Audio T Verdict
The Arcam Radia CD5 is a thoughtfully designed CD player that concentrates on extracting an engaging and balanced performance from a physical music collection without adding unnecessary complexity.
Its ESS ES9018 DAC, carefully engineered analogue output stage and selectable digital filters make it a strong standalone source for an integrated amplifier, while optical and coaxial outputs allow it to operate as a dedicated CD transport with an external DAC.
The front USB connection also provides a convenient way to play compatible WAV, FLAC, MP3, AAC and WMA files from a flash drive, including high-resolution WAV and FLAC music up to 24-bit/96kHz.
It does not play SACD, DVD or Blu-ray discs and cannot be used as a USB DAC for a computer. Those limitations aside, the CD5 is simple to operate, solidly constructed and particularly well suited to customers who still value the familiarity and ownership of a physical CD collection.
Arcam Radia CD5 CD Player
The Arcam CD5 is a single-disc CD player designed for high-quality playback of conventional audio CDs, recordable discs and compatible music files held on USB storage.
It combines a dedicated disc mechanism, ESS ES9018 digital-to-analogue converter, fixed-level stereo RCA output and optical and coaxial digital outputs within a full-width aluminium case.
Connect the analogue RCA outputs to an integrated amplifier to use the CD5's internal DAC, or use one of the digital outputs when a compatible amplifier or separate DAC will perform the conversion.
An Amplifier and Loudspeakers Are Required
The Arcam CD5 is a source component and does not contain power amplification or loudspeaker drivers.
Connect it to a suitable integrated amplifier, receiver or pre and power amplifier system. Passive loudspeakers cannot be connected directly to the CD5.
Designed for the Compact Disc
Arcam introduced its first entirely in-house CD player, the Delta 70, in 1986. The CD5 draws on that long experience of designing disc mechanisms, digital circuitry and analogue output stages.
Rather than combining CD playback with network streaming or amplification, the CD5 concentrates primarily on reading discs accurately and converting their digital information into a clean analogue signal.
This focused approach makes it easy to add high-quality CD playback to an existing Hi-Fi system without duplicating features already provided by the amplifier or music streamer.
Audio CD, CD-R and CD-RW Playback
The transport supports commercially produced audio CDs together with compatible CD-R and CD-RW discs.
Recordable discs can contain either conventional CD audio or supported digital music files written as data.
Disc readability can depend on the quality of the blank media, the recording method, the writing speed and the condition of the finished disc.
Not All Recordable Discs Are Guaranteed to Play
Poorly recorded, damaged, unfinished or unusually formatted CD-R and CD-RW discs may not be recognised correctly.
Finalise recordable audio discs correctly and use reliable media for the best compatibility.
Data Disc Playback
Compatible CD-R and CD-RW data discs can contain WAV, FLAC, MP3, AAC and WMA music files.
Folder and track navigation is available through the front controls and supplied remote, allowing compatible music files to be selected without converting them into a conventional audio CD.
Supported high-resolution playback reaches 24-bit/96kHz for compatible WAV and FLAC files.
Front USB Music Playback
A front USB-A connection accepts a compatible USB flash drive containing supported music files.
USB playback provides a convenient way to listen to downloaded music, personal recordings and high-resolution files without using a computer or network music streamer.
Supported formats include WAV, FLAC, MP3, AAC and WMA, with compatible WAV and FLAC playback available at up to 24-bit/96kHz.
The USB Connection Is for Storage Playback
The front USB-A socket reads compatible music files from a USB storage device.
It is not a USB audio input and cannot be connected directly to a computer, phone or tablet for operation as an external USB DAC.
Use a Suitable USB Storage Device
The CD5 is intended for compatible USB mass-storage devices such as flash drives.
Storage compatibility, folder structure and power requirements can vary. Large portable hard drives and devices requiring specialist drivers may not operate correctly.
ESS ES9018 Digital-to-Analogue Converter
An ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC converts digital information from the disc or USB storage into the analogue signal delivered through the stereo RCA outputs.
The DAC is partnered with Arcam's carefully selected power, clock and analogue components to minimise noise and preserve musical detail.
Customers using the RCA output hear the complete performance of the CD5's transport, digital processing, DAC and analogue output stage.
Selectable DAC Filters
Three selectable digital-filter options allow the behaviour of the internal DAC to be adjusted.
Digital filters influence how the conversion stage handles frequencies and timing close to the limits of the digital format.
The differences can be subtle and system dependent, so it is worth comparing the available settings with familiar music rather than assuming one filter will always be preferable.
DAC Filters Affect the Analogue Output
The filter selection applies to conversion through the CD5's internal DAC and RCA outputs.
When an optical or coaxial digital output feeds an external DAC, the connected DAC determines its own conversion and filtering.
Fixed Stereo RCA Output
A pair of stereo RCA sockets provides a conventional analogue connection to an integrated amplifier, receiver or pre-amplifier.
The maximum output level is 2.1V RMS at 0dBFS, which is suitable for the line-level input of most conventional Hi-Fi amplifiers.
A good-quality stereo RCA interconnect is recommended, particularly where the CD5 is being partnered with a revealing amplifier and loudspeaker system.
The Analogue Output Is Fixed Level
The CD5 does not provide a variable pre-amplifier output or listening-volume control.
Volume must be adjusted by the connected integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, receiver or suitable active loudspeaker system.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Optical Toslink and coaxial RCA outputs allow the CD5 to operate as a dedicated digital transport.
Connect one of these outputs to a compatible external DAC, digital amplifier, receiver or other product with a suitable S/PDIF input.
This provides upgrade flexibility and makes it possible to compare the CD5's internal ESS DAC with the conversion stage fitted to another component.
Use the Correct Digital Cable
Use a suitable optical Toslink cable for the optical output or a proper 75-ohm digital coaxial cable for the coaxial RCA output.
A conventional analogue RCA interconnect may pass a signal through the coaxial socket, but it is not designed to the correct digital impedance.
No Digital Audio Inputs
The optical and coaxial connections on the CD5 are outputs rather than inputs.
The player cannot be used as a DAC for a television, streamer, games console or separate CD transport.
Customers who need to connect several external digital sources should use a suitable amplifier or separate
digital-to-analogue converter
.
24-Bit/96kHz File Playback
Compatible data discs and USB storage can contain music at bit depths from 16 to 24 bits.
Supported sample rates are 32, 44.1 and 48kHz, together with 88.2 and 96kHz for compatible WAV and FLAC files.
Standard audio CDs remain 16-bit/44.1kHz, while the higher rates apply only to compatible data files.
The CD5 Is Not a 24-Bit/192kHz File Player
The current detailed Arcam specification lists a maximum of 24-bit/96kHz for compatible WAV and FLAC data files.
It should not be described as supporting 192kHz USB or data-disc playback.
Supported Music Files
Lossless Formats
- WAV using compatible LPCM encoding
- FLAC
- Up to 24-bit/96kHz where supported
- Suitable for preserving the original music data
Compressed Formats
- MP3
- AAC
- WMA
- Maximum quality depends on the original encoding
Unsupported Files Will Not Play
Formats such as DSD, ALAC, AIFF, MQA and protected subscription downloads are not listed as supported CD5 data-file formats.
File extensions alone do not guarantee compatibility if the music has been encoded using an unsupported codec or unusual settings.
Playback and Programming Controls
Front-panel buttons provide direct access to standby, opening and closing the disc tray, playback, track selection and stopping the disc.
The supplied remote adds access to menu navigation, track-number selection, random and repeat modes, track programming, display options and switching between the disc and USB sources.
Track programming allows a chosen selection of tracks to be stored temporarily and played in a preferred order.
Clear Front Display
The front display shows useful information including the selected source, track number and playback time.
Compatible CD-Text and data-file information may also be displayed where suitable metadata is present.
Display brightness can be adjusted through the available controls, making it easier to reduce visual distraction during evening listening.
Remote Control Included
A compact Arcam system remote is supplied with two AAA batteries.
It controls the CD5's transport, playback mode, display and menu functions and can also provide useful system control when the player is partnered with compatible Arcam components.
Infrared remote operation requires a reasonably clear path to the front of the player.
Full-Width Aluminium Casework
The Radia-series enclosure combines a full-width aluminium construction with rounded edges, a dark front panel and discreet yellow detailing.
The substantial 6kg weight provides a stable platform for the disc mechanism and internal electronics.
Its 431mm width, 344mm depth and 83mm height match the proportions of Arcam's Radia amplifiers and streamer.
Partnering the CD5 with an Arcam Amplifier
The CD5 is visually and electrically well suited to the current Arcam Radia integrated-amplifier range.
The
Arcam A5+ integrated amplifier
provides a natural starting point for a compact system, with 50W-per-channel Class AB amplification and matching Radia styling.
The
Arcam A15+ integrated amplifier
offers greater power for larger rooms or more demanding loudspeakers, while the
Arcam A25+ Class G integrated amplifier
provides a further step in power, DAC performance and system capability.
Adding Music Streaming
The CD5 is a disc and USB-storage player rather than a network music streamer.
The matching
Arcam Radia ST5 network streamer
can be added for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, AirPlay and Google Cast playback.
Using separate CD and streaming sources allows each component to concentrate on its particular role and provides greater upgrade flexibility.
CD5, A5+ and Acoustic Energy AE300² System
Audio T Cheltenham partnered the CD5 with the Arcam A5+ and
Acoustic Energy AE300² standmount speakers
for a complete and relatively affordable separates system.
The combination provides a dedicated physical-disc source, straightforward amplification and compact passive loudspeakers that can be positioned on suitable stands.
System performance will still depend on the room, speaker placement, cables and personal taste, so a demonstration with familiar discs is recommended.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Customers with an established compact-disc collection
- Dedicated two-channel Hi-Fi systems
- Arcam A5+, A15+ and A25+ amplifiers
- Integrated amplifiers using an analogue RCA input
- Digital amplifiers with optical or coaxial inputs
- External DACs using the CD5 as a transport
- USB flash-drive music libraries
- Compatible 24-bit/96kHz WAV and FLAC files
- CD-R and CD-RW audio or data discs
- Systems requiring simple physical controls and a remote
Check Before Buying
- No power amplifier or loudspeaker output
- No headphone socket
- No variable analogue output
- No optical or coaxial digital input
- No USB audio input from a computer
- No network streaming or Bluetooth
- No SACD, DVD-Audio, DVD or Blu-ray playback
- Maximum data-file playback is 24-bit/96kHz
- No DSD, ALAC or AIFF file support is listed
- USB storage compatibility can vary
Connection Guidance
- Use RCA output to hear the internal ESS ES9018 DAC
- Use optical or coaxial output with an external DAC
- Use a 75-ohm cable for coaxial digital connection
- Connect the RCA output to a line-level amplifier input
- Control listening volume through the amplifier
- Use reliable, correctly finalised CD-R and CD-RW media
- Format USB music using a supported file type
- Compare the three DAC filters with familiar recordings
Browse our
Hi-Fi separates and CD players
,
integrated amplifiers
,
digital-to-analogue converters
,
Hi-Fi loudspeakers
and
audio cables
, or explore the complete
Arcam range at Audio T
.
Finish
Radia Black
The CD5 is finished in Arcam's understated Radia Black styling, with aluminium casework, rounded edges and discreet yellow detailing.
Key Features
- Dedicated single-disc compact-disc player
- Part of the Arcam Radia range
- ESS Sabre ES9018 digital-to-analogue converter
- Three selectable DAC-filter options
- Compatible audio CD playback
- Compatible CD-R audio and data playback
- Compatible CD-RW audio and data playback
- Front USB-A mass-storage input
- WAV LPCM file support
- FLAC file support
- MP3 file support
- AAC file support
- WMA file support
- Supported bit depths from 16 to 24 bits
- Supported sample rates from 32 to 96kHz
- High-resolution WAV and FLAC playback up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Fixed-level stereo RCA analogue output
- 2.1V RMS maximum analogue output
- Optical Toslink digital output
- Coaxial RCA digital output
- Track programming
- Random and repeat playback modes
- Adjustable display brightness
- Compatible CD-Text and file-information display
- Front-panel transport controls
- Arcam system remote included
- Two AAA remote-control batteries included
- Full-width aluminium Radia casework
- Plastic-free packaging
- Radia Black finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Arcam CD5 need an amplifier?
Yes. The CD5 is a source component and must be connected to an integrated amplifier, receiver or pre-amplifier system.
Can the CD5 drive passive speakers directly?
No. It does not contain a power amplifier or speaker-level outputs.
Does the CD5 have a built-in DAC?
Yes. It uses an ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC to feed its stereo RCA analogue output.
Can it be used as a CD transport?
Yes. Use the optical or coaxial digital output with a compatible external DAC, digital amplifier or receiver.
Should I use the RCA or digital output?
Use RCA to hear the CD5's internal DAC and analogue stage. Use optical or coaxial when the connected amplifier or external DAC will perform digital-to-analogue conversion.
Does it have a volume control?
No. The RCA output is fixed level, so listening volume must be controlled by the connected amplifier or pre-amplifier.
Can it connect directly to active speakers?
Only when the active speakers provide their own safe volume control and a compatible RCA or digital input. The CD5 itself has no adjustable output level.
Does it play standard audio CDs?
Yes. Standard commercially produced audio CDs are its primary playback format.
Does it play CD-R and CD-RW discs?
Yes. Compatible CD-R and CD-RW discs containing audio or supported data files can be played.
Does it play SACDs?
No. Super Audio CD playback is not supported.
Does it play DVDs or Blu-ray discs?
No. It is a compact-disc player rather than a DVD or Blu-ray player.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. Connect a compatible USB mass-storage device containing supported WAV, FLAC, MP3, AAC or WMA files.
Can it be used as a USB DAC for a computer?
No. The USB-A connection reads storage devices and does not accept a computer audio stream.
What is the maximum USB and data-file resolution?
Compatible WAV and FLAC files can be played at up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Does it support 24-bit/192kHz files?
No. The current detailed specification lists a maximum data-file resolution of 24-bit/96kHz.
Does it support FLAC and WAV?
Yes. Compatible FLAC and WAV LPCM files are supported at sample rates up to 96kHz.
Does it support MP3, AAC and WMA?
Yes. All three compressed formats are listed as supported for compatible data-disc and USB playback.
Does it support DSD or SACD ISO files?
No. DSD and SACD ISO are not listed among the supported data formats.
Does it have digital inputs?
No. The optical and coaxial sockets are outputs. The CD5 cannot convert audio from a television, streamer or another external digital source.
What do the selectable DAC filters do?
They alter the digital filter used by the internal DAC. The audible difference can be subtle, so compare the three settings with familiar music and use the one you prefer.
Does it have repeat and random playback?
Yes. Repeat, random and programmed track playback are available through the supplied remote and menu system.
Can I programme a selection of tracks?
Yes. Selected tracks can be stored temporarily and played in a chosen order.
Can the display be dimmed?
Yes. The front-display brightness can be adjusted through the available controls.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. An Arcam system remote and two AAA batteries are supplied.
Does the CD5 include music streaming?
No. Add a separate network player such as the Arcam ST5 if Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, internet radio or network-library playback is required.
Which Arcam amplifier is the best match?
The A5+ provides a natural entry-level pairing, while the A15+ and A25+ offer greater power and system capability. The right choice depends on the loudspeakers, room and preferred listening level.
What is included in the box?
The package includes the Arcam CD5, mains lead, remote control, two AAA batteries, quick-start guide and important safety instructions.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- In-store demonstrations with familiar CDs and music files
- Comparison with other CD players and dedicated transports
- Advice on using the internal DAC or an external converter
- Arcam A5+, A15+ and A25+ amplifier matching
- Loudspeaker and complete-system recommendations
- Analogue RCA, optical and coaxial connection guidance
- Digital cable and stereo-interconnect advice
- USB music-file and format guidance
- Help selecting and comparing the DAC filters
- CD-R and CD-RW compatibility advice
- Arcam ST5 streaming-system integration
- Equipment support and isolation guidance
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Arcam CD5 to your Hi-Fi system.