Arcam AVR31

The AVR31 is Arcam's flagship AV receiver. Sixteen channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D decoding feed into seven channels of high-power Class G amplification — the same amplifier topology Arcam use in their stereo amplifiers, brought into the AV domain without compromise. Dual ESS 9026PRO DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators sit at the heart of the signal chain. If you want the best Arcam can do in a single AV receiver chassis, this is it.

Class G Amplification

Class G is the key distinction between the AVR31 and the AVR21 beneath it. Where conventional Class AB amplification operates at a fixed supply rail, Class G uses multiple supply rails that switch according to the demand of the signal — delivering the efficiency and low noise of a modest supply under light load, and the headroom of a larger supply when the music or soundtrack demands it. The result is amplification that is both more powerful and runs cooler than a comparable Class AB design.

Arcam's implementation draws directly on the Class G topology developed for their stereo amplifiers. Seven channels of this amplification, driven by an over-engineered toroidal transformer, give the AVR31 real-world power reserves that matter when driving a full surround array in a large room.

The dual ESS 9026PRO DAC chipsets — each with dedicated ESS reference voltage regulators — keep the noise floor low and dynamic resolution high throughout the signal chain.

HDMI 2.1 and Video

Seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three HDMI outputs — including a Zone 2 output — with HDCP 2.3 throughout. All inputs support 8K@60fps and 4K@120fps. All outputs are eARC compatible. HDR support covers Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG.

The Zone 2 HDMI output allows a second room to share the same source — a practical addition for larger installations that the AVR21 also carries, and which distinguishes both from the AVR11.

Dirac Live Room Correction

Dirac Live room correction is included — no separate licence required. Dirac Live Bass Control is supported with a separately purchased licence from Dirac's website, extending correction to subwoofer integration and bass distribution across the room. At this level of investment, having Dirac Live built in rather than optional is the correct approach.

Streaming

AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth aptX HD, MQA, and Roon Ready are all supported. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RS232, and IR control cover both domestic and custom installation scenarios. The AVR31 works as a serious music system as well as a cinema processor — the streaming capability is not an afterthought.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The AVR31 is for those who want Arcam's best AV receiver engineering without moving to separates. Class G amplification, 16-channel decoding, HDMI 2.1, and Dirac Live in a single chassis — it is a complete system for a serious room. For those who want to go further still, the Arcam PA720 power amplifier can be added via the AVR31's pre-outs, extending the system to a full 16-channel amplified configuration.

Those earlier in the Arcam AV range — the Arcam AVR11 and Arcam AVR21 — are the natural stepping stones. The AVR31 is where Class G amplification begins.

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 AVR31 is available to hear in our Norwich showroom, set up in a full surround system so you can assess both its cinema and music performance properly.

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.