Arcam AV receivers are aimed at the top-end of the market. So, if you are somebody who demands the best that money can buy, then an Arcam receiver should be on your list of ‘possibles.’
Arcam is a British brand, and its receivers are designed for audiophiles, so you can expect attention to detail and the highest possible engineering standards.
One big difference from many brands in this market is they don’t release a new model every year. These receivers are built to last and will receive essential new core features via firmware updates.
Arcam makes sure you have all you need for a fantastic receiver that looks and sounds great. But they don’t waste time and money on things that don’t serve the core requirements.
It’s all about the sound and performance.
The models below are listed by release year and MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price).
Just be aware that you can often buy a receiver below the MSRP, but it’s a helpful guideline to its place in the market.
If you want a more general overview of AV receivers, and which features you should look out for, take a look at the AV receiver guide.
Quick Navigation
- Arcam HDA SERIES
- ——————- 2022 ——————-
- Arcam AVR31
- Arcam AVR21
- Arcam AVR11
- ——————- 2021 ——————-
- Arcam AVR5
- ——————- 2020 ——————-
- Arcam AVR30
- Arcam AVR20
- Arcam AVR10
- Arcam FMJ SERIES
- ——————- 2016 ——————-
- Arcam AVR850
- Arcam AVR550
- Arcam AVR390
ARCAM HDA SERIES
The Arcam HDA (High Definition Audio) Series first appeared in 2018 with a CD player/network streamer and two stereo amplifiers. It was the first step in refreshing the Arcam product range since it was bought by Harman International (and, subsequently, Samsung). With a departure in the styling of the familiar FMJ Series, the HDA Series kept the most essential part of the Arcam brand – high-quality audiophile sound.
It wasn’t until late 2019/early 2020 that Arcam released a series of AV receivers in this range. As with the FMJ series, each receiver’s features are very similar, although there are one or two other differences in the specification if you look closely. But, the main difference between each model is the power output.
Arcam AVR31
Features in the best high-end AV receiversMSRP: $7000
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 9.2.6) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/3 (ARC/eARC - HDMI 2.1) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 15.2-Ch + Zone 2 (2-Ch) / Stereo 2-Ch |
| Other Audio Out | 1x Optical |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out) |
| Auto Room Calibration | Dirac Live (Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control) |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 120 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP2.3 |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX®HD, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | Auro-3D |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 39.9/18.1 |
| Year | 2022 |
2022
Arcam AVR21
MSRP: $5000
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 9.2.6) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/3 (ARC/eARC - HDMI 2.1) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 15.2-Ch + Zone 2 (2-Ch) / Stereo 2-Ch |
| Other Audio Out | 1x Optical |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out) |
| Auto Room Calibration | Dirac Live (Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control) |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 110 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP2.3 |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX®HD, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | Auro-3D |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 36.6/16.6 |
| Year | 2022 |
2022
Arcam AVR11
MSRP: $3500
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/2 (ARC/eARC - HDMI 2.1) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 11.2-Ch / Stereo 2-Ch |
| Other Audio Out | 1x Optical |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | None |
| Auto Room Calibration | Dirac Live (Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control) |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 80 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP2.3 |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX®HD, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | Auro-3D |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 36.4/16.5 |
| Year | 2022 |
2021
Arcam AVR5
MSRP: $2000
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/2 (ARC/eARC) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 11.2-Ch / Stereo 2-Ch |
| Other Audio Out | 1x Optical |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | None |
| Auto Room Calibration | None - optional Dirac Live purchase |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 80 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 4K/60p, HDCP2.2 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 36.4/16.5 |
| Year | 2021 |
2020
Arcam AVR30
MSRP: $6000
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 9.2.6) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/3 (ARC/eARC) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 15.2-Ch + Zone 2 (2-Ch) / Stereo 2-Ch |
| Other Audio Out | 1x Optical |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out) |
| Auto Room Calibration | Dirac Live |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 120 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 4K/60p, HDCP2.2 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | Auro-3D |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 39.9/18.1 |
| Year | 2020 |
2020
Arcam AVR20
MSRP: $4000
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 9.2.6) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/3 (ARC/eARC) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 15.2-Ch + Zone 2 (2-Ch) / Stereo 2-Ch |
| Other Audio Out | 1x Optical |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out) |
| Auto Room Calibration | Dirac Live |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 110 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 4K/60p, HDCP2.2 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | Auro-3D |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 36.6/16.6 |
| Year | 2020 |
2020
Arcam AVR10
MSRP: $2500
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/2 (ARC/eARC) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 11.2-Ch / Stereo 2-Ch |
| Other Audio Out | 1x Optical |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | None |
| Auto Room Calibration | Dirac Live |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 80 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 4K/60p, HDCP2.2 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | Auro-3D |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 36.4/16.5 |
| Year | 2020 |
ARCAM FMJ SERIES
The FMJ Series doesn’t just include integrated AV receivers. A stereo AV receiver and AV processor sit alongside the receivers, but they are all built with a black metal casing, where the series name originates. FMJ originally stood for Full Metal Jacket to describe the solid build of these models. However, Arcam later switched this branding to Faithful Musical Joy, a description that really tells you where these products are aimed – audiophiles.
A standout feature with these Arcam receivers is that each AV receiver is essentially the same – save for one or two fundamental differences. Once you realize only the amplification for each receiver changes, it is pretty simple to choose. Everything else is the same. The only difference between each is the power and Class G or Class A/B amplification if you’re comparing – and the price!
Arcam AVR850
MSRP: $5999
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/3 (ARC) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 11.2-Ch / Zone 2 (2-Ch) |
| Other Audio Out | --- |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out) |
| Auto Room Calibration | Dirac Live |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 120 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 4K/60p, HDCP2.2 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 36.8/16.7 |
| Year | 2016 |
2016
Arcam AVR550
MSRP: $3399
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/3 (ARC) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 11.2-Ch / Zone 2 (2-Ch) |
| Other Audio Out | --- |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio line out) |
| Auto Room Calibration | Dirac Live |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 110 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 4K/60p, HDCP2.2 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 34.1/15.5 |
| Year | 2016 |
2016
Arcam AVR390
MSRP: $2499
Image Credit: Arcam
Image Credit: Arcam
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4) |
| HDMI In/Out | 7/3 (ARC) |
| Other Video In | None |
| Other Video Out | None |
| Audio In | 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial |
| Audio Pre Out/Line Out | 11.2-Ch / Zone 2 (2-Ch) |
| Other Audio Out | --- |
| USB Connection | 1x Rear (Updates Only) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out) |
| Auto Room Calibration | Dirac Live |
| Power (W/Ch)* | 80 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 8 recommended |
| UHD Support | 4K/60p, HDCP2.2 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network/Wireless | Ethernet |
| Voice Control | No |
| Dolby Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Decoders | DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X |
| Other Audio Decoders | |
| Selected Processing Modes | Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 34.6/15.7 |
| Year | 2016 |
About The Author
Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has been a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. You can find out more here.
