Arcam Radia ST5

The Arcam Radia ST5 is a dedicated network streamer designed to sit alongside the Radia integrated amplifier range — specifically the A5+ and A15+. The principle is straightforward: separating the streaming and amplification functions into two boxes, each with its own power supply, removes a meaningful source of electrical interference from the signal path. In our experience, that distinction matters more than the spec sheet suggests.

The control link

The ST5 includes a comms link cable that connects it directly to compatible Radia amplifiers. From the listening position, the two units behave as one: volume and input switching can be handled from a single remote or from the ARCAM Radia app. For anyone building a Radia-based system, this is worth emphasis — there is no awkward two-remote juggling, and no compromise in usability despite having separate components.

Streaming services and connectivity

The ST5 covers the services that most listeners actually use. Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect are all supported natively, meaning the processing happens inside the ST5 rather than being handed off from a phone. Apple AirPlay and Google Cast are also on board for more general-purpose streaming from phones and tablets. The unit connects to your home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and the ARCAM Radia app handles initial Wi-Fi setup, internet radio presets and podcast access.

The ST5 is also Roon Ready — for listeners already running a Roon Core, it will appear in the system as a certified endpoint.

Hi-res audio and the DAC

Hi-res playback is supported up to 24-bit / 192kHz. Supported high-resolution formats include FLAC, WAV (LPCM), MQA, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, and DSD up to 128. Standard formats — MP3, MP4, OGG and WMA — are handled at 16-bit, 44.1 or 48kHz. Gapless playback is supported throughout.

All digital audio is converted by an ESS ES9018 DAC, which Arcam specify with time domain jitter elimination. The result is a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz ±0.05dB at the analogue output — a figure that reflects genuine engineering discipline rather than a rounded claim.

Outputs

The ST5 provides three outputs: a stereo analogue pair on RCA, a digital coaxial output on RCA, and a digital optical output on Toslink. This gives meaningful flexibility — the analogue path is the primary route into a Radia amplifier, but the digital outputs allow connection to an external DAC or an AV receiver if the system evolves.

Specifications

Who is it for?

The ST5 is the right choice for anyone building a Radia-based system who wants to keep streaming duties genuinely separate from amplification. It is also well suited to listeners who want full hi-res streaming — including Roon and MQA — without stepping into a more complex or expensive separate component system. If your amplifier is not a Radia A5+ or A15+, the ST5 still works as a standalone streamer with analogue and digital outputs; the control link is simply unused.

It is not designed as a premium standalone streamer in the way that more expensive dedicated units are. At this price point, the value is in the completeness of the feature set and the engineered compatibility with Arcam's own amplifiers.

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 ST5 can be demonstrated at our Norwich showroom paired with the Arcam Radia amplifiers it was designed for — which is the most useful way to hear what the separate-box approach actually does for the sound.

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.