The ARCAM ST25 is a streaming music player designed for high-fidelity audio systems, building on ARCAM's long history of award-winning digital audio products. It offers a comprehensive feature set supporting various smart devices and popular streaming services, aiming to deliver state-of-the-art sound quality.
Function Description
The ARCAM ST25 serves as a central hub for streaming music, connecting to your home network via either wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It allows users to play music from a variety of sources, including popular streaming apps, local network storage (UPnP), and USB flash drives. The device is designed to integrate seamlessly into an existing audio setup, connecting to an amplifier via analogue or digital audio outputs.
A key feature is its compatibility with the ARCAM Radia app, which facilitates Wi-Fi setup, device discovery, and access to various services like Podcasts, Internet Radio, USB-connected media, and local network storage. The app also allows for control over settings and presets.
The ST25 can be synchronized with and control ARCAM Radia series amplifiers (such as SA35 or SA45) through a dedicated control cable, enabling the streamer and amplifier to operate as a unified system. This control connection allows for features like synchronized power on/off and volume control, with options for variable, fixed, or external volume modes.
Important Technical Specifications
- Supported Media: FLAC, WAV (LPCM), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD (up to 256), M4A, MP3, OGG, WMA.
- Supported Bit Depth: 16, 24, 32 bit.
- Supported Sample Rates: Up to 384 kHz.
- Gapless Playback: Yes.
- Digital Audio Outputs: 1x Coaxial (RCA), 1x Optical (Toslink).
- Analogue Audio Outputs: 1x Stereo (RCA) pair.
- Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz).
- 2.4G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range and Power: 2400-2483.5 MHz (USA 11 Channels, Europe and Others 13 Channels): <20dBm.
- 5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range and Power:
- 5150-5250 MHz <23dBm
- 5250-5350 MHz <20dBm
- 5470-5725 MHz <20dBm (Not in China)
- 5725-5850 MHz <14dBm
- BLE Transmitter Frequency Range and Power: 2400-2483.5 MHz, <10dBm.
- Mains Voltage: 100-120V/220-240V 50/60Hz.
- Power Consumption (Operating): 15W.
- Power Consumption (Network Standby): <2W.
- Power Consumption (Eco Standby): <0.5W.
- Dimensions (W x D x H, including feet): 432 x 329 x 99mm.
- Weight (Net): 5 kg.
- Weight (Packed): 7 kg.
- Supplied Accessories: Mains lead(s), Remote control with 2 x AAA batteries, Control Cable, Quick Start Guide, Important Safety Instructions.
Usage Features
- Streaming Services: Supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and Roon (requires additional setup).
- ARCAM Radia App: Essential for Wi-Fi setup, device control, and accessing services like Internet Radio, Podcasts, USB media, and UPnP.
- USB Playback: Allows playback of music files from a USB flash drive connected to the rear USB socket. Browsing of USB content is done via the ARCAM Radia app.
- Remote Control: A dedicated IR remote control provides basic functions such as Standby On/Off, Menu Navigation, Home Menu/Back, Now Playing Display toggle, Transport Keys (Play/Pause, Skip back/forward), Volume Control, Mute On/Off, and Display Bright/Dim/Off.
- Display Navigation: The front panel display allows for navigation through presets and settings using the remote control's navigation buttons.
- DAC Filters: The ST25 offers selectable digital filters for its analogue outputs, allowing users to fine-tune the sound characteristics. Options include:
- Minimum Phase: Fast roll-off, no pre-ringing, extended post-ringing.
- Linear Phase Apodizing (Default): Compromise between frequency response and ringing, very slight reduction in highest frequencies, equal and low pre/post-ringing.
- Linear Phase Slow Roll-off: Measurable reduction in highest frequencies, equal and very short pre/post-ringing.
- Minimum Phase Slow Roll-off: Similar reduction in highest frequencies to Linear Phase Slow Roll-off, no pre-ringing, very little post-ringing.
- Control Setup with ARCAM Amplifiers: When connected to an ARCAM Radia amplifier via the CONTROL socket, the ST25 can synchronize with and control the amplifier. This requires setting the ST25's "Volume Mode" to EXTERNAL and "Output Type" to match the audio connection (Analogue or Digital), and setting the amplifier's "Streamer Input" accordingly. A "Maximum External Volume" setting prevents accidental excessive volume jumps.
- Power Management:
- Auto Standby: The unit enters standby after 20 minutes of no user interaction or playback to comply with power consumption regulations. This can be disabled via the "ECO Timer" setting in the menu.
- Network Standby: Network connections remain active in standby by default. This can be disabled via the "Network Standby" setting to reduce standby power consumption.
- Menu Options: Provides access to settings such as Audio Output (Analogue/Digital), Volume Mode (Variable/Fixed/External), Maximum External Volume, DAC Filter, Eco Timer, Network Standby, System Reset, USB Update, and Product Information (SW versions, IP address, Network ID).
Maintenance Features
- Cleaning: The device should be cleaned only with a dry cloth.
- Battery Replacement: For the remote control, ensure correct battery insertion and use identical, fresh AAA batteries. Remove batteries if the remote is not used for a month or more.
- Software Updates: The ST25 supports software updates via a USB stick inserted into the rear panel USB socket, accessible through the "USB Update" option in the menu.
- System Reset: A "System Reset" option in the menu allows users to revert all settings to their default values.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section to address common issues such as no sound, remote control unresponsiveness, blank display, volume control issues, and streamer discovery problems in the app. This section provides checks for power, connections, settings, and network status.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial; avoid blocking any ventilation openings and ensure the apparatus is installed according to manufacturer instructions.
- Environmental Considerations: The equipment is designed for use in moderate climates with a maximum temperature of 35°C. It should not be exposed to rain, moisture, dripping, or splashing liquids.
- Safety Instructions: Emphasizes important safety guidelines, including reading instructions, heeding warnings, avoiding heat sources, using specified attachments/accessories, and protecting the power cord. It also highlights the importance of qualified service personnel for repairs.
Need help?
To Next Page
General