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Streamers — Arcam ST5
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Arcam ST5
Image source — © Arcam
The ST5 is a network streamer from Arcam's Radia series, unveiled in London on 3 October 2023 together with the A5, A15 and A25 integrated amplifiers and the CD5 disc player, with retail availability in the fourth quarter of that year. Launch prices were GBP 799, EUR 949 and USD 799. Arcam presents it as the high resolution upgrade for its Radia integrated amplifiers, built in a slim case that matches them.
Key specs that matter
An ESS ES9018 converter with time domain jitter elimination drives one pair of analogue RCA outputs, and two digital S/PDIF outputs, one coaxial RCA and one Toslink optical, are also fitted for use with an external DAC. Hi-res playback covers FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC and MQA at 16 or 24 bit and 44.1 to 192 kHz, plus DSD up to DSD128, while MP3, MP4, OGG and WMA play at 16 bit and 44.1 or 48 kHz. Playback is gapless. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.05 dB with filter 1. The unit measures 431 x 344 x 58 mm, weighs 3.58 kg net and 6.6 kg packed, and draws 12 W in use and under 0.5 W in eco standby. Mains versions exist for 100 to 120 V and 220 to 240 V.
Engineering and use context
The ST5 connects to the home network over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect play natively, all with hi-res and MQA support, the unit is Roon Ready, and Apple AirPlay and Google Cast give a route in from the majority of smartphones and tablets. The ARCAM Radia app handles Wi-Fi setup and adds internet radio presets, podcasts, Amazon Music Unlimited and UPnP access to network storage, and a USB-A port reads music from mass storage drives. A supplied control cable links the streamer to an A5+ or A15+ amplifier so that input selection and volume are handled together from one device. Arcam argues that splitting streaming and amplification into two boxes, each with its own power supply, gives a better result than a single all-in-one unit. The package includes a remote control with two AAA batteries, and the box itself uses plastic-free packaging.
Pairing
The RCA analogue pair suits any line-level input on an amplifier, and the Radia amplifiers with the control link are the direct match. Owners of a separate DAC or an AV receiver can use the coaxial or optical output instead and bypass the internal converter.
Alternatives
The Arcam ST60 is a network streamer with an ESS9038 converter, balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs and four digital inputs.
Key specs that matter
An ESS ES9018 converter with time domain jitter elimination drives one pair of analogue RCA outputs, and two digital S/PDIF outputs, one coaxial RCA and one Toslink optical, are also fitted for use with an external DAC. Hi-res playback covers FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC and MQA at 16 or 24 bit and 44.1 to 192 kHz, plus DSD up to DSD128, while MP3, MP4, OGG and WMA play at 16 bit and 44.1 or 48 kHz. Playback is gapless. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.05 dB with filter 1. The unit measures 431 x 344 x 58 mm, weighs 3.58 kg net and 6.6 kg packed, and draws 12 W in use and under 0.5 W in eco standby. Mains versions exist for 100 to 120 V and 220 to 240 V.
Engineering and use context
The ST5 connects to the home network over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect play natively, all with hi-res and MQA support, the unit is Roon Ready, and Apple AirPlay and Google Cast give a route in from the majority of smartphones and tablets. The ARCAM Radia app handles Wi-Fi setup and adds internet radio presets, podcasts, Amazon Music Unlimited and UPnP access to network storage, and a USB-A port reads music from mass storage drives. A supplied control cable links the streamer to an A5+ or A15+ amplifier so that input selection and volume are handled together from one device. Arcam argues that splitting streaming and amplification into two boxes, each with its own power supply, gives a better result than a single all-in-one unit. The package includes a remote control with two AAA batteries, and the box itself uses plastic-free packaging.
Pairing
The RCA analogue pair suits any line-level input on an amplifier, and the Radia amplifiers with the control link are the direct match. Owners of a separate DAC or an AV receiver can use the coaxial or optical output instead and bypass the internal converter.
Alternatives
The Arcam ST60 is a network streamer with an ESS9038 converter, balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs and four digital inputs.
Specifications
Model name
ST5
Has internal DAC
Yes
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 24/192 and DSD128
DSP processing
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Analog outputs level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
431 x 344 x 57
Weight (kg)
3.5
Official link
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