ARCAM SA45: 5th‑generation Class G streaming integrated amplifier with Dirac Live

The ARCAM SA45 is a premium Radia-series streaming integrated amplifier built for listeners who want a modern hi-fi system that’s powerful, easy to live with, and genuinely high-end in sound quality. Instead of separating streamer, DAC, and amplifier into multiple boxes, the SA45 brings everything together in one component: a high‑resolution streaming platform, comprehensive connectivity, and ARCAM’s 5th‑generation Class G amplification designed to control demanding loudspeakers.

In real listening, that translates into authority and detail: strong dynamics, a well‑organized soundstage, and tight, controlled bass even when the music gets complex. ARCAM positions the SA45 as an all‑in‑one for dedicated music lovers, featuring fully balanced digital and analogue audio paths, an ESS Hyperstream iV DAC topology in a balanced configuration, and a toroidal transformer-based power supply design aimed at lowering noise and preserving low‑level detail.

Beyond performance, the SA45 is built for everyday use: a large 8.8” high‑resolution front display for artwork and metadata, the ARCAM Radia app for setup and control, and high‑resolution playback up to 32‑bit/384 kHz, covering both local libraries and popular services. If you want a “one‑box” amplifier/streamer for the living room with clearly premium engineering, the ARCAM SA45 is a standout in its class.

5th‑generation Class G: real power and speaker control

Class G is an approach designed to combine efficiency with sound quality, delivering current when needed while keeping the amplifier operating optimally. For the SA45, ARCAM specifies 180 W per channel into 8Ω (20Hz–20kHz, 0.5% THD) and up to 300 W into 4Ω (1kHz), which helps explain the SA45’s ambition: confident drive, dynamic headroom, and low distortion. For rock, electronic, orchestral, or any recording with big swings in energy, that headroom can translate into stronger impact, cleaner transients, and a more stable stereo image.

Hi‑res streaming, services, and connectivity (including HDMI eARC)

The ARCAM SA45 is designed to be the system hub. For streaming, it supports formats such as FLAC, WAV (LPCM), ALAC, AIFF, AAC and DSD up to 256, with playback up to 384 kHz and gapless support. For services, it works with Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz Connect, plus Apple AirPlay and Google Cast. The ARCAM Radia platform also includes Internet Radio, Podcasts, UPnP, and USB media playback (USB‑A mass storage).

Connectivity is equally comprehensive for TV and digital sources: HDMI eARC, coaxial and optical digital inputs, plus analogue RCA and XLR inputs. For vinyl, it includes MM and MC phono, making it a strong choice if you want modern streaming without giving up a turntable.

Dirac Live and dual sub outputs: flexibility for any room

One of the SA45’s key strengths is room flexibility: it includes Dirac Live Room Correction and dual subwoofer outputs. This lets you tune the system to your real space (room acoustics, placement, listening position), improving bass integration, focus, and overall coherence—especially valuable in challenging rooms or subwoofer-based setups.

ARCAM Portugal: explore more from the brand

If you want to compare other integrated amps, streamers, and electronics from the brand, browse the full selection.

ARCAM Portugal at MestresDaMúsica

Technical specifications (specs) — ARCAM SA45

Specification	Detail
Continuous power output (0.5% THD), 2 channels	180 W/8Ω (20Hz–20kHz); 300 W/4Ω (1kHz)
Distortion	0.002% THD (80% power, 8Ω @ 1kHz)
Analogue inputs	3x RCA pairs + 1x XLR pair
Phono	MM and MC
Digital inputs	1x HDMI eARC; 2x coaxial (RCA); 2x optical (Toslink)
Streaming formats	FLAC, WAV (LPCM), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD (up to 256), MP3, MP4, OGG, WMA
Streaming bit depth / sample rate	16/24/32-bit; up to 384 kHz
Digital input bit depth / sample rate	16/24-bit; up to 192 kHz
Gapless	Yes
Services / compatibility	Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon Ready
Wireless	Bluetooth 5.4 (Snapdragon Sound, LE Audio, Auracast); Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5 GHz)
Power consumption	Max 1000 W; standby <0.5 W
Dimensions (W x D x H)	432 x 390 x 140 mm (incl. terminals/feet)
Weight	17 kg net; 20 kg packed
Supplied accessories	Mains lead(s), remote + 2x AAA, measurement microphone, 5 m USB cable, quick start guide, safety instructions

Buy with specialist support in Viseu

At MestresDaMúsica in Viseu, we help you choose the right amplifier for your speakers, room, and sound preferences—plus advice on TV integration (HDMI eARC) and getting the best performance in your space.

Source (manufacturer): ARCAM SA45 (official site)