Arcam HDA AVR21

Arcam HDA AVR21 was introduced in 2022. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 15.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 92 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

In this section we present pros and cons of Arcam HDA AVR21.

In 2022 Arcam released 3 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Arcam AVR31 vs AVR21 vs AVR11.

Arcam HDA AVR21 has replaced AVR20. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Arcam HDA AVR21	vs	Arcam AVR20
HDR10+		vs
Newer HDMI Version	2.1	vs	2.0b
Newer HDCP Version	2.3	vs	2.2
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through		vs
VRR		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4	vs	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
More 8K Inputs	7	vs

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Arcam HDA AVR21 vs AVR20.

Arcam HDA AVR21's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
5.2.4, 7.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
5.2.6, 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 4 channel amplifier.
7.2.6, 9.2.4 with addition of external 6 channel amplifier.
9.2.6 with addition of external 8 channel amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: DTS:X is limited with 11 channel processing, so some of the speaker configurations for Dolby Atmos are not supported here:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
5.2.4, 7.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
5.2.6, 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 4 channel amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
9.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• Front Wide Channel support: Arcam HDA AVR21 supports front wide channels. With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels - 9.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.4, 9.2.6.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Arcam HDA AVR21 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Arcam HDA AVR21 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer and Atmos Height Virtualization.

• Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
• Atmos Height Virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Arcam HDA AVR21 supports DTS:X with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

• No support of DTS:X Pro: Arcam HDA AVR21 does not support DTS:X Pro. So even though the receiver is capable of 15.2 channel processing it will be limited with 11.2.
• Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• Virtual:X bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
• DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

Auro-3D

Arcam HDA AVR21 supports Auro-3D. It is an immersive 3D audio format developed by the Belgium-based company Auro Technologies.

• Auro-Matic upmixer takes non Auro-3D sound and upmixes to the current speaker configuration.

IMAX Enhanced

Arcam HDA AVR21 is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

• What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.

DECODING
Dolby Atmos	up to 9.1.6 with external amp
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X	Pro up to 9.1.6 with external amp
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	13.1-ch (Built-In)
MQA Decoding

Arcam HDA AVR21 features 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support. It has 3 outputs: 2 x 8K for MAIN and 1 x 4K for ZONE2.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
• HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Arcam HDA AVR21 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Arcam HDA AVR21 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

Gaming Features

Arcam HDA AVR21 supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
DSC (Display Stream Compression)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4

Arcam HDA AVR21 comes with Dirac Live™ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

• Dirac Live: The interaction between your sound system and the physical layout of your room has a huge impact on sound quality. Dirac Live™ Room Correction applies state-of-the-art, patented algorithms to analyze and digitally reduce room impact and enhance speaker performance. Dirac Live delivers a larger sweet spot, accurate staging, clarity, voice intelligibility, and a deeper, tighter bass not otherwise possible. Fully tunable to your preference.

Arcam HDA AVR21 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.

Zone 2

• Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• HDMI Output: Arcam HDA AVR21 offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
• Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.

Audio

• Analog Pre-Outs: Arcam HDA AVR21 has 15.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest. Also, Arcam HDA AVR21 has 15 channel processing but has only 7 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
• Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 7 line inputs and 1 line output for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs and Outputs: 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 4 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
• Headphone Output: There is a 3.5 mm (1/8") headphone output jack on the front panel.

Video

• HDMI:
Inputs: 7   Outputs: 3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
8K Inputs: 7

Front A/V Inputs

• AUX (3.5 mm Audio)

GENERAL
Brand	Arcam
Series	HDA
Model	AVR21
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	All
Release Year	2022
Predecessor	Arcam AVR20

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier Design	Class A/B
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO FEATURES
DAC	Dual ESS 9026PRO
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	15.2
Dolby Atmos	up to 9.1.6 with external amp
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X	Pro up to 9.1.6 with external amp
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	13.1-ch (Built-In)
MQA Decoding
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Network Audio Formats	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MQA
Music Playback via USB
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Direct Mode	Stereo Direct, CD Direct
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	Dirac Live™

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
DSC (Display Stream Compression)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	aptX HD
Works with Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant
Chromecast Built-In
Apple Siri
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
AirPlay	AirPlay 2
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Arcam control app

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	7
HDMI Outputs	3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
8K Inputs	7
USB Input	for factory service
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs	1
Coaxial Inputs	4
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 front)
RCA Line Outputs	1
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	15.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs
Composite Video Outputs
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	AUX (3.5 mm Audio)
Headphone Out	3.5 mm (1/8")
Detachable Power Cord

ZONES
Number of Zones	2
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, Pre Out
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	2
Remote (IR) Input/Output	2 / 0

MISCELLANEOUS
IP Control
PreAmp Mode
Display	Large front-panel LCD display

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM with RDS
Presets	50
Digital Radio	DAB/DAB+
Internet Radio	TuneIn
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
Speaker Terminals	7
Large Speaker Terminals	7

POWER
Power Supply	AC 110-120 V or 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz via switch
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	1500 W
Standby Power	0.5 W

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	433 mm x 171 mm x 425 mm 17.06" x 6.69" x 18.56"
Weight	16.6 kg (36.4 lbs)
Weight of Package	19.9 kg

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	110 W (0.02% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	125 W (0.2% THD)
Power Output (4 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	175 W (0.2% THD)
Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	190 W (0.2% THD)
Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive	90 W (7 channels driven, 1kHz, 8 Ω, 0.2% THD) 110 W (7 channels driven, 1kHz, 4 Ω, 0.2% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	1V, 2V, 4V (user adjustable)/47 kΩ
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)	4.5 Vrms
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	1 Vrms/560 Ω
Maximum Preout Level and Impedance	5 Vrms/560 Ω
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance	5 Vrms/100 Ω
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	93 dB (normal) 110 dB (stereo direct)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	±0.2 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Residual noise (IHF-A Network)	0.15 mV
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	5․0
Warranty	5 Years

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted