The AVR21 is a home theater receiver by ARCAM. It is a 7-channel design using a AB output stage. The ARCAM AVR21 has an MSRP of $4,700.
ARCAM later replaced the ARCAM AVR21 with the ARCAM AVA25. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare ARCAM AVR21 vs ARCAM AVA25
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 AVR21 is rated at 110 watts RMS into 8-ohms (2 channels driven).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
How loud will 110 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Need more power?
ARCAM AVR21 is rated at 110 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 91 to 120 watts band. The next band up is 121 to 180 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 61 to 90 watts band and better speakers.
When pairing the ARCAM AVR21 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 AVR21, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
ARCAM AVR21 has total of 6 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
- 2 Optical Digital Input
- 4 Coaxial Digital Input
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- 15.2-channel Preamp Outputs
- Subwoofer Output (Dual)
- HDMI Output (3)
Phono Input
ARCAM AVR21 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, ARCAM AVR21 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 AVR21 is a 7.2-channel receiver, powering 7 speakers directly - the .2 is 2 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.
- Pass-through: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz
- HDMI version: 2.1
Room Correction
ARCAM AVR21 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 AVR21 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Power is quoted honestly both ways: 110 watts with two channels driven and 90 with all of them, which is the figure that applies to a film.
- ✓7 channels of amplification on board.
- ✓7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, HDMI 2.1.
- ✓Video passthrough at 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz.
- ✓Decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- ✓Room correction: Dirac Live.
- ✓Subwoofer outputs: Dual - more than one sub is the cheapest route to even bass in a real room.
- ✗At 16.6kg it needs a shelf with ventilation above it; receivers run warm and this one has mass to match.
ARCAM AVR21 External Dimensions and Weight
ARCAM AVR21 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) (169.9 x 433.3 x 471.4mm ). The unit weighs
16.6 kg (36.6 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 AVR21 is approximately 2042.6cm2 / 316.6inch2.
- Width: 433.3mm (17.06")
- Height: 169.9mm (6.69")
- Depth: 471.4mm (18.56")
- Weight: 16.6 kg (36.6 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~2042.6cm2 / 316.6inch2
- Volume: ~34.7 liter / 9.2 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
ARCAM |
| Full Model Name |
ARCAM AVR21 |
| Amplifier Type |
Home Theater Receiver |
| Number of Channels |
7 |
| Amp Class |
AB |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
110 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 |
6 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
2 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
4 |
| USB Input |
No |
| Preamp Outputs |
15.2-channel |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
169.9mm (6.69") |
| Width |
433.3mm (17.06") |
| Depth |
471.4mm (18.56") |
| Weight |
16.6 kg (36.6 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
What amplifier class is the ARCAM AVR21?
The ARCAM AVR21 uses a Class AB amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.
Can I connect a turntable to the ARCAM AVR21?
No. The ARCAM AVR21 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 AVR21?
Yes. The ARCAM AVR21 has dual subwoofer outputs, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.
How much does the ARCAM AVR21 cost?
The ARCAM AVR21 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $4,700.
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