The 7.1-channel Arcam AVR21 from the updated proprietary line of AV receivers supports the Dolby Atmos format in a 5.1.2-channel configuration. To expand to configuration 7.1.4, it is recommended to supplement the system with a 4-channel termination or a pair of 2-channel power amplifiers. The model works with all major codecs, incl. with DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. Audiophile listening is optimized with full 16-channel Dirac calibration on board, as well as easy streaming from your mobile device using the standard app, your choice of Apple Airplay2 or Google Chromecast.
Design features include the return of the traditional volume knob, which was absent from the previous line of AV devices. The regulator is located on the left side of the slightly curved front panel. To the right is the display, and below are ten buttons with which you can select a source, enter the menu, enable Direct mode for high-quality stereo sound and activate other functions. On the left side of the facade there is a power button and a standby mode indicator, as well as a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a linear 3.5 mm Aux input.
The model is equipped with a powerful toroidal transformer and is capable of delivering 7 x 90 W at 8 ohms. There is an FM tuner on board. DAB digital radio is supported. It is possible to integrate Arcam AVR21 into a local network via an Ethernet port, as well as playback of compressed files and lossless formats that are stored on devices of this network (UPnP servers/PC/Mac). vTuner (web radio) and Spotify web service are supported. The device can be controlled using the remote control, via the network (IP control) or through the MusicLife application for iOS devices.
For auto-calibration of speakers, the progressive Dirac Live system is used, which uses a microphone connected to a computer with Direct Live software installed. In this case, the computer must be connected to the same local network as the AV receiver. Arcam AVR21 received 7 inputs and 3 HDMI 2.1 outputs with support for HDCP 2.3 technology, which allows you to play copy-protected content in 8k resolution. One of the HDMI ports supports the MHL function for playing HD video from mobile devices.
There is a wide selection of digital and analog inputs, as well as 7.2.4 channel Pre Out (RCA). The rear panel has a USB port for external drives, trigger connectors, an RS-232 interface, and other connectors. To connect the speakers, 7 pairs of screw terminals are used, two of which can be used for zone 2.
Characteristics Arcam AVR21
Number of processor channels 16.1
Number of amplification channels 7
Output power 90 W per channel (8 Ohms, 0.2% THD, all channels work), 110 W per channel (4 Ohms, 0.2% THD, all channels operational)
Input sensitivity/impedance 1, 2, 4 V/47 kOhms (custom setting)
Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio 110 dB (Direct )
Built-in decoders (main) Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, DTS Neural:X, Auro-3D, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
Auto-calibration system Dirac Live
Bluetooth yes
AirPlay 2 support yes
Chromecast support yes
Direct mode yes
Crossover frequency adjustment yes
Upscaling up to 8K yes, for digital and analogue video signals
7 HDMI inputs with support for 4K Ultra HD/60 Hz, HDR10+, HGL, Dolby Vision and Dynamic HDR, 2 optical, 4 coaxial, 7 linear (one on the front panel)
Outputs 3 HDMI, optical, 2 subwoofers, Pre-Out output from the processor (16 channels), linear, to the second zone, to headphones Speaker
outputs 7 pairs of screw terminals
Other Ethernet switching, RS232, 2 trigger outputs, 2 inputs for IR sensors, USB for software updates, jacks for FM and Wi-Fi antennas
Power consumption 340 W, 0.1 W in Standby mode
Dimensions (WxHxD) 433x171x425 mm
Weight 16.6 kg
