Arcam Radia AVA35 AV Amplifier

The AVA35 is the flagship of Arcam's Radia AV range — a single-chassis nine-channel AV amplifier that applies the same Class G topology used in the SA35 and SA45 streaming integrated amplifiers to home cinema. It decodes sixteen channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D, amplifies nine of those channels internally at 100W each, and provides pre-outs for the remaining seven. Dirac Live room correction is included as standard, HDMI 2.1a handles 8K passthrough, and the full streaming platform covers everything from Tidal Connect to Roon Ready.

Where the AVA35 Sits in the Radia AV Range

The Radia AV range builds from the AVA15 (Class D) through the AVA25 (Class AB) to the AVA35. Each step changes the amplifier topology rather than the rated power output — all three deliver 100W per channel into 8Ω with all channels driven. What differs is how that power is produced and how the amplifier behaves under sustained load.

For installations that call for separate processor and power amplification, the AVP45 decodes sixteen channels and offers both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. The AVP45 is the right answer when you want to choose your own power amplifiers — pair it with Arcam's own PA720 seven-channel or PA410 four-channel amplifiers for a fully Arcam system. The AVA35 is for those who want Class G quality integrated into a single box.

Like the AVA25, the AVA35 amplifies nine channels internally and provides sixteen RCA pre-amp outputs for the remaining channels in a larger installation. A 7.1.4 Atmos system uses the nine internal channels and a separate four-channel power amplifier for the height speakers via the pre-outs.

Class G Amplification

Class G uses two voltage supply rails rather than one. At normal listening levels — which is most of the time, even during cinema use — the amplifier runs from the lower rail, where the output transistors operate efficiently and with less thermal stress. When a dynamic peak demands more headroom, the higher rail engages for the duration of the transient. The switching happens at the supply level, not in the signal path.

The practical consequence is that the AVA35 holds composure during a sustained orchestral score or a dense Atmos action sequence in a way a Class AB design drawing the same rated power cannot always manage. The nine channels are not competing for supply headroom. Into 4Ω loads, the AVA35 reaches 150W per channel with all nine channels driven — the Class G architecture delivers more under real-world impedance conditions than the 8Ω figure alone suggests.

Decoding, Room Correction and Streaming

Sixteen-channel decoding covers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D and DTS Neural:X. The matrix allows flexible assignment of decoded channels across any speaker layout, including virtualised height formats for rooms where physical height speakers are impractical. Dirac Live room correction is included as standard — a meaningful inclusion at this price point, given Dirac's effect on bass integration and imaging precision.

Bluetooth 5.4 with Snapdragon Sound covers wireless sources. The full streaming platform — AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready — means the AVA35 works equally well as a two-channel streaming amplifier when the family are not watching a film. The 6.5-inch colour touchscreen shows album art and streaming metadata, and the Arcam Radia app handles setup, Dirac calibration and day-to-day source switching.

Build and Connectivity

The AVA35 weighs 22.7kg — 1.2kg more than the AVA25 — reflecting the additional power supply architecture Class G requires. The 432 × 459mm footprint is shared with the AVA25, so both products occupy the same rack space. Seven HDMI 2.1a inputs support 8K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode. Three HDMI outputs include eARC. Two coaxial and two optical digital inputs accept sources up to 192kHz, and three RCA analogue input pairs cover analogue sources.

Sixteen RCA pre-amp outputs allow connection of external power amplifiers for full sixteen-channel configurations. Control via Ethernet, RS232 and IR supports professional installation and custom control systems.

Technical Specifications

Who Is the AVA35 For?

The AVA35 suits the listener who wants the best all-in-one AV amplifier Arcam makes and specifically wants Class G rather than Class AB. It is the right choice when the system is expected to work hard across long listening sessions, when the speaker load is demanding, or when you simply want the highest-quality amplifier topology in a single chassis. If a separate processor and power amplifiers make more sense for your installation, the AVP45 offers a different path; if Class G in one box is the goal, the AVA35 is it.

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 AVA35 is available to hear in our Norwich showroom — call ahead and we will have it set up with speakers that suit your room and your budget. When you get in touch, you will be speaking to Dave or Chris, both experienced AV specialists who can talk you through whether the AVA35, AVA25 or AVP45 with separate power amplification is the right fit for your installation.

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.