About The Arcam AV41 8K Preamplifier/Processor
With an enveloping 16-channel output, 8K support and much more, the Arcam AV41 makes the ideal hub for an ultra-high performance AV system.
For the ultimate in sound immersion, the Arcam AV41 offers processing for up to 16 channels. Add Arcam power amps and you'll be able to decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X signals, right up to 9.1.6 – enough for the largest home cinemas. For best results, pair with the Arcam PA720, PA240 and PA410 power amps.
Unique Dirac Systems for Sound that's Tailored to your Room: Dirac Live room correction uses sophisticated technology to get the perfect sound for your room. Using a microphone and dedicated software, it takes multiple readings around your room, feeding the information back to the amplifier for a completely bespoke response (professional set-up recommended). You can take Dirac to the next level by upgrading to Dirac Live Bass Control (you can purchase a license via the Dirac website).
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X and Auro-3D: With support for the key digital surround sound formats, the AV41 gives you more choice than ever. For fully immersive sound, Dolby Atmos is standard. Classic DTS:X is on board, as is DTS Virtual:X for 3D sound without all the speakers. Auro-3D, meanwhile, gives you the intensity of immersive, 3D sound, from all formats – including TV, gaming and music – without the need for Dolby or DTS encoding.
Ready for 8K TV and Next-Gen Gaming: Featuring 8K compliant HDMI sockets, this Arcam AV processor is ready for the next generation of TV and gaming. The amp passes through 8K/60Hz signals, ensuring you get the full benefit from your 8K TV and video source. The sockets are also compatible with 4K/120Hz signals. You'll find these on the latest gaming consoles and, when combined with compatible games, they help reduce lag and promote smoother game play.
Supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+: As well as supporting 8K, the AV41 also supports a wide range of High Dynamic Range video formats. These include Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG. It also supports HDR10+, which enhances picture realism by sending dynamic Meta data to your TV. In short, whatever the format used by the film, game or stream, this Arcam supports it.
Audiophile Components for Class Leading Sound Quality: Using audiophile-grade components, the AV41 delivers the sound quality to match the processing tech. Dual ESS 9026PRO DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators ensure the most precise processing possible, giving exceptionally low levels of background noise for a high dynamic range. A toroidal power transformer delivers smooth, low noise power to all the critical processors and circuits.
Made for High Resolution music – including support for MQA and Roon Ready: More proof that the AV41 is designed for music lovers comes from the wide range of High Resolution audio format support. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) – as used by TIDAL Masters – is compatible, and the Arcam is also Roon Ready. This status means it's compatible with the award-winning Roon music player – including Hi-Res file playback.
Full Networking Control: With Ethernet, Wi-Fi and UPnP, it's easy to connect to your network and get streaming content. Once connected, you can take advantage of a whole host of streaming options, including Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 and UPnP (Universal Plug 'n Play). Link to your control app of choice and enjoy streaming music services, Internet Radio, Podcasts and even your stored music collection via UPnP.
Built-In Chromecast: Featuring Google's Chromecast, the AVR41 is perfect for music streaming. Working in conjunction with streaming services such as Spotify, Google Play and Deezer, this lets you hook up with favourite music from your smartphone or tablet. With TuneIn, you also get access to a massive range of Internet radio and podcasts – all easily accessible.
MusicLife Control App: Take full control of streaming music to your Arcam device with the MusicLife control app (available on Apple iOS devices, Android UPnP app also available). Working with the wireless system, it lets you stream music directly from your device as well as servers or computers connected via UPnP (Universal Plug n' Play). The latest version brings Internet Radio, Podcasts plus streaming from TIDAL and Qobuz. Advanced features, such as library searching, sorting, shuffle and repeat playback are also catered for.
High Quality Bluetooth aptX HD: Perfect for parties and when friends are over, Bluetooth provides quick and easy, wireless connectivity for your guests' smartphone. Simply pair the device and stream any audio from the smartphone or tablet. When used with a compatible source, Bluetooth aptX HD delivers premium sound quality that's the best yet from Bluetooth technology.
Internet, DAB and FM – all the Radio you Need: Internet radio opens up access to a choice of hundreds of radio stations from around the world. Backing this up, the built-in DAB and FM tuners give wide-ranging access to all your favourite stations, including popular digital only stations.
Connects to the Most Complex Systems: For the highest quality connection with your power amps, the Arcam offers studio-quality balanced XLR outputs. RCA phono outputs are also standard. With seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, the AV41 easily handles the most complex AV systems. The HDMI 2.1 sockets are compatible with HDCP2.3 and eARC, making them suitable for use with the latest TVs and video sources. Six digital and six analogue inputs are ample for a wide range of audio components – such as CD, streamer and phono preamp equipped turntables. There are also optical digital and analogue outputs – ideal for recording or looping sound through the Arcam.
HDMI Zone 2 Output: Triple HDMI outputs make the AV41 even more versatile. Use two of the outputs within the same room for connecting a TV and projector simultaneously. The third HDMI is independent, making it ideal for sound and vision in a second room.
Review's
"To many stereo purists, the thought of picking up an audio/video processor and using it primarily for two-channel listening would be considered heresy. This view is possibly myopic as the listening performed with the Arcam AV41 when properly dialled into my system revealed a high quality sounding product with exemplary cross-frequency spectrum performance. If you have invested in or are considering using subwoofers in your system, it and the Dirac Live licensing on offer here have significant advantages over other software-centric DSP approaches that provide time alignment and room correction capabilities. This platform gives you precise bass control and a tonal palette that's incredibly appealing in overall presentation – all while being endlessly customisable to your listening preferences. The learning curve for Dirac is quite gentle, and well within the realm of any halfway serious audiophile.
The immersive sound craze is becoming more popular by the day and the ability to vacillate between stereo listening and surround listening without running a complicated home theatre bypass configuration is distinctly appealing. Well-mixed Atmos material is everywhere now and will seemingly be a commonly produced alternative format to stereo going forwards. While my Apple TV-centred Spatial Audio playback interface seemed clunky, this will likely improve over time.
After experiencing superlative results using this Arcam hardware platform and the accompanying Dirac Live software, I am a convert. The AV41 provides near-limitless connectivity options for the latest streaming services and will capably serve as the control room of any system. Its audible performance is impressive, a far cry from my past experiences with previous generation home cinema processors. After spending hours attempting to get this kind of quality listening result from endless measurements, and creating dozens of DSP filters using alternative filter creation approaches, this machine delivered a brilliant outcome in a matter of hours.
I am now seriously staring down the barrel of retiring my fantastic two-channel preamp and ageing multi-channel AV processor and heading in this consolidated direction. So if you are considering a new digital front end, or want to optimise your system's in-room performance with the latest DSP technologies, this is a seriously interesting place to start your search." StereoNet
Our Take
The AV41 is a high-performance, audio/visual processor that delivers stunning realism for the ultimate home cinema experience. With native 16-channel decoding of immersive audio from Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, the AV41 can deliver incredible theatre experiences in partnership with Arcam power amplifiers.
The Arcam AV41 is designed with a passion for music and movies, bringing both to life with high fidelity and dynamics. The AV41 boasts XLR balanced outputs for all 16 channels to deliver the highest quality analogue connection to power amplifiers.
The performance and musicality can be assured with Dirac Live room optimisation included, and accessed instantly with integrated streaming using Apple Airplay2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth with aptX HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and UPnP with the MusicLife app.
Get your premium home cinema off to the right start, with the Arcam AV41.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 16 Channel 8K Home Theatre Preamplifier/Processor
- 16 Channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & AURO-3D decoding
- Connect up to 4 Active Subwoofers
- 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs inc Zone 2, eARC compatible
- HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3
- All inputs support 8K@60fps and 4K@120fps
- Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG
- Includes Dirac Live® room correction
- Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control (purchase a license at https://www.dirac.com/online-store/)
- Dual ESS 9026PRO audiophile DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators
- 16 transformerless balanced XLR output channels
- Pairs with PA720, PA240 & PA410 power amplifiers
- Wi-Fi / Ethernet, RS232 and IR control
- Google Chromecast® built-in for streaming audio
- Apple® Airplay2
- Bluetooth aptX®HD
- Free MusicLife iOS and Android UPnP app
- Roon Ready and supports MQA
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
- Supplied accessories: Mains Cable, Remote Control, 2 x AAA Batteries, DAB/FM Aerial, 3 x Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Antennas, Calibration Microphone, USB cable, Quick Start Guide (full manual online)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 433 x 171 x 425mm
- Weight: 10.6 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE