Arcam ST25 Streamer

The Arcam ST25 is a high-end network audio player that exemplifies Arcam's commitment to superior sound quality and user-friendly design. Expertly crafted in Cambridge, UK, the ST25 serves as an ideal music streaming source for any hi-fi system, particularly when paired with the Arcam Radia A25 amplifier.

Design and Build Quality

The ST25 features a sleek and modern aesthetic, consistent with Arcam's Radia series. Its anodized black aluminum chassis is complemented by subtle radium yellow accents, giving it a distinctive yet understated appearance. The front panel is dominated by a 6.5-inch high-resolution display that vividly presents album artwork and metadata, ensuring clear visibility from a distance. The unit's dimensions are 431mm (W) x 344mm (D) x 98mm (H), and it weighs approximately 5 kg, indicating a robust build quality.

Internal Architecture and Components

At the heart of the ST25 is a newly engineered 6-layer digital audio and streaming platform. This design incorporates a ground plane across the entire board, effectively minimizing noise and interference that could impact audio performance. The streamer utilizes the latest ESS Hyperstream IV DAC in a balanced configuration, renowned for its advanced jitter elimination and precise digital-to-analog conversion. Additionally, the ST25 is equipped with a linear toroidal transformer power supply, which provides clean and stable power to the internal components, further enhancing sound quality.

Connectivity and Streaming Capabilities

The ST25 offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity options:

• Wireless: Supports Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, facilitating seamless integration into various network environments.

• Wired: Includes an Ethernet port for stable wired network connections.

• Digital Outputs: Provides one coaxial (RCA) and one optical (Toslink) digital output, allowing integration with a variety of DACs and amplifiers.

• Analog Outputs: Features a stereo RCA pair for direct analog connections to amplifiers or powered speakers.

In terms of streaming services, the ST25 is compatible with:

• Apple AirPlay 2

• Google Chromecast

• Spotify Connect

• Tidal Connect

• Roon Ready (certification expected post-launch)

Additionally, the Arcam Radia app provides access to Amazon Music, Qobuz, internet radio, and podcasts, offering users a diverse range of listening options.

Audio Performance

The ST25 supports high-resolution audio formats, accommodating bit depths of 16, 24, and 32 bits, with sample rates up to 384 kHz. It also offers gapless playback, ensuring uninterrupted listening experiences. The inclusion of the ESS9038K2M DAC chip contributes to a harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) rating of 0.0008%, indicating exceptional audio fidelity.

User Interface and Control

The high-resolution front display provides intuitive navigation through menus and displays detailed track information. The updated Arcam Radia app enhances user experience by simplifying network setup and providing control over various streaming services and playback options. The ST25 also includes a control link feature for seamless integration with Arcam Radia amplifiers, allowing unified operation from a single device.

Conclusion

The Arcam ST25 stands as a testament to Arcam's dedication to high-quality audio reproduction and user-centric design. Its combination of advanced digital processing, robust build quality, and extensive streaming capabilities make it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking a versatile and high-performance network audio player. Whether as a standalone unit or paired with the Radia A25 amplifier, the ST25 is poised to deliver an exceptional listening experience.