Arcam Radia ST5

The Radia ST5 is the network player from Arcam's Radia range. Its function is straightforward: it receives music from a home network, over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, converts it into an analogue signal and passes it on to an amplifier. It connects to Radia integrated amplifiers via a control link that allows both units to be operated as one, while retaining the benefit of two separate chassis each with their own power supply.

Digital-to-analogue conversion relies on an ESS ES9018 circuit, paired with time-domain jitter processing. The stated frequency response with filter 1 sits within 20 Hz-20 kHz at ± 0.05 dB, a flatness that means the unit does not impose its own colouration on the signal. On the format side, playback supports 16 and 24 bit at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz sample rates, covering both CD-derived files and high-resolution recordings from online catalogues.

File compatibility is broad: FLAC, WAV (LPCM), MQA, AAC, ALAC, AIFF and DSD up to 128 for high-quality formats, MP3, MP4, OGG and WMA for compressed files. Services can be used directly via Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, while AirPlay 2 and Google Cast allow a stream to be sent from a phone or tablet. Roon compatibility caters to users managing a structured local library.

• Analogue output: 1 pair of RCA stereo
• Digital outputs: 1 optical, 1 coaxial
• 1 USB port, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet socket

This model is aimed at those who already own an amplifier and speakers and wish to add a connected source without starting from scratch. Its 431 x 344 x 83 mm footprint and 3.5 kg weight correspond to a standard hi-fi width chassis with a low profile, which stacks naturally on an existing unit. The presence of both analogue and digital outputs leaves the choice between using the internal converter or that of an already installed device.