Arcam Radia AV: The Most Musical AV Receivers That Might Be Hard to Find

Experience the exceptional sound of Arcam Radia AV receivers, blending musicality with advanced AV performance in a sleek, modern design.

The Arrival of Arcam’s New Radia AV Receivers

If you’ve been following the audio scene like I have, you know how thrilling it is when a brand with a legendary reputation steps into the AV arena with fresh gear. After months of enjoying Arcam Radia’s two-channel Hi-Fi electronics, we were eager for news about their home theater amplifiers—and finally, the wait is over!

Arcam just unveiled three new AV receivers (AVRs) alongside a processor and power amplifier combo that look seriously impressive on paper. As a fan who’s experienced their sonic magic firsthand, I’m buzzing to share what makes these new additions so special.

Meet the Lineup: From AVA15 to AVA35

The Radia AV series kicks off with the Arcam AVA15, positioned as the successor to the older AVR11 model and serving as the most affordable option in the new lineup. It’s priced around $3,100 USD, making it accessible for those craving Arcam quality without breaking the bank.

Next up is the AVA25, priced approximately at $5,200 USD, offering more power and features. And at the top, the AVA35 commands attention with a price tag near $7,200 USD, boasting the best performance and the most robust capabilities in the series.

All three receivers proudly wear the signature Radia design: a deep black finish accented with vibrant yellow highlights, including that eye-catching illuminated ring surrounding the volume control knob—a detail that immediately signals Arcam’s blend of style and function.

Design and Features That Impress

Every model sports a crisp 6.5-inch full-color display set behind glass, giving a premium feel that matches the tech within. Connectivity is generous, with multiple HDMI 2.1a inputs supporting up to 8K video, and at least two HDMI outputs—one of which supports eARC for enhanced audio return channel capabilities.

Arcam hasn’t skimped on inputs, providing a mix of analog and digital connections, plus full streaming support for major services like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and Qobuz. For you audiophiles, the inclusion of hi-res streaming support is a dream come true. Add in UPnP compatibility, analog volume controls with digital precision, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas, and you’ve got a receiver ready for just about anything.

The sound formats covered here are all the big names: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Arcam’s own Dirac Live Bass Control with Active Room Treatment (ART)—tools that help tailor the sound to your exact room acoustics for a studio-quality listening experience at home.

What Sets Each Model Apart?

Stepping up from the AVA15 to the AVA25 adds a third HDMI output (enabling Zone 2 functionality), support for the immersive Auro-3D audio format, and an increase from 12 to 16 processing channels. Both the AVA15 and AVA25 leverage the ESS Hyperstream IV DAC chipset, well-known for its clean, precise sound.

Power-wise, the AVA15 offers 9 channels of 100 watts each via Class D amplification, while the AVA25 upgrades to Class A amplification for the same power levels—making it heavier, deeper, and closer in sound quality to Arcam’s award-winning stereo amplifier, the A15+.

Jumping to the AVA35 is where things really get exciting. It features the advanced ESS Hyperstream IV DAC Pro, identical to the DAC used in Arcam’s highly praised SA45 streaming system. Though it still pumps out 9×100 watts, this time the amplification is Class G—Arcam’s first use of Class G across nine channels in a single chassis.

An innovative feature called “matrix channel assignment” lets you assign any amplified channel to any speaker you want. Imagine switching all channels to handle your overhead and surround speakers, while a separate amplifier powers the main channels. This kind of flexibility is a game-changer for custom home theater setups.

Pricing and Availability

All three Radia AV receivers are slated for release in Q3 of this year. Officially, they haven’t made their way into the local market yet, and the prices mentioned here reflect a conversion of their original currency, putting the AVA15 at about $3,100 USD, AVA25 at roughly $5,200 USD, and AVA35 around $7,200 USD.

Since there aren’t official imports for now, acquiring these units would mean relying on parallel imports, which can bring longer wait times, shipping logistics, and no formal warranty support.

Compatibility and Usage Considerations

The entire Radia AV range—including the processors and power amplifiers—is tailored for global markets and is fully compatible with local standards:

• Power Supply: Designed for 220–240V mains power, though plug adapters might be necessary depending on the supplied version.
• Streaming & Formats: Supports all major surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, alongside HDMI 2.1a (8K). Streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify function seamlessly with active subscriptions.
• Calibration: Dirac Live Bass Control and Active Room Treatment software works without regional restrictions, ensuring precise acoustic correction anywhere.

Expanding Your Setup: Processors and Amplifiers

If you’re craving a serious two-block solution for your home theater, Arcam’s got you covered. Check out the Radia AVP45 processor priced at about $6,300 USD and the Radia PA9 power amplifier for approximately $5,000 USD. The AVP45 packs all the processing power and features of the AVA35 but in a more compact form factor, while the PA9 boasts the same Class G amplification.

For those needing to extend beyond nine channels, the Radia PA4 is a nifty four-channel wall-mount amplifier priced near $1,250 USD, delivering 4×50 watts of Class D amplification—perfect for surround or height channels.

Software and User Experience

Arcam promises major improvements in the software realm too, including a dedicated Radia App designed to make these receivers more intuitive and simplify installation. It’s always refreshing when a premium manufacturer thinks about making top-tier tech approachable for everyday users.

Why We’ve Been Waiting for This

The Radia AV line is exactly what many audiophiles and cinephiles have been hoping for. Arcam has long been celebrated for crafting some of the most musical AV receivers on the market—units that prioritize sound quality above all else, even if they’re not always stuffed with every flashy feature out there.

Now, with these new models, they’re stepping up their game, blending that cherished musicality with modern connectivity and immersive sound formats. It’s an exciting time to be an Arcam fan.

Arcam has consistently refined their legendary amplifiers, blending evolution with tradition to elevate home audio to new heights.

FAQ

• What are the main differences between AVA15, AVA25, and AVA35?
  AVA15 is the entry-level model with Class D amplification and 12 processing channels. AVA25 adds Class A amplification, a third HDMI output, support for Auro-3D, and increases channels to 16. AVA35 features Class G amplification, the advanced ESS Hyperstream IV DAC Pro, and matrix channel assignment for flexible speaker configurations.
• Are these receivers compatible with the latest home theater formats?
  Absolutely! They support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and HDMI 2.1a for 8K video, ensuring future-proof compatibility.
• Can these receivers be used with popular streaming services?
  Yes, they natively support Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and offer hi-res streaming capabilities.
• Is there an app for controlling the Arcam Radia AV receivers?
  Yes, the upcoming Radia App aims to enhance user experience by simplifying setup and control.
• What are the power supply requirements?
  Designed for 220–240V power inputs and global compatibility, plug adapters may be needed depending on the supplied plug type.

For those who cherish the artistry of music and the immersive thrill of cinema, Arcam’s new Radia AV series offers an invitation to indulge. To celebrate this musical journey, why not shop your favorite album cover poster at our store and bring a piece of that sonic inspiration to your space? Explore our collection here.