Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, and Aural 3D formats
- Includes Dirac Live for room correction, with optional Dirac Live Bass Control for single or multiple subwoofers
- Uses dual ESS 9026PRO audiophile DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators
- Has native streaming integrations with Roon, Spotify Connect, Google Chromecast, and Apple Airplay
- Supports 8k video at 60 frames per second and 4k video at 120 frames per second and is fully HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3 compliant
Product Considerations
- Unusual placement of the power switch and volume dial, and translucent labels on front panel buttons, may make operation challenging in daylight
- The included manual lacks detail
- Arcam does not publish which HDMI 2.1 features it supports
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Anthem has one additional channel, allowing for a 9.2.6 configuration without compromises
- Marantz has fewer channels (13) and a lower caliber DAC chip (AKM4458)
- Emotiva does not support Aural3D and lacks HDMI 2.1 support
- The main difference is the addition of the 8K HDMI 2.1 capability in the AV41—compared to the AV40
Takeaway: The Arcam AV41 is a feature-rich AV processor that offers excellent audio processing and immersive sound capabilities. Its support for various streaming services and room correction technology makes it a great choice for creating a high-quality home cinema experience.
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Arcam AVR5
- Positioning: Entry-level model in Arcam's AVR lineup.
- Description: Offers solid performance with Class AB amplification, delivering 60W per channel with all channels driven. Features HDMI 2.0b connectivity, which supports 4K video but lacks the 8K capabilities and advanced gaming features found in the AVR11, AVR21, and AVR31.
Arcam AVR11
- Positioning: Mid-tier model, positioned above the AVR5.
- Description: Enhances the home cinema experience with 7 channels of Class AB amplification, each delivering 85W with all channels driven. Introduces HDMI 2.1 connectivity, enabling 8K video passthrough at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, features not available in the AVR5.
Arcam AVR21
- Positioning: Higher mid-tier model, above the AVR11.
- Description: Provides increased power with 7 channels of Class AB amplification at 110W per channel, all channels driven. Supports 16-channel decoding for immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, offering more advanced processing capabilities compared to the AVR11's 12-channel decoding.
Arcam AVR31
- Positioning: Flagship AV receiver in Arcam's lineup.
- Description: Stands out with 7 channels of Class G amplification, delivering 100W per channel with all channels driven, providing higher efficiency and dynamic power reserves. While it shares the 16-channel decoding capability with the AVR21, the Class G amplification offers superior performance and efficiency over the Class AB amplification in the AVR21.
Arcam AV41
- Positioning: Dedicated AV processor without built-in amplification.
- Description: Designed for those who prefer using external power amplifiers, offering 16 channels of decoding for formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. Lacks built-in amplification but provides 16 balanced XLR outputs for high-quality connections to external amplifiers.
Read the reviews

Manufacturer's notes
The Arcam AV41 is designed with a passion for music and movies, bringing both to life with high fidelity and dynamics. The AV41 boasts XLR balanced outputs for all 16 channels to deliver the highest quality analogue connection to power amplifiers.
The performance and musicality can be assured with Dirac Live® room optimisation included, and accessed instantly with integrated streaming using Apple®Airplay2, Google Chromecast®, Bluetooth with aptX®HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and UPnP with the MusicLife app.
- HDMI Inputs: 7
- HDMI Outputs: 3
- Audio Channels: 16
- DACs: Dual ESS 9026PRO
- Outputs: 16 transformerless balanced XLR
Our take on the brand
Used
Arcam
What if you spend a bit more?

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Reference-level sound quality combines clarity, nuance, and power
- RoomPerfect room correction system is easy to configure and provides great results
- Extensive tuning capabilities include bi-amp and tri-amp configurations with crossovers and full parametric equalization on every channel
- Elegant, minimalist Scandinavian design with a high-quality build
- Lacks analog inputs, requiring external ADCs for turntables and other analog sources
- Does not have WiFi connectivity, necessitating a wired Ethernet connection
Product Considerations
- The remote control lacks backlighting
- HDMI CEC control isn't enabled while in standby mode, by design, increasing power consumption
- Requires XLR-to-RCA adapters that do not tie XLR pin #3 to ground to connect amplifiers or components with unbalanced inputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Trinnov Altitude 16 is more expensive and does not include the equipment to implement their Room Optimizer application, but is considered a sophisticated processor for spacious, dedicated home theaters
- The McIntosh MX 180 licenses Lyngdorf's RoomPerfect and offers similar features, with an appeal to those who prefer the McIntosh aesthetic
- The Anthem AVM 90 is more affordable but has four of its 19 channels dedicated to subwoofers, which cannot be used for other purposes
Takeaway: The Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1 is a top-tier AV processor that delivers exceptional sound quality and a user-friendly experience. With its advanced room correction and flexible configuration options, it is a great choice for those seeking a high-performance home theater experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Upgradeability is limited to its HDMI section, sharing the same upgrade path for HDMI that the MK2 processors have
- Offers a wide set of calibration tools, including PEQs, active crossovers, and Dirac Live
- Has the ability to integrate third-party control systems and be part of a multi-zone audio system through Rune, being Rune-ready
- The 16-channel XLR balanced outputs are driven by the same DAC board in the MK2, so one can expect the same great audio performance
- Features the same DSPs as the MK2, enabling 20 PEQs per channel and active crossover management
- Delivers incredibly transparent and exceptionally detailed sound
- Easy to use, with browser or app-based configuration/control
Product Considerations
- Upgradeability is limited to the HDMI section
- Cannot be upgraded to a 24 or 32-channel unit, nor does it have the ability to install any digital input or output options available for the MK2 lines
- The Dirac Live Base Control add-on is not included by default and is part of an optional license package
- Auro 3D is limited to 7.1.6 speaker configurations
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The ISP Core 16 is limited to 16 channels, while the StormAudio ISP.32 MK2 allows up to 32 channels
- The ISP Core 16 uses the same DAC board as the StormAudio ISP Elite MK2
- ISP Core 16 gives up some upgradeability options to achieve its less expensive price point compared to StormAudio's flagship ISP Elite MK3 processors
- The ISP Core 16 is much lighter and smaller because it doesn't have as many legacy analog inputs
Takeaway: The ISP Core 16 offers great sound quality with an easy to use interface that can bring your home theater to life. Dirac Live and other technologies combine to deliver a fully immersive sound experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand

In the R 2500 R, the design and performance of our R series come together with the universal usability of a 'One Box System.' Its sources enable an almost limitless selection of playback options, with its integrated DSD and PCM converters transforming digital signals into analog signals of unique quality, which are then output to external speakers by the built-in amplifiers in T+A's typical sound quality.
The new R 2500 R is among the first T+A devices to have access to the third generation of our streaming architecture: It not only allows access to streaming services and USB sources but, for the first time, a T+A device can be controlled directly from the mobile streaming apps Spotify and Tidal via Connect Services.
Measuring 16,5 × 46 × 40,5 cm, the R 2500 R follows our design philosophy of timeless reduction: Few but thoughtfully placed buttons interrupt the elegant front, whose characteristic phases create an almost seamless transition into the side panels, while the entire body of the R 2500 R radiates in the light gloss of hand-brushed aluminum.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a CD player, FM tuner, integrated amplifier, DAC, and network streamer in one chassis
- Features a minimalist industrial design and is made of thick-walled aluminum, with components machined from solid metal
- Features a class-AB dual-mono amplifier design, outputting 140Wpc into 8 ohms or 250Wpc into 4 ohms
- Has a DAC section with separate paths for PCM and DSD, using Burr-Brown devices for PCM and T+A's True-1-Bit converter for DSD
- Features T+A's High-Frequency Sinusoidal Power Supply for stable power delivery
Product Considerations
- The T+A MusicNavigator app was a bit clunky when it came to pairing the unit to a Wi-Fi network, requiring several attempts, but ultimately it worked
- The app's search engine is not excellent, and interfacing with NAS libraries or attached hard drives requires more finger-punches to get to the desired music than the best streamer apps
- The review unit had not yet been certified by Roon Labs as a Roon Ready device at the time of the review, though this may no longer be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MOON by Simaudio 390/760A—the MOON pairing had a warmer sound with greater focus on the midrange frequencies, slightly more guttural bass, and greater center vocal focus, but a higher noise floor on the phono stage compared to the R 2500 R
- Vs dCS Bartók—the T+A DAC is like the sharpest HD photo, extremely detailed about the lines around things and the contrasts of sounds, while the dCS is always relaxed and musical, everything in balance always and a tiny bit 'impressionistic'
Takeaway: The T+A R 2500 R is a high-performance all-in-one component that offers many options for playing music from almost any source. Its build quality, powerful amplifier, and detailed sound make it a great centerpiece for a modern audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Supports 8K video via HDMI.
- Has a total of 16 channels, enough for a sophisticated home theatre setup like 15.1 or 9.1.6 channels.
- Supports HDR and HDR10+ with better picture dynamics, most picture formats and also the 3D surround formats Dolby Atmos, Auro-2D and DTS:X Pro.
- Has 7 Ultra-High-Speed HDMI connectors (5 in and 2 out) that support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz.
- All HDMI ports support HDCP 2.3, 4:4:4 Color, 2020, Dynamic Lip-sync, and 3D Video pass-through as well as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), Quick Media Switching (QMS), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
- Two HDMI outputs can transfer to two separate projectors, either from the same or different sources.
- Integrated RoomPerfect room correction.
- Has a range of digital and analogue inputs, plus turntable input for MM pickup.
Product Considerations
- Priced at $17,000, before duty and VAT.
Takeaway: The McIntosh MX180 is a flagship AV processor made for those who want a high-end home theater experience. With its support for 8K video, 16 channels, and various HDR formats, it offers a sophisticated and immersive experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lot of clean power with all channels driven, ensuring consistent performance across all speakers
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing immersive soundscapes for movies and music
- Features Dirac Live Room Correction, one of the best systems for optimizing sound in any room by addressing both frequency and time arrival
- Built with McIntosh's build quality, known for longevity
- Has HDMI 2.1 connectivity supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz
Product Considerations
- Lacks analog inputs, which may limit connectivity for some users
- There are very few features aside from an FM tuner
- The remote is not backlit, which may make it difficult to use in a dark home theater
- The price may not be justified when other receivers on the market can do more
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Emotiva MR-1L: The reviewer preferred the Class-AB sound of the Emotiva–to the Class-D sound of the McIntosh
- Vs Denon A1H: The MHT300 is sexier, better built, and runs cooler, while sounding every bit as good if not better
- Vs Arcam AVR31: The Arcam has a similar philosophy overall, in that it provides seven amplified channels out of the box (class-G in this case, not class-D) and can be expanded beyond that, in this case to 9.1.6
Takeaway: The MHT300 is a receiver that provides a lot of power, solid performance, and an immersive sound experience, making it great for someone who wants an easy-to-use, well-built, and powerful system. This receiver would be an excellent choice for anyone willing to invest in a high-quality product
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fifteen channels of built-in amplifier power
- A flagship AV receiver fully worthy of the name
- Superior build quality
- Great dynamics, transient response, tonal balance, control of speakers, decoding, D-to-A conversion, processing, imaging, and soundstage
- The AVR-A1H can command up to four discrete subwoofers, each independently addressable via Dirac Live Bass Control
Product Considerations
- The A1H generates a lot of heat
- The remote is not as nice as older remotes
- Dirac Live Bass Control is recommended to get the best performance, though not included
- It lacks a global preset option, where combinations of input, surround-mode and other modes, speaker settings, channel-level tweaks, and more can be stored for one-touch recall
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Denon A110, the A1H is superior in every way
Takeaway: The Denon AVR-A1H is an excellent fifteen-channel receiver that provides immersive sound for an advanced home theater experience. It has comprehensive features and provides audio performance that would satisfy any AV enthusiast.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful, elegant design, described as a visual masterpiece with a European feel
- Top-notch sound quality is delivered from both 2-channel and multi-channel sources
- The unit has the ability to access Rune capabilities
- It features Dirac Live, an advanced speaker calibration system
- Plenty of amp power is available for most speaker setups
Product Considerations
- The SPA25 only processes a single subwoofer channel, so even though there are two sub outputs, they both get the same signal
- Some reviewers experienced occasional glitches with no sound upon startup, requiring a hard reset
- Four HDMI 2.0 inputs may not be enough for users with larger systems
- It lacks HDMI 2.1 ports, impacting future-proofing
- Dirac Live Bass Control or Active Room Treatment (ART) are not supported
Takeaway: The SPA25 is a great option for someone who wants both high-quality sound and good looks in their home theater. It has plenty of power for a standard setup and includes advanced features to improve the audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fantastic core sound quality
- Very solid construction with a modern, clean design
- Plenty of amp power for most speaker setups
- Ability to bridge main amp channels if more power is needed
- Prisma app integrates all streaming into one location
Product Considerations
- Cannot calibrate two subwoofers independently
- No Dirac Live Bass Control or Active Room Treatment (ART)
- Switch to a more reliable HDMI chipset with HDMI 2.1 support
- Roon Ready certification is still pending
- Prisma app struggles with high-resolution files
Takeaway: The SPA25 offers exceptional audio performance and strong amplification, making it a great central hub for a multichannel system. It has the sonic ability to stand toe-to-toe with many two channel integrated amplifiers while providing enough processing power for a high-quality home theater setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, and Aural 3D formats
- Includes Dirac Live for room correction, with optional Dirac Live Bass Control for single or multiple subwoofers
- Uses dual ESS 9026PRO audiophile DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators
- Has native streaming integrations with Roon, Spotify Connect, Google Chromecast, and Apple Airplay
- Supports 8k video at 60 frames per second and 4k video at 120 frames per second and is fully HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3 compliant
Product Considerations
- Unusual placement of the power switch and volume dial, and translucent labels on front panel buttons, may make operation challenging in daylight
- The included manual lacks detail
- Arcam does not publish which HDMI 2.1 features it supports
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Anthem has one additional channel, allowing for a 9.2.6 configuration without compromises
- Marantz has fewer channels (13) and a lower caliber DAC chip (AKM4458)
- Emotiva does not support Aural3D and lacks HDMI 2.1 support
- The main difference is the addition of the 8K HDMI 2.1 capability in the AV41—compared to the AV40
Takeaway: The Arcam AV41 is a feature-rich AV processor that offers excellent audio processing and immersive sound capabilities. Its support for various streaming services and room correction technology makes it a great choice for creating a high-quality home cinema experience.
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