Arcam Radia AVA15 AV Amplifier

The AVA15 is the entry point into Arcam's Radia AV range — and as entry points go, it sets an ambitious standard. Nine channels of Class D amplification at 75 watts per channel with all nine driven, full Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced decoding, Dirac Live room correction, seven HDMI 2.1a inputs with 8K passthrough, and a complete streaming platform. It replaces a receiver, a separate room correction processor and a streaming device in a single Arcam chassis engineered in Cambridge.

Where the AVA15 Sits in the Radia AV Range

The Radia AV range runs from the AVA15 through the AVA25 to the AVA35. The AVA15 uses Class D amplification — an efficient, compact topology that delivers 75W per channel across all nine channels from a chassis that runs relatively cool. The step to the AVA25 changes the amplifier class to Class AB and increases per-channel power to 100W, adding Auro-3D decoding and extending the pre-amplifier outputs from 12 to 16 channels.

For listeners who want processing separated from amplification entirely, the AVP45 is the processor-only option, with 16 balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs for external power amplifiers. The AVA15 is the right starting point when an all-in-one solution at a realistic budget is the brief, and when nine channels of Dolby Atmos is the target.

The AVA15 decodes 16 channels but amplifies nine internally. The 12 RCA pre-amp outputs allow connection of external power amplifiers for additional channels when the system expands — a useful path for anyone who starts with a 5.1 or 7.1 configuration and wants to add height speakers over time without replacing the core unit.

Sound and Performance

Class D amplification has matured considerably from its early reputation for efficiency at the expense of character. Modern Class D designs — particularly from manufacturers with a strong stereo amplifier heritage — deliver clean, controlled output that handles both cinema dynamics and musical content well. The AVA15 achieves 0.01% THD at 80% power into 8Ω across all nine channels: a figure well below audibility in any practical listening context.

The efficiency advantage of Class D is meaningful in a nine-channel design: lower heat output means a smaller chassis, lower idle power consumption, and less ventilation requirement in a permanent installation. At 75W per channel into 8Ω with all nine channels driven, the AVA15 handles standard-sensitivity speakers in a typical UK room without difficulty. The 90W figure into 4Ω shows useful headroom into lower-impedance loads.

Dirac Live room correction is included as standard — not a paid upgrade. In a home cinema context, Dirac Live does the heavy lifting that most of the subjective listening impression depends on: correcting the bass modes and frequency response irregularities that the room imposes on every speaker in the system simultaneously. The 6.5-inch colour display and Arcam Radia app guide the measurement and calibration process.

Build Quality and Design

The AVA15 shares the 432mm width and 170mm height of the AVA25 and AVA35, and the same Radia design language: clean front panel, quality terminals, and a 6.5-inch colour display. The 391.7mm depth is slightly shallower than the AVA25 and AVA35's 459mm, reflecting the smaller Class D power stage. The build quality is consistent with Arcam's Radia engineering standard throughout.

The Arcam Radia app handles streaming setup, input assignment and Dirac Live calibration. The Bluetooth remote provides day-to-day control without requiring a phone.

Connectivity and System Matching

Seven HDMI 2.1a inputs support 8K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode for gaming. Three HDMI outputs include eARC for TV audio return. Two coaxial and two optical digital inputs accept sources up to 192kHz. Three RCA analogue input pairs cover analogue sources. Twelve RCA pre-amp outputs allow external amplification of additional channels.

Streaming covers Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, Google Cast and Roon Ready. Bluetooth 5.4 handles wireless sources. Wi-Fi and Ethernet provide network connection; RS232 and IR support custom installation and control systems.

Technical Specifications

Who Is the AVA15 For?

The AVA15 suits the listener building their first serious Dolby Atmos home cinema system, or upgrading from an AV receiver to dedicated Arcam engineering at a realistic entry price. It works well with standard-sensitivity speakers in a typical UK room and handles both cinema and music confidently. If 100W per channel, Auro-3D or Class AB amplification are priorities, the AVA25 is the next step. If you want everything in one chassis but with Class G quality at the top of the range, the AVA35 is the answer.

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. Arcam have been a core part of our range for many years — Dave and Chris can talk you through whether the AVA15, AVA25 or AVA35 is the right fit for your room and your system, and have it set up in our Norwich showroom for you to hear.

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.