CD Playback with Modern ARCAM Digital Technology

The ARCAM CD25 is a high-performance CD player developed for playing physical music. It builds on ARCAM's digital audio expertise dating back to the Delta 70 in 1986, combining this tradition with a modern circuit design. This means the Compact Disc is not treated as a nostalgic medium, but as a serious music source for current Hi-Fi systems.

Technologies in the ARCAM CD25

The ARCAM CD25 Compact Disc Player combines Dual-Mono DAC Architecture, ESS ES9039Q2M DACs, ESS Reference Voltage Regulators, Low-Noise Linear Power Supply and a Vibration-Damped Disc Mechanism. It also features analog outputs via XLR and RCA, as well as optical and coaxial digital outputs. This equipment makes the CD25 a versatile CD player from the ARCAM Radia Series for classic audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, and supported music files on data carriers.

Stable Reading through Vibration-Damped Drive

Inside, a compact disc mechanism operates on a vibration-damped chassis. This design reduces mechanical influences during disc reading. This creates a controlled basis for clean signal processing and playback where timing, clarity, and musical coherence are paramount.

Dual-Mono DAC Architecture for Separate Signal Paths

A key feature of the ARCAM CD25 is its Dual-Mono DAC architecture. Left and right channels are processed separately, which supports clear channel separation and lower noise signal routing. For digital-to-analog conversion, the CD25 uses two ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips with ESS reference voltage regulators. Each DAC processes one channel independently in balanced mode.

Flexible Integration into Hi-Fi Systems

For analog connection, both an RCA pair and an XLR pair are available. Our recommendation: In combination with the ARCAM A50 Signature or SA45, the balanced XLR connection is ideal. For the ARCAM A25+ and SA35, integration via RCA is intended. Additionally, optical and coaxial digital outputs are available.

Tuning with Measurement and Listening Tests

The CD25 was tuned using objective measurement techniques and extensive blind listening tests. This ensures not only technical precision but also musically compelling playback. This is particularly relevant for a high-quality Hi-Fi chain, as a CD player not only reads data but also significantly prepares further signal processing.

For Music Lovers with a CD Collection

The ARCAM CD25 is aimed at anyone who deliberately wants to continue using Compact Discs, CD-R, and CD-RW. In addition to audio CDs, it also processes supported music files on data carriers. This makes it suitable for classic CD collections as well as music archives on CD-R or CD-RW.

Plastic-Free Packaging

The packaging of the ARCAM CD25 is plastic-free. This simplifies disposal and suits a product designed for long-term use and high-quality music playback.

Specifications

General

• Product Type: Compact Disc Player / CD Player
• Dimensions W × H × D: 43.1 × 8.4 × 32.9 cm
• Weight: 6.5 kg
• Shipping Weight: 9.5 kg

Playback

• Supported Media: CD Audio, CD-R Audio / Data, CD-RW Audio / Data
• Supported Data Files: WAV LPCM, FLAC, MP3, AAC
• Supported Bit Depth: 16–24 bit
• Supported Sample Rates WAV/FLAC: 96, 88.2, 48, 44.1, 32 kHz
• Supported Sample Rates MP3/AAC: 48, 44.1, 32 kHz

Analog Outputs

• Number of Outputs: 2, including 1 RCA pair and 1 XLR pair
• Maximum Analog Output 0 dBFS RCA/XLR: 2.2/4.4 VRMS
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio A-weighted, ref. 50 W, 1 V input: 106 dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.1 dB

Digital Outputs

• Number of Outputs: 2, including 1 optical and 1 coaxial
• Frequency Response Filter 1: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.1 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio A-weighted, ref. 16-bit/24-bit, 0 dBFS: 94 dB/116 dB

Power Supply and Operation

• Mains Voltage: 100–120 V or 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Maximum Power Consumption: 20 W
• Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 W
• Maximum Operating Ambient Temperature: 35 °C / 95 °F

Scope of Delivery

• Arcam Radia CD 25
• Remote Control
• Power Cable
• Documentation

Harman International Industries, Incorporated
Danzigerkade 16G, 1013 AP Amsterdam, NLD
luxurysupport@harman.com
https://www.arcam.co.uk/