Arcam A15+ Integrated Amplifier with HDMI eARC | Audio T
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Arcam Radia A15+ Integrated Amplifier with HDMI eARC

Arcam Radia A15+ Integrated Amplifier with HDMI eARC

Audio T Verdict

The Arcam A15+ is a powerful and impressively flexible integrated amplifier for customers who want a traditional separates system without giving up modern television, digital and wireless connectivity.

Its Class AB amplifier delivers 80W per channel into 8-ohm loudspeakers, giving it useful headroom for larger rooms, compact floorstanders and standmount speakers that require more control than an entry-level amplifier can provide.

HDMI eARC, an ESS ES9018K2M DAC, three analogue line inputs, a dedicated moving-magnet phono stage, stereo pre-amplifier outputs and wired headphone listening make the A15+ a capable system hub.

Bluetooth 5.4 adds aptX Lossless, Snapdragon Sound, wireless headphone transmission and Auracast broadcasting. It is not a network music streamer, however, so Wi-Fi services, internet radio and app-based network playback require a separate source such as the matching Arcam ST5.

Arcam Radia A15+ Integrated Amplifier

The Arcam A15+ combines a stereo pre-amplifier, Class AB power amplifier, digital-to-analogue converter, moving-magnet phono stage and headphone amplifier within one full-width component.

Connect a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers and the A15+ can form the heart of a complete separates system for vinyl, CD, music streaming, television sound and other analogue or digital sources.

The A15+ builds on the original Radia A15 with an enhanced power-supply design, HDMI eARC and a significantly expanded Bluetooth platform supporting audio reception, wireless headphone transmission and Auracast.

80W per Channel Class AB Amplification

The A15+ delivers 80W per channel into 8-ohm loudspeakers with both channels operating across the full 20Hz to 20kHz audio range.

This provides greater headroom than the 50W-per-channel Arcam A5+ , making the A15+ better suited to larger rooms, less sensitive speakers and customers who enjoy higher listening levels.

Arcam specifies harmonic distortion of 0.002% at 80% of the amplifier's rated 8-ohm output under its stated test conditions.

120W per Channel into 4 Ohms

Output increases to 120W per channel into a 4-ohm load at the manufacturer's stated 1kHz measurement condition.

This shows that the power supply can provide additional output as loudspeaker impedance falls, although a nominal impedance figure does not describe every demand a speaker may place on an amplifier.

Sensitivity, impedance variation, room size, listening distance and preferred volume should all be considered when matching speakers.

Read our amplifier power and loudspeaker matching guide for a clearer explanation of watts, ohms and sensitivity.

The 4-Ohm Figure Is Measured at 1kHz

The 80W rating is specified with both channels driven across 20Hz to 20kHz into 8 ohms.

The 120W rating is specified into 4 ohms at 1kHz and should not be presented as a full-bandwidth measurement.

Enhanced Power-Supply Design

Arcam has revised the power supply and supporting circuitry for the A15+ generation.

A capable power supply is essential because the amplifier must maintain stable voltage and current while the demands of the music and loudspeakers change.

This helps the A15+ remain composed during dynamic passages rather than merely producing a high laboratory power figure.

Traditional Class AB Architecture

Class AB amplification combines positive and negative output stages so that each handles the appropriate section of the audio waveform while remaining slightly active around the crossover point.

This provides better electrical efficiency than a conventional Class A amplifier while avoiding the high crossover distortion associated with simpler Class B designs.

Customers requiring greater output and Arcam's Class G architecture should consider the Arcam A25+ .

ESS ES9018K2M DAC

Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC.

The internal DAC allows televisions, CD transports, network streamers and other compatible digital sources to connect directly without requiring a separate external converter.

Compatible coaxial, optical and HDMI sources can provide stereo PCM at sample rates up to 192kHz and bit depths of 16 or 24 bits.

Selectable DAC Filters

The amplifier's Audio Menu provides selectable digital-filter options for the internal ESS DAC.

Digital filters influence the conversion stage's frequency and time-domain behaviour close to the limits of the digital format.

Differences can be subtle and system dependent, so the available settings are best compared with familiar music rather than selected purely from their technical descriptions.

Standard and Wide PLL Settings

The digital-input phase-locked loop can be set to Standard or Wide operation.

Standard provides the normal operating mode, while Wide is more tolerant of digital sources with less stable clocking, such as some television receivers and older equipment.

Use Standard unless a connected digital source experiences intermittent sound or fails to lock reliably.

HDMI eARC for Television Sound

HDMI eARC allows a compatible television to send stereo audio to the A15+ through a single HDMI cable.

Films, television programmes, gaming and streaming-video services can then use the Arcam amplifier and connected stereo loudspeakers instead of the television's built-in speakers.

HDMI Autoswitch can power up the amplifier and select its HDMI input when audio begins from a compatible connected television.

Our guide to improving television sound with a stereo system explains why an amplifier and separate speakers can be a strong soundbar alternative.

Use the Television's ARC or eARC Socket

The HDMI cable must connect to the television socket specifically labelled ARC or eARC.

A conventional HDMI input without Audio Return Channel support will not send television sound back to the amplifier.

Set the Television to Stereo PCM

The A15+ accepts stereo PCM through its digital inputs.

It does not decode Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS or other multichannel formats. Select PCM or stereo within the television's digital-audio settings if no sound is heard.

Two Coaxial and One Optical Digital Input

Two coaxial RCA inputs and one optical Toslink input allow suitable digital source components to use the A15+'s internal DAC.

Compatible sources may include the digital output of a CD player, television, music streamer, games console or other stereo PCM device.

Both coaxial and optical inputs support compatible sample rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.

The Digital Sockets Are Inputs

The coaxial and optical connections accept digital audio from external sources.

They are not digital outputs and cannot send the selected A15+ source to an external DAC or recorder.

Three Analogue Line Inputs

Three stereo RCA line inputs provide connections for conventional analogue sources.

Suitable products include a CD player, tuner, cassette deck, music streamer, external DAC or turntable with an active built-in phono stage.

The input names can be changed to make the front display easier to understand within a particular system.

Line Inputs and Phono Inputs Are Different

A normal line-level source should connect to Analogue 1, 2 or 3.

Do not connect a CD player, streamer or other line-level component to the dedicated phono input, as the additional phono amplification can cause severe overload and distortion.

Moving-Magnet Phono Stage

The dedicated phono input allows a suitable turntable with a moving-magnet cartridge to connect directly.

Input impedance is specified at 47k ohms with 100pF capacitance, while RIAA equalisation remains within approximately 1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.

A separate ground terminal is provided for turntables that require an earth lead to reduce hum.

Browse our range of turntables for suitable system options.

The Built-In Phono Stage Is Moving Magnet Only

A low-output moving-coil cartridge normally requires a suitable external moving-coil phono stage or step-up device.

Confirm the cartridge type before connecting the turntable.

A Turntable with an Active Phono Stage Uses a Line Input

When the turntable's own phono stage is switched on, connect it to Analogue 1, 2 or 3.

Do not pass the signal through both the turntable's phono stage and the Arcam phono input.

Bluetooth 5.4 Audio Reception

Bluetooth 5.4 allows compatible phones, tablets and computers to play directly through the A15+.

Supported reception technologies include SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Lossless through compatible source equipment.

The amplifier can remember up to five paired source devices. When the memory is full, adding another device replaces the oldest stored pairing.

Bluetooth Autoswitch can automatically select the Bluetooth input when playback begins from a connected device.

Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless

Snapdragon Sound combines compatible Qualcomm hardware and Bluetooth technologies to improve wireless audio performance.

With suitable source equipment, aptX Lossless can provide lossless CD-quality Bluetooth transmission under appropriate wireless conditions.

Both the source device and amplifier must support the required codec. The system will fall back to another mutually supported format where necessary.

Lossless Bluetooth Requires Compatible Source Equipment

An older phone or computer may connect successfully but use SBC, AAC, aptX or aptX HD instead of aptX Lossless.

Check the source-device specification when a particular Bluetooth codec is important.

Wireless Bluetooth Headphone Output

The A15+ can transmit its audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones.

Headphones are paired through the Audio Output menu, after which they can be selected instead of the connected loudspeakers.

This allows vinyl, CD, television and other connected sources to be heard wirelessly through suitable headphones rather than limiting Bluetooth to phone playback.

Bluetooth Input and Output Cannot Operate Together

The Bluetooth or Auracast output cannot be used at the same time as the Bluetooth or Auracast input.

Use a wired, HDMI or other digital source when listening through wireless headphones.

Auracast Audio Sharing

Auracast allows the A15+ to broadcast audio to multiple compatible receiving headphones or speakers.

This can be useful for shared headphone listening, accessible audio or sending the same programme to several compatible devices.

The amplifier can also select a compatible Auracast broadcast as an input.

Auracast Requires Compatible Receiving Products

Conventional Bluetooth headphones and speakers do not automatically support Auracast.

Check that every intended receiving product includes suitable Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast functionality.

Wired Headphone Output

A 3.5mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel for straightforward private listening.

Arcam specifies a maximum output of 2.5V RMS into 32-ohm headphones and 5V RMS into 300 ohms.

The supported load range extends from 16 ohms to 2k ohms, covering a broad selection of conventional Hi-Fi headphones.

Connecting wired headphones mutes the loudspeaker and pre-amplifier outputs by default.

Stereo Pre-Amplifier Output

A variable stereo RCA pre-output follows the A15+'s source selection and volume control.

It can feed a suitable external power amplifier, headphone amplifier or powered subwoofer with a compatible line-level input.

The pre-output is full range and does not provide dedicated subwoofer crossover or bass-management settings.

No Dedicated Subwoofer Management

A powered subwoofer connected through the pre-output must provide its own crossover, level and phase controls.

The A15+ does not automatically remove bass from the main loudspeakers.

Processor Mode for Home Cinema Integration

Processor Mode allows one analogue line input to operate at a fixed, predetermined volume.

This allows the front left and right pre-amplifier outputs of a compatible AV receiver or processor to use the A15+ as the power amplifier for the main stereo speakers.

The AV processor then controls the complete system volume during film and television use, while the Arcam returns to ordinary integrated-amplifier operation for stereo sources.

Processor Mode Cannot Be Assigned to the Phono Input

Assign Processor Mode only to one of the conventional analogue line inputs.

Set and test the fixed Processor Volume carefully before running the AV receiver's room correction or channel calibration.

Fixed-Volume Inputs Require Care

A source connected to the selected Processor Mode input can play at the predetermined fixed level.

Do not connect an ordinary music source to that input unless another component provides safe volume control.

Matching Arcam Radia Sources

The A15+ is styled and configured to work alongside Arcam's Radia source components.

A dedicated control input and Streamer Input setting assist integration with a compatible Radia network player.

The compact system remote includes navigation and transport controls for convenient operation of compatible Arcam components.

Add the Arcam ST5 Network Streamer

The A15+ includes Bluetooth but does not contain Wi-Fi, Ethernet or integrated network-streaming services.

The matching Arcam Radia ST5 network streamer adds internet radio, network-library playback, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast and other compatible streaming options.

Keeping streaming and amplification in separate enclosures also provides independent power supplies and greater future upgrade flexibility.

The A15+ Is Not a Network Streamer

Bluetooth playback does not provide the same functionality as a Wi-Fi or Ethernet music streamer.

A separate network player is required for integrated streaming services, NAS playback, internet radio and app-based network control.

Add the Arcam CD5 CD Player

The matching Arcam Radia CD5 provides dedicated compact-disc and USB-storage playback.

Its analogue RCA output can use the CD5's internal ESS DAC, while its optical or coaxial output allows the A15+ to carry out the digital conversion.

Comparing the analogue and digital connections provides a useful way to decide which DAC and output stage best suits the complete system.

Service USB Connection

The rear USB socket is provided for installing amplifier software updates.

It is not an audio input and cannot receive music from a computer, phone, tablet or USB storage drive.

No USB Computer Audio Input

Connecting a computer to the Service USB socket will not make the A15+ appear as an external DAC.

Use optical, coaxial, HDMI, Bluetooth or a suitable analogue connection instead.

12V Trigger Connections

Trigger input and output connections allow compatible source components, power amplifiers or control products to coordinate their standby operation.

This can make a separates system switch on and off more like one integrated product.

Confirm the voltage, polarity and cable requirements of every connected component before using trigger control.

Infrared and Radia Control Inputs

A rear infrared input can assist installations where the amplifier's front remote-control receiver is hidden from view.

A separate control input is provided for use with compatible Arcam Radia source components.

These sockets carry control information rather than music and should only be connected to suitable equipment.

Front-Panel Controls

The left aluminium dial scrolls through the available inputs and can be pressed to confirm a selection.

Pressing and holding the input control allows the current source name to be changed.

The right dial controls listening volume, mutes and unmutes the amplifier when pressed, and enters standby when held.

Compact System Remote Included

The supplied remote provides input selection, volume, mute, display brightness, menu navigation and compatible transport controls.

Two AAA batteries are included.

The amplifier's infrared code can be changed if its commands conflict with another product in the room.

Automatic Standby

The amplifier enters standby after approximately 20 minutes without audio playback or user interaction under its default power-management setting.

The Eco Timer can be disabled where automatic standby is unsuitable.

Standby power consumption is specified below 0.5W in its lowest-power mode.

Loudspeaker Connections

A single stereo set of binding posts connects the A15+ to a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers.

Maintain correct polarity by connecting each positive amplifier terminal to the positive terminal of its corresponding speaker.

The terminals are marked for loudspeaker systems between 4 and 16 ohms, although impedance, sensitivity and room requirements should still be considered together.

Switch Off Before Connecting Speakers

Disconnect the amplifier from the mains before fitting or changing loudspeaker cables.

Check that no loose strands of bare wire can touch another terminal or the amplifier chassis.

Speaker Matching

The A15+'s 80W output makes it suitable for a broad range of standmount and compact floorstanding speakers.

The Acoustic Energy AE300² provides one compact standmount option, while the Dynaudio Emit 30 offers a slim floorstanding alternative.

Paper specifications alone cannot show whether a combination has the tonal balance, bass control and presentation preferred by the listener, so an audition with familiar music remains important.

Our amplifier and speaker system-balancing guide explores why the right combination depends on more than component size or power.

Protection and Ventilation

The A15+ monitors conditions including excessive temperature, loudspeaker short circuits and DC offset.

If protection is activated, switch the amplifier off and inspect the speaker cables, ventilation and connected equipment before restarting it.

The amplifier is designed to run warm and should be placed on a firm, level surface with open space around its ventilation slots.

Do Not Use an Enclosed Cabinet Without Ventilation

Restricting airflow can increase the operating temperature and cause the amplifier to enter protection.

Do not place another component on top, as this may obstruct the heatsink and expose the other product to heat.

Keep the Amplifier Away from Turntables

Avoid placing a turntable directly on top of or immediately beside the A15+.

A phono cartridge may pick up mechanical vibration or electromagnetic hum from amplifier power supplies.

System Matching

Well Suited To

  • Medium and larger listening rooms
  • Suitable standmount and compact floorstanding speakers
  • CD players and network streamers
  • Moving-magnet turntable systems
  • Television sound through HDMI eARC
  • Optical and coaxial stereo digital sources
  • Lossless Bluetooth from compatible source equipment
  • Bluetooth headphone listening
  • Auracast-compatible headphones and speakers
  • Combined stereo and home cinema systems
  • External power amplifiers and powered subwoofers

Check Before Buying

  • No Wi-Fi or Ethernet music streaming
  • No integrated streaming-service apps
  • No moving-coil phono setting
  • No USB computer audio input
  • No dedicated subwoofer crossover or bass management
  • No Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital or DTS decoding
  • HDMI and digital inputs require stereo PCM
  • aptX Lossless requires a compatible source device
  • Auracast requires compatible receiving products
  • Only one pair of passive speakers connects directly
  • Speaker matching should consider sensitivity and impedance

Setup Guidance

  • Use the television's ARC or eARC HDMI socket
  • Set the television to stereo PCM
  • Connect MM turntables to the dedicated phono input
  • Connect turntables with active phono stages to a line input
  • Use optical or coaxial for compatible digital sources
  • Check the Bluetooth codec used by the source device
  • Configure Processor Mode carefully before AV calibration
  • Use the subwoofer's own crossover with the pre-output
  • Maintain correct loudspeaker polarity
  • Provide open space around the amplifier

Browse our integrated amplifiers , passive loudspeakers , turntables , network music streamers and CD players , or explore the complete Arcam range at Audio T .

A5+, A15+ and A25+ Comparison

Arcam A5+

  • Class AB amplification
  • 50W per channel into 8 ohms
  • 75W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz
  • ESS ES9018K2M DAC
  • MM phono input
  • Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast
  • No HDMI input

View the Arcam A5+

Arcam A15+

  • Class AB amplification
  • 80W per channel into 8 ohms
  • 120W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz
  • ESS ES9018K2M DAC
  • MM phono input
  • Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast
  • HDMI eARC input

Arcam A25+

  • Fifth-generation Class G amplification
  • 100W per channel into 8 ohms
  • 165W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz
  • ESS ES9018K2M DAC
  • MM phono input
  • Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast
  • HDMI eARC and USB-C audio

View the Arcam A25+

Finish

Radia Black

The A15+ uses Arcam's understated Radia Black finish with aluminium front, top, side and rear panels, solid aluminium controls and discreet yellow detailing.

Key Features

  • Stereo Class AB integrated amplifier
  • 80W per channel into 8 ohms
  • 120W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz
  • Enhanced A15+ power-supply design
  • ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC
  • Compatible digital playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
  • Selectable digital DAC filters
  • Standard and Wide digital PLL settings
  • HDMI eARC and ARC television input
  • HDMI Autoswitch function
  • Two coaxial digital inputs
  • One optical digital input
  • Three stereo RCA analogue line inputs
  • Dedicated moving-magnet phono input
  • Turntable grounding terminal
  • Variable stereo pre-amplifier output
  • Processor Mode for AV integration
  • Bluetooth 5.4 audio reception
  • Bluetooth 5.4 headphone transmission
  • Snapdragon Sound
  • aptX Lossless
  • aptX HD and aptX
  • AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs
  • Bluetooth LE Audio
  • Auracast transmission and reception
  • Front 3.5mm wired headphone output
  • Radia source-component control input
  • Infrared control input
  • Trigger input and output
  • Service USB for software updates
  • Automatic standby
  • Front input and volume controls
  • Compact Arcam system remote included
  • Full aluminium outer construction
  • Plastic-free packaging
  • Radia Black finish

Technical Specifications

  • Product type: Stereo integrated amplifier, DAC, MM phono stage and headphone amplifier
  • Amplifier class: Class AB
  • Continuous output into 8 ohms: 2 x 80W, both channels driven, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.5% THD
  • Output into 4 ohms: 2 x 120W, both channels driven at 1kHz, 0.5% THD
  • Harmonic distortion: 0.002% at 80% power, 8 ohms and 1kHz
  • Analogue line inputs: Three stereo RCA pairs
  • Analogue-input signal-to-noise ratio: 106dB A-weighted at the stated reference condition
  • Analogue-input frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz, within approximately 0.2dB
  • Phono input: Moving magnet
  • Phono input impedance: 47k ohms and 100pF
  • Phono frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz, within approximately 1dB of the RIAA curve
  • Phono signal-to-noise ratio: 80dB A-weighted at the stated reference condition
  • Moving-coil phono input: Not provided
  • DAC: ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
  • Coaxial digital inputs: Two
  • Optical digital input: One
  • HDMI input: HDMI eARC and ARC
  • Digital audio format: Stereo PCM
  • Encoded multichannel digital audio: Not supported
  • Supported digital sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz
  • Supported digital bit depths: 16 and 24 bits
  • Digital-input signal-to-noise ratio: 109dB A-weighted at the stated reference condition
  • Digital filters: Selectable
  • Digital PLL: Standard and Wide settings
  • Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.4
  • Bluetooth profiles: A2DP Sink and Source, AVRCP and BLE
  • Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Lossless
  • Bluetooth LE Audio: Supported
  • Auracast: Compatible transmission and reception
  • Bluetooth transmitter frequency: 2,400MHz to 2,483.5MHz
  • Bluetooth transmitter power: Below 20dBm manufacturer specification
  • Wired headphone connection: Front 3.5mm stereo socket
  • Headphone output into 32 ohms: Maximum 2.5V RMS
  • Headphone output into 300 ohms: Maximum 5V RMS
  • Supported headphone load range: 16 ohms to 2k ohms
  • Pre-amplifier output: Variable stereo RCA pair
  • Dedicated subwoofer output: Not provided
  • Processor Mode: Assignable to a conventional analogue input
  • Loudspeaker output: One stereo pair of binding posts
  • Speaker-terminal marking: 4 to 16 ohms
  • Control connections: Radia control input, infrared input and trigger input and output
  • Service USB: Software updates only
  • USB computer audio: Not supported
  • Network music streaming: Not included
  • Wi-Fi: Not included
  • Ethernet: Not included
  • Automatic standby: Approximately 20 minutes by default, configurable
  • Mains voltage: 100V, 110V to 120V or 220V to 240V AC, 50 or 60Hz
  • Maximum power consumption: 500W
  • Standby power consumption: Less than 0.5W in the lowest-power mode
  • Maximum ambient operating temperature: 35 degrees Celsius
  • Dimensions: 431mm wide x 344mm deep x 98mm high, including terminals and feet
  • Net weight: 10kg
  • Packed weight: 13kg
  • Finish: Radia Black
  • Included: Arcam A15+, mains lead, remote control, two AAA batteries, quick-start guide and safety documentation
  • Manufacturer's warranty: Five years, subject to Arcam's current warranty conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Arcam A15+?

It is a stereo integrated amplifier combining source selection, volume control, power amplification, an ESS DAC, MM phono stage and headphone output.

How powerful is the A15+?

It delivers 80W per channel into 8 ohms across 20Hz to 20kHz and 120W per channel into 4 ohms at the manufacturer's stated 1kHz condition.

Can it drive floorstanding speakers?

It can drive many suitable compact and medium-sized floorstanding speakers. Speaker impedance, sensitivity, room size and preferred listening level should be considered before choosing a combination.

What is the difference between the A15+ and A5+?

The A15+ provides greater amplifier power and adds HDMI eARC. Both include an ESS DAC, MM phono input, Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless and Auracast.

What is the difference between the A15+ and A25+?

The A25+ uses Arcam's Class G architecture, provides greater output and adds USB-C computer audio. The A15+ uses Class AB amplification and retains most of the core source and wireless features.

Does it have HDMI eARC?

Yes. Connect a suitable television through its ARC or eARC HDMI socket.

Does HDMI support Dolby Atmos?

No. The A15+ accepts stereo PCM and does not decode Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS or other multichannel formats.

Why is there no sound from the television?

Check that the cable is connected to the television's ARC or eARC socket and change its digital-audio output to PCM or stereo.

Can the amplifier switch to HDMI automatically?

Yes. HDMI Autoswitch can power up the amplifier and select HDMI when compatible television audio begins.

How many digital inputs are provided?

The A15+ provides two coaxial digital inputs, one optical digital input and one HDMI eARC input.

What is the maximum digital resolution?

Compatible coaxial, optical and HDMI stereo PCM is supported at up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Can it be used as a USB DAC for a computer?

No. The rear USB socket is for software updates rather than computer audio.

Does it contain a network music streamer?

No. Add a suitable network source such as the Arcam ST5 for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, streaming services and internet radio.

Does it have Bluetooth?

Yes. Bluetooth 5.4 supports audio reception from compatible sources and transmission to suitable wireless headphones.

Does it support aptX Lossless?

Yes. The connected source must also support aptX Lossless, and actual codec selection depends on compatibility and wireless conditions.

What is Snapdragon Sound?

It is a Qualcomm platform combining compatible hardware and wireless technologies, including aptX codecs, to improve Bluetooth audio performance.

Can it transmit to Bluetooth headphones?

Yes. Compatible wireless headphones can be paired and selected through the amplifier's Audio Output menu.

Can Bluetooth input and wireless headphones be used together?

No. Bluetooth or Auracast output cannot be used at the same time as Bluetooth or Auracast input.

What is Auracast?

Auracast allows compatible audio to be broadcast to multiple suitable Bluetooth LE Audio receiving products.

Does it have a wired headphone output?

Yes. A 3.5mm stereo headphone socket is positioned on the front panel.

Can I connect a turntable?

Yes. A suitable moving-magnet turntable can connect directly to the dedicated phono input.

Does it support moving-coil cartridges?

The internal phono stage is designed for moving-magnet cartridges. Most low-output moving-coil cartridges require a suitable external phono stage.

Where should a turntable with a built-in phono stage connect?

Set the turntable to line output and connect it to Analogue 1, 2 or 3 rather than the dedicated phono input.

Does the A15+ have a pre-amplifier output?

Yes. A variable stereo RCA pre-output can feed a suitable power amplifier, headphone amplifier or powered subwoofer.

Does it have a dedicated subwoofer output?

It has a full-range stereo pre-output rather than a dedicated bass-managed subwoofer connection. The subwoofer must provide its own crossover controls.

Can it be used with a home cinema receiver?

Yes. Processor Mode can assign a fixed volume to one analogue line input for integration with compatible front-channel pre-outs.

Can Processor Mode be assigned to the phono input?

No. It can be assigned only to a conventional analogue line input.

Does it enter standby automatically?

Yes. The default Eco Timer is approximately 20 minutes without audio or user interaction, and it can be disabled.

Is a remote control included?

Yes. A compact Arcam system remote and two AAA batteries are supplied.

What is included in the box?

The package includes the Arcam A15+, mains lead, remote control, two AAA batteries, quick-start guide and safety documentation.

Why Buy From Audio T?

  • Demonstrations with suitable standmount and floorstanding speakers
  • Comparison with the Arcam A5+ and A25+
  • Amplifier power, speaker impedance and sensitivity advice
  • HDMI eARC television setup guidance
  • Optical and coaxial digital-source configuration
  • Moving-magnet turntable and cartridge matching
  • External phono-stage guidance for moving-coil systems
  • Arcam CD5 and ST5 system integration
  • Bluetooth codec and wireless-headphone setup
  • Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless guidance
  • Auracast compatibility advice
  • Processor Mode and AV receiver integration
  • Powered-subwoofer and pre-output setup
  • Speaker cable and analogue interconnect recommendations
  • Ventilation and equipment-rack advice
  • Home demonstrations may be available
  • Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
  • Ongoing system and setup support

Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss matching the Arcam A15+ with the right sources and loudspeakers for your room.