Sixteen HDA channels with no internal power amplification and XLR outputs throughout
Arcam AV41 is a 9.1.6 HDA AV processor with no power amplification, native 16-channel decoding, dual ESS 9026PRO DACs, 16 XLR outputs, HDMI 2.1 and Dirac Live.
AV41 is the control centre of the HDA range for systems where power amplifiers are chosen separately. Unlike AVR21 and AVR31 it contains no power stages: it concentrates processing, conversion, streaming and room correction, leaving RCA and XLR outputs to connect PA720, PA240, PA410 or other external amplifiers.
Key features
- 9.1.6 AV processor with no power amplification.
- Native 16-channel decoding for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D.
- Dual ESS 9026PRO DACs with ESS reference regulators.
- Sixteen transformerless balanced XLR outputs plus multichannel RCA outputs.
- Dirac Live Room Correction included and ready for Dirac Live Bass Control.
- Seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs with HDCP2.3 and Zone 2.
- 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG.
- AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, MQA and Roon Ready.
HDA processor with no amplification
AV41 completely separates processing from power amplification. Its 16 channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D are decoded and sent to external power amplifiers, allowing amplification to be sized around the loudspeakers and room. This architecture distinguishes it from the HDA AV receivers and suits high-level dedicated systems.
Sixteen XLR outputs and dual ESS 9026PRO
The analogue section provides 16 transformerless balanced XLR outputs to preserve signal integrity on the way to external amplifiers, alongside RCA connections. Multichannel conversion uses dual ESS 9026PRO DACs with ESS reference regulators, a specific characteristic of the AV41 HDA platform.
HDMI 2.1 and video
Seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, including Zone 2, support HDMI 2.1, HDCP2.3 and eARC. Every input handles 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz together with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG, allowing cinema and gaming sources to be centralised without restricting the video path.
Dirac Live
Dirac Live Room Correction is included and measures loudspeaker response in the room before applying optimisation filters. AV41 is also ready for Dirac Live Bass Control, available with an additional licence for more advanced coordination of subwoofers and main loudspeakers.
HDA streaming and tuner
Streaming includes AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, MQA and Roon Ready, with UPnP managed through Arcam music life App. AV41 also retains the HDA platform's FM/DAB+ tuner and Bluetooth aptX HD, a different combination from the newer Radia interface used by AVP45.
Control and integration
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RS232, IR and 12V trigger support dedicated cinema rooms and automation systems. Balanced outputs for every channel simplify long cable runs to a power-amplifier rack, while the graphical display and remote follow the established HDA approach.
Dimensions and accessories
The Arcam manual specifies 433 x 171 x 425 mm and a net weight of 10.6 kg. The distributor lists 13.9 kg, matching Arcam's packed weight, so the manufacturer's net weight is used in the description. Supplied accessories include mains lead, remote with batteries, DAB/FM aerial, three Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, calibration microphone and USB cable.
