Arcam A60 (1976–1990s)

Name: Arcam A60
Brand: Arcam

An integrated amplifier that launched a British hi-fi brand and became a long-standing reference for audiophiles.

Overview

The Arcam A60 is the first product from Arcam, originally known as A&R Cambridge Ltd. The company was founded by engineering students from Cambridge University. The A60 came out in 1976 and was designed to deliver high-fidelity audio at a price students and young enthusiasts could afford. It got a name for neutral, uncolored sound, excellent stereo imaging and sturdy construction. It stayed in production for over 15 years, which makes it one of the longest-produced integrated amplifiers in hi-fi history.

Specifications

Power output	28 watts per channel into 8 ohms
Total harmonic distortion	<0.1% at 28W
Frequency response	20Hz - 20kHz ±0.5dB
Signal-to-noise ratio	>80dB (A-weighted)
Inputs	4 high-level inputs, 1 moving magnet phono input
Outputs	2 pairs of speaker outputs, 1 tape output
Tone controls	Bass and treble controls with defeat switch
Headphone output	6.35mm (1/4") jack

Design

John Dawson designed the A60. He later became the company's technical director. It uses a Class AB amplifier topology, with a circuit design that puts musical coherence ahead of raw specifications. It has a "dual-mono" power supply, a toroidal transformer, and a big extruded aluminum heatsink that runs the full width of the chassis. The heatsink helps with reliability and thermal stability.

Context

The A60 was Arcam's debut product. The founders were dissatisfied with the audio equipment available to students, and that is where it came from. The company name combines "Amplification & Recording" with "Cambridge." The idea was high-fidelity sound at an accessible price, and it became a way into quality hi-fi for thousands of people. It served as a reference amplifier for a generation of audiophiles and reviewers.

Market

The original electrolytic capacitors in the A60 are likely to need replacement due to age. The speaker relay contacts can oxidize, which leads to channel dropouts. The front panel lettering tends to wear off over time. On restored units, a full capacitor replacement and a cleaning of the controls and relays are recommended for best performance.