Running and setting a new Arcam SA30

1

Hi I took the plunge and bought a new SA30. It’s just arrived still in its sealed box. I want to first upgrade the firmware to the latest level. I have seen this link on this site- How to update SA30 firmware manually - Software - The unofficial Arcam SA30 community

I have also seen this site where it looks like I download the latest firmware in a Zip format (Arcam - SA30 - Class G Intelligent Integrated Amplifier)… which also has instructions in it as well.

Is V1542 the SA30 firmware latest version? And is this the official last and final version or does Arcam still release firmware updates for the SA30 model? (I thought it may have stopped)
And I presume the firmware is a cumulative update (contains all previous update) i.e. I just have to update the to the latest version and then do a factory reset.

Is there any other suggestions in running in the amplifier? Will sound change over time ? Or it doesn’t matter e.g. its not valve technology so doesn’t have to be warmed up.

The unit comes with the standard power cable for New Zealand 240 volts. I hear upgrading the power cable to better quality can improve the quality of the overall sound. How much truth in this? And if does make a significant difference any recommended power cable.

Lastly any speaker cables that you would recommend… ones that are at reasonable price and value of the cable is worth the improvement in the sound. I was only going to have 2 metre cables to allow for a bit of movement for future speaker placement but trying to avoid resistance due to length i.e. the smaller length the less resistance. Told these were good QED Reference XT40i review | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)

Many thanks in advance.

2

Go to
Arcam - SA30 - Class G Intelligent Integrated Amplifier
…for sa30 downloads. But I think you have the latest installed. The download is the complete latest firmware.

Go to
https://www.harmanluxuryaudionews.com/2021/01/18/arcam-sa30-software-update/
for instructions. It’s very simple

As for better cables, it seems to be a matter of opinion. I would suggest strongly that setting the thing up as delivered with convenient speaker cables and then listening for a while. Then, assuming you’re prepared to spend more money, buy things from a local or online dealer who offers money back if not satisfied. You can easily pay more than the price of the amplifier for cables, a questionable practice. Doubling the length of 12AWG or 14AWG speaker cables doesn’t increase resistance noticeably; if you’re really worried, though, just use the thickest cables that suit your budget.

3

Hi - I wouldn’t bother with power filters and the like. Haven’t heard them so this is fact-free opinion. Audioquest cables can be had for not a lot of money (though you can pay a lot for them too). The SA30 is very forgiving so I’d just set it up and get lisenting.

Happy hours!

4

I’m not a Believer of some of the snake oil pedalled about speaker cables.
Look at the spec for your situation and decide what you want to pay, but don’t go for brand names for the sake of it with what can be crazy prices and assume it’s better than something cheaper, because that simply is not the case.

I currently am using QED Profile 79 strand which I got really quite cheaply and I’ve also used this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C79Z1FU?ref_=pe_3187911_248764861_302_E_DDE_dt_1

Similar stuff from Van Damme is often recommended by others too

5

Congrats! If it’s only for music then it’s great amp.

  • We don’t know if newer versions of firmware will be released. But yes, upgrade to latest one.

  • Cables, especially power cords, don’t matter as long as they are high quality with enough diameter. Save your money.

  • Sound will not change over time. It’s class G.

Note - there is a delay with digital inputs. If you are watching movies then use Analogue Direct and connect it to one of the analogue inputs.