ARCAM's Definitive Radia CD Player with Dual-Mono DAC Engineering
The Arcam CD25 CD Player is ARCAM's premium Radia-series solution for listeners who want to extract the highest possible performance from a physical CD collection. Drawing on nearly four decades of ARCAM digital-audio engineering, the CD25 combines a precision disc mechanism, low-noise linear power supply and true dual-mono digital-to-analog conversion in a sophisticated player designed for revealing high-end stereo systems.
Two ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips independently process the left and right channels in balanced mode, while ESS reference voltage regulators help maintain a stable low-noise environment for the conversion stage. Balanced XLR and RCA analog outputs provide flexible amplifier matching, while optical and coaxial digital outputs allow the CD25 to function as a high-quality CD transport with an external DAC or compatible digital amplifier.
Highlights & Benefits
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Dual-Mono ESS DAC Architecture — Separate ESS ES9039Q2M converters independently process the left and right channels for excellent separation, low noise and precise stereo imaging.
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Low-Noise Linear Power Supply — Provides a clean and stable electrical foundation for the transport, digital circuitry and analog output stages.
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Vibration-Damped CD Mechanism — The disc transport is mounted on an internal damping chassis to reduce mechanical interference and improve signal retrieval.
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Balanced XLR & RCA Analog Outputs — Flexible analog connectivity allows the CD25 to partner with both fully balanced and conventional stereo systems.
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CD & Data-Disc Playback — Plays conventional audio CDs as well as compatible CD-R and CD-RW discs containing WAV, FLAC, MP3 and AAC files.
Technology & Design
Dual-Mono Digital Conversion — Each stereo channel receives its own ESS ES9039Q2M DAC operating independently in balanced mode, minimizing interaction between channels and helping create a wider, more precisely defined soundstage.
ESS Reference Voltage Regulation — Dedicated ESS reference regulators provide a stable voltage foundation for the DAC circuitry, helping reduce noise and maximize low-level detail.
Mechanically Isolated Transport — The Compact Disc mechanism is mounted to a vibration-damping internal chassis, reducing mechanical energy that could interfere with accurate disc reading and timing.
ARCAM Listening-Tested Voicing — ARCAM combines objective engineering measurements with extensive blind listening tests to refine component selection and final sonic performance.
FAQ — Arcam CD25
What DACs are used in the ARCAM CD25?
The CD25 uses two ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips in a dual-mono configuration. One DAC independently handles each stereo channel in balanced mode.
Can the CD25 be connected with balanced XLR cables?
Yes. The CD25 provides a stereo pair of balanced XLR analog outputs in addition to conventional RCA line-level outputs.
Can the CD25 be used as a CD transport with an external DAC?
Yes. Optical and coaxial digital outputs allow the CD25 to send digital audio to a compatible external DAC, integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Does the CD25 play music files from CD-R and CD-RW discs?
Yes. Compatible data discs can contain WAV, FLAC, MP3 and AAC audio files. Supported resolutions and sample rates vary according to the file format.
Why Buy From Us
- Authorized ARCAM Dealer
- 5% Reward Points on Every Purchase
- Expert CD Player, DAC and Amplifier System-Matching Assistance
- Professional Two-Channel System Setup and Installation Available
