Arcam
Arcam AVR21 Ex-Display
Arcam AVR21 Ex-Display
Arcam AVR21 Ex-Display
Seven channels of high-power Class AB amplification, sixteen-channel immersive audio decoding, Dirac Live room correction, HDMI 2.1, and a full streaming platform — at £2,499, the AVR21 Ex-Display is the same product as the new unit, with a showroom history rather than a box history.
Class AB Amplification — Built on Arcam Stereo Heritage
The AVR21's seven amplifier channels are Class AB designs drawn directly from Arcam's stereo amplifier range. Power is delivered by an over-engineered toroidal transformer, chosen for its low electromagnetic interference and ability to sustain real-world dynamic loads without compression.
Two channels driven, 20Hz–20kHz into 8Ω: 110W per channel. Into 4Ω: 175W per channel. Two channels driven at 1kHz, 0.2% THD: 125W into 8Ω, 190W into 4Ω. Seven channels driven at 1kHz, 0.2% THD: 90W into 8Ω, 110W into 4Ω. Residual noise and hum, A-weighted: <0.15mV.
16-Channel Immersive Audio Decoding
The AVR21 decodes up to sixteen channels of immersive audio natively — Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and AURO-3D are all supported. The seven amplified channels handle the core speaker layout; the remaining decoded channels feed external amplification via the pre-amplifier outputs where the installation calls for it.
Dirac Live Room Correction
Dirac Live is included as standard, with a calibration microphone and USB cable supplied in the box. Dirac Live Bass Control is available as a separate licence from the Dirac website for those who want extended low-frequency management.
Dual ESS 9026PRO DACs
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by a pair of ESS 9026PRO audiophile DACs, each running with ESS reference voltage regulators. Dual-DAC architectures reduce interchannel interference and lower the noise floor. Signal-to-noise ratio in stereo direct mode: 110dB (A-weighted, ref. 100W). Standard stereo mode: 100dB.
HDMI 2.1 and Video
Seven HDMI inputs and three outputs are provided, including a Zone 2 output. All inputs support 8K/60fps and 4K/120fps. eARC is supported. HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3. Supported dynamic range profiles: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG.
Streaming and Wireless
Google Chromecast is built in for streaming audio from any Cast-compatible app. Apple AirPlay 2 is supported. Bluetooth is aptX HD — a codec that transmits at higher resolution than standard Bluetooth. Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect are supported, along with UPnP via the free MusicLife iOS and Android app. The AVR21 is Roon Ready and supports MQA. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RS232, and IR control are all provided.
Analogue and Preamplifier Performance
Stereo line inputs accept up to 4.5V RMS, with nominal sensitivity user-adjustable between 1V, 2V, and 4V. Input impedance is 47kΩ. Frequency response is 20Hz–20kHz ±0.2dB. Preamplifier outputs deliver a nominal 1V RMS (maximum 5V RMS) with an output impedance of 560Ω and THD+N across 20Hz–20kHz of –100dB. Headphone output delivers up to 5V RMS into 32Ω, with an output impedance of <100Ω.
Technical Specifications
| Amplifier channels | 7 × Class AB |
| Channels decoded | 16 (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, AURO-3D) |
| Power output (2ch, 20Hz–20kHz, 8Ω / 4Ω) | 110W / 175W per channel |
| Power output (2ch, 1kHz, 0.2% THD, 8Ω / 4Ω) | 125W / 190W per channel |
| Power output (7ch, 1kHz, 0.2% THD, 8Ω / 4Ω) | 90W / 110W per channel |
| Residual noise & hum (A-wtd) | <0.15mV |
| DACs | Dual ESS 9026PRO with ESS reference voltage regulators |
| Analogue input impedance | 47kΩ |
| Analogue max input | 4.5V RMS |
| Analogue nominal sensitivity | 1V, 2V, 4V (user adjustable) |
| Analogue SNR (normal / stereo direct, A-wtd, ref. 100W) | 100dB / 110dB |
| Analogue frequency response | 20Hz–20kHz ±0.2dB |
| Preamp output (nominal / max) | 1V RMS / 5V RMS |
| Preamp output impedance | 560Ω |
| Preamp THD+N (20Hz–20kHz) | –100dB |
| Headphone max output (32Ω) | 5V RMS |
| Headphone output impedance | <100Ω |
| HDMI inputs / outputs | 7 / 3 (inc. Zone 2) |
| HDMI version / HDCP | 2.1 / 2.3 |
| Maximum resolution | 8K/60fps or 4K/120fps |
| HDR formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| eARC | Yes |
| Streaming | Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, MQA, UPnP |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RS232, IR |
| Dimensions (W×D×H, inc. feet) | 433 × 425 × 171mm |
| Weight (net / packed) | 16.6kg / 19.9kg |
| Power consumption (max / idle / standby) | 1.5kW / 100W / <0.5W |
| Mains voltage | 110–120V or 220–240V, 50–60Hz |
| Supplied accessories | Mains lead, remote control (2× AAA), Quick Start Guide, DAB/FM aerial, 3× Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, calibration microphone, USB cable |
Who Is It For?
The AVR21 is for the listener who wants a serious, single-chassis home cinema solution — one that handles immersive audio decoding, high-power amplification, and high-resolution streaming without compromise in the amplifier topology. At this ex-display price, it offers access to a product that would otherwise sit at a higher price point.
It pairs naturally with a wide range of speaker systems. If your installation calls for more than seven amplified channels, the Arcam PA720 Seven-Channel Power Amplifier extends the system cleanly. For those considering the step up to a separate processor, the Arcam AV41 AV Processor is worth a conversation. If a new AVR21 is of interest for comparison, it is also available as a new unit.
Buying from Martins Hi-Fi
Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.
The AVR21 Ex-Display is available to hear in our Norwich showroom — this is the unit we have been using for demonstrations, and you are welcome to come and listen before you decide.
When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris and Tim — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system.
Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.
