ARCAM Radia AV Series: Four New Home Cinema Amplifiers From Cambridge
ARCAM brings five decades of British hi-fi expertise to Dolby Atmos. The new Radia AV Series includes four models from £2,599 to £5,999—each designed for serious listeners who refuse to compromise on music quality.
There's a problem with most home cinema amplifiers. They handle explosions brilliantly but stumble over Ella Fitzgerald. ARCAM's engineers—the same team behind acclaimed stereo amplifiers like the SA45—took the opposite approach with the new Radia AV Series. Start with exceptional music reproduction, they reasoned, and the cinema will follow.
The result is four processors and amplifiers that bring Cambridge engineering to immersive audio: the AVP45 processor (£5,299), AVA35 Class G amplifier (£5,999), AVA25 Class AB amplifier (£4,499), and AVA15 amplifier (£2,599).
ARCAM Radia AVP45: 16-Channel Processor (£5,299)
The AVP45 is ARCAM's flagship processor—and it's genuinely different.
Sixteen channels of processing. Most processors stop at 13 channels, forcing compromises. The AVP45 offers 16, enough for 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos or configurations most people haven't imagined yet.
Those 16 channels use the same high-performance DAC architecture found in ARCAM's finest stereo systems. Digital sources sound analogue, natural, fatigue-free.
Balanced XLR outputs for all 16 channels—vanishingly rare at any price. Pair with ARCAM's PA410, PA720, or PA240 power amplifiers for reference-level performance.
Matrix Channel Assignment lets you allocate any channel to any speaker position. Want six subwoofers? Four front wide channels? The AVP45 adapts to your vision.
Key Features:
- 16-channel processing with Matrix Assignment
- 16 x XLR balanced outputs, 16 x RCA
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D
- Dirac Live room correction
- 7 HDMI 2.1a inputs, 2 outputs (8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz)
- Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect
- Hi-res support to 192kHz/24-bit, DSD128
ARCAM Radia AVA35: Class G Amplifier (£5,999)
The AVA35 combines ARCAM's signature Class G amplification with 16-channel processing—their ultimate integrated AV amplifier.
Class G amplification is ARCAM's speciality. Multiple power supply rails switch intelligently based on the signal, delivering massive headroom when needed whilst maintaining exceptional efficiency and low distortion. The result: 100 watts per channel (all nine channels driven into 8Ω) with effortless dynamics.
Like the AVP45, the AVA35 offers 16-channel processing with Matrix Channel Assignment. Use the nine built-in amplifier channels for your main system, then add external amplification via the 16 RCA pre-outs for additional surrounds or heights.
Key Features:
- 9 x 100W Class G amplification (8Ω, all channels driven)
- 150W per channel into 4Ω
- 16-channel processing with Matrix Assignment
- 16 x RCA pre-outs for expansion
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D
- Dirac Live room correction
- 7 HDMI 2.1a inputs, 2 outputs (8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz)
- Comprehensive streaming including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect
ARCAM Radia AVA25: Class AB Amplifier (£4,499)
The AVA25 delivers traditional Class AB warmth developed entirely in-house.
Nine channels of 100-watt amplification (8Ω, all channels driven) provide ample power for 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos systems. The 16 pre-outs allow expansion—add external amplification for additional height or surround speakers.
Where the AVA25 excels is musical engagement. Class AB amplification, when done properly, has a natural, organic quality. ARCAM's decades of Class AB design show through—this sounds like an amplifier from a company that cares deeply about music.
You're giving up Matrix Channel Assignment compared to the AVA35, but for conventional 7.1.4 layouts, this won't matter. You're saving £1,500 without compromising core sound quality.
Key Features:
- 9 x 100W Class AB amplification (8Ω, all channels driven)
- 120W per channel into 4Ω
- 16-channel processing
- 16 x RCA pre-outs
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D
- Dirac Live room correction
- 7 HDMI 2.1a inputs (8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz)
- Full streaming capabilities
ARCAM Radia AVA15: Class D Amplifier (£2,599)
The AVA15 is ARCAM's most accessible route into immersive audio—but carries the same engineering rigour.
Modern Class D amplification can be remarkably transparent when done properly. The AVA15's nine channels of 100-watt amplification drive speakers with precision and control.
The AVA15 processes 12 channels rather than 16—adequate for 7.1.4 Atmos systems with room for expansion via the 12 RCA pre-outs. You get Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Dirac Live room correction.
What's missing? Auro-3D processing (rarely used), Matrix Channel Assignment (only relevant for unconventional layouts), 8K passthrough, and the ultimate refinement of Class G or Class AB. For most people building their first serious Atmos system, none of these matter.
At £2,599, this represents exceptional value for home cinema without compromising ARCAM's commitment to sound quality.
Key Features:
- 9 x 100W Class D amplification (8Ω)
- 12-channel processing
- 12 x RCA pre-outs
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced
- Dirac Live room correction
- 7 HDMI 2.1a inputs (4K/120Hz)
- Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect
Which ARCAM Radia Model Should You Choose?
AVP45 (£5,299) - Building a reference system with external amplification? Need ultimate flexibility with 16 balanced outputs and Matrix Channel Assignment? This is the processor for systems where compromise isn't acceptable.
AVA35 (£5,999) - Want ARCAM's finest integrated solution? Class G amplification delivers the best balance of power, efficiency, and sonic purity. Matrix Channel Assignment provides unprecedented flexibility. This is as close to the AVP45 as you'll get with built-in amplification.
AVA25 (£4,499) - Prefer traditional Class AB warmth and musicality? Planning a conventional 7.1.4 layout? Save £1,500 versus the AVA35 without compromising core sound quality. This is the sweet spot for many enthusiasts.
AVA15 (£2,599) - Building your first serious Atmos system? Want ARCAM quality at the most accessible price? This delivers exceptional value whilst maintaining the company's commitment to musical performance.
What Makes ARCAM Radia Different?
DAC Architecture From Stereo Hi-Fi
ARCAM uses the same DAC technology in these AV amplifiers as they deploy in £4,000+ stereo amplifiers. Digital sources sound more analogue, more natural, less fatiguing.
Dirac Live Room Correction
Every model includes Dirac Live—one of the most sophisticated room correction systems available. It measures your room from multiple positions, correcting both frequency response and phase issues. Speakers integrate better. Bass smooths out. Dialogue clarity improves.
Class G Amplification (AVA35)
Multiple power supply rails switch intelligently based on signal level. Massive headroom when needed, exceptional efficiency during quiet passages, lower crossover distortion throughout. It's why ARCAM's Class G amplifiers sound effortlessly powerful.
Matrix Channel Assignment (AVP45, AVA35)
Allocate any of the 16 processing channels to any speaker position. Want four subwoofers? Front wide channels? Unconventional height placement? Matrix Assignment removes the restrictions conventional processors impose.
Streaming and Connectivity
Every model includes:
Streaming Services:
- Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay, Google Cast
- Internet Radio, Podcasts
- Roon Ready
Hi-Res Audio:
- PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit
- DSD up to DSD128 (AVP45, AVA35, AVA25)
- Gapless playback
HDMI 2.1a:
- 8K/60Hz video (AVP45, AVA35, AVA25)
- 4K/120Hz gaming (all models)
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Common Questions
Can these handle 4Ω speakers?
Yes. AVA35: 150W per channel (4Ω). AVA25: 120W per channel (4Ω). AVA15: 90W per channel (4Ω).
Do I need 16 channels?
A 7.1.4 Atmos system uses 12 channels. Extra channels allow multiple subwoofers, front wide speakers, or unconventional layouts. The AVA15's 12-channel processing suits most conventional systems.
What's the difference between Class G, AB, and D?
Class G (AVA35) offers the best balance of power, efficiency, and purity—ARCAM's flagship technology. Class AB (AVA25) provides traditional warmth. Class D (AVA15) delivers excellent performance with maximum efficiency. All three sound exceptional.
What external amplifiers work with the AVP45?
The balanced XLR outputs work with any amplifiers featuring XLR inputs. ARCAM's PA410, PA720, and PA240 are natural partners.
Experience ARCAM Radia at Martins Hi-Fi
We've served East Anglia's audio enthusiasts since the late 1960s. Specifications matter far less than how equipment sounds in your room, with your speakers, playing your music and films.
The ARCAM Radia AV Series is available to demonstrate in our Norwich showroom. Multiple listening environments. Expert advice. Professional installation services.
Book a demonstration. Bring your favourite discs, or we'll stream from any service you use.
Martins Hi-Fi, Norwich
Where exceptional sound has been our obsession since the 1960s.
