This month, Audio T Swindon explores the latest network streamer from Arcam

A brief history of Arcam

Established in 1976, Arcam is a British manufacturer of hi-fi equipment based in Cambridgeshire. Like many renowned British hi-fi brands, its roots trace back to Cambridge University, where John Dawson and Chris Evans founded the company. Today, Arcam is part of the Harman group, alongside American speaker manufacturer JBL.

Arcam has a history of innovation, producing standout products such as a standalone NICAM tuner and the only British cassette deck to feature Dolby S.

As a personal note, my first ‘proper’ hi-fi system included an Arcam amplifier and CD player—a setup that still brings back fond memories.

The Arcam ST25 streamer

Arcam has recently unveiled its new flagship streamer, the ST25. Designed to complement the rest of the current Radia range, its soft curves and contemporary colours give it an understated elegance.

A standout feature is the front panel, which conceals a large 6.5” high-resolution display. This impressive screen provides clear playback information and vibrant artwork, remaining easy to read even from across the room.

Under the hood, the ST25 is equipped with a linear toroidal power supply—powering everything except the standby circuit—to deliver a lower noise floor. Six-layer circuit boards with a ground plane help shield sensitive components from interference, while the latest ESS Hyperstream IV DAC topology handles digital and streaming duties with precision.

The ST25 introduces an entirely new streaming platform, user interface, and app, marking a significant leap forward for Arcam. The app, in particular, has seen remarkable improvements since its initial launch, reflecting Arcam's commitment to an intuitive and user-friendly experience. The interface is clean, simple, and easy to navigate.

A remote control is also included for added convenience.

Features

The ST25 offers an impressive range of supported features, ensuring compatibility with various streaming and connectivity options. These include Airplay, Google Cast, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, allowing you to access music effortlessly from a range of platforms. The device also supports Internet Radio, UPNP for seamless network streaming, and includes both USB input and optical and coaxial outputs for versatile connectivity. Plus, with Roon Ready integration, the ST25 ensures an exceptional, high-quality experience for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

REAR OF THE ARCAM ST25 in AUDIO T SWINDON

Sound Quality

I’ve been selling Arcam products for around 35 years, and if I were to describe Arcam’s signature sound, it would be warm and unfatiguing. The ST25 continues in this vein, offering a warm and inviting presentation while remaining capable of revealing the differences with higher-definition streams.

When playing Children’s Corner by Debussy, the treble is open yet never harsh, even on a piece that can sometimes come across as splashy or hard.

Moving on to The Wall by Pink Floyd, the bass is solid and authoritative. The vocals are superb, with the Arcam particularly excelling in the midrange—a hallmark of its performance.

Conclusion

As part of an Arcam system—or indeed any quality separates setup—the ST25 is more than worthy of an audition.

Its warm presentation is particularly suited to those who appreciate the human voice, whether male or female, and it remains entirely non-fatiguing throughout extended listening sessions.

The front panel display is a visual highlight and is, without question, the best I’ve encountered.

If you would like to arrange a demonstration, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for reading:

Jon & Andy - Audio T Swindon

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