Back in 2023, Arcam’s first Radia launch set a new tone for the brand. We still remember that blacked-out room in London, the glow of yellow rings, and a row of sleek new faceplates that looked nothing like the gear we grew up with. When we got early units of the A5, A15, and A25 integrated amps back to our lab, it was clear that Arcam had nailed the look, the feel, and the usability. The lineup felt fresh, musical, and built for the way people actually listen today.

Now the story continues with the new “plus” models. The A5+, A15+, and A25+ build on the same good, better, best foundation that defined the first generation. They keep the musical core and minimalist design while refining the internal architecture. The biggest updates include HDMI eARC on the A15+ and A25+ for simple TV integration, a new Bluetooth 5.4 platform with Snapdragon Sound and Auracast, and quieter internal power supplies that make these amps feel more composed and confident. The power ratings haven’t changed on paper, but the way they deliver that power feels smoother and more controlled.

Understanding Integrated Amplifiers

If you’re new to hi-fi, an integrated amplifier combines a preamplifier and a power amplifier into one chassis. That means you get volume control, input switching, and enough power to drive your speakers without needing separate components. Each of the new Arcam models includes Bluetooth 5.4 for quick connection, but for the best sound quality, we recommend pairing one with a dedicated source like Arcam’s ST5 or ST25 streamer. A good streamer unlocks higher resolution playback, cleaner digital-to-analog conversion, and a smoother day-to-day experience.

If you’re just beginning your two-channel journey, check out our article and video on how to set up a two-channel system where we walk through every component you need to get started. And if you want help choosing the right setup, our experts are always here to help.

Design & Build Quality

One of the smartest things Arcam did with the Radia+ series was resist the temptation to overhaul what already worked. The aesthetic remains unmistakably Radia, with dark metalwork accented by the same subtle yellow trim. The curved rear cowl still hides antennas and cables, the knobs retain their satisfying weight, and the entire chassis feels solid and premium without being flashy.

Arcam also made the new chassis slightly slimmer overall, giving the amps a more compact footprint that fits easily into modern racks and furniture. The OLED displays now have better contrast and readability, giving each amp a more polished look. The A5+ and A15+ continue with the frosted front panel that gives the series its signature soft glow, while the A25+ takes it further with a precision-cut glass front that gives it a deeper, high-end appearance that stands apart from the rest of the lineup.

Features & Technology

Bluetooth 5.4

Arcam understands that not every listening session needs to be a full production. Sometimes you just want to play music quickly without setup or extra gear. Every Radia+ amplifier includes the new Bluetooth 5.4 platform with Snapdragon Sound, LE Audio, and Auracast.

This system allows for aptX Lossless streaming, giving compatible Android devices bit-perfect CD-quality playback over Bluetooth. iPhone users still get excellent performance through AAC. LE Audio lowers latency and improves efficiency, while Auracast opens up new ways to listen, letting you share music to multiple Bluetooth headphones or speakers at once.

Because the Bluetooth module is two-way, you can stream music to your amplifier or send audio out to wireless headphones for private listening. It’s perfect for quick playback when friends visit or for starting a playlist instantly. For the best possible sound, we still recommend adding one of Arcam’s dedicated streamers, but built-in Bluetooth makes great music just a tap away.

Moving Magnet Phono Stage

Vinyl has made a major comeback, and Arcam knows it’s here to stay. Every amplifier in the Radia+ lineup includes a dedicated moving magnet phono stage so you can plug in a turntable directly without an external preamp.

The phono stage isn’t an afterthought. It’s built with the same attention to low noise and wide dynamic range as the rest of the circuit, delivering a warm, detailed sound that brings records to life. Whether you’re playing new pressings or classic albums, these amps make it easy to enjoy vinyl with character and clarity.

Inputs, Outputs, and Connectivity

Each model includes three RCA analog inputs plus a moving magnet phono input. There’s also a preamp output for adding an external power amp or subwoofer, and four binding posts that support A/B speaker switching. On the front panel, every Radia+ amplifier includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for private listening, giving you the option to enjoy your music late at night or when you want to keep the room quiet.

For digital sources, all Radia+ amplifiers include optical and coaxial digital inputs handled by the internal ESS ES9018 DAC, plus a service USB-A port, Ethernet, IR in, and 12V trigger connections for system integration.

The A15+ and A25+ add HDMI eARC, which might be the most meaningful upgrade in the lineup. A single HDMI cable connects your amplifier directly to your TV, sending full-resolution sound while syncing power, volume, and lip sync perfectly. It turns your hi-fi system into your home’s main entertainment hub. You can stream a movie, show, or game and hear it all through your real speakers without juggling inputs or remotes.

On the A25+, you also get a USB-C input that supports high-resolution playback up to 32-bit/384 kHz. This is ideal for connecting a laptop or smartphone for serious listening through a direct, stable signal path.

Model Lineup

It gains both HDMI eARC and USB-C inputs, with high-resolution playback up to 32-bit/384 kHz. The internal ESS ES9018 DAC now uses a dedicated path for S/PDIF and supports higher sample rates over USB-C than the optical and coaxial inputs, which are limited to 24-bit/192 kHz. The rated output remains 2 x 100 watts into 8 ohms, but the presentation is smoother, more open, and more controlled. In our testing, digital sources sounded exceptionally clean, with improved transparency and texture.

Class G amplification is one of Arcam’s most distinctive technologies. Unlike traditional Class AB designs used in the A5+ and A15+, Class G uses multiple power rails to provide extra voltage only when the music demands it. The A25+ runs in pure Class A for the first 15 watts, offering rich, distortion-free sweetness and microdetail, then automatically switches to higher rails for dynamics without strain. It delivers efficiency, refinement, and that unmistakable Arcam warmth from quiet listening to full-volume playback.

The fifth-generation platform inside the A25+ produces cleaner transitions, lower noise, and greater transparency than ever before. It’s Arcam’s most refined implementation of Class G yet.

Each amplifier also benefits from smarter power management. The DAC powers down automatically when an analog input is selected, and the Bluetooth and HDMI modules shut off when their autoswitch features are disabled. These steps might sound minor, but they contribute to a lower noise floor and better long-term reliability.

Out of the box, the amplifiers will automatically switch to the HDMI or Bluetooth inputs when they detect a signal. It’s a convenient feature that makes everyday use simple, but if you’re looking to optimize performance, disabling autoswitching can yield slightly cleaner and more focused sound. The improvement is subtle but noticeable, especially during detailed listening. The only trade-off is that inputs will need to be selected manually, but it’s a small price to pay for that extra bit of clarity.

It’s also worth noting that none of the amplifiers lost anything from the original Radia series. Instead, Arcam added these refinements without altering the proven platform. Owners of the original models can rest easy knowing their amps remain fully current in sound quality and core performance, while the new “plus” series simply builds on that solid foundation.

Performance

We had an early sample of the A25+ in our lab, and from the first listen, it reminded us why Arcam has such a loyal following. It carries the same musical warmth and control the brand is known for but feels even more polished. The fifth-generation Class G design gives it incredible balance across the volume range, with a clean, dynamic presentation that makes everything from vocals to instruments sound natural and lifelike.

HDMI eARC also makes using your real speakers for movies and TV as simple as it should be. It worked flawlessly during testing and turns the A25+ into a true centerpiece for both music and everyday entertainment. Across the lineup, the new Radia+ amplifiers show that Arcam is listening. These updates aren’t gimmicks. They are meaningful refinements that make the amps easier to use, quieter, and more enjoyable to live with.

Who Each Model Suits Best

Choose the A5+ if you’re building your first serious system or outfitting a smaller room. It’s affordable, understated, and surprisingly refined. Between its moving magnet phono stage, high-quality DAC, and upgraded Bluetooth platform, it has everything you need to start your hi-fi journey and room to grow later with a streamer or turntable upgrade.

Go for the A15+ if your living room doubles as your listening space. It has enough power for tower speakers, and HDMI eARC makes it perfect for anyone who wants better TV sound without a full home theater setup. It’s the most balanced choice in the lineup for both music and everyday use.

The A25+ is the one for dedicated listeners who value depth, realism, and texture above all else. It’s built to reveal the smallest details in great recordings and give demanding speakers the power and control they need. Its Class G design, USB-C input, and refined internals make it both technically advanced and emotionally engaging.

Overall Thoughts

The Radia+ series feels less like a reboot and more like a continuation of a great story. The original A5, A15, and A25 redefined what modern hi-fi could look like and sounded far better than their price suggested. The new models build on that success, refining power supplies, lowering noise, and adding convenience features like HDMI eARC and next-generation Bluetooth.

If you already own one of the original Radia amplifiers, you’re still enjoying the same Arcam character that we loved when the line first launched. The Radia+ models simply polish the edges and make an already-great experience even better.

If you’re deciding between them or building a new system from scratch, our team is always here to help. We’ve been testing, installing, and listening to Arcam products for decades, and we can help you find the model that best fits your speakers, your room, and the way you actually listen.

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If you have further questions, contact our experts via chat, phone, or email. Or simply visit one of our world-class showrooms to experience speakers, projectors, TVs, and everything in between for yourself before you make a purchase!

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