The AVA15 is a home theater receiver by ARCAM. It is a 9-channel design using a D output stage. The ARCAM AVA15 has an MSRP of $4,500.
ARCAM replaced the older ARCAM AVR11 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare ARCAM AVA15 vs ARCAM AVR11
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on a home theater receiver is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The ARCAM AVA15 is rated at 85 watts RMS into 8-ohms (2 channels driven).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
How loud will 85 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Need more power?
ARCAM AVA15 is rated at 85 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 61 to 90 watts band. The next band up is 91 to 120 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the Up to 60 watts band and better speakers.
When pairing the ARCAM AVA15 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the ARCAM AVA15, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
ARCAM AVA15 has total of 3 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
- 2 Optical Digital Input
- 2 Coaxial Digital Input
- USB Input
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- Subwoofer Output (1-5 (assignable))
- HDMI Output (2)
Phono Input
ARCAM AVA15 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, ARCAM AVA15 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.
Surround Sound and Channels
ARCAM AVA15 is a 9.4-channel receiver, powering 9 speakers directly - the .4 is 4 subwoofer outputs, not extra amplified channels. It decodes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
Video and HDMI
An AV receiver is the switch every source passes through on its way to the
television, so what it can carry sets a ceiling on the rest of the system.
Room Correction
ARCAM AVA15 includes
Dirac Live.
Room correction measures the speakers where they actually stand and corrects
for what the room does to them, which in a multi-channel system matters more
than in a stereo one - the surround and height channels are usually the ones
placed where they fit rather than where they should be.
ARCAM AVA15 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Power is quoted honestly both ways: 85 watts with two channels driven and 85 with all of them, which is the figure that applies to a film.
- ✓9 channels of amplification on board.
- ✓7 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, HDMI 2.1a.
- ✓Decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- ✓Room correction: Dirac Live.
- ✓Subwoofer outputs: 1-5 (assignable).
- Nothing the published specs count against it.
ARCAM AVA15 External Dimensions and Weight
ARCAM AVA15 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) (169.9 x 433.3 x 427.0mm ). The unit weighs
10 kg (22.1 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a home theater receiver may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the ARCAM AVA15 is approximately 1850.2cm2 / 286.8inch2.
- Width: 433.3mm (17.06")
- Height: 169.9mm (6.69")
- Depth: 427.0mm (16.81")
- Weight: 10 kg (22.1 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1850.2cm2 / 286.8inch2
- Volume: ~31.4 liter / 8.3 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
ARCAM |
| Full Model Name |
ARCAM AVA15 |
| Amplifier Type |
Home Theater Receiver |
| Number of Channels |
9 |
| Amp Class |
D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
85 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
N/A |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
|
| THD |
|
| Minimum Impedance |
8 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
N/A |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
3 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
2 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
2 |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| Preamp Outputs |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
169.9mm (6.69") |
| Width |
433.3mm (17.06") |
| Depth |
427.0mm (16.81") |
| Weight |
10 kg (22.1 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
What amplifier class is the ARCAM AVA15?
The ARCAM AVA15 uses a Class D amplifier design. Class D is a modern switching design that runs cool and wastes very little energy as heat, which is how makers fit high power into a compact, light chassis.
Can I connect a turntable to the ARCAM AVA15?
No. The ARCAM AVA15 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Can I connect a subwoofer to the ARCAM AVA15?
Yes. The ARCAM AVA15 has a 1-5 (assignable) subwoofer output, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.
How much does the ARCAM AVA15 cost?
The ARCAM AVA15 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $4,500.
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