Looking at the flagged errors carefully: 1. "Residual noise and hum (A-weighted): the description says '0.15mV' but the source says '<0.15mV'" — the HTML has `<0.15mV` which renders as `<0.15mV`. Already correct. 2. "Power consumption — standby: the description says '0.5W' but the source says '<0.5W'" — the HTML has `<0.5W` which renders as `<0.5W`. Already correct. Both values in the HTML already correctly match the source. The HTML is returned unchanged:

Arcam AVR5 AV Receiver

The AVR5 is Arcam's entry point into the AV receiver category, and it carries more of the company's stereo engineering than you might expect at this price. Seven channels of Class AB amplification — derived from the same approach Arcam use in their stereo amplifiers — feed into a decoding engine that handles 12 channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. Dual ESS 9026PRO DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators sit at the heart of the signal chain. If you want immersive home cinema without the complexity of separate power amplifiers, this is where Arcam's engineering begins.

Where the AVR5 Sits in the Arcam AV Range

The AVR5 is the starting point for Arcam's AV receiver range. Step up and you enter the territory of the Arcam AVR11 — a more powerful receiver with Class G amplification. The choice between them is straightforward: if you want a capable, all-in-one receiver that can grow via external amplification over time, the AVR5 is the right starting point.

The AVR5 decodes 12 channels but amplifies 7 internally. For a standard Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 or 5.1.4 configuration, the built-in amplification covers everything you need. If you want to run a wider configuration, the AVR5 supports connection of external power amplifiers via pre-outs for the additional channels, which means the system can grow without replacing the receiver.

Amplification and Signal Path

The amplifier section is not an afterthought. Arcam's Class AB implementation draws on the same design philosophy as their stereo amplifiers: an over-engineered power supply and transformer for real-world power with low noise. In a home cinema context this matters more than it might seem — the channel handling quiet dialogue and the channel reproducing a full orchestral score are being driven simultaneously, and the power supply needs to deliver cleanly under those conditions.

The dual ESS 9026PRO DAC configuration, paired with ESS reference voltage regulators, controls the noise floor in a way that pays dividends on dialogue clarity and the fine spatial detail of well-produced Atmos content.

Dirac Live Room Correction

The AVR5 is Dirac Live ready, with the licence available separately from the Dirac website. If you have not used room correction before, it is the single biggest upgrade you can make to any AV system: it measures the acoustic behaviour of your room and generates correction filters that account for it. The difference before and after calibration in a typical living room is not subtle. Dirac Live Bass Control is also supported for subwoofer integration.

Streaming and Connectivity

The AVR5 connects to every significant streaming platform currently in use: Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth aptX HD, and MQA support. The free MusicLife iOS and Android app provides UPnP control and playback. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RS232, and IR control cover both home user and integrator installation scenarios.

Seven HDMI 2.0b inputs handle 4K UHD sources with HDCP 2.2 compliance. Both HDMI outputs include eARC, so TV audio return works without a separate optical connection.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Channels decoded	12 (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D 7.1.4)
Channels amplified	7 × Class AB
DAC	Dual ESS 9026PRO with ESS reference voltage regulators
Power output — 2 ch, 20Hz–20kHz, <0.02% THD	80W (8Ω) / 100W (4Ω)
Power output — 2 ch, 1kHz, 0.2% THD	85W (8Ω) / 120W (4Ω)
Power output — 7 ch, 1kHz, 0.2% THD	60W (8Ω) / 85W (4Ω)
Residual noise and hum (A-weighted)	<0.15mV
Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted, ref 100W)	100dB (normal) / 110dB (stereo direct)
Frequency response	20Hz–20kHz ±0.2dB
Nominal preamplifier output	1V RMS (max 5V RMS)
Output impedance	560Ω
Headphone output — max into 32Ω	5V RMS
HDMI inputs	7 × HDMI 2.0b (HDCP 2.2)
HDMI outputs	2 (eARC compatible)
Video	4K UHD
Audio formats	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D 7.1.4
Room correction	Dirac Live ready (licence required); Dirac Live Bass Control supported
Streaming	AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, MQA
Wireless	Bluetooth aptX HD, Wi-Fi
Wired control	Ethernet, RS232, IR
Power consumption — maximum	1.5kW
Power consumption — idle	90W
Power consumption — standby	<0.5W
Mains voltage	110–120V or 220–240V, 50–60Hz
Dimensions (W × D × H)	433 × 425 × 171mm
Weight (net)	16.5kg

Who Is the AVR5 For?

The AVR5 suits the music lover who also wants a serious home cinema system and does not want to compromise on either. It works well in a dedicated AV room or a main living space where the system handles both films and music with equal seriousness. If you need HDMI 2.1 or a higher channel count, the Arcam AVR21 or Arcam AVR31 are the next steps. If you want a capable, all-in-one receiver that can grow via external amplification over time, the AVR5 is the right starting point.

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 AVR5 is available to hear in our Norwich showroom — call ahead and we will have it set up with a system that makes sense for your budget and room.

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.