Arcam SA35 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

The SA35 is the case for doing everything in one box without compromising on any of it. Fifth-generation Class G amplification at 120 watts per channel, an ESS Hyperstream IV DAC in a balanced configuration, a full streaming platform covering every major service, Dirac Live room correction, HDMI eARC, MM and MC phono inputs, and a 6.5-inch high-resolution display — all in a single chassis at £2,999. For the listener who wants to reduce boxes without reducing quality, this is what Arcam’s engineering delivers when it is applied to the all-in-one format.

Where the SA35 Sits in the Arcam Range

The SA35 sits above the Radia+ integrated amplifier range. The A25+ at £1,699 is a pure integrated amplifier — no built-in streaming, no room correction, no display. The SA35 at £2,999 adds all of that: the streaming platform, the Dirac Live correction, the 6.5-inch display, and a step up in power from 100W to 120W per channel with fifth-generation Class G topology. The gap between them is substantial rather than incremental.

Above the SA35, the SA45 at £4,499 increases power to 180W per channel, adds balanced XLR analogue inputs, a larger 8.8-inch display, Auracast Bluetooth, and DSD256 streaming support. The SA35 is the right choice if 120W is sufficient for your speakers and room, and you do not need balanced inputs. For listeners with demanding speakers in larger rooms, the SA45 is worth the step up.

Sound and Performance

Fifth-generation Class G is a meaningful designation at Arcam. The company has been refining this topology since the 1990s — each generation has improved the transition between the Class G voltage rails, reduced the noise floor at the switching point, and extended the Class A operating range. The SA35 benefits from that accumulated development: 0.002% THD at 80% power into 8Ω at 1kHz is a figure that reflects genuinely careful output stage design.

The ESS Hyperstream IV DAC handles all digital sources through a balanced differential signal path — the same DAC architecture used in the SA45 above it and the ST25 streamer. SNR of 110dB from digital inputs and 106dB from analogue reflects a clean, low-noise signal chain throughout.

Dirac Live room correction is included, not an optional extra. It measures your room acoustically across multiple listening positions and generates correction filters for the full frequency range. The dual subwoofer outputs allow bi-amplified subwoofer configurations with independent correction applied to each. In a typical UK living room, Dirac Live calibration addresses the bass modes and early reflections that determine most of what the system actually sounds like in practice.

The 6.5-inch colour display shows album art, streaming source, and system information. Bluetooth 5.4 with Snapdragon Sound supports high-quality wireless connection from a phone or tablet. The 6-layer digital audio and streaming platform is a new design developed for the SA35 and SA45 specifically — not a repurposed module from a streaming partner.

Build Quality and Design

The SA35 is a substantial unit at 12kg with a linear toroidal transformer power supply — a genuine transformer rather than the switch-mode supplies found in most streaming amplifiers at this price. The toroidal design reduces magnetic field interference and provides a more stable supply voltage under dynamic load conditions. Dimensions of 432 × 344 × 99mm fit on a standard rack shelf or equipment stand without difficulty.

Connectivity and System Matching

Three RCA analogue input pairs include MM and MC phono stages, so a turntable connects directly without a separate phono amplifier. HDMI eARC handles television audio return. Two coaxial and two optical digital inputs accept external sources up to 192kHz/24-bit. The streaming platform covers Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon Ready, internet radio, and USB media playback. Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and Ethernet are both available.

If you want a separate streaming source rather than using the SA35’s built-in platform, the Arcam ST25 connects via coaxial or optical and brings the same ESS Hyperstream IV DAC in a standalone chassis. For physical media, the Arcam Radia CD5 connects via coaxial directly.

Technical Specifications

⚠ PLACEHOLDER: Verify streaming hi-res ceiling — manufacturer page references 192kHz for digital inputs; Martin’s live page states 768kHz for streaming. Confirm with Arcam before publishing.

Who Is the SA35 For?

The SA35 suits the listener who wants a single, high-quality chassis covering amplification, streaming, phono, room correction, and TV audio — and does not want to manage a system of separate boxes to achieve it. It works well in a main living room or dedicated listening room where 120W is sufficient for the speakers and space. If your speakers are particularly demanding or your room is large, the SA45’s 180W and potential for Class G headroom is worth the extra investment. If you want pure two-channel amplification without the streaming platform, the A25+ remains the Arcam answer.

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 SA35 is available to hear in our Norwich showroom; call ahead and we will have it set up with a system that makes sense for your budget. When you get in touch, you will be speaking to Dave or Chris — both experienced hi-fi specialists who can talk you through whether the SA35 or SA45 is the right fit for your room and your system.

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