Arcam FMJ

Name: Arcam FMJ
Brand: Arcam

An integrated amplifier, preamplifier, and CD player series from Arcam.

Overview

The Arcam FMJ line includes multiple models serving different roles in a high-fidelity audio system: the A32 and A19 are integrated amplifiers, the C31 is a control amplifier (preamplifier), and the CD23 is a CD player. The A32 was released in 2004, while the C31 followed in June 2006. Each model emphasizes low distortion, clean signal transmission, and robust build quality. The CD23 supports HDCD format with automatic playback detection, and several models include a wireless remote control (CR389 or equivalent).

Specifications

Product type	Integrated amplifier (A32, A19), Control amplifier / preamplifier (C31), CD Player (CD23)
Rated output	100W + 100W (8 Ω, 20 Hz to 20 kHz), 200W (4 Ω, 1 kHz) – A32
Power output	50 watt class AB – A19
Total harmonic distortion factor	0.005% (8 Ω, 1 kHz) – A32; Not more than 0.005% – CD23
Signal-to-noise ratio	105dB – A32; 104dB – C31; 100 dB or more – CD23
Dynamic range	106dB – CD23
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz to 20 kHz -0.5 dB – CD23; 20Hz—20kHz ± 0.2dB – A19
D/A converter	Custom 24bit Ring DAC – CD23
Input Sensitivity / Impedance	250mV/22k Ω – A32; 250mV/10k Ω – C31; 1V/10kΩ – A19
Maximum input	4.6Vrms – A19
Output Level / Impedance	2.6V/50 Ω – C31; 2.3V/50 Ω – CD23
Input terminals	RCA: 8 systems – C31; seven single ended inputs – A19
Recording output terminals	RCA: 2 lines – C31
Pre-out terminals	RCA: 2 lines, XLR: Route 1 (No. 2 HOT) – C31
Digital output	75 Ω coaxial, Optical TOS – CD23
Analog output	Two RCAs – CD23
Built-in phono stage	Ultra-low noise moving magnet (MM) – A19; supports MM and MC – A32, C31
Front panel headphone output	3.5mm – A19
Front panel auxiliary output	Present – A19
Voltage selection	Switch on the back for setting correct voltage – A19
Power consumption	224W – A32; 20W – C31; 25 VA max. – CD23
External dimensions	Width 430x Height 100x Depth 370 mm – A32; Width 433 x Height 100 x Depth 360 mm – C31; Width 430x Height 85x Depth 290 mm – CD23
Weight	10.8kg – A32; 9.3kg – C31; 6.5kg – CD23
Attachment	Wireless Remote Control (CR389) – A32, C31; Wireless Remote Control – CD23
Original price	¥ 250,000 – A32; ¥ 300,000 – C31; ¥ 200,000 (around 2000) – CD23

Design

The A32 uses a 3-layer structure chassis to enhance vibration control and reduce unwanted resonance, with a phono equalizer for MM and MC cartridges and a tone control function. The C31 also features a 3-layer chassis with special vibration-damping material, includes both MM and MC phono circuitry, but lacks tone controls. It adds balanced and buffer-doan balanced output terminals for clean long-cable signal transmission. The CD23 uses aluminum panels on the bonnet and front panel to minimize microvibrations and includes a custom 24-bit Ring DAC developed with DCs. The A19 has a steel and aluminum construction, described as "built like a tank," with a front-panel green digital display, horizontal source selection buttons, and a large grey volume wheel.

Context

The C31 was developed as a successor to the FMJ C30. Arcam was founded in 1976 by two Cambridge University students and initially specialized in recording studio mixing desks. The company designed the first off-board digital-to-analog converter in 1985.

Reception

The A19’s headphone performance is described as impressive for a speaker-focused amplifier, delivering ample power—driving Sennheiser HD800 to extremely loud levels at just 50 volume clicks. It synergized well with HD595 and Shure SHR440, adding detail and punch. While it enhanced midrange clarity and musicality over portable DACs like the Fiio E11 and E07K, its soundstage with HD800 was noted as slightly compressed, with less dynamic expression and imperfect timbre. The 3.5mm headphone jack was seen as a limitation, with a preference expressed for a 6.5mm output.

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