ARCAM RADIA ST5 STREAMER - Ex-Demonstration

Arcam Radia ST5 Streamer - Ex-Demonstration

The Arcam Radia ST5 is the streaming heart of the Radia system — a high-resolution network streamer designed specifically to partner the Arcam A5+ and A15+ integrated amplifiers. Its slim profile matches the Radia aesthetic precisely, and a dedicated control link between the ST5 and its partner amplifier means the two components behave as a single, unified device from your phone or tablet. The sonic case for a separate streamer is straightforward: isolated components with individual power supplies keep the analogue circuitry away from digital noise, and the result is a cleaner signal path than any all-in-one can offer at this level.

High-Resolution Audio and DAC Performance

At the core of the ST5 sits an ESS ES9018 high-resolution DAC with time domain jitter elimination — a chip whose measured performance sets the standard for conversion at this price. The ST5 handles Hi-Res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz across FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF and AAC, and supports MQA and DSD up to 128 for those whose libraries stretch that far. Standard formats — MP3, MP4, OGG, WMA — are handled equally well. Gapless playback is supported throughout, so albums play as they were intended.

Streaming Services and Connectivity

The ST5 covers every major streaming protocol without compromise. Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect each run natively, meaning the processing stays on the ST5 rather than your phone — your device is simply a remote control. Apple AirPlay and Google Cast add broad device compatibility, and Roon Ready certification means the ST5 slots cleanly into a Roon system. The ARCAM Radia app handles Wi-Fi setup, internet radio presets and podcast playback. Connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and USB-A mass storage input adds local playback from a drive. Outputs cover all the bases: a stereo analogue RCA pair, a digital coaxial S/PDIF output and an optical Toslink — so the ST5 works equally well feeding the Radia amplifiers' analogue input or an external DAC via the digital outputs.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The ST5 is the natural choice for anyone building a system around the Arcam A5+ Integrated Amplifier who wants to stream without compromise. It suits the listener who uses Spotify or Tidal daily but also has a collection of high-resolution files they want to hear properly. If you are already in a Roon household, it fits straight in. It is not a standalone product in the way a full network streamer might be — it is engineered to be the streaming front end for the Radia system, and that focus is exactly what makes it so well suited to that role. Those wanting a streaming integrated in a single box should look at the Arcam SA35 Streaming Integrated Amplifier instead.

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.

You can hear the ST5 paired with the Radia amplifiers in our Norwich showroom — it is the kind of system that rewards an hour of listening before you commit.

When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris, and our Product Links team — 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.