Arcam AVR31 HDMI 2.1 Class G AV Receiver at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The AVR31 is a flagship AV receiver from Arcam (Cambridge, England), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Built around 7 channels of Class G amplification derived directly from Arcam's acclaimed stereo amplifier designs, the AVR31 delivers native 16-channel decoding of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D with HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 8K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps. Dual ESS SABRE ES9026PRO DAC chips with ESS reference voltage regulators, a hand-wound toroidal transformer, Dirac Live room correction, and Roon Ready certification place the AVR31 in a category of its own among AV receivers — a component engineered with equal seriousness for music and cinema.

Class G Amplification: Audiophile Stereo DNA in a Home Cinema Chassis

The defining characteristic of the Arcam AVR31 among its AV receiver competitors is the lineage of its amplifier circuits. The seven amplifier channels in the AVR31 are based directly on those found in Arcam's dedicated stereo amplifiers, which have been consistently recognized by the audio press for their musical character and dynamic precision. Class G topology improves on Class AB by using multiple supply rail voltages that step up progressively as signal demand increases. At low to moderate levels, the amplifier operates from a lower voltage rail with the efficiency and low-noise characteristics of a near-Class A operating point. At high dynamic peaks, a higher voltage rail steps in to supply the required headroom. The result is an amplifier that combines low distortion and musicality at the listening levels most commonly used with the power reserves needed for cinematic dynamics, without the heat generation or inefficiency of a pure Class A design. This is not a topology found in mass-market AV receivers, and it is the primary reason the AVR31 sounds different from any other product in its category.

Dual ESS SABRE ES9026PRO DACs with Reference Voltage Regulators

The AVR31 uses dual ESS SABRE ES9026PRO DAC chips, each supported by ESS reference voltage regulators — the same regulators specified for use in reference-level DAC implementations. The ES9026PRO is a high-performance multi-channel DAC chip with ESS's proprietary Hyperstream modulation architecture and a quoted dynamic range exceeding 120 dB. Deploying two chips in a dual configuration allows channel assignment and load distribution to be optimized for a multi-channel system, while the ESS reference voltage regulators ensure that the power supply to each DAC is held at a precise, ripple-free level regardless of signal conditions elsewhere in the receiver. Most AV receivers at this price point use a single commodity DAC chip shared across all channels. The dual ES9026PRO implementation in the AVR31 reflects Arcam's commitment to treating the DAC stage with the same seriousness applied to a dedicated stereo component.

Native 16-Channel Immersive Audio Decoding: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D

The AVR31 decodes all three major immersive audio formats natively: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. Native 16-channel decoding means the AVR31 processes the full object-based audio metadata from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X streams without downmixing or approximation, distributing audio objects to up to 16 speaker positions for maximum spatial accuracy. Auro-3D, which adds a height layer above the conventional surround field and is particularly favored for classical music and natural acoustic recordings, is also fully supported natively. Seven of those 16 channels are driven directly by the AVR31's onboard Class G amplifiers, with the remaining channels available for connection to external amplifiers via pre-outputs for larger speaker configurations. Dirac Live room correction is included and calibrates all active channels simultaneously, compensating for room acoustics and speaker placement to deliver the full performance of the immersive audio mix in real-world listening environments.

HDMI 2.1 with 8K and 4K/120fps: Built for Current and Future Video Standards

All seven HDMI inputs on the AVR31 support HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3, passing 8K video at 60fps and 4K video at 120fps — the bandwidth specifications required for current gaming consoles including the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at their highest output settings. HDR formats supported include Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, covering every HDR standard currently in consumer use. Three HDMI outputs are provided, including one eARC-compatible output for receiving audio from a television and one Zone 2 output for independent video distribution to a second room. This HDMI architecture future-proofs the AVR31 against both current 4K and emerging 8K display technology without requiring the use of a separate video processor.

Integrated Streaming: Roon Ready, Dirac Live, and Full Wireless Ecosystem

The AVR31 is Roon Ready certified and supports Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth with aptX HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and UPnP via the free MusicLife app for iOS and Android. This breadth of streaming integration means the AVR31 functions as a complete streaming hub for both music and home cinema without requiring any additional source components. Network connectivity is via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and the unit also supports RS232 and IR control for custom installation and home automation integration. MQA decoding is supported for Tidal Masters playback. Dirac Live room correction is accessible directly from the MusicLife app and does not require a laptop or separate calibration device, reducing the setup process to a guided in-app procedure.

Key Features

• 7 Channels of Class G Amplification: Amplifier circuits derived directly from Arcam's stereo amplifier range, using Class G topology for musical accuracy, low distortion, and dynamic headroom across both music and cinema listening.
• Native 16-Channel Immersive Audio Decoding: Full native decoding of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D across up to 16 channels for maximum spatial accuracy in object-based audio formats.
• Dual ESS SABRE ES9026PRO DACs: Two ESS flagship multi-channel DAC chips with ESS reference voltage regulators for audiophile-grade digital-to-analog conversion across all channels.
• HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60fps and 4K/120fps: All seven HDMI inputs support HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3, passing current and next-generation video formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG.
• Dirac Live Room Correction Included: Full Dirac Live calibration included out of the box, with readiness for Dirac Live Bass Control for advanced subwoofer management.
• Roon Ready Certified: Full Roon endpoint functionality for seamless integration into Roon library management and playback environments.
• Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast Built-In: Native wireless streaming from Apple and Google ecosystems without additional hardware.
• Bluetooth aptX HD: High-quality wireless audio streaming with aptX HD codec support for near-lossless Bluetooth transmission.
• Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect: Direct app-to-receiver streaming for Spotify and Tidal without routing audio through a phone or tablet.
• MQA Decoding: Supports MQA playback for Tidal Masters and other MQA-encoded sources.
• 3 HDMI Outputs Including Zone 2 and eARC: Three HDMI outputs covering main display, Zone 2 independent video distribution, and eARC audio return from a connected television.
• Overengineered Toroidal Transformer: Custom hand-wound toroidal transformer for real-world power delivery with low noise and low electromagnetic interference.
• RS232, IR, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet Control: Full custom installation connectivity including RS232 serial control and IR input for integration with home automation systems.
• Free MusicLife App: UPnP streaming and Dirac Live access via the free MusicLife app for iOS and Android.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Arcam AVR31?

The Arcam AVR31 is a flagship AV receiver from Arcam of Cambridge, England, featuring 7 channels of Class G amplification, native 16-channel Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D decoding, dual ESS SABRE ES9026PRO DAC chips, HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K/60fps and 4K/120fps support, Dirac Live room correction, and Roon Ready certification. It is available in Canada through authorized dealers including Vinyl Sound in Toronto.

How does the Arcam AVR31 compare to the Denon AVC-X6800H and Anthem MRX 1140?

The AVR31 occupies a distinct position relative to the Denon AVC-X6800H and Anthem MRX 1140. The Denon AVC-X6800H uses Class AB amplification with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction and supports 11 channels of internal amplification, but does not deploy audiophile-grade DAC chips or a Class G topology. The Anthem MRX 1140 uses Anthem Room Correction and supports 11 channels internally with a strong reputation for cinema performance, but similarly does not use ESS SABRE reference DAC chips or a Class G amplifier circuit with stereo amplifier DNA. The AVR31 differentiates itself with dual ES9026PRO DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators, Class G amplifier circuits derived from Arcam's stereo range, Auro-3D native decoding alongside Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and Roon Ready certification — capabilities not offered simultaneously by either competitor.

What is Class G amplification and why does it matter in an AV receiver?

Class G amplification uses multiple power supply voltage rails that engage progressively as signal demand increases. At typical listening levels the amplifier operates from a lower voltage rail, delivering the low-noise, musical character associated with near-Class A operation. When dynamic peaks require more power, a higher voltage rail steps in automatically to provide headroom without clipping. In the context of an AV receiver, Class G matters because most competing products use conventional Class AB amplification that prioritizes output power ratings over sonic quality at moderate levels. The AVR31's Class G circuits are derived directly from Arcam's dedicated stereo amplifiers, meaning the musicality and low-level resolution of those components carries over into the home cinema context.

Does the Arcam AVR31 include Dirac Live room correction?

Yes, Dirac Live room correction is included with the AVR31 at no additional cost and is accessible via the MusicLife app for iOS and Android without requiring a laptop or dedicated calibration software. The AVR31 is also ready for Dirac Live Bass Control, an advanced subwoofer management module that provides independent frequency correction for each subwoofer in a multi-subwoofer system, available as an optional upgrade.

Is the Arcam AVR31 suitable for 4K gaming at 120fps?

Yes, all seven HDMI inputs on the AVR31 support HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3, passing 4K video at 120fps and 8K video at 60fps. This makes the AVR31 fully compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at their highest output resolutions and refresh rates, including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) signaling supported by the HDMI 2.1 specification. HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG are all passed through without signal degradation.

Where can I buy the Arcam AVR31 in Toronto or Canada?

The Arcam AVR31 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Arcam dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the full Arcam product range and provides in-store demonstrations, expert system design advice, and authorized Canadian warranty support for all Arcam products.

What streaming services does the Arcam AVR31 support natively?

The AVR31 supports Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth with aptX HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and UPnP streaming via the free MusicLife app for iOS and Android. It is also Roon Ready certified for integration with Roon library management. MQA decoding is supported for Tidal Masters playback. This means the AVR31 can receive audio directly from streaming service apps without routing through a phone or requiring an external streaming device.

Can the Arcam AVR31 be integrated into a custom home automation system?

Yes, the AVR31 includes RS232 serial control and IR input alongside Wi-Fi and Ethernet network connectivity, covering the full range of control protocols used in custom installation and home automation environments. RS232 allows direct integration with control systems from manufacturers such as Control4, Crestron, and Savant, enabling the AVR31 to be operated as part of a whole-home automation setup including power management, input switching, volume control, and zone management.