Arcam DX-5 Review: High-End Stereo Amplification Refined
British Power and Precision in a Two-Channel Design
The Arcam DX-5 is a flagship-class stereo amplifier built to deliver high-fidelity sound without compromise. Combining Arcam’s renowned Class G amplification with refined aesthetics and modern connectivity, the DX-5 is engineered for discerning audiophiles who demand both muscle and musicality. In this review, we explore its design, technical performance, and how it fits into the evolving world of premium hi-fi components.
Design and Build
The DX-5 follows Arcam’s signature minimalist aesthetic—matte black aluminum faceplate, intuitive layout, and subtle detailing. Its full-width chassis is built from vibration-damped metal, providing both shielding and physical rigidity. The large volume control is weighted and smooth, giving a sense of precision from the moment you power it on.
The OLED display offers clear feedback on volume, input, and system status. The front panel is clean, featuring just enough controls for everyday use without unnecessary clutter. It’s modern, functional, and built to last.
Amplification and Technology
At its core, the DX-5 uses Arcam’s advanced Class G amplifier topology. Class G dynamically adjusts power supply rails, allowing the amp to deliver Class A purity at lower volumes and higher-efficiency Class AB performance during dynamic peaks. This hybrid design results in remarkable detail retrieval, low distortion, and excellent headroom.
The DX-5 delivers 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and 200 watts into 4 ohms—more than enough for demanding loudspeakers. It includes a toroidal power transformer and carefully selected components, ensuring stable performance under load.
Connectivity
The DX-5 offers a wide range of analog and digital connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration into any hi-fi system. Inputs include balanced XLR, RCA, optical, and coaxial. There is also a USB input for connecting to a computer or streaming transport, allowing the onboard ESS Sabre DAC to handle digital decoding.
A pre-out is included for those integrating a subwoofer or external power amplifier. The DX-5 also features a headphone output for personal listening and a trigger input/output for home automation setups.
Specifications
- Type: Stereo integrated amplifier
- Amplification: Class G
- Power Output: 120W per channel (8Ω), 200W (4Ω)
- Inputs: 3 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 2 x optical, 1 x coaxial, 1 x USB
- Outputs: Pre-out, headphone, speaker terminals
- DAC: ESS Sabre 32-bit / 192kHz
- Display: OLED
- Dimensions: 433 x 100 x 340 mm (W x H x D)
- Weight: 11.2 kg
- Finish: Black anodized aluminum
Sound Performance
The DX-5 delivers a sonic experience that is both authoritative and refined. Bass is deep, taut, and controlled—never bloated or overbearing. The midrange is open and expressive, making vocals and acoustic instruments sound natural and full-bodied. Treble is extended and airy, with excellent resolution but no harshness.
Arcam’s Class G amplification ensures that even at high volumes, the DX-5 remains composed and dynamic. It thrives on detail and realism—producing wide soundstages, precise imaging, and micro-detail that brings music to life.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dynamic Class G amplification
- Powerful and clean output
- High-quality DAC and multiple digital inputs
Cons:
- No built-in streaming functionality
- No phono stage for turntables
- Remote control could be more premium
FAQ
Does the DX-5 include a phono input?
No, the DX-5 does not include a phono stage. You will need an external phono preamp for turntables.
Can the DX-5 drive large floorstanding speakers?
Yes, with 120W at 8Ω and 200W at 4Ω, it is well-suited to power-hungry or low-sensitivity speakers.
Is it Roon Ready or does it support streaming?
No, the DX-5 is a pure amplifier and DAC with no network streaming features. You can connect a streamer via USB, coaxial, or optical.
Conclusion
The Arcam DX-5 is an audiophile-grade stereo amplifier that delivers powerful, transparent sound with elegant restraint. It’s designed for listeners who already have a digital or analog front-end and want amplification that gets out of the way and lets the music speak. If you value sonic clarity, powerful dynamics, and flexible connectivity in a minimalist chassis, the DX-5 is one of the finest integrated amplifiers in its class.