Arcam has presented its new audio video amplifier, the AVR5. An exclusive model that is within the manufacturer’s input range and that boasts of offering compatibility with Dolby Atmos audio and connectivity to the latest thanks to HDMI 2.1, although for this, the manufacturer announces that a plate change will be required.
An amplifier with a simple design, with a front that highlights its large control wheel and a heated screen that serves to show the information of the content that is being played. The rest of the benefits are inside.
Data sheet
Arcam AVR5 | |
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Audio | Dolby Atmos and DTS decoding: X 7.1.4 |
Image | 4K (UHD) HDMI2.0b with HDCP2.2 |
Amplification | Class AB power amplifier |
Additional features | Dirac Live room correction system compatible Ready to roon Support for MQA |
Connectivity | Bluetooth aptX®HD Apple Airplay2 Google Cast to stream audio Wifi control Ethernet RS232 TO GO |
Connections | 7 HDMI inputs 2 HDMI outputs EARC compliant with HDCP2.2 |
HDMI 2.1 with a board change
The Arcam AVR5 is HDA’s input range amplifier. A model that Supports native decoding of 12 channels of Dolby Atmos audio, along with DTS-X. Good performance that however will require a separate amplifier as it only offers seven channels of amplification.
The Arcam AVR5 supports 4K content playback with HDR and standards such as HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. It will also have eARC support for audio and where it stands out is that the brand has announced that it can be updated to have HDMI 2.1. A limitation that will prevent 4K 120Hz or 8K 60Hz video from being playable.
To have HDMI 2.1 an update will be required, something that will require that the owners take the device to an Arcam technical service. This option will be available at the end of 2021 and other devices in the HDA range may benefit from it. While you will have to settle for HDMI2.0b with HDCP2.2.
Inside the Arcam AVR5 are two ESS ES9026PRO DACs along with the seven channels offered by the Class AB amplifier. This model supports MQA audio, acronym for Master Quality Authenticated, a technology for audio coding that manages to compress content to offer one-tenth the size of conventional Hi-Res and always without losing HD quality.
It has support for connections via Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth (supports aptX HD codec), Google Chromecast and Spotify Connect. Additionally, using the Harman MusicLife UPnP app on iOS and Android, you can control amplifier playback and control, as well as providing access to Internet radio, music streaming, and podcasts.
The Arcam AVR5 too supports Dirac Live, the professional-level room correction system that, yes, requires the Dirac adjustment tool for Mac or PC that must be purchased separately.
Price and availability
Regarding the price, this model of the Arcam entry range will have a price close to 2,000 euros and does not have a specific release date for now. It has only been announced that it will arrive towards the end of the fourth quarter of 2021.
More information | Arcam
Via | Homecinemachoice