Arcam have refreshed their acclaimed Radia range and the A25+ is the new flagship model of the series. Visually it’s very similar to it’s predecessor, but that’s where the similarities end.
The principle design features of the A25 have remained; all aluminium casing, minimalist fascia, subtle yellow trims – it wouldn’t look out of place as a prop in the latest Tron movie. This is also true of the plastic free packaging, which is still a product designer’s dream and masterclass in unboxing ASMR. Pure retail therapy.
New and exclusive to the A25+ in the Radia range is a precision cut glass front panel, and OLED display screen, a welcomed upgrade from the dot matrix which contributes to the premium feel. There’s an adjustable dimmer, and with it’s improved contrast it’s more readable, easier and more impressive on the eye. Both additions elevate the appearance from the other Radia products.
Connection wise it’s still a capable jack of all. New to the range includes the addition of Bluetooth 5.4 and Snapdragon Sound which can send uncompressed audio via Bluetooth. Auracast allows the connection of multiple Bluetooth devices. Importantly a new eARC port brings compatibility with a wide range of TVs and AV audio formats.
The sound is what really sets the A25+ apart from it’s predecessor, anything else in it’s price range, and even some above. Straight out of the box you’re immersed in clear and glorious levels of detail that refresh the senses. True to form it’s a balanced neutral sound that retains that signature Arcam warmth.
There was plenty of muscle and headroom behind the 100 watts into 8 ohms power rating when I plugged it into a pair of Monitor Audio Studio 89s via a set of Chord EpicXL cables, both of which complemented the amplifier nicely. The A25+ is immaculately tuned as frequencies across the spectrum are presented with a level of clarity and temporal control that make it easy to listen to. It’s a significant “+” in it’s name, a big leap forward from the A25. Where the predecessor excelled at jazz and classical, this is a better all rounder.
Enhance every element of your system’s sound, with the Arcam A25+.
There’s a few reasons for this. The upgraded power supply design and DAC are certainly contributing factors. The A25+ uses Arcam’s patented 5th generation Class G design which aims to combine the sonic purity of Class A, typically involving the use of tubes and known for it’s energy inefficiency, with the power efficiency of Class AB. Class AB whilst more efficient, has the drawback of crossover distortion as the audio signal is pulled between two transistors. Class G overcomes these drawbacks by using a system of switching power supplies depending on the power output required, which is the audio equivalent of a car hybrid engine with a turbo built in.
We used a Technics SL1500 with Chord EpicX ARAY and John Martyn’s “Solid Air” to test the phono stage of the A25+ and were immediately impressed by the clarity; the double bass slides are smooth as it shifts through the lower registers and the detail of the fretted guitar are crisp and hauntingly present, as is the vocal presentation and the reverb trails.
When we plugged in the companion streamer the ST25 via Chord Epic Digital Solid RCA interconnect it really bought our digital music to life.
We used Debussy’s “Clair De Lune” for testing it’s classical chops and are impressed with the A25+’s articulation of the harmonic complexities of this solo piano standard.
Switching to something more electronic, Bjork’s “Hunter” fills the room with controlled and defined bass, yet all the subtleties of the mix like the tremolo backing vocals and the dynamic strings are clear and present.
All in all the A25+ provides a wonderfully clean and accurate and powerful sound. The fact that it lost to it’s stablemate the A15+ for the What Hifi 2025 Product Of The Year award is no reason at all to dismiss this excellent high performance amplifier. Arcam have produced yet another brilliant product that’s raising the bar and giving the competition a serious run for their money.
If you’d like to hear the Arcam A25+ for yourself, get in touch with your local Richer Sounds store who will be happy to arrange a demonstration for you.
Author: Dan, Kingston Store
