ARCAM has announced its new AVR5, the HDA range’s entry-level receiver, moving alongside its other Class AB AV receivers, the AVR10 and AVR20, and the range-topping G Class AVR30.
Well-known for its musicality since its launch in 1976, the AVR5 maintains this philosophy, natively decoding 12 channels of immersive audio from Dolby Atmos with upmixing from Dolby Surround and DTS-X with upmixing from DTS:Neural:X to deliver a musical and cinema-like experience from a 7.1.4 speaker array.
The AVR5 is compatible with Dolby Vision and HLG, ideal for playing the latest content from the likes of Disney+ and Netflix, as well as gaming consoles and compatible Blu-ray players.
The ARCAM receiver features HDMI sockets to enable 4K HDR passthrough as well as eARC support to make it possible for a suitably equipped TV to send back lossless audio. Like all current ARCAM AVRs, the AVR5 can be upgraded to support HDMI 2.1 for completely uncompressed 8K video on all inputs and outputs.
As used in the AVR30, the AVR5 features a brace of ESS ES9026PRO DACs. The implementation of the ESS HyperStream II DAC maximises the performance of the component, achieving exceptionally low noise. The foundation of the AVR5’s musicality is the seven ARCAM Class AB amplification channels, driven by a custom in-house designed linear supply fully capable of sustaining 1.5kW of total power consumption.
Designed to be easy to use, AVR5 owners can stream from smartphones and tablets using Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX HD, Google Chromecast built-in, and Spotify Connect. The 2021-updated Harman MusicLife UPnP app enables playback and control of the AVR5 on Android and iOS and facilitates internet radio, music streaming, and podcast listening.
The new ARCAM also fully supports MQA, allowing TIDAL HiFi subscribers to experience the highest available audio quality from TIDAL Master recordings.
The AVR5 also has Roon Ready status to enable Roon members to use the system’s interface when searching Qobuz, TIDAL, and locally stored music libraries. The AVR5 can also form part of a Roon-driven multiroom system.
Dirac Live room correction system is an optional extra that users can activate by downloading the Dirac tuning tool to a Mac or PC and purchase a licence from Dirac’s online store. For a limited time, AVR5 owners get a 50% discount available from ARCAM’s website.
The ARCAM AVR5 will be available towards the end of the year priced at £1,999 / €2,199 / $2,000.