Arcam Radia AVA25 AV Amplifier

Most home cinema amplifiers ask you to choose between convenience and quality. The AVA25 refuses that compromise. Nine channels of Class AB amplification at 100 watts per channel — all nine driven simultaneously — combined with full 16-channel Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D decoding, Dirac Live room correction, HDMI 2.1a with 8K passthrough and a full streaming platform. All of it in a single chassis at £4,499. This is the Radia range's mid-point all-in-one, built for the listener who wants a serious cinema system without a rack of separate components.

Where the AVA25 Sits in the Radia AV Range

The Radia AV range runs from the AVA15 at £2,599 — nine channels of Class D amplification at 75W per channel — through the AVA25 to the AVA35 at £5,999. The step from the AVA15 to the AVA25 moves from Class D to Class AB: a more traditional, higher-quality topology that delivers 100W per channel across all nine channels and extends the pre-amplifier outputs from 12 to 16 for larger system configurations.

The step to the AVA35 moves from Class AB to Class G — the same topology Arcam use in their SA35 and SA45 streaming integrated amplifiers. At the same rated 100W per channel, the practical difference is headroom, efficiency and low-level quality rather than peak power. For those who prefer a processor-only approach with separate power amplification, the AVP45 at £5,299 decodes all 16 channels and outputs them via balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA to external amplifiers such as the PA720, PA410 or PA240.

The AVA25 decodes 16 channels and amplifies 9 internally. The remaining seven are available as line-level outputs via the 16 RCA pre-outs, for connection to external power amplifiers when a full 7.1.4 or larger Atmos installation is required. Most listeners start with the nine internal channels and expand over time.

Class AB Amplification

Class AB means every output transistor operates continuously in its linear region around the crossover point — there is no dead band in the signal path. This is the standard approach in quality audio amplification, and it is what gives the AVA25 its 0.005% THD at 80% power into 8Ω. That figure is exceptionally low for a nine-channel design; most cinema receivers achieve this with two channels driven, not all nine simultaneously.

The amplifier section is derived from Arcam's stereo amplifier engineering rather than adapted from a surround receiver platform. The consequence is a signal path that handles music as confidently as cinema — the AVA25 is not a receiver that happens to play music tolerably; it is an audio amplifier that also handles the cinema processing. The 100dB SNR and ±0.05dB frequency response reflect that origin. Low-level detail, timing and soundstage depth survive at the levels a serious music listener notices.

Dirac Live Room Correction

Dirac Live is included as standard. It measures the acoustic behaviour of your room and listening position, then generates filters that correct for bass modes, early reflections and frequency response irregularities. In most UK listening rooms, this is the single most impactful upgrade to the system's measured and perceived performance. It runs across all channels simultaneously.

HDMI 2.1a and Streaming

Seven HDMI 2.1a inputs accept every current source format: 8K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode for gaming. Three HDMI outputs include eARC. Two coaxial and two optical digital inputs handle sources up to 192kHz. Three RCA analogue input pairs cover legacy sources. The 16 RCA pre-amp outputs connect external power amplifiers for expanded channel configurations.

Streaming covers Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, Google Cast and Roon Ready. Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi provide wireless connection; Ethernet is fitted for wired network integration. RS232 and IR support custom installation and control system integration. For dedicated stereo streaming alongside the cinema system, the Radia ST5 network streamer uses the same platform.

Build and Operation

The AVA25 is a substantial unit: 432 × 459mm footprint and 21.5kg, reflecting the nine-channel Class AB power supply and transformer within. Build is consistent with Arcam's Radia engineering standard — solid chassis, high-quality terminals, and a 6.5-inch colour display showing album art, source information and system status. The Arcam Radia app provides full setup and control, complementing the Bluetooth remote.

Maximum power consumption of 900W across nine channels at full output reflects a power supply built for sustained cinema-level dynamics rather than brief test peaks. Idle consumption of 87W is the operating figure for a permanent installation.

Technical Specifications

Who Is the AVA25 For?

The AVA25 suits the listener building a serious home cinema system who wants everything in one chassis without managing a stack of separate components. It handles music and cinema with equal seriousness. If the step to Class G amplification matters to you, the AVA35 is the answer at £5,999. If you want a processor-only approach with the flexibility to choose your own power amplification separately, the AVP45 is worth considering. If your budget starts at £2,599 and nine Class D channels will serve your room, the AVA15 is the entry 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 Arcam range has been part of what we do for years.

The AVA25 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 your room. When you get in touch, you will be speaking to Dave or Chris — both experienced hi-fi specialists who can talk you through whether the AVA25, AVA35 or AVP45 is the right fit, and how it should be partnered.

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.