ARCAM, the HARMAN Luxury Audio brand, is adding four new home theater models: the AVR11, AVR21, and AVR31 AV receivers, and the AV41 preamplifier processor. The launch heralds the arrival of the most comprehensively equipped AV models to date, enabling users to fully experience the latest audio-visual technologies with the musicality for which ARCAM designs are renowned.
All models embrace HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3 for support of resolutions up to 8K at 60fps or 4K at 120fps, along with support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Audio specifications include the latest Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D immersive audio formats.
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The units also support Apple Airplay2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth with aptX HD, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon, and MQA. When it comes to digital-to-analog conversion, the ARCAM design team engineered each model with dual ESS9026PRO audiophile DACs, together with ESS reference voltage regulators. Each model is as capable with audio as it is with video.
Even when equipped with the latest connectivity, the room will always impact a system’s sound quality. To solve this universal dilemma, ARCAM includes a room calibration mic and arms the system with Dirac Live, the world’s most advanced room correction software.
Working in harmony with Dirac Live, the new ARCAM models deliver a larger sweet spot, accurate staging, clarity, and voice intelligibility that are fully tunable to the listener’s preference. ARCAM also readies its models for Dirac Live Bass Control. Building on Dirac Live, Dirac Live Bass Management automatically maximizes low-frequency performance from all of a homeowner’s loudspeakers.
The AVR11 and AVR21 each include seven channels of Class AB power amplification, rated at 7 x 85 watts (all channels driven) and 7 x 110 watts (all channels driven), respectively. The duo’s AV decrypting capabilities are extensive, with the AVR11 featuring native 12-channel decoding and the AVR21 adding a further four channels. The AVR21 also adds an HDMI output to the AVR11’s pair, opening the option for a Zone 2 setup.
The ARCAM design team equips the AVR31 receiver with seven channels of Class G amplification — the ultimate amplifier technology. Class G implements multiple power supplies like a hybrid car engine rather than just a single supply. When a dynamic signal is received that goes beyond the capability of the first power supply, the secondary supply is gradually introduced, bringing it up to full-rated power output as required. The result is a mighty yet efficient flagship AVR that uses additional power only when needed.
The ARCAM AV41 is a high-performance AV processor that enables incredible home theater experiences. The significant collection of logos on its fascia gives a sense of its many talents — everything the AVRs support, this processor supports — and its rear panel provides XLR-balanced outputs for all 16 channels. Designed, like all ARCAM AV equipment, for music and movies, the AV41 perfectly pairs with its power amplifier options the PA720, PA240, and PA410.
“The audio and video performance of the new AVR range is simply spectacular,” said Jim Garrett, senior director, product strategy and planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio. “Combine that thrilling performance with a best-in-class feature set, including fully uncompressed 8K HDMI video capability and the latest immersive audio decoding, and you have a real value that is unmatched in the market.”
The AVR11, AVR21, AVR31, and AV41 will be available at select retailers beginning in March.
To learn more about the new models, visit.