the A25+ with a CD player, the Arcam Radia CD5 is a natural match — designed in the same range and voiced to work together.

It is not the right choice if you want network streaming built in — that is what the Arcam SA35 is for, and the step up is a meaningful one. But for a listener whose sources are already chosen, the A25+ is a focused, honest amplifier that does not try to be everything.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

The A25+ is available to hear in our Norwich showroom — we can pair it with speakers from our demonstration room and run it from whatever source suits your system best.

When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris and Tim — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system.

Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.