Arcam puts music first with new AV and Hi-Fi range

Legendary British audio brand Arcam is having quite the year. Having surprised visitors to High End Vienna with a whole new visual identity, the Harman-owned brand has now rolled out a comprehensive new line of home cinema and stereo components.

Eager to get hands on, Inside CI recently paid a visit to the CUK Ascot showroom for an exclusive first look at what transpires to be a completely redesigned AV and two-channel amplifier range.

Our mission? To get a deeper insight into the engineering, design philosophy and thinking behind what is arguably Arcam's most ambitious product development programme to date.

Walking into the CUK showroom, it quickly became apparent that this wasn't simply another annual refresh. Harman has invested heavily in Arcam over recent years, expanding its engineering team in Cambridge, investing in new manufacturing facilities and significantly increasing software development.

That investment has resulted in a completely new platform from the ground up.

Throughout the presentations, one message was repeated time and time again – music comes first.

Rather than designing an AV receiver around cinema performance before refining its stereo credentials, Arcam has reversed the process. Every product is engineered to excel as a two-channel amp before being finessed as a multichannel platform.

When it comes to custom install, that's a reassuring philosophy. Clients expect one system to perform equally well for music streaming and immersive cinema.

"The new range isn't just about adding features, it's about delivering better sound, whether you're listening to stereo music or watching the latest blockbuster," I was told.

The visual redesign of the range speaks volumes.

The new industrial styling feels cleaner and more contemporary than previous generations, with subtle yellow accents giving the kit a distinctive identity.

The user experience has also been modernised. The new full-screen HD graphical interface is easy to navigate and provides a much clearer overview of speaker layouts and system configuration.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was the new Bluetooth remote control.

Moving away from traditional infrared means no line-of-sight is required, making rack installations significantly easier while still providing direct access to inputs, surround modes, lip-sync adjustments and even Dirac filter selection.

A dedicated Arcam Control app complements the hardware, allowing installers to complete system configuration directly from a mobile device.

Arcam’s new Home Cinema amplifiers

Arcam's new lineup has been designed to cover a broad spectrum of installations.

The AVA15 is an entry-level integrated amplifier that delivers nine channels of Class D power, with 12-channel processing. Thanks to its compact chassis and switch-mode power supply, it runs cool and should prove particularly attractive for enclosed cabinets and smaller racks.
Moving up the range, the AVA25 introduces Class AB amplification powered by a substantial toroidal transformer. Increased current delivery makes it better suited to more demanding loudspeaker systems, while retaining the familiar Arcam sound signature.

The AVA35 is the flagship, and one of the stars of the day. Employing Arcam's highly regarded Class G amplification, premium DAC architecture and flexible channel assignment, the AVA35 is aimed squarely at dedicated cinema installations where performance is the priority.

For installers building larger systems, the AVP45 processor offers balanced XLR connectivity and extensive processing flexibility, while the new PA4 four-channel amplifier provides an elegant solution for expanding beyond the nine onboard amplifier channels.

Dirac continues to lead

No premium AV platform would be complete without sophisticated room correction, and Arcam continues to place Dirac at the centre of its offering. Every model in the new range includes the full version of Dirac Live, together with the required measurement microphone.

Optional upgrades unlock Dirac Live Bass Control and the increasingly impressive Active Room Treatment (ART), which actively manages low-frequency behaviour throughout the listening room rather than simply correcting frequency response.

Demonstrations clearly highlighted how much more cohesive bass integration becomes, particularly in systems using multiple subs. For pro installers, these tools continue to be among Arcam's biggest advantages.

Stereo still matters

Interestingly, a significant portion of our day focused on stereo rather than home cinema.

The brand’s new SA35 and SA45 streaming amplifiers suggest many homeowners are looking for a significant upgrade over traditional soundbars, without immediately investing in a full surround system.

With HDMI ARC, integrated streaming platforms, dual independent sub outputs, processor bypass and Dirac Live, these amplifiers offer a compelling bridge between high-performance stereo and future home cinema expansion.

We got to hear them paired with the new R Series loudspeakers and were impressed with their clarity, control and musicality. It's easy to see why Arcam believes these products could become the heart of many premium media wall installations.

Developed using Harman's extensive acoustic research and testing facilities, the new R Series employs advanced waveguide technology designed to improve off-axis performance, and create a more consistent listening experience throughout the room.

The full range includes floorstanding, bookshelf and centre-channel speakers, alongside a dedicated 750W subwoofer, which means installers can now specify a complete Arcam system from source to speaker

"For many homeowners, these amplifiers could become the perfect alternative to a premium soundbar while providing a clear upgrade path into a full cinema system later."

Built for installers

One of the strongest impressions from the day wasn't simply the sound quality, it was how installer-focused the new platform feels.

Comprehensive IP control, Bluetooth remotes, flexible channel reassignment, rack-friendly amplifier options, processor bypass modes, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, a dedicated installer configuration app and integrated streaming services, all demonstrate that Arcam has spent considerable time listening to feedback from the integration community.

For installers, that's arguably just as important as the performance itself.

A confident step forward

Having spent the day exploring the new range, it's clear that Arcam hasn't simply refreshed its product catalogue, it’s fundamentally rethought its approach to AV.

The combination of outstanding stereo performance, installer-focused flexibility, modern software and impressive industrial design makes this one of the strongest AV launches we've seen in recent years.

While final judgement will ultimately come from long-term installations in customers' homes, first impressions are extremely positive.

Arcam has successfully modernised its platform without losing the musical performance and engineering values that made the brand popular with installers in the first place.

For integrators looking for a premium AV solution that delivers equally strong cinema and music performance, this new range deserves serious attention.

Inside CI would like to thank the teams at Harman and CUK for the invitation, their hospitality and for taking the time to provide such an informative and engaging insight into the engineering behind the new Arcam range.