Receivers — Arcam AVR31

The AVR31 is the top receiver of the HDA home cinema range made by Arcam, whose trademark is held by HARMAN International, sitting above the AVR11 and AVR21 and alongside the AV41 processor. It combines seven channels of built-in amplification with native decoding of up to 16 channels of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, so extra height or surround channels can be fed from its preamplifier outputs to external power amplifiers or powered speakers.

Key specs that matter

Continuous output with two channels driven across 20 Hz to 20 kHz at under 0.02% THD is 120 W into 8 ohm and 200 W into 4 ohm. At 1 kHz and 0.2% THD the figures become 140 W and 220 W with two channels driven, and 100 W and 180 W with all seven driven. Residual noise and hum stay below 0.15 mV A-weighted. Stereo line inputs accept up to 4.5 V RMS with selectable sensitivity of 1, 2 or 4 V and 47 kohm impedance, and reach 100 dB signal to noise in normal mode or 110 dB in Stereo Direct, with response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.2 dB. The preamplifier outputs deliver 1 V RMS nominal (5 V maximum) from 560 ohm, with THD+N of minus 100 dB. The unit measures 433 x 425 x 171 mm including terminals and feet and weighs 18.1 kg net.

Engineering and use context

The seven Class G channels are derived from the output stages used in Arcam stereo amplifiers and draw on an oversized toroidal transformer. Conversion is handled by two ESS 9026PRO DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators. Video switching covers seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs, one of them for Zone 2, with HDCP 2.3 and eARC; every input passes 8K at 60 fps and 4K at 120 fps, plus Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG. Streaming options include Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth with aptX HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, UPnP through the MusicLife app, MQA support and Roon Ready status. Control is possible over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RS232 and IR. Maximum consumption is 1.5 kW, typical idle draw 100 W and standby under 0.5 W. The box includes a calibration microphone, DAB/FM aerial, three wireless antennas and a USB cable.

Pairing

With its all-channels-driven rating and 4 ohm capability, the AVR31 can drive typical passive home cinema speaker sets directly. Layouts beyond seven channels need external power amplification or powered speakers on the extra outputs, while the pre-out voltage ceiling suits most power amplifier input sensitivities. A 32 ohm headphone output delivering 5 V RMS is also fitted for private listening.

Alternatives

The Arcam AVR21 keeps the 16-channel decoding and HDMI 2.1 switching but uses Class AB amplification rated at 90 W into 8 ohm with seven channels driven.