Arcam ST25 Network Music Streamer

The ST25 is Arcam’s reference-level streaming source — a standalone network player built around the ESS Hyperstream IV DAC in a balanced configuration, with a linear toroidal power supply, a 6-layer digital audio platform, and support for 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256. Roon Ready certification comes with a two-year Roon subscription included. At £1,499 it is the streaming source for listeners who take the digital source seriously rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Where the ST25 Sits in the Arcam Streamer Range

The Radia ST5 at £719 is the streaming source for the Radia integrated amplifier range: an ESS ES9018 DAC, 24-bit/192kHz, DSD128, and a control link designed for the Radia amplifiers specifically. The ST25 is the step up in every technical respect: the ESS Hyperstream IV DAC (the same converter used in the SA35 and SA45 streaming amplifiers), 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256, a 6.5-inch colour display, a linear toroidal power supply, and a 6-layer digital platform designed from the ground up for the HDA range.

The ST25 pairs naturally with the A25+ integrated amplifier via coaxial or optical, and with the SA35 or SA45 for listeners who want a dedicated streaming source feeding an all-in-one streaming amplifier. In that configuration the ST25 bypasses the SA35/SA45’s internal streaming platform and feeds directly into the analogue or digital input — a choice some listeners prefer for its source separation.

Sound and Performance

The ESS Hyperstream IV is ESS Technology’s current reference DAC topology — a higher specification design than the ES9018 in the ST5. The balanced differential signal path within the ST25 provides common-mode noise rejection from the point of conversion through to the analogue outputs, keeping the noise floor below what the listening environment imposes rather than what the electronics allow.

The linear toroidal power supply distinguishes the ST25 from most streaming sources at any price. Switch-mode power supplies are efficient and compact but introduce high-frequency noise that can couple into sensitive audio circuitry. A linear supply with a toroidal transformer operates cleanly and quietly; the ST25 uses this rather than a compact adapter for reasons of sound quality rather than cost management.

Roon Ready certification means the ST25 appears as an audio zone within a Roon setup, with full metadata, radio, and playback management through the Roon interface. The two-year subscription makes this immediately usable rather than a theoretical capability. For listeners not using Roon, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, Google Cast, internet radio, UPnP, and USB media cover every other major source.

Build Quality and Design

The ST25 is built in anodised aluminium to the same standard as the SA35 and SA45 — the same Cambridge engineering approach in a chassis designed to sit alongside the amplifiers it feeds. At 432 × 329 × 99mm and 5kg it is a compact unit, and the 6.5-inch colour display shows album art and streaming information clearly. The 6-layer digital audio platform is a new design developed specifically for this product rather than an adapted off-the-shelf streaming board.

Power consumption of 15W at operation and under 0.5W in eco standby reflect the low-demand nature of a streaming source without amplification. The plastic-free packaging is consistent with Arcam’s current environmental approach across the range.

Connectivity and System Matching

One stereo RCA analogue output pair, one coaxial digital output (RCA), and one optical Toslink cover all standard connection options. Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, dual-band) and Ethernet provide network connection. USB-A supports media playback from external storage. The control link for Radia amplifiers is present, though the ST25’s natural home is in an HDA system rather than a Radia one.

Technical Specifications

Who Is the ST25 For?

The ST25 suits the serious music listener who wants the best streaming source Arcam makes in a standalone chassis — whether to pair with an A25+ integrated amplifier, as a dedicated source feeding an SA35 or SA45, or as the streaming component in a system that already has physical sources covered. If you are using Roon, the included two-year subscription makes the ST25 particularly good value at its price. If the Radia control link and a lower price point are your priorities, the ST5 remains the right Arcam streamer.

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 ST25 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 ST25 or the Radia ST5 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