Arcam A32 Integrated Amplifier - Soundstage
From the August 2002 issue:
I never expected the rather diminutive and modest-looking Arcam FMJ A32 integrated amplifier to charge me up and get me excited the way it does. A quick glance at its understated appearance makes it look, well, rather ordinary. However, once I played music with it, I quickly realized that this rather shy-looking component is one of the finest audio values I’ve come across this year.
The A32 does nothing really wrong -- right down to its price. Its sound is clean, transparent, precise, and smooth. It also has stellar functionality with all kinds of little bells and whistles that modern-day consumers are asking for. I may be the type of audiophile who can eschew almost anything practical for the utmost in sound, but I’ll certainly miss the convenience offered here. The Arcam FMJ A32 is a perfect blend of ergonomics, style and performance. And given this as well as its price, it's a terrific bargain.
Arcam A32 Integrated Amplifier - Hi-Fi Choice
From the June 2002 issue:
The A32 certainly delivers the goods though, its bass, which is by no means restrained or under-powered is always tuneful, and the word "groove" often appears in our notes. If anything this Arcam is a little shy. Its qualities are subtle ones that take a while to become apparent, but move on to a lesser amp and you know it straight away. This has genuine finesse and in many respects represents the best value in this extremely competitive collection of amps.
Arcam A32 Integrated Amplifier / P35 Power Amp - Hi-Fi Choice
From the May 2002 issue:
On its own the A32 is a clean, lively and agile amplifier... However, what was abundantly obvious was the extra muscle and control produced by using both amps rather than just the A32, and the way that the sound was able to breathe. Orchestral recordings were reproduced with more passion and flow, while the internal structure, the placement of individual instruments, was more focused, more grounded. Chamber recordings sounded larger in scale at the same volume, and even solo singers had a more tangible presence.
The A32 is something of a star, and while adding the P35 is not an inexpensive exercise, it is a worthwhile one that takes the performance of the Arcam design to a a new level.
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Arcam A32 Integrated Amplifier - Gramophone
From the March 2002 issue:
The whole sense is of a relaxed, easy presentation of the music, but this is deceptive given how well the amplifier reveals every aspect of the recording, from the performance itself to the ambience and presence captured in the engineering. Partner it well and it can sound very special indeed...
Arcam A32 Integrated Amplifier - Hi-Fi News & Record Review
From the March 2002 issue:
...this is perhaps the Arcam's essence: Its ability to reproduce the life and vitality of a fine performance while imbuing the sound with strong discipline and refinement.