LATEST ADDITIONS

MartinLogan adds two sealed subwoofers, the Grotto 12 and Grotto 15. Each uses a Hybrid Woofer System with one active aluminum driver and two same-size aluminum passive radiators, backed by the Magnitude MT-2kW amplifier (2000W peak/1000W continuous) and an ultra-high-resolution Vojtko DSP engine. Wireless control and signal connection are built in, with ARC room correction support.

PRICE $4,999

AT A GLANCE
Plus
180Wpc class-G power with real headroom
Full-stack streaming: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify/Tidal/Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready
HDMI eARC for seamless TV audio
Dirac Live full bandwidth with dual sub outs including XLR
8.8" color display and clear, simple ergonomics
Minus
Non-touch display
Premium price

THE VERDICT
Arcam’s SA45 is a modern two‑channel integrated amplifier that replaces a rack of separates. It streams natively, corrects the room with Dirac Live, talks to your TV over eARC, and has the power to drive serious speakers. A couple of software hiccups aside, it made high-quality living‑room hi‑fi easy.

This integrated amplifier is the right answer when you want power, fidelity, and simplicity in the same box. The SA45 does streamer, DAC, preamp, and power amp duty without the old-school AVR-style menu gymnastics. I used it as a pure two-channel solution for music and movies, in a real living room. I streamed everything. No discs. My apologies to physical media fans, but at this point the quality of streaming is just plain good enough for my needs.

The air is crisp, the treat bowl is full, and the only thing missing is that complicit shiver down our collective spine. Halloween is more than costumes and copious amounts of candy: It’s a welcome tradition centered on the primal joy of well-regulated fear.