Arcam SA35 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

The SA35 sits one step below the SA45 in Arcam's range, but the engineering philosophy is identical. Designed in Cambridge, it combines a new high-resolution streaming platform, fifth-generation Class G amplification, and a genuinely complete input set — including phono and HDMI eARC — in a single chassis that is built to anchor a serious system.

A New Platform, Built for the Whole Signal Path

The SA35 is built on an entirely new 6-layer digital audio and streaming platform. A ground plane runs through the entire board, isolating the sensitive audio components from the noise and interference that digital circuitry inevitably generates. This is a structural engineering decision — not a tweak — and it matters in a product where high-gain analogue amplification and high-speed digital streaming share the same case.

The DAC is ESS's Hyperstream IV topology, run in a balanced configuration with advanced jitter elimination. Streaming resolution reaches 32-bit/384kHz, with gapless playback supported. Supported formats include FLAC, WAV (LPCM), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD up to DSD256, MP3, MP4, OGG, and WMA.

Power comes from a new linear toroidal transformer supply, driving the entirety of the SA35's internal operation. Toroidal transformers generate less electromagnetic interference than conventional designs — a deliberate choice to keep the noise floor low at source.

Class G Amplification

Arcam's fifth-generation Class G design uses multiple supply rails, engaging higher voltage only when the signal demands it. The practical outcome is lower operating temperatures, better efficiency, and improved dynamic performance — particularly on transients. Two channels driven, 20Hz–20kHz into 8Ω: 120W per channel. Into 4Ω at 1kHz: 200W per channel. Harmonic distortion at 80% power into 8Ω at 1kHz: 0.002%.

Analogue and Digital Inputs

Three RCA analogue input pairs are provided. Both MM and MC phono stages are included — MC in particular is not guaranteed at this price, and its presence confirms that Arcam expect the SA35 to sit at the centre of a system with a serious turntable. Analogue frequency response is 20Hz–20kHz ±0.2dB, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 106dB (A-weighted, ref. 50W, 1V input).

Digital inputs cover two coaxial (RCA) and two optical (Toslink), plus one HDMI eARC — useful for integrating a television cleanly without a separate DAC. Digital inputs support up to 24-bit/192kHz. Digital signal-to-noise ratio is 110dB (A-weighted, ref. 50W, 0dBFS).

Streaming and Wireless

Wi-Fi is dual-band IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax across 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Setup runs through the ARCAM Radia App, which handles presets, internet radio, and podcasts. The SA35 supports Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready. UPnP and USB media playback via USB-A mass storage are also supported.

Bluetooth is version 5.4 with Snapdragon Sound, AAC, LE Audio, and Auracast. Auracast is Bluetooth's broadcast audio standard, allowing the SA35 to share audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones without conventional pairing.

Display and Room Correction

The front panel carries a bonded 6.5-inch high-resolution display showing album artwork and metadata. Dual subwoofer outputs are provided, and Dirac Live Room Correction is built in, supplied with a measurement microphone and 5m USB cable.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The SA35 is for a listener who wants a single, capable unit at the centre of a considered system — one that handles streaming, amplification, phono, room correction, and television integration without additional boxes. It suits speakers of moderate sensitivity well; 120W of Class G output provides meaningful headroom, and Dirac Live means room acoustics need not be a limiting factor.

If you want to keep streaming and amplification separate for future flexibility, the Arcam Radia ST5 paired with a dedicated amplifier is worth a conversation. For those stepping up within the Arcam integrated range, the Arcam SA45 adds more power and a balanced XLR input. If you are running a CD source alongside streaming, the Arcam Radia CD5 connects directly and sits neatly in the same system.

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 SA35 is available to hear in our Norwich showroom — bring your own music and we will run it through its paces properly.

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.