Arcam HDA AVR31

    93
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 7.2 Channels
    • 15.2 Channel Processing
    • 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • HDMI 2.1
    • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D
    • HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
    • 8K Passthrough
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    1. Overview

    Arcam HDA AVR31 was introduced in 2022 and represents a current flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 120 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 93 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.

    Amplifier
    92
    Audio Features
    94
    Video Features
    99
    Connectivity
    90
    Zones
    85
    Radio
    86
    OVERALL
    93

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

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Arcam HDA AVR31.

    PROs

    •   High Power Output - 120 W
    •   Front Wide Channel Support
    •   15.2 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   DTS:X
    •   IMAX Enhanced
    •   Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   MQA Decoding
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   HDR10+
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   HDMI 2.1
    •   eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
    •   VRR
    •   8K Passthrough
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Google Assistant
    •   Chromecast Built-In
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   4 HDMI Outputs
    •   7 8K Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Digital Radio
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal
    •   Toroidal Transformer
    •   Bluetooth 5․0

    CONs

    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No Composite Video Inputs

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   2 Zones

    3. Arcam 2022 Lineup

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

    Arcam 2022 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsZones Price
    AVR31 Image cannot be found 7.2120 W15.215.22
    AVR21 Image cannot be found 7.2110 W15.215.22
    AVR11 Image cannot be found 7.280 W11.211.21

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

    4. Changes from the AVR30

    Arcam HDA AVR31 has replaced AVR30. Here we present differences between these two models.

    UPGRADES Arcam HDA AVR31 vs Arcam AVR30
    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 AVR31 vs AVR30.

    5. Amplifier

    7 channel Class G Amplifier

    Arcam HDA AVR31 features 7 channel power amplifier with Class G design. It is rated at 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    • Toroidal Transformer: Arcam HDA AVR31 has a toroidal transformer which in general costs several times more than a regular C-core transformer and radiates less electromagnetic noise outside its donut shaped core.
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    Power Output120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    Front Wide Channel Support
    Amplifier DesignClass G
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability

    6. Speaker Configurations

    Arcam HDA AVR31'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 AVR31 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 AVR31 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.

    7. Immersive Audio Formats

    Dolby Atmos

    Arcam HDA AVR31 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 AVR31 supports DTS:X with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

    • No support of DTS:X Pro: Arcam HDA AVR31 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 AVR31 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 AVR31 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

    8. HDMI 2.1

    Arcam HDA AVR31 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 AVR31 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

    HDR (High Dynamic Range)

    Arcam HDA AVR31 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 AVR31 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 Version2.1
    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
    HDCP Version2.3
    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 Passthroughup to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4

    9. Room Calibration

    Arcam HDA AVR31 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.

    10. Multi-zone Playback

    Arcam HDA AVR31 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 AVR31 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.
    ZONES
    Number of Zones2
    Powered Zones 2
    Zone 2 OutsHDMI, Pre Out
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output2
    Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 0

    11. Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Analog Pre-Outs: Arcam HDA AVR31 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 AVR31 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)
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found
    TERMINALS
    HDMI Inputs7
    HDMI Outputs3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
    8K Inputs7
    USB Input for factory service
    USB DC Out Port
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs1
    Coaxial Inputs4
    RCA Line Inputs7 (1 front)
    RCA Line Outputs1
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs15.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Composite Video Inputs
    Composite Video Outputs
    S-Video Inputs
    S-Video Outputs
    Component Video Inputs
    Component Video Outputs

    12. Evaluation

    We evaluate Arcam HDA AVR31 and give score of 93 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    93

    Amplifier

    EXCELLENT
    92

    We give Arcam HDA AVR31 a score of 92 for Amplifier features.

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   High Power Output - 120 W
    •   Toroidal Transformer

    Audio Features

    EXCELLENT
    94

    We give Arcam HDA AVR31 a score of 94 for Audio Features features.

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   Front Wide Channel Support
    •   15.2 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   DTS:X
    •   IMAX Enhanced
    •   Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   MQA Decoding
    •   DSD via HDMI

    Video Features

    EXCELLENT
    99

    We give Arcam HDA AVR31 a score of 99 for Video Features features.

    •   HDR10
    •   HDR10+
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   HDMI 2.1
    •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
    •   VRR
    •   8K Passthrough

    Connectivity

    EXCELLENT
    90

    We give Arcam HDA AVR31 a score of 90 for Connectivity features.

    •   eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   Google Assistant
    •   Chromecast Built-In
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   4 HDMI Outputs
    •   7 8K Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   No Phono Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   No Composite Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Bluetooth 5․0

    Zones

    EXCELLENT
    85

    We give Arcam HDA AVR31 a score of 85 for Zones features.

    •   2 Zones

    Radio

    EXCELLENT
    86

    We give Arcam HDA AVR31 a score of 86 for Radio features.

    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal

    13. Specifications

    GENERAL
    BrandArcam
    SeriesHDA
    ModelAVR31
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryAll
    Release Year2022
    PredecessorArcam AVR30
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    Power Output120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    Front Wide Channel Support
    Amplifier DesignClass G
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability
    AUDIO FEATURES
    DACDual ESS 9026PRO
    DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit
    Maximum Channel Processing15.2
    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 FormatsMP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD, 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 Version2.1
    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
    HDCP Version2.3
    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 Passthroughup 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 Inputs7
    HDMI Outputs3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
    8K Inputs7
    USB Input for factory service
    USB DC Out Port
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs1
    Coaxial Inputs4
    RCA Line Inputs7 (1 front)
    RCA Line Outputs1
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs15.2
    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 InputsAUX (3.5 mm Audio)
    Headphone Out3.5 mm (1/8")
    Detachable Power Cord
    ZONES
    Number of Zones2
    Powered Zones 2
    Zone 2 OutsHDMI, Pre Out
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output2
    Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 0
    MISCELLANEOUS
    IP Control
    PreAmp Mode
    DisplayLarge front-panel LCD display
    RADIO
    Analog Tuner FM with RDS
    Presets50
    Digital Radio DAB/DAB+
    Internet Radio TuneIn
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM
    CONSTRUCTION
    Speaker Terminals7
    Large Speaker Terminals7
    POWER
    Power SupplyAC 110-120 V or 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz via switch
    Toroidal Transformer
    Power Consumption1500 W
    Standby Power0.5 W
    PHYSICAL
    Dimensions (W x H x D)433 mm x 171 mm x 425 mm
    17.06" x 6.69" x 18.56"
    Weight18.1 kg (39.9 lbs)
    Weight of Package21.4 kg
    SPECIFICATIONS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)120 W (0.02% THD)
    Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)140 W (0.2% THD)
    Power Output (4 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel Driven)200 W (0.2% THD)
    Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)220 W (0.2% THD)
    Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive100 W (7 channels driven, 1kHz, 8 Ω, 0.2% THD)
    180 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 Impedance1 Vrms/560 Ω
    Maximum Preout Level and Impedance5 Vrms/560 Ω
    Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance5 Vrms/100 Ω
    S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)93 dB (normal)
    110 dB (stereo direct)
    Frequency Response (Analog In)±0.1 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
    Residual noise (IHF-A Network)0.15 mV
    DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
    Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 ac
    Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
    Bluetooth Version5․0
    Warranty5 Years

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

    Discussion

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