Sixteen-channel decoding, seven Class A/B power stages and HDMI 2.1 for advanced cinema
Arcam AVR21 is an AV receiver with 16-channel decoding, seven 90 W Class A/B power stages, HDMI 2.1 8K, Dirac Live, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D.
AVR21 is designed for home cinema rooms requiring more processing channels than its seven internal power stages. It decodes up to 16 immersive channels, integrates seven Class A/B amplifiers and provides pre-outs for external power amplification, keeping streaming and room correction within the same component.
Key features
- Native 16-channel decoding for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D.
- Seven Class A/B channels with stated output of 7x90 W.
- Dirac Live Room Correction included and ready for Dirac Live Bass Control.
- Dual ESS 9026PRO DACs with ESS reference regulators.
- Seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs with HDCP2.3, including Zone 2.
- 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz support on every HDMI input.
- Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, MQA and Roon Ready.
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth aptX HD, RS232, IR and 12V trigger.
Sixteen channels of processing
Native 16-channel processing allows extended immersive layouts with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D. Seven internal power stages handle part of the system and pre-outs allow external amplification for the remaining channels, separating decoding capability from the number of built-in amplifiers.
Class A/B and toroidal transformer
The power section uses seven Class A/B channels with a stated output of 90 W per channel. A toroidal transformer and engineering derived from Arcam stereo designs aim to preserve dynamics and musicality with complex soundtracks.
HDMI 2.1 and 8K video
Seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, one dedicated to Zone 2, use HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3 and eARC. All inputs support 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz together with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG, making AVR21 suitable for high-frame-rate video and gaming sources.
Dirac Live
Dirac Live Room Correction is included and measures system response in the room before applying optimisation filters. AVR21 is also ready for Dirac Live Bass Control, available as an additional licence for more advanced integration of subwoofers and main loudspeakers.
Streaming and conversion
Conversion uses dual ESS 9026PRO DACs with ESS reference regulators. Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, MQA and Roon Ready sit alongside UPnP streaming through Arcam music life App, with Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth aptX HD.
Control and integration
RS232, IR, 12V trigger and IP control allow AVR21 to fit custom systems and dedicated cinema rooms. RCA pre-outs for every channel support external power amplifiers, while the headphone output and FM/DAB+ tuner complete receiver functions.
Dimensions and accessories
The chassis measures 433 x 171 x 425 mm and weighs 16.6 kg, with the published figures matching. Supplied accessories include mains lead, remote with batteries, DAB/FM aerial, three Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, calibration microphone and USB cable.
