Audio T Verdict
The Arcam A25+ is the most powerful and comprehensively equipped amplifier in the Radia+ integrated range, combining fifth-generation Class G amplification with an ESS DAC, HDMI eARC, USB-C computer audio, an MM phono stage and extensive wireless connectivity.
Its 100W-per-channel output provides useful reserves for demanding standmount speakers, larger floorstanders and rooms where an amplifier needs to maintain control during dynamic musical passages.
USB-C playback at up to 32-bit/384kHz, HDMI eARC for television sound and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, Snapdragon Sound, Auracast and wireless headphone transmission make the A25+ considerably more versatile than a traditional analogue amplifier.
It does not contain Wi-Fi, Ethernet, integrated streaming services, room correction or a moving-coil phono stage. However, for customers who want powerful amplification and modern connectivity while retaining the flexibility of separate source components, the A25+ is an excellent foundation for a serious Hi-Fi system.
Arcam Radia A25+ Class G Integrated Amplifier
The Arcam A25+ combines a stereo pre-amplifier, fifth-generation Class G power amplifier, high-resolution DAC, moving-magnet phono stage and wired and wireless headphone outputs within one full-width component.
Connect a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers and the A25+ can form the centre of a system for vinyl, CD, network streaming, computer audio, television sound and conventional analogue sources.
It builds on the original Radia A25 with an enhanced power supply, revised digital section, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.4, Snapdragon Sound and Auracast.
Fifth-Generation Class G Amplification
Arcam's fifth-generation Class G architecture uses more than one power-supply level to combine low-level refinement with the ability to provide considerably greater output when the music requires it.
During ordinary listening, the amplifier operates from its lower-voltage supply region. An additional supply is brought into operation during more demanding musical peaks.
This approach provides greater electrical efficiency than operating a comparably powerful amplifier continuously in Class A, while retaining the current and dynamic capability needed for difficult loudspeaker passages.
Read more in our
Audio T guide to Arcam amplification and Class G technology
.
100W per Channel into 8 Ohms
The A25+ delivers 100W per channel into 8-ohm loudspeakers with both channels operating across the full 20Hz to 20kHz audio range.
This gives it greater output capability than the Class AB Arcam A5+ and A15+, making it better suited to larger rooms, higher listening levels and speakers that require stronger amplifier control.
Arcam specifies harmonic distortion of 0.002% at 80% of the amplifier's rated 8-ohm output under its stated measurement conditions.
165W per Channel into 4 Ohms
Output rises to 165W per channel into a 4-ohm load at the manufacturer's stated 1kHz measurement condition.
This demonstrates that the power supply can provide additional output as loudspeaker impedance falls.
Nominal impedance alone does not describe every demand placed on an amplifier, so speaker sensitivity, impedance variation, room size and listening distance should also be considered.
Our
amplifier power and loudspeaker matching guide
explains how watts, ohms and sensitivity work together.
The 4-Ohm Figure Is Measured at 1kHz
The 100W rating is specified with both channels driven from 20Hz to 20kHz into 8 ohms.
The 165W rating is specified into 4 ohms at 1kHz and should not be presented as a full-bandwidth measurement.
Enhanced Power-Supply Design
The A25+ uses an enhanced internal power-supply design developed for the Radia+ generation.
A capable power supply is essential because the amplifier must maintain stable voltage and current as the loudspeaker load and musical signal change.
This helps the A25+ preserve control and dynamic contrast during complex or bass-heavy passages rather than relying only on a headline wattage figure.
ESS ES9018K2M DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC.
The internal DAC allows a television, CD transport, network streamer, computer and other suitable digital sources to connect without requiring a separate external converter.
Coaxial, optical and HDMI inputs support compatible stereo PCM at up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the USB-C input extends compatible computer playback to 32-bit/384kHz.
USB-C Computer Audio Input
The rear USB-C input allows a compatible computer or other suitable USB audio source to use the A25+ as an external DAC and amplifier.
Supported PCM sample rates include 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 and 384kHz, with compatible 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit audio.
USB-C provides a direct route from computer playback software to the internal ESS DAC without requiring a separate USB converter.
USB-C Supports Stereo PCM
The USB-C input is intended for compatible stereo PCM audio.
DSD, Dolby Atmos, DTS and other encoded or multichannel formats are not listed as supported USB-C input formats.
USB-C and Service USB Have Different Functions
The USB-C socket is the high-resolution audio input.
The separate Service USB connection is used only for amplifier software updates and cannot receive music.
Selectable DAC Filters
Selectable digital-filter settings allow the behaviour of the internal DAC to be adjusted.
Digital filters influence frequency and time-domain behaviour close to the limits of the digital format.
The differences can be subtle and system dependent, so it is worth comparing the options with familiar recordings rather than assuming one setting will suit every system.
Standard and Wide Digital PLL
The digital-input phase-locked loop can be set to Standard or Wide.
Standard provides the normal operating mode, while Wide is more tolerant of sources with less stable digital clocking.
The Wide setting may be useful with some television receivers and older digital products if the sound becomes intermittent or the amplifier struggles to lock onto the signal.
HDMI eARC for Television Sound
HDMI eARC allows a compatible television to send stereo sound to the A25+ through one HDMI cable.
Television programmes, films, streaming-video services and games can then use the Arcam amplifier and connected stereo loudspeakers rather than the television's built-in speakers.
HDMI Autoswitch can switch on the amplifier and select the HDMI input when audio starts from a compatible television.
Read our
guide to improving television sound with a stereo system
for more information about this type of setup.
Use the Television's ARC or eARC Socket
Connect the cable to the television HDMI socket specifically labelled ARC or eARC.
A conventional HDMI input without Audio Return Channel support will not send television audio back to the amplifier.
Set the Television to Stereo PCM
The A25+ accepts stereo PCM through HDMI and its other digital inputs.
It does not decode Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS or another encoded multichannel format. Select PCM or stereo within the television's audio menu if no sound is heard.
Two Coaxial and One Optical Input
Two coaxial RCA inputs and one optical Toslink input allow suitable digital sources to use the A25+'s internal DAC.
Compatible products may include a CD transport, television, network streamer, games console or another stereo digital source.
These inputs support compatible 16-bit and 24-bit PCM at sample rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
The Digital Connections Are Inputs
The coaxial, optical, HDMI and USB-C sockets accept digital audio from external sources.
The A25+ does not provide an optical, coaxial or USB digital output for an external DAC or recorder.
Three Analogue Line Inputs
Three stereo RCA line inputs provide connections for conventional analogue source components.
Suitable products include a CD player, tuner, cassette deck, network streamer, external DAC or turntable with an active built-in phono stage.
The input names can be changed to make source selection clearer within an individual system.
Use the Correct Input Type
Conventional line-level products should connect to Analogue 1, 2 or 3.
Do not connect a CD player, streamer or other line-level component to the phono input, as the additional phono amplification can cause severe overload and distortion.
Moving-Magnet Phono Stage
A dedicated phono input allows a suitable turntable with a moving-magnet cartridge to connect directly.
The phono input is specified with an impedance of 47k ohms and capacitance of 100pF.
RIAA equalisation remains within approximately 1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, while a grounding terminal is provided for turntables that require a separate earth lead.
Browse our
turntable range
for suitable source options.
The Internal Phono Stage Is Moving Magnet Only
A low-output moving-coil cartridge normally requires a suitable external moving-coil phono stage or step-up device.
Confirm the cartridge type before connecting the turntable.
Do Not Use Two Phono Stages Together
A turntable with its built-in phono stage switched on should connect to Analogue 1, 2 or 3.
Passing the signal through both the turntable's phono stage and the A25+ phono input will cause overload and distortion.
Bluetooth 5.4 Audio Reception
Bluetooth 5.4 allows compatible phones, tablets and computers to play directly through the amplifier.
Supported reception technologies include SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Lossless through compatible source equipment.
The amplifier can remember up to five paired source devices. When the memory is full, adding another device replaces the oldest stored pairing.
Bluetooth Autoswitch can select the Bluetooth input automatically when music starts from a connected device.
Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless
Snapdragon Sound combines compatible Qualcomm hardware and Bluetooth technologies to improve wireless audio performance.
With suitable source equipment, aptX Lossless can deliver lossless CD-quality audio under appropriate wireless conditions.
Both the source and amplifier must support the required codec. The Bluetooth connection will use another mutually supported format where necessary.
Lossless Bluetooth Requires a Compatible Source
A phone or computer may connect successfully but use SBC, AAC, aptX or aptX HD rather than aptX Lossless.
Check the source specification and selected Bluetooth codec when lossless operation is important.
Wireless Bluetooth Headphone Output
The A25+ can transmit audio from its connected sources to compatible Bluetooth headphones.
Headphones are paired and selected through the Audio Output menu.
This allows vinyl, CD, television, computer and network-streaming sources to be heard wirelessly without limiting Bluetooth headphone use to music played from a phone.
Bluetooth Input and Output Cannot Operate Together
Bluetooth or Auracast output cannot be used at the same time as Bluetooth or Auracast input.
Select a wired, HDMI, USB-C or another digital source when listening through Bluetooth headphones.
Auracast Audio Sharing
Auracast allows the amplifier to broadcast audio to multiple compatible Bluetooth LE Audio receiving products.
This can be useful for shared headphone listening, accessibility applications or sending the same programme to several compatible devices.
The A25+ can also select a compatible Auracast broadcast as an input source.
Auracast Requires Compatible Equipment
Conventional Bluetooth headphones and speakers do not automatically support Auracast.
Check that every intended receiving product includes suitable Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast functionality.
Front Wired Headphone Output
A 3.5mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel.
Arcam specifies a maximum output of 2.5V RMS into 32-ohm headphones and 5V RMS into 300 ohms.
The supported load range extends from 16 ohms to 2k ohms, covering a broad selection of conventional Hi-Fi headphones.
Connecting wired headphones mutes the loudspeakers and pre-amplifier output by default. This behaviour can be changed through the Output Override menu setting.
Stereo Pre-Amplifier Output
A variable stereo RCA pre-output follows the selected source and volume control.
It can feed a suitable external power amplifier, headphone amplifier or powered subwoofer with a compatible line-level input.
The output is full range and does not provide dedicated subwoofer crossover or bass-management controls.
No Dedicated Subwoofer Management
A powered subwoofer connected through the pre-output must provide its own crossover, level and phase controls.
The A25+ does not automatically remove bass frequencies from the main loudspeakers.
Processor Mode for Home Cinema Integration
Processor Mode allows one conventional analogue input to operate at a fixed volume.
The front left and right pre-amplifier outputs of a compatible AV receiver or processor can then use the A25+ to power the main stereo loudspeakers.
The AV processor controls the complete system volume during film and television use, while the Arcam returns to ordinary integrated-amplifier operation for its other stereo sources.
Processor Mode Cannot Be Assigned to Phono
Assign Processor Mode only to Analogue 1, 2 or 3.
Set and test the fixed Processor Volume carefully before carrying out AV receiver calibration or room correction.
A Fixed-Volume Input Requires Care
A source connected to the selected Processor Mode input can play at the predetermined fixed level.
Do not connect an ordinary music source to that input unless another component provides safe volume control.
Matching Arcam Source Components
The A25+ is designed to complement Arcam's Radia source components visually and operationally.
A dedicated control connection and Streamer Input menu setting help integrate a compatible Arcam network player.
The compact system remote includes navigation and transport controls for compatible Arcam products.
Add the Arcam ST25 Network Streamer
The A25+ includes Bluetooth but does not contain Wi-Fi, Ethernet or built-in network-streaming services.
The
Arcam ST25 music streamer
adds high-resolution network playback, internet radio, AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon and local network libraries.
The ST25 was designed as a natural partner for Arcam's higher-performance Radia systems and includes analogue and digital outputs for flexible connection.
Read the
Audio T Swindon review of the Arcam ST25
for a closer look at its streaming platform and system performance.
The A25+ Is Not a Network Streamer
Bluetooth does not provide the same functionality as a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network player.
A separate streamer is required for integrated services, internet radio, app-controlled network playback and NAS music libraries.
Add the Arcam CD5 CD Player
The
Arcam Radia CD5
provides dedicated compact-disc and USB-storage playback.
Its analogue RCA output can use the CD5's internal ESS DAC, while its optical or coaxial output allows the A25+ to perform digital-to-analogue conversion.
Comparing the analogue and digital connections provides a useful way to decide which conversion and analogue stage best suits the complete system.
Arcam A25+ and Neat Momentum Jet-S
Audio T Cheltenham has used the A25+ with the
Neat Acoustics Momentum Jet-S
standmount speakers and the Arcam CD5 as a reference demonstration system.
The Momentum Jet-S has an 8-ohm nominal impedance, a 5-ohm minimum impedance and a recommended amplifier range of 25W to 200W, placing the A25+'s rated output comfortably within the manufacturer's guidance.
Read the
Audio T Cheltenham Neat Momentum Jet-S review
for listening impressions from this system.
Service USB Connection
The separate Service USB socket is used for installing amplifier software updates.
It is not an audio input and cannot receive music from a computer, phone, tablet or USB storage drive.
Computer audio should connect to the dedicated USB-C input instead.
Trigger and Control Connections
Trigger input and output connections allow compatible source components, power amplifiers or control products to coordinate their standby operation.
An infrared input can assist installations where the front remote receiver is hidden from view.
A dedicated Radia control input is provided for compatible Arcam source components.
Control Connections Do Not Carry Audio
Trigger, infrared and Radia control sockets transmit control information rather than music.
Connect them only to compatible equipment using the correct cable and connection type.
Front-Panel Controls
The left aluminium dial scrolls through the available inputs and can be pressed to confirm the selection.
Pressing and holding the input control allows the current source name to be changed.
The right dial adjusts listening volume, mutes and unmutes the amplifier when pressed, and enters standby when held.
Illuminated Control Halos
Illuminated surrounds around the front controls provide a distinctive visual feature specific to the A25+ within the Radia+ range.
Halo brightness can be adjusted through the amplifier's settings menu.
This allows the lighting to remain prominent during daytime use or become less distracting during evening listening.
Compact System Remote Included
The supplied remote provides input selection, volume, mute, menu navigation, display control and compatible transport functions.
Two AAA batteries are included.
The amplifier's infrared code can be changed if its commands conflict with another product in the room.
Automatic Standby
The A25+ enters standby automatically after approximately 20 minutes without audio playback or user interaction under its default power-management setting.
The Eco Timer can be disabled where automatic standby is unsuitable.
Standby power consumption is specified below 0.5W in the lowest-power mode.
Loudspeaker Connections
One stereo pair of binding posts connects the A25+ to suitable passive loudspeakers.
Maintain correct polarity by connecting each positive amplifier terminal to the positive terminal of the corresponding speaker.
The terminals are marked for loudspeaker systems between 4 and 16 ohms, although real speaker impedance and sensitivity should still be considered.
Switch Off Before Connecting Speakers
Disconnect the amplifier from the mains before installing or changing loudspeaker cables.
Check that no loose strands of bare wire can touch another terminal or the amplifier chassis.
Speaker Matching
The A25+'s power and Class G architecture make it suitable for a wide selection of standmount and floorstanding speakers.
It is particularly relevant where the loudspeakers benefit from stronger amplifier control, the room is relatively large or the preferred listening level demands greater headroom.
The right combination still depends on impedance, sensitivity, room acoustics, placement and personal taste.
Read our
amplifier and loudspeaker system-balancing guide
for more advice on distributing a system budget.
Protection and Ventilation
The A25+ monitors conditions including excessive temperature, loudspeaker short circuits and DC offset.
If protection is activated, switch the amplifier off and inspect the speaker cables, ventilation and connected equipment before restarting it.
The amplifier is designed to run warm and should be placed on a firm, level surface with open space around its ventilation openings.
Do Not Use a Closed Cabinet Without Ventilation
Restricted airflow can increase the operating temperature and cause the amplifier to enter protection.
Do not place another component on top, as this can obstruct the heatsink and expose the other product to heat.
Keep the Amplifier Away from Turntables
Avoid placing a turntable directly on top of or immediately beside the A25+.
A phono cartridge may pick up mechanical vibration or electromagnetic hum from amplifier power supplies.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Medium and larger listening rooms
- Demanding standmount and floorstanding speakers
- High-quality CD players and network streamers
- USB-C computer audio systems
- Moving-magnet turntable systems
- Television sound through HDMI eARC
- High-resolution optical and coaxial sources
- Lossless Bluetooth from compatible devices
- Bluetooth and Auracast headphone listening
- Combined stereo and home cinema systems
- External power amplifiers and powered subwoofers
Check Before Buying
- No Wi-Fi or Ethernet music streaming
- No integrated streaming-service applications
- No moving-coil phono setting
- No room correction or automatic speaker calibration
- No dedicated subwoofer crossover or bass management
- No Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital or DTS decoding
- Digital inputs require compatible stereo PCM
- USB-C does not list DSD input support
- aptX Lossless requires compatible source equipment
- Auracast requires compatible receiving products
- No balanced XLR inputs or outputs
- One pair of passive speakers connects directly
Setup Guidance
- Use the television's ARC or eARC HDMI socket
- Set the television to stereo PCM
- Use USB-C for compatible computer audio
- Use the Service USB only for software updates
- Connect MM turntables to the dedicated phono input
- Connect turntables with active phono stages to a line input
- Check the Bluetooth codec used by the source device
- Configure Processor Mode before AV calibration
- Use the subwoofer's own crossover with the pre-output
- Provide open space around the amplifier
Browse our
integrated amplifiers
,
passive loudspeakers
,
turntables
,
network music streamers
,
CD players
and
audio cables
, or explore the complete
Arcam range at Audio T
.
A5+, A15+ and A25+ Comparison
Arcam A5+
- Class AB amplification
- 50W per channel into 8 ohms
- 75W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz
- ESS ES9018K2M DAC
- MM phono input
- Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast
- No HDMI eARC or USB-C audio
View the Arcam A5+
Arcam A15+
- Class AB amplification
- 80W per channel into 8 ohms
- 120W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz
- ESS ES9018K2M DAC
- MM phono input
- Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast
- HDMI eARC but no USB-C audio
View the Arcam A15+
Arcam A25+
- Fifth-generation Class G amplification
- 100W per channel into 8 ohms
- 165W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz
- ESS ES9018K2M DAC
- MM phono input
- Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast
- HDMI eARC and USB-C audio
Finish
Radia Black
The A25+ uses Arcam's understated Radia Black finish with aluminium front, top, side and rear panels, solid aluminium controls and discreet yellow detailing.
Key Features
- Fifth-generation Arcam Class G integrated amplifier
- 100W per channel into 8 ohms
- 165W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz
- Enhanced Radia+ power-supply design
- ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC
- USB-C computer audio input
- USB-C PCM playback up to 32-bit/384kHz
- HDMI eARC and ARC television input
- HDMI Autoswitch function
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- One optical digital input
- Compatible non-USB digital playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Selectable DAC filters
- Standard and Wide digital PLL settings
- Three stereo RCA analogue line inputs
- Dedicated moving-magnet phono input
- Turntable grounding terminal
- Variable stereo RCA pre-amplifier output
- Processor Mode for home cinema integration
- Bluetooth 5.4 audio reception
- Bluetooth 5.4 headphone transmission
- Snapdragon Sound
- aptX Lossless
- aptX HD and aptX
- AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs
- Bluetooth LE Audio
- Auracast transmission and reception
- Front 3.5mm wired headphone output
- Adjustable illuminated control halos
- Radia source-component control input
- Infrared control input
- Trigger input and output
- Separate Service USB for software updates
- Automatic standby
- Compact Arcam system remote included
- Full aluminium outer construction
- Plastic-free packaging
- Radia Black finish
Technical Specifications
- Product type: Stereo Class G integrated amplifier, DAC, MM phono stage and headphone amplifier
- Amplifier architecture: Fifth-generation Arcam Class G
- Continuous output into 8 ohms: 2 x 100W, both channels driven, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.5% THD
- Output into 4 ohms: 2 x 165W, both channels driven at 1kHz, 0.5% THD
- Harmonic distortion: 0.002% at 80% power, 8 ohms and 1kHz
- Analogue line inputs: Three stereo RCA pairs
- Analogue-input signal-to-noise ratio: 106dB A-weighted at the stated reference condition
- Analogue-input frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz, within approximately 0.2dB
- Phono input: Moving magnet
- Phono input impedance: 47k ohms and 100pF
- Phono frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz, within approximately 1dB of the RIAA curve
- Phono signal-to-noise ratio: 80dB A-weighted at the stated reference condition
- Moving-coil phono input: Not provided
- DAC: ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
- Coaxial digital inputs: Two
- Optical digital input: One
- HDMI input: HDMI eARC and ARC
- USB audio input: USB-C
- Digital audio format: Stereo PCM
- Encoded multichannel digital audio: Not supported
- USB-C sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 and 384kHz
- USB-C bit depths: 16, 24 and 32 bits
- Other digital-input sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz
- Other digital-input bit depths: 16 and 24 bits
- DSD input support: Not listed
- Digital-input signal-to-noise ratio: 109dB A-weighted at the stated reference condition
- Digital filters: Selectable
- Digital PLL: Standard and Wide settings
- Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.4
- Bluetooth profiles: A2DP Sink and Source, AVRCP and BLE
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Lossless
- Snapdragon Sound: Supported with compatible equipment
- Bluetooth LE Audio: Supported
- Auracast: Compatible transmission and reception
- Bluetooth transmitter frequency: 2,400MHz to 2,483.5MHz
- Bluetooth transmitter power: Below 20dBm manufacturer specification
- Wired headphone connection: Front 3.5mm stereo socket
- Headphone output into 32 ohms: Maximum 2.5V RMS
- Headphone output into 300 ohms: Maximum 5V RMS
- Supported headphone load range: 16 ohms to 2k ohms
- Pre-amplifier output: Variable stereo RCA pair
- Dedicated subwoofer output: Not provided
- Processor Mode: Assignable to a conventional analogue input
- Loudspeaker output: One stereo pair of binding posts
- Speaker-terminal marking: 4 to 16 ohms
- Control connections: Radia control input, infrared input and trigger input and output
- Service USB: Software updates only
- Network music streaming: Not included
- Wi-Fi: Not included
- Ethernet: Not included
- Automatic standby: Approximately 20 minutes by default, configurable
- Mains voltage: 100V, 110V to 120V or 220V to 240V AC, 50 or 60Hz
- Maximum power consumption: 500W
- Standby power consumption: Less than 0.5W in the lowest-power mode
- Maximum ambient operating temperature: 35 degrees Celsius
- Dimensions: 431mm wide x 344mm deep x 83mm high, including terminals and feet
- Net weight: 9kg
- Packed weight: 12kg
- Finish: Radia Black
- Included: Arcam A25+, mains lead, remote control, two AAA batteries, quick-start guide and safety documentation
- Manufacturer's warranty: Five years, subject to Arcam's current warranty conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arcam A25+?
It is a stereo integrated amplifier combining Class G power amplification, an ESS DAC, USB-C computer audio, an MM phono stage and wired and wireless headphone listening.
How powerful is the A25+?
It delivers 100W per channel into 8 ohms across 20Hz to 20kHz and 165W per channel into 4 ohms at the manufacturer's stated 1kHz condition.
What does Class G mean?
Class G uses more than one power-supply level, allowing the amplifier to operate efficiently during ordinary listening while making additional voltage and power available for demanding musical peaks.
Can it drive floorstanding speakers?
It can drive a broad selection of suitable floorstanding speakers. Impedance, sensitivity, room size and preferred listening level should still be considered before choosing a combination.
What is the difference between the A25+ and A15+?
The A25+ uses Class G amplification, provides greater power and adds USB-C computer audio. Both include HDMI eARC, an ESS DAC, MM phono input and Bluetooth 5.4.
Does it have HDMI eARC?
Yes. Connect a compatible television through its ARC or eARC HDMI socket.
Does HDMI support Dolby Atmos?
No. The A25+ accepts stereo PCM and does not decode Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS or other encoded multichannel formats.
Why is there no television sound?
Check that the HDMI cable is connected to the television's ARC or eARC socket and set its digital-audio output to PCM or stereo.
Can the amplifier select HDMI automatically?
Yes. HDMI Autoswitch can switch on the amplifier and select HDMI when compatible television audio begins.
Can it be used as a USB DAC?
Yes. A compatible computer or USB audio source can connect through the dedicated USB-C input.
What is the maximum USB-C resolution?
Compatible stereo PCM is supported at up to 32-bit/384kHz.
Does USB-C support DSD?
DSD input support is not listed. The current specification describes compatible stereo PCM playback.
What is the Service USB socket for?
It is used only for amplifier software updates. Computer audio must connect through USB-C.
How many conventional digital inputs are provided?
The A25+ provides two coaxial inputs, one optical input and one HDMI eARC input in addition to USB-C.
Does it contain a network music streamer?
No. Add a suitable network player such as the Arcam ST25 for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, internet radio and integrated streaming services.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth 5.4 supports reception from compatible sources and transmission to suitable wireless headphones.
Does it support aptX Lossless?
Yes. The source must also support aptX Lossless, and the connection may use another compatible codec depending on the equipment and wireless conditions.
Can it transmit to Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. Compatible headphones can be paired and selected through the Audio Output menu.
Can Bluetooth input and wireless headphones be used together?
No. Bluetooth or Auracast output cannot operate at the same time as Bluetooth or Auracast input.
What is Auracast?
Auracast allows compatible audio to be broadcast to multiple suitable Bluetooth LE Audio receiving products.
Does it have a wired headphone output?
Yes. A 3.5mm stereo headphone socket is positioned on the front panel.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes. A suitable moving-magnet turntable can connect directly to the dedicated phono input.
Does it support moving-coil cartridges?
The internal phono stage is designed for moving-magnet cartridges. Most low-output moving-coil cartridges require a suitable external phono stage.
Where should a turntable with a built-in phono stage connect?
Set the turntable to line output and connect it to Analogue 1, 2 or 3 rather than the dedicated phono input.
Does it have a pre-amplifier output?
Yes. A variable stereo RCA pre-output can feed a suitable power amplifier, headphone amplifier or powered subwoofer.
Does it have dedicated subwoofer management?
No. The full-range pre-output can feed a powered subwoofer, but the subwoofer must provide its own crossover, level and phase controls.
Can it be integrated with a home cinema receiver?
Yes. Processor Mode assigns a fixed volume to one analogue input for use with compatible front-channel pre-outs.
Can Processor Mode be assigned to the phono input?
No. It can be assigned only to a conventional analogue line input.
Does it enter standby automatically?
Yes. The default Eco Timer is approximately 20 minutes without audio or user interaction and can be disabled.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. A compact Arcam system remote and two AAA batteries are supplied.
What is included in the box?
The package includes the Arcam A25+, mains lead, remote control, two AAA batteries, quick-start guide and safety documentation.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable standmount and floorstanding speakers
- Comparison with the Arcam A5+ and A15+
- Class G amplifier and speaker-matching advice
- HDMI eARC television setup guidance
- USB-C computer audio configuration
- Optical and coaxial digital-source setup
- Moving-magnet turntable and cartridge matching
- External phono-stage advice for moving-coil systems
- Arcam CD5 and ST25 system integration
- Bluetooth codec and wireless-headphone setup
- Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless guidance
- Auracast compatibility advice
- Processor Mode and AV receiver integration
- Powered-subwoofer and pre-output setup
- Speaker cable and analogue interconnect recommendations
- Ventilation and equipment-rack advice
- 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 matching the Arcam A25+ with suitable sources and loudspeakers.