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Arcam ST5
The ARCAM ST5 is the high resolution upgrade for our Radia integrated amplifiers. The slim form factor includes a control link to these amplifiers, allowing the 2 components to act as one from your device. Sonically, this combination offers better sound quality due to the benefits of isolated components with individual power supplies.
The ARCAM ST5 provides an inclusive feature set supporting the majority of smart phones and tables, as well as popular streaming services. Connect the ST5 to your home network with Wi-Fi or Ethernet to enjoy instant playback using Apple Airplay or Google Cast.
The ST5 will playback music directly from Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and it is Roon Ready, all with Hi-res and MQA support. All digital audio is output on the analogue outputs using an ESS ES9018 high resolution DAC with time domain jitter elimination for perfect sound, every time.
- Perfect match for the ARCAM A5+ and A15+ - with comms link for input and volume control
- Spotify Connect
- Tidal Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple Airplay
- Google Cast
- Roon Ready
- Works with new ARCAM Radia app - for Wi-Fi setup and internet radio presets and Podcasts
- Hi-Res Audio - up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
- Plastic Free Packaging - for easy disposal of natural materials
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Professional Reviews 82/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
85/100
Build Quality
82/100
Features Usability
79/100
Value for Money
76/100
The smooth, warm presentation and strong vocal realism make Arcam’s ST5 an inviting streamer, especially with hi-res files. StereoNET United Kingdom praised its polished, engaging sound, while What Hi-Fi? noted clean detail and easy-going appeal. It’s best suited to listeners who value refinement and an elegant Radia system match over flashy features.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Smooth, warm, and polished sound that stays easy to listen to for long sessions.
Excellent vocal rendering with natural sweetness and strong detail retrieval.
Broad streaming support and practical connectivity, including Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect.
&
Cons
Software and app control feel fragmented and underdeveloped compared with rivals.
The treble is softened, which can reduce bite, attack, and perceived depth versus more agile competitors.
At this price, it’s hard to justify as a standalone value play when stronger rivals offer a more seamless experience.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 85/100
Reviewers describe the ST5 as warm, smooth, and easy to listen to, with a genial presentation that suits vocals and laid-back material well. They also note a slightly softened treble and a less neutral balance than some rivals, but the presentation remains engaging and never harsh.
Tonal Balance Musicality
87/100
The ST5 is repeatedly described as warm, smooth, and pleasant, with immediacy and sweetness on voices. Reviewers like its organic, easy-going character, though they also mention a slight pear-shaped balance and reduced bite up top.
Resolution Detail
85/100
Detail retrieval is described as strong, with comments about rich detail, high levels of detail, and the ability to show differences in file quality. At the same time, the sound is not presented as especially incisive or hyper-analytical, and the softened top end can slightly round things off.
Digital Performance
83/100
The ST5 is praised for clean, controlled playback, good dynamic punch, and a black, orderly presentation, but reviewers also mention some softening of attack and a presentation that is not as deep or sharply defined as leading rivals. Filter changes were audible but not transformative, suggesting competent rather than standout digital execution.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 79/100
The ST5 is well equipped for a network streamer, with Roon Ready support, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify/Tidal Connect, dual-band Wi-Fi, local-file access, and a useful set of digital and analog outputs. However, the user experience is criticized as half-assed, disjointed, and not fully developed, which weighs on day-to-day usability despite the broad feature set.
Streaming Software
75/100
This is the weakest area. One reviewer calls the software half-assed with a disjointed user experience, and another says the product does not feel fully developed because the control side has to juggle multiple streaming solutions and sources.
Features Connectivity
88/100
Connectivity is strong and practical, with Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, dual-band Wi-Fi, local-file playback, RCA analog out, optical and coax digital outputs, and trigger/control connections. It is a versatile set of options for a streamer in this class, even if it is not especially exotic.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
82/100
Reviewers clearly like the handsome chassis and call it a solid piece of hardware, but they say little about internal construction, transport-like mechanics, or long-term ruggedness. The hardware seems competently put together, though the reports do not give strong evidence of exceptional physical build.
Value for Money
76/100
At around £799, reviewers are not convinced the ST5 earns its asking price. One calls it hard to recommend because the software and user experience undermine an otherwise solid component, and another says it is only really compelling if you are building an all-Arcam system rather than judging it on value versus rivals.
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Authorized dealers for Arcam ST5
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alpha Stereo — in-store — Plattsburgh, New York, United States (website)
- Ambiance Concert — in-store — Angers, Pays de la Loire, France (website)
- AMPL’HIFI — in-store — Nîmes, Occitanie, France (website)
and 200 more verified dealers