Audio T Verdict
The Arcam ST5 is a straightforward and flexible way to add high-resolution network streaming to an existing Hi-Fi system without replacing a perfectly good amplifier.
Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast and Roon Ready support provide plenty of choice, while the Arcam Radia app adds internet radio, podcasts, USB playback and access to compatible music stored across the home network.
Its ESS ES9018K2M DAC and stereo RCA outputs allow it to operate as a complete network source, while optical and coaxial digital outputs make it equally useful as a dedicated streaming transport with a separate DAC or digital amplifier.
The ST5 has no digital inputs, Bluetooth, HDMI, headphone socket or internal music storage. It is also controlled primarily through an app rather than a large colour display. However, as a focused streaming source for an Arcam Radia amplifier or another conventional Hi-Fi system, it provides an excellent balance of performance, connectivity and ease of use.
Arcam Radia ST5 High-Resolution Network Streamer
The Arcam ST5 is a dedicated network music streamer designed to add streaming services, internet radio, podcasts, network-library playback and USB music to an existing amplifier or active-speaker system.
It connects to the home network through Wi-Fi or Ethernet and can be controlled using service-specific apps, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon or the Arcam Radia app.
Music can be sent to an amplifier through the ST5's stereo RCA analogue output or passed digitally to a compatible DAC or amplifier using optical or coaxial S/PDIF.
An Amplifier or Active Speakers Are Required
The ST5 does not contain a power amplifier or loudspeaker outputs.
Connect it to an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, receiver, external DAC or suitable active loudspeakers before playback.
A Dedicated Streaming Source
A dedicated streamer receives digital music from online services, compatible phones, computers, USB storage and devices connected to the home network.
Keeping the streamer and amplifier in separate enclosures allows each component to use its own power supply and provides greater flexibility when upgrading the system.
The ST5 can therefore be added to an existing analogue amplifier without replacing it, or used as a digital transport if the system already contains a preferred DAC.
Read our
Audio T introduction to music streaming
for a straightforward explanation of networks, services and streaming systems.
Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect allows music to be selected through the familiar Spotify app while the ST5 receives the audio directly over the home network.
This avoids routing the music continuously through the phone and allows the controlling device to be used for other tasks without interrupting playback.
Available sound quality depends on the Spotify account, app, recording and service features available in the user's region.
TIDAL Connect
TIDAL Connect allows the ST5 to be selected as the playback device from within the TIDAL app.
Album selection, playlists, favourites and music discovery remain within the service's own interface while audio is delivered directly to the streamer.
A suitable TIDAL subscription and reliable network connection are required.
Qobuz Connect
Qobuz Connect allows compatible music to be selected within the Qobuz app and played directly through the ST5.
This provides access to Qobuz browsing, favourites and playlists without relying on conventional Bluetooth playback.
Maximum playback quality depends on the Qobuz subscription, recording and network connection.
Apple AirPlay
Apple AirPlay allows compatible iPhone, iPad and Mac users to send audio to the ST5 across the home network.
It can be used with music services, radio applications, podcasts and other compatible audio played from an Apple device.
AirPlay setup can also be used to help connect the ST5 to a Wi-Fi network.
Google Cast
Google Cast allows compatible Android, iPhone, tablet and computer applications to send audio directly to the ST5.
Cast support can be configured through the Arcam Radia app or Google Home, depending on the device and setup method.
Feature availability can vary between applications, services and regions.
Roon Ready
Roon Ready certification allows the ST5 to operate as a recognised network endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Roon provides detailed metadata, library organisation, music discovery, signal-path information and multiroom control.
A separate Roon Server and suitable Roon subscription are required.
Roon Ready Does Not Mean the ST5 Is a Roon Server
The ST5 receives music from a separate Roon Server located on a compatible computer, NAS drive or dedicated server.
It does not store or manage the complete Roon library by itself.
Arcam Radia App
The Arcam Radia app guides the initial Wi-Fi setup and provides access to internet radio, podcasts, presets, USB storage and compatible network music.
The app can browse albums and tracks, manage playback and provide access to the streamer's main network functions from a compatible phone or tablet.
The controlling device and ST5 must normally be connected to the same local network.
Internet Radio and Podcasts
Internet radio provides access to stations from the UK and around the world without requiring a conventional aerial.
Stations can be selected and stored as presets through the Arcam Radia app.
Podcast access provides another source of spoken-word programmes, interviews, documentaries and specialist music content.
Internet Content Depends on External Services
Station availability, programme listings and podcast access can change without notice.
Some services or programmes may be restricted according to region or subscription.
UPnP Network Music Playback
The ST5 can access compatible music stored on a computer, NAS drive or other UPnP media server connected to the same home network.
This allows a personal digital music collection to be played without leaving a computer connected directly to the Hi-Fi system.
Library organisation and available metadata depend on the media-server software and the information embedded within the music files.
A NAS Drive Is Not Included
The ST5 can access compatible network storage but does not contain its own internal music drive.
A computer, NAS drive or other suitable UPnP server must hold and share the music library.
Rear USB Music Playback
A rear USB-A socket accepts a compatible USB flash drive containing supported music files.
Music held on the drive can be browsed and selected using the Arcam Radia app.
The USB connection uses the USB 2.0 High Speed standard and is intended primarily for compatible mass-storage playback and software updates.
The USB Socket Is Not a Computer Audio Input
The ST5 cannot be connected directly to a computer for operation as a USB DAC.
Use network playback, AirPlay, Google Cast or another suitable connection when playing music from a computer.
No Internal Music Storage
The ST5 does not provide a user-installable internal SSD or hard drive.
Personal music should be stored on compatible USB media, a computer or network-attached storage.
High-Resolution Music Playback
The ST5 supports compatible high-resolution music at bit depths up to 24 bits and sample rates up to 192kHz.
Supported lossless formats include FLAC, WAV, ALAC and AIFF, while AAC, MP3, OGG and WMA provide compatibility with compressed music libraries.
DSD playback is supported up to DSD128, subject to the source, file and selected output arrangement.
Supported Music Formats
High-Resolution and Lossless
- FLAC
- WAV using compatible LPCM encoding
- ALAC
- AIFF
- AAC at compatible resolutions
- DSD up to DSD128
- MQA file and stream decoding support
Compressed Formats
- MP3
- MP4 audio
- OGG
- WMA
- Playback quality depends on the original encoding
Maximum Resolution Depends on the Source
A streaming service, network server or music file may provide a lower resolution than the ST5's maximum specification.
The selected output and connected DAC or amplifier must also support the audio format being played.
Gapless Playback
Gapless playback allows consecutive tracks to flow into one another without an artificial pause.
This is particularly important for live albums, classical works, concept albums and DJ mixes where one track continues directly into the next.
Gapless operation also depends on the source service, application and music format supporting it correctly.
ESS ES9018K2M DAC
The ST5 uses an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M digital-to-analogue converter for its stereo RCA output.
The DAC is partnered with time-domain jitter reduction and a dedicated analogue output stage.
Arcam specifies a signal-to-noise ratio of 115dB, harmonic distortion below 0.007% and jitter below 20 picoseconds under its stated measurement conditions.
Stereo RCA Analogue Output
A stereo pair of RCA sockets allows the ST5 to connect to an ordinary line-level input on an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or suitable active speakers.
Using this connection allows the internal ESS DAC and Arcam analogue output stage to perform digital-to-analogue conversion.
Fixed output is normally appropriate when the connected integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier controls the listening volume.
Fixed, Variable and External Volume Modes
The analogue output can be configured for Fixed, Variable or External volume operation.
Fixed sends a conventional full-level signal to an amplifier. Variable allows the ST5 to control its own analogue output level, while External allows a compatible connected Arcam amplifier to handle volume through the supplied control link.
Use Fixed Output with a Conventional Integrated Amplifier
When the connected amplifier already has a volume control, Fixed is normally the simplest and most predictable setting.
Begin with the amplifier volume low whenever changing output modes or connections.
Take Care When Connecting Directly to a Power Amplifier
Variable analogue output can potentially feed a suitable power amplifier or active speaker, but an incorrect volume setting may produce dangerously high sound levels.
Confirm that variable output is active and reduce the volume fully before switching on the connected equipment.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Optical Toslink and coaxial RCA outputs allow the ST5 to operate as a dedicated network-streaming transport.
Connect one output to a compatible digital amplifier, AV receiver or separate DAC.
This allows the connected product to carry out digital-to-analogue conversion while the ST5 provides network access, app control and streaming-service integration.
Digital Outputs Are Disabled by Default
Select the appropriate digital Output Type within the ST5 settings before using the optical or coaxial connection.
No digital sound will be produced if the streamer remains configured for analogue output.
Digital Output Operates at Fixed Volume
Variable volume is unavailable when a digital output is selected.
Listening volume must be controlled by the connected DAC, amplifier, receiver or pre-amplifier.
MQA Output Options
The Output Type menu provides analogue and digital options with the available MQA decoding arrangements.
Analogue output allows the ST5 to carry out conversion internally, while an appropriate digital mode can pass compatible audio to an external DAC.
MQA availability depends on the music file, service and connected equipment and should not be confused with general high-resolution PCM playback.
No Audio Inputs
The ST5 is a network source rather than a digital pre-amplifier with multiple external inputs.
It does not provide optical, coaxial, HDMI, USB computer audio or analogue line inputs for other source components.
A television, CD player or games console should connect to the amplifier or a separate DAC rather than to the ST5.
No Bluetooth Audio
The ST5 relies on Wi-Fi and Ethernet network technologies rather than conventional Bluetooth audio.
Compatible phones and tablets can use Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, service-specific Connect systems or the Arcam Radia app.
It does not transmit audio to Bluetooth headphones.
No Headphone Output
The ST5 does not include a wired headphone socket or dedicated headphone amplifier.
Headphones should connect to the system amplifier, a separate headphone amplifier or another suitable product.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet Networking
The ST5 can connect to the home network through dual-band Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet.
Ethernet supports 10 and 100Mbps network connections and may provide greater reliability where wireless coverage is weak or congested.
Wi-Fi setup is completed using the Arcam Radia app, Apple AirPlay speaker setup or Google Home.
Network Performance Affects Streaming Reliability
Dropouts and slow browsing can be caused by weak Wi-Fi, network congestion, router placement or problems with the internet service.
Use Ethernet where practical or improve the wireless network before assuming the streamer is faulty.
Network Standby
Network Standby keeps the ST5 connected to the home network while it is in standby.
This allows compatible apps and services to discover and wake the streamer more quickly.
Disabling network standby reduces energy consumption but may require the ST5 to be switched on manually before it appears within an app.
Radia Amplifier Control Link
The supplied RJ11 control cable allows the ST5 to synchronise with a compatible Arcam Radia amplifier.
When correctly configured, the two components can coordinate input selection, volume and standby operation while retaining separate power supplies and enclosures.
Arcam identifies the
Arcam A5+
and
Arcam A15+
as matching amplifier partners for the ST5.
Setting Up the Control Connection
Connect the ST5 to the chosen amplifier input using either analogue RCA or a compatible digital cable.
Connect the supplied control cable between the ST5 Control socket and the compatible Radia amplifier's Control socket.
Set Volume Output to External on the ST5, select the correct analogue or digital Output Type and configure the amplifier's Streamer Input setting to match the audio connection.
The Control Cable Does Not Carry Music
The supplied control cable coordinates operation between compatible Arcam products.
A separate analogue RCA, optical or coaxial audio connection is still required.
Maximum External Volume
A configurable maximum-volume setting helps reduce the risk of a large and unexpected volume change when the ST5 controls a compatible Radia amplifier.
The default external maximum is 40 and can be changed through the ST5 menu.
Set an appropriate maximum for the loudspeakers, room and normal listening habits before relying on remote app control.
Front Information Display
The slim front display provides status, source and playback information without dominating the appearance of the system.
Its brightness can be adjusted or the display switched off using the supplied remote control.
Internet-radio presets can also be selected from the front display using the remote.
No Colour Artwork Screen or Touchscreen
The front display is intended for concise playback and status information.
Detailed browsing, album artwork and library navigation are handled through the controlling app.
Remote Control Included
The supplied infrared remote provides standby, menu navigation, transport controls, radio-preset selection, display brightness and information functions.
Its volume and mute controls can operate compatible Arcam amplification within a correctly configured system.
Two AAA batteries are included.
Automatic Standby
The ST5 enters standby after approximately 20 minutes without playback or user interaction under its default Eco Timer setting.
Automatic standby can be disabled through the menu when it is not suitable for the system.
Eco standby consumption is specified below 0.5W.
Placement and Ventilation
Place the ST5 on a firm, level surface away from direct sunlight, moisture and sources of heat.
Do not place it directly on top of an amplifier, as heat from the amplifier can raise the streamer's operating temperature.
Keep the front remote-control receiver unobstructed where the supplied handset will be used.
Keep Turntables Away from the Streamer
Avoid placing a turntable directly on top of or immediately beside the ST5.
A sensitive phono cartridge may pick up mechanical vibration or electromagnetic noise from nearby power supplies.
ST5 and ST25 Comparison
Arcam ST5
- Slimline Radia network streamer
- ESS ES9018K2M DAC
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Optical and coaxial digital outputs
- Radia amplifier control connection
- Compact text-based front display
- Designed as a natural partner for the A5+ and A15+
Arcam ST25
- Higher-performance flagship Radia streamer
- Newer streaming and DAC platform
- Large 6.5-inch colour display
- Linear toroidal power supply
- Balanced and unbalanced output options
- Designed for more ambitious systems
- Natural partner for the A25+
View the Arcam ST25 music streamer
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Adding network streaming to an existing amplifier
- Arcam A5+ and A15+ systems
- Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz Connect users
- Apple AirPlay and Google Cast playback
- Roon Ready music systems
- Internet radio and podcast listening
- UPnP network music libraries
- Compatible USB flash-drive collections
- External DACs and digital amplifiers
- Active speakers with suitable analogue inputs
Check Before Buying
- An amplifier or active speakers are required
- No power-amplifier or loudspeaker outputs
- No analogue or digital audio inputs
- No HDMI connection
- No Bluetooth audio input or output
- No wired headphone socket
- No USB computer audio input
- No internal music storage or CD ripping
- No large colour artwork display
- Digital output operates at fixed volume
- Network reliability affects playback
Connection Guidance
- Use RCA to hear the ST5's internal ESS DAC
- Use optical or coaxial with an external DAC
- Select digital output within the menu before use
- Use Fixed output with a conventional amplifier
- Reduce all volume controls before changing modes
- Use Ethernet where Wi-Fi is unreliable
- Connect the control and audio cables separately
- Set External volume for compatible Radia integration
- Keep the app device on the same network
- Keep the streamer away from heat sources
Browse our
network music streamers
,
integrated amplifiers
,
digital-to-analogue converters
and
analogue and digital cables
, or explore the complete
Arcam range at Audio T
.
Finish
Radia Black
The ST5 uses Arcam's understated Radia Black styling with slim aluminium casework, rounded edges and discreet yellow detailing.
Key Features
- Dedicated high-resolution network music streamer
- Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet connectivity
- Arcam Radia app control
- Spotify Connect
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay
- Google Cast
- Roon Ready
- Internet radio and podcasts
- UPnP network-library playback
- Rear USB flash-drive playback
- Gapless playback
- Compatible music up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD playback up to DSD128
- MQA decoding support
- FLAC, WAV, ALAC and AIFF support
- AAC, MP3, MP4, OGG and WMA support
- ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC
- Time-domain jitter reduction
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Fixed, variable and external analogue-volume modes
- Optical Toslink digital output
- Coaxial RCA digital output
- Selectable DAC filter
- Radia amplifier control connection
- Configurable maximum external volume
- Network Standby
- Automatic standby
- Front information display
- Remote control included
- Slimline aluminium Radia casework
- Plastic-free packaging
- Radia Black finish
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arcam ST5?
It is a network music streamer that adds streaming services, internet radio, podcasts, USB playback and network-library access to an existing Hi-Fi system.
Does it contain an amplifier?
No. It must connect to an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, receiver or suitable active speakers.
Does it have a built-in DAC?
Yes. An ESS ES9018K2M DAC feeds the stereo RCA analogue output.
Can it be used with an external DAC?
Yes. Use the optical or coaxial digital output and select the appropriate digital Output Type within the settings menu.
Should I use the analogue or digital output?
Use RCA to hear the ST5's internal DAC and analogue stage. Use optical or coaxial when the connected amplifier or external DAC will perform conversion.
Why is there no sound from the digital output?
Digital outputs are disabled by default. Change the Output Type from Analogue to the required digital setting.
Can the digital output volume be adjusted?
No. Digital output operates at a fixed level, so volume must be controlled by the connected amplifier, DAC or pre-amplifier.
Can the analogue output be variable?
Yes. Fixed, Variable and External volume modes are available for the analogue output.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Variable analogue output can potentially feed a suitable power amplifier, but setup must be completed carefully with the volume fully reduced before switching on.
Which streaming services are supported?
Current named options include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect, alongside AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon, internet radio and podcasts.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
Yes. Select the ST5 as the playback device from within the compatible Spotify app.
Does it support TIDAL Connect?
Yes. Compatible TIDAL playback can be controlled directly through the TIDAL app.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes. Compatible Qobuz Connect playback is supported.
Does it support Apple AirPlay?
Yes. Compatible Apple devices can send audio to the ST5 over the home network.
Does it support Google Cast?
Yes. Compatible Cast-enabled applications can send audio to the streamer.
Is it Roon Ready?
Yes. A separate Roon Server and suitable subscription are required.
Can it play internet radio?
Yes. Stations can be accessed and stored as presets through the Arcam Radia app.
Can it access a NAS drive?
Yes. Compatible UPnP music libraries can be accessed over the local network.
Can it play music from USB storage?
Yes. Insert a compatible USB flash drive into the rear socket and browse its music through the Arcam Radia app.
Can it be used as a USB DAC for a computer?
No. The USB connection is intended for compatible storage playback and software updates.
Does it contain internal music storage?
No. Music can be stored on a compatible USB drive, computer or NAS device.
What is the maximum music resolution?
Compatible PCM is supported at up to 24-bit/192kHz, with DSD playback up to DSD128.
Does it support gapless playback?
Yes, subject to the source service, application and file format supporting gapless operation correctly.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No. Phones and tablets connect through network technologies such as AirPlay, Google Cast, Connect services and the Arcam Radia app.
Does it have HDMI?
No. A television should connect to a suitable amplifier, receiver or DAC rather than directly to the ST5.
Does it have a headphone socket?
No. Headphones should connect to the amplifier or a separate headphone amplifier.
Can it connect through Ethernet?
Yes. A wired 10/100Mbps Ethernet connection can be used instead of Wi-Fi.
What does the Radia control cable do?
It allows the ST5 to coordinate volume, input selection and standby with a compatible Arcam Radia amplifier. A separate audio connection is still required.
Which Arcam amplifiers are natural partners?
Arcam identifies the A5+ and A15+ as matching partners. The ST5 can also connect as a conventional source to many other amplifiers.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. A remote control and two AAA batteries are included.
What is included in the box?
The package includes the ST5, mains lead, remote control, two AAA batteries, RJ11 control cable, quick-start guide and safety documentation.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable amplifiers, DACs and loudspeakers
- Comparison with the Arcam ST25 and alternative streamers
- Arcam A5+ and A15+ system integration
- Analogue RCA and digital-output comparisons
- Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz Connect setup
- Apple AirPlay and Google Cast guidance
- Roon Ready system advice
- Arcam Radia app and Wi-Fi setup
- Ethernet and home-network troubleshooting
- Internet-radio and podcast configuration
- NAS, UPnP and USB music-library assistance
- Fixed, Variable and External volume guidance
- Radia control-cable setup
- External DAC and digital-cable recommendations
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing system and network support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Arcam ST5 to your Hi-Fi system.