By CE Critic - Buy Better Tech

Arcam, the venerable British audio manufacturer, is making a triumphant return with its new Radia Series—a range of audio products that pays homage to its British audio heritage while embracing modern design and affordability. This series is poised to appeal to both seasoned HiFi enthusiasts and a younger generation of audio enthusiasts looking for a luxurious yet reasonably priced audio system.

The Revival of Arcam

HARMAN Luxury Audio Group, the driving force behind Arcam's renaissance, introduces the ARCAM Radia Series, featuring the ARCAM A5, A15, and A25 integrated amplifiers, the ARCAM CD5 CD player, and the ARCAM ST5 high-resolution streamer. This exciting lineup includes Class AB and Class G integrated amplifiers, a streamer, and a CD player, marking not only the launch of innovative products but also a revitalized brand.

Jim Garrett, Senior Director of Product Strategy and Planning at HARMAN Luxury Audio Group, expressed the company's commitment to creating a series that marries cutting-edge technology with timeless design. "With the Radia family, we've renewed our focus on intimate performance and embraced the very latest audio technologies. For today's audio enthusiasts, especially younger ones looking to get into a luxury audio system at a reasonable cost, the resulting solutions surpass not only our past offerings but any product that's come before."

Elegance in Design

The ARCAM Radia Series products exude an understated elegance, featuring symmetrical designs that complement their aluminum exteriors. Sleek matte black surfaces are adorned with signature Radia yellow highlights, creating a contemporary and visually pleasing aesthetic. Ventilation cut-outs discreetly incorporated into dynamic lines on the top ensure a clean and uncluttered look. The rear panel, resembling the rear diffusers found in high-performance cars, effectively conceals connector housings from view. Redesigned knobs, finished in satin black, are both elegant and functional, providing an optimal user experience while concealing fingerprints.

Amplifying Your Experience

The Radia amplifiers come equipped with Bluetooth aptX Adaptive receivers, internal antennas, digital inputs, and ARCAM's renowned MM phono stage. The A5 and A15, with 50W and 100W per channel in Class AB, feature new digital circuitry based on the ESS ES9018 DAC. The A25, boasting 100W per channel in a Class G amplifier, incorporates the ESS ES9280AQ DAC, USB-C inputs, LED illuminated highlights, and an OLED display on the front panel. This amplifier trio ensures that you enjoy uncompromising audio quality and versatility.

Streaming with Flair

The ST5 music streamer is designed for the modern audiophile, offering support for an array of music services, including Amazon Music Unlimited, Qobuz, Internet radio, podcasts, Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect. It also supports MQA, Google Chromecast, Apple Airplay 2, and Roon. With an internal Wi-Fi antenna and the redesigned Arcam App, it provides access to an extensive selection of streaming options, including Amazon Music, Qobuz, and global internet radio stations. Roon certification further elevates your streaming experience.

CDs Reimagined

The CD5 CD player provides CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback, along with USB mass storage playback, supporting FLAC, WAV, and MP3 formats. Both the ST5 and CD5 feature an ESS ES9018 DAC and deliver 24-bit/192-kHz resolution, ensuring that your music collection is reproduced faithfully.

A Fresh Look, A Bright Future

The Radia Series not only marks a resurgence of Arcam but also introduces a new brand identity that focuses on delivering astounding sound, celebrating British heritage, and making luxury accessible. The introduction of Radia Yellow, chosen for its contemporary appeal and differentiation, can be found throughout the series, adding a modern flair while maintaining Arcam's timeless tradition.

Coming Soon

The ARCAM Radia Series is set to hit retailers in the fourth quarter of 2023. Here's a glimpse of what's to come:

• ARCAM Radia A5: £749 / $699 / €849
• ARCAM Radia A15: £1,099 / $999 / €1,249
• ARCAM Radia A25: £1,499 / $1,499 / €1,799
• ARCAM Radia CD5: £699 / $699 / €799
• ARCAM Radia ST5: £799 / $799 / €949

With these compelling offerings, Arcam's return to the forefront of the audio world promises to be a thrilling journey for audiophiles both old and new.