Audio T Verdict
The Arcam ST25 is a flagship network music streamer designed for customers who want high-resolution streaming and excellent digital performance without combining everything inside the amplifier.
Its new six-layer streaming platform, balanced ESS Hyperstream IV DAC architecture, advanced jitter reduction and linear toroidal power supply have all been developed to keep electrical noise away from the sensitive audio circuitry.
Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, Google Cast and Roon Ready support are joined by internet radio, podcasts, UPnP network libraries and USB media playback. The large 6.5-inch display also makes album artwork and playback information easy to see from the listening position.
The ST25 can connect through its stereo RCA analogue output or operate as a dedicated streaming transport through optical or coaxial digital output. It has no built-in amplifier, CD mechanism, internal music storage or external digital inputs, but as a focused source for a high-quality separates system, it is extremely capable.
Arcam Radia ST25 High-Resolution Music Streamer
The Arcam ST25 is a dedicated network music streamer designed to bring streaming services, internet radio, podcasts and locally stored digital music to an existing Hi-Fi system.
It connects to the home network through dual-band Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet and can be controlled using service-specific applications, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon or the Arcam Radia app.
Music can be sent to an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier through the ST25's stereo RCA analogue output, or passed digitally to a compatible DAC or amplifier through optical or coaxial S/PDIF.
An Amplifier and Loudspeakers Are Required
The ST25 is a source component and does not contain a power amplifier or loudspeaker outputs.
It must be connected to an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, receiver or another suitable audio system.
Purpose-Built Streaming Platform
The ST25 uses an entirely new digital audio and streaming platform developed for Arcam's higher-performance Radia products.
A six-layer circuit board includes a continuous ground plane designed to keep unwanted electrical noise and interference away from the sensitive digital and analogue audio components.
Keeping the network source and amplifier in separate enclosures also allows each product to use its own dedicated power supply and provides greater flexibility when upgrading the system.
Read our
introduction to network music streaming
for a straightforward explanation of streaming services, apps and home networks.
Linear Toroidal Power Supply
A newly developed linear toroidal power supply operates the ST25's streaming platform, DAC and analogue audio circuitry.
Arcam has designed the supply to reduce noise around the sensitive audio stages while providing stable power for digital processing and conversion.
A separate switching supply is used during standby, allowing the main linear supply to remain focused on normal music playback.
ESS Hyperstream IV DAC Technology
Digital-to-analogue conversion uses ESS Hyperstream IV DAC technology in a balanced internal configuration.
The DAC is partnered with advanced jitter reduction intended to minimise timing errors within the digital signal.
When the stereo RCA output is used, the ST25's internal DAC and analogue output stage carry out conversion before the signal reaches the connected amplifier.
High-Resolution Playback up to 32-Bit/384kHz
The ST25 supports compatible PCM music at bit depths up to 32 bits and sample rates up to 384kHz.
Supported formats include FLAC, WAV, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, MP3, MP4, OGG and WMA.
Playback quality ultimately depends on the original recording, file, streaming service and output arrangement rather than the maximum specification alone.
DSD Playback up to DSD256
Compatible DSD music is supported at rates up to DSD256.
DSD compatibility may depend on the playback source, application and selected analogue or digital output path.
The current DSD256 specification replaces the higher DSD1024 launch figure still shown in some earlier product information.
Gapless Playback
Gapless playback allows consecutive tracks to move from one to the next without an unwanted pause.
This is particularly important for live albums, classical works, concept albums and continuous DJ mixes.
Correct gapless operation also depends on the streaming service, application and music-file format supporting it.
Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect allows the ST25 to be selected as the playback device from within the Spotify app.
Music is then delivered directly to the streamer over the home network rather than being continuously routed through the controlling phone or tablet.
Available playback quality depends on the Spotify account, application and service features available within the user's region.
TIDAL Connect
TIDAL Connect allows compatible music to be selected through the familiar TIDAL application and played directly through the ST25.
Album browsing, playlists, favourites and music discovery remain within the service's own interface.
A suitable TIDAL account and reliable internet connection are required.
Qobuz Connect
Qobuz Connect allows the ST25 to be selected directly from within the Qobuz application.
This provides access to Qobuz favourites, playlists and browsing without relying on Bluetooth or a separate third-party control application.
Available resolution depends on the subscription, recording and internet connection.
Apple AirPlay
Apple AirPlay allows compatible iPhone, iPad and Mac users to send audio to the ST25 across the home network.
It can be used with music services, radio applications, podcasts and other compatible audio played from an Apple device.
AirPlay can also assist with the initial wireless-network setup.
Google Cast
Google Cast allows compatible applications on Android, Apple and computer devices to send audio directly to the ST25.
The controlling device selects the music, while the streamer receives the audio through the network.
Feature availability can vary between applications, services and regions.
Roon Ready
Roon Ready certification allows the ST25 to operate as a recognised network endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Roon provides detailed metadata, library management, signal-path information, music discovery and multiroom playback.
A separate Roon Server and suitable Roon subscription are required.
The ST25 Is a Roon Endpoint
The streamer receives music from a separate Roon Server located on a compatible computer, NAS drive or dedicated server.
It does not contain the Roon Server software or store the complete music 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 media and compatible local-network music.
The app can browse albums and tracks, manage playback and provide access to the streamer's main settings.
The controlling phone or tablet and the ST25 should 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.
Podcast support adds spoken-word programmes, interviews, documentaries and specialist music content through the Radia app.
Favourite radio stations and programmes can be selected more quickly using presets.
Internet Content Can Change
Radio stations, podcasts and regional availability may change independently of the ST25.
Some services or programmes may require a separate account or subscription.
UPnP Network Music Libraries
UPnP compatibility allows the ST25 to access suitable music stored on a computer, NAS drive or another 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.
Available metadata and library organisation depend on the media-server software and information embedded within the music files.
A NAS Drive Is Not Included
The ST25 can access compatible network storage but does not include its own user-accessible music drive.
A computer, NAS drive or another suitable UPnP server must hold and share the music collection.
USB Media Playback
A rear USB-A connection accepts compatible mass-storage devices containing supported music files.
Music stored on the drive can be browsed and selected through the Arcam Radia app.
USB media provides a convenient option for local playback without operating a separate NAS drive or computer server.
USB Is Not a Computer Audio Input
The USB connection is intended for compatible mass-storage playback and product servicing.
The ST25 cannot be connected directly to a computer for operation as a conventional USB DAC.
6.5-Inch High-Resolution Display
The bonded 6.5-inch front display presents album artwork, track information, source details and system settings.
Its generous size makes playback information easier to read from the normal listening position than the compact text display fitted to the ST5.
Detailed library browsing and service navigation remain available through the controlling application.
Stereo RCA Analogue Output
A stereo pair of RCA sockets allows the ST25 to connect to a conventional line-level input on an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier.
Using the analogue output allows the internal ESS DAC and Arcam analogue stage to perform digital-to-analogue conversion.
This provides a complete network source for amplifiers that do not contain their own digital inputs.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Optical Toslink and coaxial RCA outputs allow the ST25 to operate as a dedicated network-streaming transport.
These connections can feed a compatible external DAC, digital amplifier or receiver.
The connected product then carries out digital-to-analogue conversion while the ST25 provides streaming, network access and app control.
Analogue or Digital Connection?
Use the RCA Output
- Uses the ST25's internal ESS DAC
- Suitable for conventional analogue amplifiers
- Requires one stereo RCA interconnect
- Allows the Arcam analogue output stage to shape the final signal
Use a Digital Output
- Uses the DAC inside the connected amplifier or converter
- Suitable for systems with a preferred external DAC
- Choose optical or coaxial according to the connected product
- Allows the ST25 to operate as a dedicated streaming transport
Comparing analogue and digital connections during a demonstration provides the clearest way to decide which DAC and output stage best suits the complete system.
Designed for the Arcam A25+
Arcam identifies the
Arcam A25+
as a natural amplifier partner for the ST25.
The combination keeps the streaming platform and amplifier in separate enclosures, giving each component its own dedicated power supply.
The A25+'s analogue and digital inputs also allow the system to be compared using the ST25's internal DAC or the amplifier's own conversion stage.
Radia Amplifier Control Link
A supplied control cable allows the ST25 to communicate with compatible Arcam Radia amplifiers.
The link allows the two separate components to behave more like a single system when operated through a compatible device or remote control.
A separate RCA, optical or coaxial connection is still required to carry the music signal.
The Control Cable Does Not Carry Audio
The supplied cable coordinates supported control functions between compatible Arcam components.
Music must still travel through a separate analogue or digital audio cable.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi
The ST25 supports modern dual-band Wi-Fi across compatible 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.
The 2.4GHz band normally provides greater range, while 5GHz may provide higher performance and reduced congestion over shorter distances.
Network setup can be completed through the Arcam Radia app, Apple AirPlay or Google Home.
Wired Ethernet
A wired Ethernet connection provides an alternative to Wi-Fi.
Ethernet may provide greater reliability where wireless coverage is weak, the router is distant or the local Wi-Fi environment is congested.
A stable network connection is particularly important when playing high-resolution files or using local network libraries.
The Home Network 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 itself is faulty.
Remote Control Included
The supplied remote control provides convenient access to standby, playback, navigation and supported system functions.
It can be particularly useful when the controlling phone or tablet is not close to hand.
Two AAA batteries are included.
No External Audio Inputs
The ST25 is designed as a network source rather than a digital pre-amplifier for several external components.
Arcam's current specification lists analogue and digital outputs but does not provide optical, coaxial, HDMI or analogue line inputs for other source products.
A television, CD player or games console should connect to the system amplifier or a separate DAC rather than to the ST25.
Network Playback Rather than Bluetooth
Arcam's current ST25 specification focuses on Wi-Fi and Ethernet playback through Connect services, AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon and the Radia app.
Bluetooth audio is not listed among the supported input or output technologies.
Compatible phones and tablets can instead use network playback, which avoids the range and compression limitations associated with conventional Bluetooth.
No Headphone Output
The ST25 does not include a dedicated wired headphone socket.
Headphones should connect to the system amplifier, a separate headphone amplifier or another compatible product.
ST25 and ST5 Comparison
Arcam ST5
- Slimline Radia network streamer
- ESS ES9018K2M DAC
- Playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD playback up to DSD128
- Compact information display
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Optical and coaxial digital outputs
- Natural partner for the A5+ and A15+
View the Arcam ST5 network streamer
Arcam ST25
- Flagship Radia network streamer
- ESS Hyperstream IV DAC architecture
- Playback up to 32-bit/384kHz
- DSD playback up to DSD256
- 6.5-inch artwork display
- New linear toroidal power supply
- Six-layer streaming platform
- Natural partner for the A25+
System Matching
Well Suited To
- High-quality integrated amplifier systems
- Arcam A25+ systems
- Customers upgrading from an entry-level streamer
- 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
- USB flash-drive collections
- External DACs and digital amplifiers
- Systems where album artwork should be visible from the listening position
Check Before Buying
- An amplifier and loudspeakers are required
- No power-amplifier or speaker outputs
- No external analogue or digital audio inputs
- No HDMI connection
- Bluetooth audio is not listed
- No wired headphone socket
- No USB computer audio input
- No internal music storage
- No CD mechanism or disc ripping
- Network performance affects playback reliability
Connection Guidance
- Use RCA to hear the ST25's internal DAC
- Use optical or coaxial with an external DAC
- Connect the control and audio cables separately
- Use Ethernet where Wi-Fi is unreliable
- Keep the controlling device on the same network
- Use USB for compatible mass-storage playback
- Connect televisions and disc players to the amplifier
- Keep the streamer away from heat-producing equipment
- Compare analogue and digital outputs during a demonstration
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 ST25 uses Arcam's understated Radia Black styling with substantial aluminium casework, rounded edges and discreet yellow detailing.
Key Features
- Flagship Arcam Radia network music streamer
- New six-layer digital audio and streaming platform
- Continuous ground plane for reduced electrical interference
- New linear toroidal power supply
- ESS Hyperstream IV DAC architecture
- Balanced internal DAC configuration
- Advanced jitter reduction
- Compatible PCM playback up to 32-bit/384kHz
- DSD playback up to DSD256
- Gapless playback
- Spotify Connect
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay
- Google Cast
- Roon Ready
- Internet radio and podcasts
- UPnP network-library playback
- USB mass-storage music playback
- FLAC, WAV, AAC, ALAC and AIFF support
- MP3, MP4, OGG and WMA support
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Wired Ethernet
- Arcam Radia app control
- 6.5-inch high-resolution colour display
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Optical Toslink digital output
- Coaxial RCA digital output
- Radia amplifier control connection
- Remote control included
- Plastic-free packaging
- Radia Black finish
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arcam ST25?
It is a flagship network music streamer that adds streaming services, internet radio, podcasts, UPnP libraries and USB media playback to an existing Hi-Fi system.
Does it contain an amplifier?
No. It must be connected to an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, receiver or another suitable audio system.
Does it have a built-in DAC?
Yes. It uses ESS Hyperstream IV DAC technology in a balanced internal configuration.
Can it be used with an external DAC?
Yes. Connect the optical or coaxial digital output to a compatible external DAC or digital amplifier.
Should I use the analogue or digital output?
Use RCA to hear the ST25's internal DAC and analogue output stage. Use optical or coaxial when the connected amplifier or external DAC will perform conversion.
Which streaming services are supported?
Current named services include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect, alongside AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon, internet radio and podcasts.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes. Select the ST25 directly from within the compatible Qobuz application.
Is it Roon Ready?
Yes. A separate Roon Server and appropriate Roon subscription are required.
What is the maximum PCM resolution?
Compatible PCM music is supported at up to 32-bit/384kHz.
Does it support DSD?
Yes. Compatible DSD playback is supported up to DSD256.
Does it support gapless playback?
Yes, subject to the selected source, application and music format supporting gapless playback correctly.
Can it access a NAS drive?
Yes. Compatible UPnP music libraries can be accessed through the local network.
Can it play from USB storage?
Yes. Compatible music held on a USB mass-storage device can be browsed through the Arcam Radia app.
Can it be used as a USB DAC?
No. The USB connection is intended for compatible mass-storage playback rather than direct computer audio.
Does it contain internal music storage?
No. Personal music can be stored on a compatible USB drive, computer or network-attached storage device.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Bluetooth audio is not listed within Arcam's current ST25 specification. Compatible phones and tablets can use AirPlay, Google Cast, Connect services or the Radia app.
Does it have HDMI?
No. A television should connect to the system amplifier, receiver or another suitable product.
Does it have a headphone socket?
No. Headphones should connect to the amplifier or a separate headphone amplifier.
What does the supplied control cable do?
It allows supported control functions to be coordinated with a compatible Arcam Radia amplifier. A separate analogue or digital audio connection is still required.
Which Arcam amplifier is the natural partner?
Arcam identifies the A25+ as the natural matching amplifier, although the ST25 can also be used with many other suitable systems.
What is the difference between the ST25 and ST5?
The ST25 adds a newer streaming and DAC platform, linear toroidal power supply, larger artwork display, playback up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 support.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. A remote control and two AAA batteries are supplied.
What is included in the box?
The package includes the ST25, mains lead, remote control, two AAA batteries, control cable and quick-start guide.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable amplifiers, DACs and loudspeakers
- Direct comparison with the Arcam ST5
- Arcam A25+ and ST25 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
- External DAC and digital-cable recommendations
- Radia amplifier control-link setup
- 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 ST25 to your Hi-Fi system.