Arcam ST25 Network Streamer

There is a straightforward case for a dedicated streaming source. A streaming integrated amplifier is a convenient single box, but convenience has a cost — the streaming platform and the amplifier share a power supply, a chassis, and a ground plane. The ST25 takes a different position: a standalone network streamer, designed in Cambridge, with its own linear power supply and its own isolated platform. Paired with an amplifier that deserves it, the difference is audible.

A New Streaming Platform

The ST25 is built on an entirely new 6-layer digital audio and streaming platform. A ground plane runs through the entire board, keeping noise and interference away from the sensitive audio components. The DAC is ESS's Hyperstream IV topology, run in a balanced configuration with advanced jitter elimination — the same architecture Arcam use in the SA35 and SA45, here with the significant advantage that it operates in complete isolation from an amplifier stage.

Power comes from a new linear toroidal transformer supply that drives the entirety of the ST25's internal operation. A separate switching supply handles standby only — it is not active during playback. The result is a noise floor that a streaming integrated, by definition, cannot match.

Streaming resolution reaches 32-bit/384kHz, with gapless playback supported across FLAC, WAV (LPCM), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD up to DSD256, MP3, OGG, and WMA.

Display

The front panel carries a bonded 6.5-inch high-resolution display showing album artwork and metadata — clearly legible from a normal listening position. It is a considered detail: a streamer you are likely to look at rather than ignore.

Streaming and Wireless

Wi-Fi is dual-band IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax across 2.4GHz and 5GHz — current Wi-Fi 6 specification. Setup runs through the ARCAM Radia App, which handles presets, internet radio, and podcasts. The ST25 supports Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready. UPnP and USB media playback via USB-A mass storage are also supported.

Outputs

The ST25 provides both analogue and digital outputs. Analogue: one stereo RCA pair. Digital: one coaxial (RCA) and one optical (Toslink). The analogue output connects directly to an amplifier's line input; the digital outputs allow the ST25 to feed an amplifier or processor with its own DAC stage if preferred. It also includes a control link for ARCAM Radia amplifiers, allowing the two components to operate as a single unit from your device — volume, source selection, and standby all managed together.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The ST25 is the logical choice for anyone who already owns — or is buying — a capable amplifier and wants to add a high-resolution streaming source without compromise. It pairs particularly well with the Arcam SA35, where the control link allows both units to operate as one. It is also well suited to listeners who prefer to keep their signal chain in separate, upgradeable components rather than consolidated in a single box.

If you are considering a physical media source alongside streaming, the Arcam Radia CD5 sits naturally in the same system. For a larger Arcam system built around a processor, the Arcam AV41 accepts the ST25's digital output directly.

The ST25 is not for someone who wants everything in one box — that is what the SA35 is for. But for a listener who values what isolation between components actually does, it is a clear and purposeful choice.

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 ST25 is available to hear in our Norwich showroom — we can demonstrate it both as a standalone source and paired with the Arcam SA35, so you can judge for yourself what the separate-component approach brings.

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.