Arcam FMJ

Name: Arcam FMJ
Brand: Arcam

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

Overview

The Arcam FMJ line has several models that fill different roles in a hi-fi system. The A32 and A19 are integrated amplifiers, the C31 is a control amplifier (preamplifier), and the CD23 is a CD player. The A32 came out in 2004. The C31 followed in June 2006. Each model aims for low distortion, clean signal transmission, and solid build quality. The CD23 supports the HDCD format with automatic playback detection, and several models come with 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 has a 3-layer chassis to control vibration and cut unwanted resonance. It has a phono equalizer for MM and MC cartridges, plus a tone control function. The C31 also has a 3-layer chassis, with special vibration-damping material. It includes both MM and MC phono circuitry but has no tone controls. It adds balanced and buffer-doan balanced output terminals for clean signal transmission over long cables. The CD23 uses aluminum panels on the bonnet and front panel to minimize microvibrations, and it has a custom 24-bit Ring DAC developed with DCs. The A19 is built from steel and aluminum and is described as "built like a tank." It has a green digital display on the front panel, horizontal source selection buttons, and a large grey volume wheel.

Context

The C31 was developed as the successor to the FMJ C30. Arcam was founded in 1976 by two Cambridge University students and started out making 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 an amplifier built around speakers. It has plenty of power - it drove Sennheiser HD800 to extremely loud levels at just 50 volume clicks. It worked well with HD595 and Shure SHR440, adding detail and punch. It improved midrange clarity and musicality over portable DACs like the Fiio E11 and E07K. With the HD800, though, the soundstage was noted as slightly compressed, with less dynamic expression and imperfect timbre. The 3.5mm headphone jack was seen as a limitation, and a preference was expressed for a 6.5mm output.