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
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found

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

    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.

    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 Version
    •   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

    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.

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Arcam HDA AVR31 to its predecessor AVR30 and displaying the major changes.

    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.

    Audio Section

    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

    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.
    Arcam HDA AVR31

    Dolby Atmos

    Arcam HDA AVR31 supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

    • Dolby 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.
    • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Dolby 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. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

    • 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.
    • DTS Neural:X: DTS 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.
    • DTS Virtual:X: DTS 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. It consists of three layers of sound - surround, height and overhead ceiling. The base horizontal layer uses 5.1 or 7.1 format, the height layer is on top of the base layer and its information is extracted from the standard 5.1 surround PCM carrier. The a/v receiver decoder then extracts this information during playback. In home cinema Auro-3D comes with different listening formats - Auro 9.1, Auro 10.1 with added Top Ceiling channel ("Voice of God"), Auro 11.1 with added Front Height Center channel, and Auro 13.1 with added Left Rear Surround & Right Rear Surround channel.

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

    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.


    Sound Processing

      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.

      Video Section

      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. 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.

      • HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
      • HDR10+: HDR10+ is an HDR video technology that adds dynamic metadata to HDR10 source files. The dynamic metadata are used to adjust brightness levels on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis. HDR10+ supports maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness and 10-bit or more (up to 16-bit) color bit depth. It uses Samsung's dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-40.
      • Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
      • Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.
      Arcam HDA AVR31

      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.
      • IMAX Enhanced Content: IMAX Enhanced studio partners have announced IMAX Enhanced versions of movies that exclusively feature IMAX's signature picture, sound and scale.
      • Picture: Stunning, ultra-vivid 4K HDR picture that utilizes the newest, proprietary Digital Media Remastering technology (DMR) developed by IMAX. DMR accurately reduces noise and grain under the filmmaker’s guidance to best optimize the content for a much higher-quality, higher-brightness display. Without this technology, high-dynamic range content can actually look worse than what was originally seen and intended by the filmmaker.
      • Sound: IMAX and DTS have partnered with award-winning Hollywood sound mixers leveraging DTS:X codec technology integrated in home audio equipment and select televisions to deliver an IMAX signature sound experience with deeper bass and more dynamic range.
      • Scale: Select IMAX Enhanced titles that were shot with IMAX-certified cameras or specially formatted for IMAX theatres feature its exclusive expanded aspect ratio, enabling viewers to see the full scale and scope of the picture on 4K HDR TVs.
      • Streaming Services: IMAX Enhanced is now available on the world’s biggest streaming services, including Disney+, BRAVIA CORE, Tencent, iQiyi and more.

      Gaming Features

      Arcam HDA AVR31 supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

      • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Auto Low Latency Mode enables the ideal latency setting to automatically be set allowing for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity. When the receiver detects a gaming signal it will enter ALLM. The signal will also be sent to the TV causing it to automatically switch to a low-latency, low-lag mode for gaming. Some functions will not be available on the receiver and TV during ALLM.
      • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): VRR enables a gaming source such as a console or computer to deliver video frames as fast as it can, which in many cases is slower than the normal static refresh rate. It allows the TV to adapt to certain frame rate which reduces or eliminates lag, judder and frame tearing for more fluid and better detailed gameplay.
      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

      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
      >

      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

      Arcam HDA AVR31 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 Version
      •   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


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.