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Compared with buying a new entry-level integrated at this price, US$490 for this Arcam looks a bit rich in the used market. Against the recent comps you gave me, it sits above the US$357 median and also above the US$603 upper quartile? Actually it’s below that, so I’d call it upper-range rather than a steal: not crazy, but not a bargain either.
That said, the A85 is a respected older Arcam integrated with a smooth, refined class-AB presentation, solid phono stage, and remote convenience — a very sensible one-box amp for someone who values easy musicality over flash. If it’s clean, fully working, and the phono section is intact, it still has real appeal. At US$490 I’d want to confirm servicing history and make sure all controls are quiet, but the platform itself is worthwhile.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Arcam stands as one of Britain's most respected audio engineering houses, founded in 1976 in Cambridge by John Dawson and Chris Evans, two university engineering students driven by a passion for music and sound quality. The company's name derives from "Amplification and Recording Cambridge," reflecting its original mission to craft amplifiers that prioritized musicality over raw power. The A60 integrated amplifier, their commercial debut in 1976, established the brand's philosophy: that true fidelity depends on meticulous design rather than wattage, earning critical acclaim and transforming a small operation into a fast-growing enterprise.
Arcam's product portfolio spans the full spectrum of high-fidelity electronics. The brand built its early reputation on low-distortion amplifiers before expanding into CD players during the 1990s—a category in which they have designed and manufactured for nearly three decades. Their innovations include pioneering separate DACs, DVD and Blu-ray players engineered from scratch in the UK, and the introduction of Class G amplification technology in 2015. More recently, they have integrated DIRAC room acoustic correction software into their home theater systems, demonstrating continued commitment to technical advancement.
Positioned firmly in the high-end audio market, Arcam commands a world-class reputation for producing some of the finest-sounding AV electronics available. The brand appeals to discerning audiophiles and music creators who value engineering integrity and sonic performance. Now part of HARMAN's Luxury Audio Group alongside Mark Levinson and Revel, Arcam continues to balance its heritage of British craftsmanship with contemporary design aesthetics, recently refreshing its industrial design to attract younger customers without compromising audio innovation.
See all Arcam listings on RADAR.
