Arcam Upgrades Top Amplifiers with Enhanced Bluetooth and Cleaner Sound

Experience the refined clarity and cutting-edge Bluetooth in Arcam’s revamped A5+, A15+, and A25+ amplifiers.

Bringing a Fresh Spin to Arcam’s Classic Amplifiers

When it comes to integrated amplifiers that blend precision, power, and modern features, Arcam has long been a name that resonates with audiophiles. Recently, the brand has breathed new life into its acclaimed Radia A series, unveiling the A5+, A15+, and A25+ models. And let me tell you, as someone who’s lived through the evolution of Arcam gear, these updates are not just tweaks—they’re meaningful upgrades that elevate your listening experience.

What’s New? Bluetooth Gets a Serious Boost

First off, the headline grabbing update: all three amps now sport the latest Bluetooth 5.4 platform, featuring LE Audio, Auracast, Snapdragon Sound, and the much-coveted aptX Lossless support. For anyone who’s tired of compressed streaming artifacts, this is music to your ears—literally.

Arcam A15+ and A25+ models also now come with HDMI eARC inputs, which is a game-changer for those integrating their amps with home theater setups. The nifty HDMI eARC allows seamless streaming from your TV, preserving high-fidelity audio without the hassle of additional cables.

Familiar Yet Fresh: Design and Core Specs

While the upgrades are substantial under the hood, visually, the amps remain quite familiar. The A5+ is a Class A/B amplifier delivering 2 x 50W, perfect for those who crave clarity without sacrificing warmth. The A15+ steps up to 80 watts per channel, and both these models feature the ultra-respected ESS ES9018 DAC supporting 24-bit/192 kHz audio. Plus, they come with a built-in moving magnet phono stage for vinyl lovers who cherish that analog warmth.

One notable improvement on the A5+ is its internal layout, which now boasts reduced power supply resistance for better overall efficiency. The A15+ benefits from an upgraded transformer designed to minimize unwanted current — a subtle touch that audiophiles will appreciate for its impact on sonic purity.

Now, the A25+ stands out a bit differently: it’s a Class G amplifier delivering a punchy 100W per channel. This model has also been visually refreshed to echo the design cues of Arcam’s ST25 streamer, giving it a modern and cohesive look for your audio rack.

But the magic isn’t just skin-deep. The A25+ gets an additional DAC dedicated to SPDIF inputs (another ESS ES9018), a significantly revamped transformer, and upgraded power supply regulation plus improved network filtering. All these enhancements combine to deliver a cleaner, crisper listening experience that makes every note shine.

Pricing and Availability: Worth the Upgrade?

If you’re in the UK, prices for these refreshed classics remain largely steady. The A5+ is set at £749, the A15+ at £1,199, whereas the A25+ sees a £200 bump to £1,699. Considering the tech upgrades, that’s a reasonable lift for what you get.

Across the pond in the US, however, prices have climbed a bit more steeply—likely due to import tariffs—with the A5+ at $1,199, A15+ at $1,499, and the A25+ at $1,999. That’s an increase of about $400-$500 per model, which might sting a little but could be worth it for those craving the latest and greatest in audio fidelity.

All three models are expected to hit shelves by the end of September 2025, making it a perfect time to start planning your next upgrade.

A Closer Listen: Why These Upgrades Matter

I’ve always admired Arcam’s approach—melding technical innovation with a deep respect for classic sound quality. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX Lossless means you can enjoy high-res wireless streaming without compromising clarity, a major leap from earlier Bluetooth versions that often left audiophiles unsatisfied.

Moreover, the refreshed power supplies and transformers in these amps are crucial for reducing electrical noise, a subtle but vital factor that impacts how “alive” music feels. This is where Arcam’s reputation truly shines: their commitment to sound quality means these tweaks aren’t just marketing, they’re sonic improvements you can genuinely hear.

If you’ve ever sat back with your favorite vinyl spinning on a Radia A amplifier or streamed a lossless album via Bluetooth, you know that every nuance counts. The upgraded filtering and power regulation translate to a cleaner, more detailed soundstage—music that feels less like it’s coming from a device and more like a live performance in your room.

In the Words of the Fans and Experts

For those wanting a deep dive into Arcam’s evolution, there’s an insightful piece tracing how these refinements have shaped their legendary amplifiers over time. It’s fascinating to see how incremental tweaks accumulate, resulting in gear that respects tradition but thrives on innovation.

FAQ

• What Bluetooth features do the upgraded Arcam amplifiers support?
  They include Bluetooth 5.4, LE Audio, Auracast, Snapdragon Sound, and aptX Lossless for high-fidelity wireless streaming.
• Are the new Arcam amps suitable for vinyl enthusiasts?
  Absolutely. Both the A5+ and A15+ come with built-in moving magnet phono stages.
• How much power do the A5+, A15+, and A25+ deliver?
  A5+ delivers 2 x 50W, A15+ offers 80W per channel, and the A25+ provides 100W per channel with Class G amplification.
• When will the new Arcam amplifiers be available?
  They are slated for release at the end of September 2025.
• Has the design of the A25+ changed?
  Yes, it has been updated to visually align more closely with the ST25 streamer, giving it a modernized look.

If you’re passionate about sonic excellence and want to bring the spirit of Arcam’s legendary amplifiers into your home, why not browse for some iconic album cover posters? They’re a perfect complement to your listening space and can be found at our store here.