STATUS - SOLD
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Description :
The Arcam FMJ A32 amplifier can be thought of as the big brother to the DiVA A85 amplifier and in ways, it's also the successor to the FMJ A22 amplifier. Though the A32 is deceptively simple looking, its elegance hides a lot of functionality and features. There is an upgrade path through its matching Arcam FMJ P35 power amplifier, which comes in two/three channel configurations and allows the user to biamp his speakers or turn the A32 into a home-theater or a multichannel-music control unit. The P35 can be connected to the A32 with a trigger cord so the equipment can be switched on simultaneously. If the user requires more than five channels of power, multiple P35s can be chained together. The FMJ A32 amplifier can be fitted with an optional MM/MC phono stage like most Arcam amplifiers models. Lurking behind its small lit-up display window, the user is able to change the volume-control resolution to "standard," "fine," or "reference"; alter the volume control display to be either a numerical figure or a graphical gauge; work with the tone controls; adjust channel balance; even change the power-on welcome message from the default to some other words of the user's choice. The A32 also employs a voltage feedback design that yields lower noise, extended bandwidth, better slew rate, and lower distortion. The drawbacks of the physical design are the cramped quarters on the back panel. In order to keep such an attractively small chassis size, the back panel has to be small, and the gold-plated RCA jacks spaced appropriately. The chassis cover is made from a laminated material called Sontech that reduces resonance and vibration anomalies.

Though the Arcam FMJ A32 is not a behemoth, it offers more than sufficient power for the majority of the speakers on the market. The sound it produces is smooth, transparent and clean. The signal purity is comparable to products far more expensive. The ultra-precise A32 is quick on its feet and has agility that breathes life into the music. Instrumental sounds are easily picked out in the mix. It has crystal-clear rendering of the vocals and the precision of the percussion. The bass is tight, detailed, and controlled. When drums connect, their sound is accurate and without overhang or slop. It is robust-sounding and laid out with a vast amount of space and pinpoint delineation of the voices in the choir. With the A32, it's transparent, airy, and extended without a hint of being bright or edgy. There is nothing forgiving or warmed over to cover things up. There is credible, rock-solid and stable soundstage placement left to right, front to back, and acoustic space all around. Piano sounds are crystalline and hair-raising. Attack and decay as the keys are on the same caliber of sounds produced by amplifiers many times the price of the A32. The only real caveat about A32's performance is its all-out power. Listeners who favor a warmed-up or grander-sounding midrange or a more bloomy bass presentation may be discouraged for the choice of A32.

At a quick glance of the Arcam FMJ A32 amplifier, its compact appearance makes it look ordinary. However, this rather shy-looking component has one of the finest audio values. It has high end sound quality and has pleasing aesthetic design. It also has stellar functionality that modern-day consumers are asking for. The Arcam FMJ A32 is a perfect blend of ergonomics, style, performance and enough features of its own that the Arcam people feel that it will be the top choice for consumers of two-channel equipment.

Specifications :
Continuous power output (20Hz—20kHz at 0.5% THD), per channel:
Both channels @ 8 ohms.......................100W
Single channel @ ohms.........................150W
Both channels @ ohms..........................140W
Single channel @ ohms..........................200W
Harmonic distortion................................0.005%, 80% power, 8 ohms at 1kHz

Phono cartridge:
Input sensitivity......................................2.7mV (MM); 270µV (MC)
Input impedance ....................................47kohm (MM); 300ohm (MC)
Signal/noise ratio (CCIR).........................–79dB (MM); –73dB (MC)
Overload margin.....................................35dB

Line and tape inputs:
Nominal sensitivity.................................250mV—2V
Input impedance....................................22kohms
Signal/noise ratio (CCIR)........................–103dB
Tone controls, max. boost/cut.................±12dB @ 80Hz and 12kHz

Power amplifier input:
Nominal sensitivity..................................800mV
Input impedance.....................................22kohms
Gain......................................................31dB

Preamplifier output:
Nominal output level................................700mV
Maximum output level.............................8V RMS
Output impedance..................................<50ohms

Headphone output:
Maximum output level into 600 ohms........8V
Output impedance..................................100ohms

Mains voltage..........................................230V±12%; 115V±12%
Power consumption (maximum)................800VA
Power consumption (standby)...................2VA
Dimensions(w x d x h).............................43.5 x 37 x 10 cm
Weight...................................................12kg

Miscellaneous :
Matching................................................Arcam FMJ CD23 CD Player
             ................................................Arcam FMJ P35 Power Amplifier
Box.......................................................Yes
Remote..................................................Yes
Made in..................................................UK, England
Condition................................................9 / 10

Product Information :
http://www.arcam.co.uk/_ugc/file/a32p35e_manual.pdf
http://www.arcam.co.uk/advice-and-support/discontinued-products/A32IntegratedAmplifier

Reviews :
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/integrated-amplifiers/arcam/a32-integrated-amplifier/prd_133663_2717crx.aspx
http://www.gramophone.net/Issue/Page/March%202002/109/744633/Arcam+FNIJ+A32
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/arcam_a32.htm
http://www.avreview.co.uk/news/article/mps/uan/263