Arcam Radia A15 Ex-Demo Integrated Amplifier

This ex-demonstration Arcam Radia A15 is available at £779 — a saving of £120 on the original new price — with the full Arcam manufacturer warranty included. The unit was a demonstration model in our Norwich showroom and is in excellent cosmetic and working condition, fully tested before sale. At 120 watts per channel, the Radia A15 is a substantial amplifier — more powerful than either the current A15+ or A25+ — and represents genuinely good value for a buyer who wants that headroom without paying new price.

The Radia A15: What You’re Getting

The Arcam Radia A15 is the previous-generation model, now succeeded by the Radia+ A15+. Where the current A15+ delivers 80 watts per channel, the Radia A15 delivers 120 watts via Class AB amplification — more raw power, through an ESS ES9018 DAC that handles digital sources at up to 24-bit resolution. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive provides wireless streaming at up to 24-bit quality from a compatible device.

If you would prefer the current Radia+ generation with updated Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless, Auracast, and HDMI eARC, the Arcam A15+ is available new at £1,199. The ex-demo Radia A15 offers a different proposition: significantly more power at a lower price, with the same Arcam engineering credentials and a full warranty.

Sound and Performance

One hundred and twenty watts into 8Ω via Class AB amplification gives the Radia A15 authority over a wide range of speakers. This is an amplifier that does not run out of headroom with demanding floorstanders in a medium-sized room — a situation where the current A15+ (80W) would work harder. The ESS ES9018 DAC handles digital inputs with low jitter and clean conversion, and the phono stage is properly implemented for MM cartridges.

Bluetooth aptX Adaptive delivers wireless audio at variable bitrates up to 24-bit quality, adapting to the available connection quality in real time. It is a step above standard aptX but does not reach the lossless transmission of aptX Lossless found in the current Radia+ models. For most wireless listening scenarios it performs well.

Build Quality and Condition

The Radia A15 reflects Arcam’s Cambridge manufacturing standards: solid chassis, quality binding posts and inputs, and a finish consistent with the rest of the Radia range. As a showroom demonstration unit, it has been used in a controlled environment for demonstration purposes only. The amplifier is in excellent condition and has been fully set up and tested before being offered for sale. All included accessories and documentation are as available — confirm with us before ordering.

Connectivity and System Matching

Three RCA line inputs, MM phono stage, optical and coaxial digital inputs (up to 24-bit/192kHz), and Bluetooth 5.2. No HDMI eARC — that is a Radia+ feature. A headphone output and pre-out are included.

The Radia A15 pairs well with the Arcam Radia ST5 network music streamer via optical or coaxial, and with the Arcam Radia CD5 for physical media. On speakers, the 120W output means it handles most floorstanding and bookshelf designs comfortably, including less efficient models that smaller amplifiers struggle with.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The ex-demo Radia A15 is the right choice for a buyer who wants maximum power from an Arcam amplifier at a reduced price, is happy with the previous generation, and does not specifically need HDMI eARC or aptX Lossless. At 120W Class AB with an ESS DAC and full warranty, it competes seriously with new amplifiers at its price point. One unit only.

Buying from Martin’s Hi-Fi

Martin’s Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968, and the Arcam range has been part of what we do for years. We are still family-run — Ted Martin’s daughter Elizabeth runs the business today — and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

The Radia A15 ex-demo is available to view and hear in our Norwich showroom; call ahead and we will have it ready for you. When you get in touch, you will be speaking to Dave or Chris — both experienced hi-fi specialists who can talk you through whether this unit suits your system, or whether the current Radia+ A15+ or A25+ would be a better match.

Reach them at dave@martinshifi.co.uk, chris@martinshifi.co.uk, info@martinshifi.co.uk, call on 01603 627010, or WhatsApp Dave or Chris directly on 07554 687137 for a quick answer after your purchase. You can read more about who we are and how we work on our Why Martin’s page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY, open six days a week.

Contact: info@martinshifi.co.uk | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY