ARCAM AV40 Home Cinema Processor Test

ARCAM AV40 Home Theatre Processor – Test & Overview

What Is the Arcam AV40?

The Arcam AV40 is the flagship AV processor from the renowned British brand, Arcam, designed for serious home cinema enthusiasts seeking uncompromising multichannel performance. Positioned at the top of Arcam’s AV lineup, the AV40 offers 16-channel surround sound decoding, paired with the latest immersive audio formats and Dirac Live 3.0 for professional-grade room calibration.

This model sits above Arcam’s AV receiver series:

• AVR10 – Entry-level
• AVR20 – Mid-range
• AVR30 – Premium class

With its advanced architecture, the AV40 supports major 3D audio formats, including:

• Dolby Atmos
• DTS:X
• IMAX Enhanced
• Auro-3D

Note: DTS:X Pro is not supported as of the time of writing.

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Supported Audio Formats

In addition to next-gen object-based codecs, the AV40 covers a wide range of traditional and HD audio formats:

• Dolby formats: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital
• DTS formats: DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete/Matrix, DTS 96/24, DTS 5.1, DTS Virtual:X

The inclusion of Dirac Live 3.0 offers full 16-channel room correction, and with the optional Dirac Bass Control module, users can fine-tune multi-subwoofer setups—ideal for acoustically complex spaces.

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Video Capabilities

On the video front, the AV40 ensures top-tier signal processing with 4K/60p 4:4:4 passthrough, along with support for the latest HDR formats:

• HDR10
• HDR10+
• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)
• Dolby Vision

This allows for seamless compatibility with Blu-rays, game consoles, and streaming services, while maintaining bit-perfect signal integrity from source to screen.

Connectivity and HDMI Capabilities

On the rear panel, the Arcam AV40 features seven HDMI 2.0b inputs and three HDMI outputs. While this configuration offers flexibility for most home cinema setups, one notable drawback is the absence of HDMI 2.1 support.

Although the AV40 includes eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for high-quality audio over HDMI from compatible TVs, the lack of HDMI 2.1 features—such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and 4K/120Hz support—may be a deal-breaker for gamers or users looking for future-proof compatibility.

For a flagship product released in the era of next-gen gaming consoles and high-frame-rate content, this omission feels like a missed opportunity.

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Main Product Features

Control4 and Crestron compatibility for smart home setups

16-channel decoding with support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D

Dirac Live 3.0 room correction with optional Dirac Bass Control

7 HDMI 2.0b inputs / 3 HDMI outputs with 4K/60p passthrough

HDR support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision

eARC support for high-resolution audio return from compatible displays

Balanced and unbalanced pre-outs for full integration with power amplifiers

USB, Ethernet, and RS232 connections for flexible control and system integration

Key Features of the ARCAM AV40

• Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, and DTS:X decoding
  → Supports up to 9.1.6 channels
• 4K UHD passthrough via HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2 support
• 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs
  → Includes eARC for high-resolution audio return
• Dirac Live® room correction for precise acoustic calibration
• ESS 9026PRO audiophile-grade DAC
  → Delivers exceptional digital-to-analog conversion
• 16-channel balanced XLR outputs for professional setups
• 16-channel RCA outputs for conventional amplifier integration
• Compatible with PA240, PA720, and PA410 Arcam power amplifiers
• Full IP, RS232, and Ethernet control capabilities
  → Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless flexibility
• Built-in Google Cast and UPnP for streaming from music providers
• Includes the MusicLife control app (iOS and Android)
  → For seamless browsing, streaming, and playback control

Design & Connectivity

The Arcam AV40 embraces the brand’s hallmark understated, minimalist design, echoing the visual language of the rest of Arcam’s amplifier lineup. It exudes a sense of refinement and precision, well-suited for both modern home cinemas and high-end AV racks.

Front Panel Features

• A brushed silver volume knob with a premium tactile feel
• Two 3.5mm jacks for headphones and auxiliary input
• A large, full-color display—bright, easy to read, and intuitive
• Essential control buttons in a matching silver finish, laid out for effortless navigation
• A discreet power button for a clean, uncluttered appearance

The dark grey chassis, combined with the solid aluminum top and side panels, gives the AV40 a sleek, seamless look and conveys exceptional build quality. Unlike Arcam’s AV receivers that use top ventilation grilles, the AV40’s enclosed metal body enhances its premium feel and structural rigidity.

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Rear Panel & Connectivity Options

The rear panel is meticulously organized, with clearly labeled connections that make setup straightforward—even for complex, multi-zone configurations.

Video & Audio Connectivity

• 7 × HDMI 2.0b inputs
• 3 × HDMI outputs, including 1 with eARC support
• 6 × RCA analog audio inputs
• Line Out and Zone Out for signal distribution
• 4 × Coaxial digital inputs
• 2 × Optical digital inputs
• 1 × Optical digital output

Network & Control Ports

• Dual Wi-Fi antennas for wireless connectivity
• 1 Bluetooth antenna for pairing mobile devices
• 1 LAN port for stable wired networking
• 1 USB port for firmware updates or media access
• RS-232 control port for integration with custom home automation systems
• 2 Zone outputs to support multi-room audio distribution

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With this comprehensive connectivity suite, the Arcam AV40 is fully equipped to function as the central control unit of any high-performance home theater system—supporting multi-room playback, advanced signal routing, and professional-grade system integration.

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HDMI Limitations and Gaming Considerations

One of the more notable drawbacks of the AV40 is that all HDMI inputs and outputs are HDMI 2.0b, not the newer HDMI 2.1 standard. This is somewhat surprising for a flagship processor expected to remain relevant for the next 4–5 years. At the time of writing, Arcam has not announced any plans to upgrade the AV40 to HDMI 2.1 via firmware or hardware revisions.

For most users, the eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) functionality will be sufficient—allowing for high-quality audio transmission from compatible TVs. However, for gamers using PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or future HDMI 2.1 devices, the lack of features like VRR, ALLM, and 4K/120Hz passthrough may be a deal-breaker.

On the positive side, the existing HDMI 2.0b ports support HDCP 2.2 and full 4K 60p 4:4:4 video with compatibility for HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, ensuring excellent visual performance for movies and streaming content.

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Remote Control & App-Based Operation

The included remote control is large and made of plastic, but it features a stylish design that complements the processor’s aesthetic. Its ergonomically positioned buttons and backlighting make it well-suited for use in dedicated home theaters.

However, we did encounter some issues with the remote. In certain instances, it failed to respond when powering on the unit or attempting to change settings—indicating occasional inconsistency in responsiveness.

For those who prefer smart device control, Arcam offers two mobile apps:

• Arcam Control app – for accessing processor settings and zone control
• MusicLife app – for media streaming and additional control functions

While both apps generally worked well, we did experience occasional network connection issues where the apps failed to detect the processor. These glitches were typically resolved by restarting the app or the processor.

Control via laptop or desktop browser was more stable and consistently smooth. Users can also manage settings through the on-screen display (OSD), which provides a reliable and user-friendly interface.

Arcam AV40 testing

The testing was carried out in a small cinema room where the owner had already started acoustic treatment of the room following acoustic measurements carried out by our company. The walls and ceiling were covered with deep sound absorbing membrane panels and diffuser front panels. Some wooden diffusers will also be needed for a more even sound, as well as acoustic curtains in front of the windows. Installation of the Arcam AV40 is easy and does not require much effort. We’ve paired the AV40 with Arcam PA720 seven-channel amplifier. We tested the amp with Klipsch Forte III speakers and Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofers.
The Dirac Live software comes with a microphone and cable, but you’ll definitely need to download the EQ filter file for the microphone from the Arcam, and you can also download the Harman filters.

Arcam performance has always been stable and adequate. The AV40 produced accurate and impressive performances of everything from electronic, classic orchestral music to pop and rock. Thanks to the precise filtering by Dirac, a truly optimal sound was achieved. To get the perfect sound, equaliser room correction programs are not enough. The acoustics of a room can have a significant impact on the sound of audio and hi-fi equipments. Nevertheless, the Arcam AV40 didn’t just perform well when we listened to music. Movies and TV shows sounded great too, with excellent surround sounding, dynamics and details. The AV40 can create a large and expansive soundscape that fills the room. We experienced no distortion. We heard a powerful, expansive midrange and intense bass notes. As it is both a two-channel and multichannel device, it delivered an impressive, accurate, crisp, detailed and nuanced sound without any distortion.

Final Verdict

The Arcam AV40 stands out as a top-tier AV processor, delivering balanced XLR outputs across all 16 channels—ensuring uncompromised analog connectivity to high-quality external amplifiers.

With its support for full 16-channel Dirac Live calibration, smartphone-based control, and streaming via AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast, the AV40 brings reference-grade sonic accuracy to your home cinema. Whether you’re enjoying your favorite film or an orchestral album, the processor produces rich, dynamic, and immersive audio that effortlessly fills the room.

A Few Drawbacks to Consider:

• The lack of HDMI 2.1 support and absence of DTS:X Pro may be a concern for next-gen gamers
• The included remote, while attractively backlit, can be occasionally unresponsive
• App-based control, though useful, may have inconsistent network detection at times

However, these are relatively minor shortcomings when viewed against the AV40’s overall strengths.

For audiophiles and cinephiles seeking high-performance multichannel processing, extensive calibration options, and premium build quality, the Arcam AV40 remains an outstanding investment—designed to elevate any serious home theatre system.