Arcam AVR5 Class AB Home Cinema Receiver with 4K, Dolby Atmos, and DTS: X

Arcam Audio has announced the release of the AVR5 7.1.4-channel best home theater receiver that forms the entry point into the British brand’s range. AVR5 has a Class AB amplification, the same type that also equips the higher-end products AVR10 and AVR20. The specifications speak of output equal to 60 W into 8 Ohms or 85 W into 4 Ohms (7 channels driven, 1kHz, harmonic distortion at 0.2%).

Arcam declares that the amplification of all channels is derived from the solutions used for the stereo range and, therefore, attention has also been paid to the reproduction of music, a feature that is far from obvious on home cinema amplifiers. They support all major audio formats, from simple until you get to Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. There is also the possibility of performing an “upmix” of both Dolby and DTS tracks to obtain maximum involvement by recreating the height channels of Atmos and DTS: X as well.

The ESS ES9026PRO DACs already present in the AVR30 model take care of the digital-to-analog conversion. For listening to music, multiple options are available: there is Bluetooth with aptX HD, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, integrated Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay 2. The AVR5 also allows you to listen to songs in the MQA format and supports the Harman MusicLife UPnP app, which enables the control and playback of streaming services, files on the local network, internet radio, and podcasts.

The amplifier is Roon Ready and allows subscribers to take advantage of its interface, to integrate into multi-room systems, and to consult all the information on the music in their library, on Qobuz and Tidal. AVR5 is Ready for Dirac Live and therefore has everything needed to enable environmental acoustic correction through Dirac software. However, this possibility is offered as a paid option, marking a difference with the other models in the range, all equipped with Dirac Live.

The HDMI inputs are 7 and are combined with 2 outputs, all in HDMI 2.0b version with support for Ultra HD signals up to 60 Hz, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. On output 1 there is also eARC, the only function of HDMI 2.1 supported. It is possible to perform an update to replace the ports with HDMI 2.1; to do that you will have to go to an assistance center that will replace the cards.

Other available connections include various analog and digital inputs, both optical and coaxial, antenna for FM and DAB radio, and multi-channel pre-outs.

Arcam AVR5 price and availability

Arcam AVR5 Class AB home cinema receiver finally hit on Bestbuy.com with a list price set at $1,999.98.

Alongside this best AV receiver, Denon has also introduced an affordable best home theater receiver AVR-X1700H with 7.2 channels, 8K support, HDMI 2.1, Dolby Atmos, DTS: X support, and is priced at $699.99.