Comparing Arcam’s A5+, A15+ and A25+: Power, Performance and Value

A quick guide comparing Arcam’s top integrated amplifiers for every listening style.

Comparing Arcam’s A5+, A15+ and A25+: Power, Performance and Value

Arcam’s Radia+ series brings a fresh update to their popular A5, A15 and A25 integrated amplifiers with new platforms, upgraded DAC sections, improved transformers and modern wireless features. Each model serves a different level of listener, from the entry friendly A5+ to the powerful Class G A25+. In this guide, we break down the differences to help you choose the right amplifier based on your room, speakers and listening goals.

Black audio amplifier with 'Arcam' branding on a white background

Arcam A5+ Integrated Amplifier
front view of arcam a15 plus amplifier

Arcam A15+ Integrated Amplifier
front view of arcam a25 plus amp

Arcam A25+ Integrated Amplifier
Intended Use / Ideal Scenario Entry-level hi-fi, smaller rooms, vinyl + streaming, modest speakers Mid-level hi-fi, larger rooms, more demanding speakers, music + TV usage Full-featured hi-fi / home theatre, demanding speakers, best fidelity & flexibility
Strengths Compact, affordable, solid all-rounder, vinyl + wireless + digital inputs More power, better headroom, HDMI + digital/analogue versatility for music + TV High power, Class G efficiency, best digital section, most flexible I/O, future-proof system
Trade-offs Lower power — may struggle with inefficient / large floor-standers or big rooms Mid power — not top-end dynamic range, fewer digital features than A25+ Higher price — overkill for small rooms / simple setups
HDMI / TV Connectivity ❌ No HDMI eARC/ARC ✅ HDMI eARC/ARC added (good for TV / home-theatre + stereo) ✅ HDMI eARC/ARC + fullest connectivity including USB-C, coaxial/optical etc.
Wireless / Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.4 + Snapdragon Sound + Auracast (aptX HD/Lossless support) Same wireless + modern Bluetooth 5.4, updated power supply/transformer Wireless + Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast & modern codecs, plus higher internal power supply/ transformer for optimal HQ streaming
Phono Stage (MM) Yes — tuned MM phono stage included Yes — same phono support as A5+ Yes — full phono, DAC, and digital I/O
DAC / Digital Support 24-bit / 192 kHz (ESS ES9018) Same 24-bit/192 kHz DAC, digital inputs Dedicated ESS DAC (for S/PDIF), enhanced digital section, USB-C, multi-format support including high-res & DSD
Power Output (8Ω, 2-ch) 2 × 50 W 2 × 80 W 2 × 100 W
Amplification Class Class AB Class AB Class G

Understanding the Radia+ Lineup

The A5+ is an easy-to-match entry point for anyone building a quality hi-fi setup. It offers enough power for most bookshelf speakers, a solid ESS DAC, a clean MM phono stage and Bluetooth 5.4 for high-quality wireless listening. It’s ideal for smaller rooms and efficient speakers where simplicity and smooth sound matter.

The A15+ adds more power, better headroom and HDMI eARC, making it a stronger all-rounder for music and TV. It handles floor-standers more confidently and offers greater impact at higher volumes. For most homes, it’s the best balance of performance, versatility and value.

The A25+ stands out with Arcam’s Class G amplification, delivering high power on demand with excellent efficiency and refinement. It features the most advanced digital section, including USB-C and an upgraded DAC. For demanding speakers, larger rooms or listeners wanting top-tier clarity and control, the A25+ is the premium choice.

🎯 Which One Should You Choose?

  • Choose A5+ if you’re building a modest hi-fi setup: smaller room or bookshelf speakers, maybe vinyl + streaming, and you value simple but quality amplification.
  • Choose A15+ if you want a balanced all-rounder: more power, better dynamics, flexibility (analogue + digital + TV via HDMI), good for mid-size rooms or more demanding speakers.
  • Choose A25+ if you want the best possible all-around solution: full feature set, high power, strong digital and analog path, future-proof, and versatile enough for full home audio / theatre setups.

All three models are on demo in our showroom, so come in anytime and hear the differences for yourself.

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