About The Arcam AVR21 8K Home Theatre Receiver
Powerful, enveloping sound comes naturally to the Arcam AVR21. With enhanced processing technology, it's better than ever.
The AVR21 is a high-power, audio/visual receiver 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 AVR21 can deliver incredible theatre experiences.
Effortless Power for Cinematic Sound: With multi-channel power up from 60 Watts per channel (AVR11) to a mighty 90 Watts, the AVR21 delivers smooth, effortless power. The 50% increase in power not only improves music and soundtrack dynamics but also fills larger rooms more easily. That extra drive comes in handy for less efficient speakers, too.
Processing for up to 16 Channels for even more Immersive Sound: Another big upgrade with this AVR is the addition of processing for up to 16 channels. Add additional 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 PA410, PA240 or PA720 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 (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 AVR21 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 AVR 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 AVR21 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 AVR21 delivers the quality to match the power and processing tech. At the heart of this Arcam AVR is a toroidal power supply. Unusual for an AV receiver, this type of power supply is more usually only found in high-end stereo amps. It helps the AVR deliver smooth, dynamic sound that works equally as well with music as movies. Other high–end components include the Dual ESS 9026PRO DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators. These ensure the most precise processing possible, giving exceptionally low levels of background noise for a high dynamic range.
Made for High Resolution Music – including support for MQA and Roon Ready: More proof that the AVR21 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 the UPnP.
Built-In Chromecast: Featuring Google's Chromecast, the AVR21 is perfect for music streaming. Working in conjunction with streaming services such as Spotify, Google Play and Deezer, this lets you hook up with your 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, such as BBC 6 Music and 4 Extra.
Connects to the Most Complex Systems: With seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, the AVR21 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 pre-amp equipped turntable. 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 AVR21 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.
Our Take
The Arcam AVR21 is designed with a passion for music and movies, bringing both to life with high fidelity and dynamics. The AVR21 features an over engineered toroidal transformer for real world power with low noise. The 7 channels of Class AB amplification are based upon those in Arcam stereo amplifiers, guaranteeing musicality otherwise not heard from other AV receivers.
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.
Experience sumptuous cinema sound, with the Arcam AVR21.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 7 Channel 8K Home Theatre Receiver
- 7 Channels of high power Class AB amplification
- 16 Channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & AURO-3D decoding
- 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
- 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
- Supports MQA
- Roon Ready
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
- Continuous Power Output, per Channel, 8Ω/4Ω
- 2 Channels Driven, 20Hz - 20kHz, <0.02% THD: 110W/175W
- 2 Channels Driven, 1kHz, 0.2% THD: 125W/190W
- 7 Channels Driven, 1kHz, 0.2% THD: 90W/110W
- 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: 16.6 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE