Arcam Radia AVP45 16-Channel AV Processor

The AVP45 is a pure AV processor: 16 channels of decoding, 16 balanced XLR outputs, 16 unbalanced RCA outputs, and no built-in amplification. It is the Radia range answer for the listener who wants the processing and the amplification in separate chassis — whether for the engineering benefits of separation, the flexibility to choose power amplifiers independently, or the ability to upgrade each part of the system over time. At £5,299 it carries the same DAC architecture as Arcam’s flagship stereo amplifiers, full Dirac Live room correction, and HDMI 2.1a with 8K passthrough throughout.

A Processor or an All-in-One: Understanding the Choice

The AVP45 sits alongside rather than above the AVA25 and AVA35 in the Radia AV range. Where those products combine decoding and amplification in one chassis, the AVP45 does decoding only. It is the right architecture when the amplification choices matter independently — perhaps you have existing power amplifiers, or want to match specific channels to specific amplifiers, or want to separate the heat and electrical noise of a nine-channel power stage from the sensitive DAC and processing circuits.

The AVP45 has both 16 balanced XLR and 16 unbalanced RCA outputs — a significant advantage over the AV all-in-ones, which provide only RCA pre-outs. Balanced connections over longer cable runs maintain signal integrity in a way that unbalanced connections do not. For a permanent, dedicated cinema installation with the processor and amplifiers potentially metres apart, the XLR outputs are the technically correct choice. Arcam’s PA720 and PA410 power amplifiers both accept balanced XLR and are the natural Arcam companions for the AVP45.

Sound and Performance

The AVP45 uses the same high-performance DAC architecture found in Arcam’s flagship stereo hi-fi systems — not a cost-reduced multichannel variant. This distinction matters: the conversion quality at the heart of the signal chain determines what the downstream amplification and speakers are working with. A 100dB signal-to-noise ratio and ±0.05dB frequency response from streaming sources reflect a converter that operates at a reference level.

Dirac Live room correction is included as standard across all 16 channels. The matrix channel assignment allows any decoded channel to be routed to any physical output — a flexibility that matters when a room’s speaker placement does not conform to a standard layout. All major immersive audio formats are supported: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS HD Master, DTS Neural:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D.

The streaming platform covers AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready — so the AVP45 is also a network streamer, not just a decoder for HDMI sources. Bluetooth 5.4 with Snapdragon Sound handles wireless sources. The processor-only architecture means maximum power consumption is just 50W, running cool enough that ventilation requirements are minimal compared to the AVA25 or AVA35.

Build Quality and Design

Without a nine-channel power stage, the AVP45 is considerably lighter than the AV all-in-ones: 9.4kg compared to 21–23kg for the AVA25 and AVA35. The 432 × 399mm footprint is shallower than the amplifier models, and the 170mm height is shared across the Radia AV range. The 6.5-inch colour display provides the same on-screen interface, and the Arcam Radia app handles streaming setup and Dirac Live calibration.

The rear panel carries the full complement of 16 XLR outputs and 16 RCA outputs alongside the HDMI bank, digital inputs, and analogue inputs — a rear panel that reflects a serious piece of equipment rather than a consumer device.

Connectivity and System Matching

Seven HDMI 2.1a inputs accept 8K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps with VRR and ALLM. Three HDMI outputs include eARC. Two coaxial and two optical digital inputs handle sources up to 192kHz. Three RCA analogue input pairs cover analogue sources. Ethernet, Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and RS232 support both home and professional installation contexts.

For a complete Arcam system, the PA720 seven-channel power amplifier handles the main channels via balanced XLR, with a PA410 adding four channels of height amplification from the remaining XLR outputs. This is a dedicated, purpose-built system architecture with full channel separation and no shared chassis between processing and amplification.

Technical Specifications

Who Is the AVP45 For?

The AVP45 suits the listener building a dedicated home cinema installation where the processor and power amplification are separate components — either because the room architecture demands it, because existing power amplifiers are already in place, or because the balanced XLR connection standard matters to the system design. If you want everything in one box with Class AB or Class G amplification built in, the AVA25 or AVA35 are the right answers. If the all-in-one architecture is right but your budget starts lower, the AVA15 is the entry point.

Buying from Martin’s Hi-Fi

Martin’s Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968, and the Arcam range has been part of what we do for years. We are still family-run — Ted Martin’s daughter Elizabeth runs the business today — and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

The AVP45 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. 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 AVP45, AVA25, or AVA35 is the right fit for your room and your system.

Reach them at dave@martinshifi.co.uk, chris@martinshifi.co.uk, info@martinshifi.co.uk, call on 01603 627010, or WhatsApp Dave or Chris directly on 07554 687137 for a quick answer after your purchase. You can read more about who we are and how we work on our Why Martin’s page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY, open six days a week.

Contact: info@martinshifi.co.uk | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY