ARCAM CD25 CD Player

Dual-mono DAC architecture with balanced analog outputs

The ARCAM CD25 is the flagship CD player in the Radia Series, bringing nearly four decades of ARCAM digital audio expertise to a sophisticated design built for exceptional Compact Disc playback. With a dual-mono DAC architecture, low-noise linear power supply, and vibration-damped disc mechanism, the CD25 delivers precise, detailed sound from physical music collections.

At the heart of the CD25 are two ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips, one dedicated to each stereo channel. Each DAC operates in balanced mode with its own ESS reference voltage regulator, providing excellent channel separation and minimizing noise. The dual-mono design allows the CD25 to reveal fine musical details while maintaining a spacious, stable stereo image.

A low-noise linear power supply provides a stable electrical foundation for the digital and analog circuitry, while the disc mechanism is mounted on an internal vibration-damping chassis to minimize mechanical interference. ARCAM has further refined the CD25 through blind listening tests, combining careful engineering with extensive listening evaluations.

Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs make the CD25 compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, including the ARCAM A50 Signature, SA45, A25+, and SA35. Coaxial and optical digital outputs also allow the CD25 to function as a CD transport with an external DAC. In addition to standard audio CDs, the player supports CD-R and CD-RW discs and can play WAV, FLAC, MP3, and AAC files from compatible data discs.

Features

• Dual-mono DAC architecture with two ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips
• Independent balanced digital-to-analog conversion for each channel
• ESS reference voltage regulators for low-noise operation
• Low-noise linear power supply
• Vibration-damped CD mechanism for stable disc playback
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs
• Coaxial and optical digital outputs
• Supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback
• Supports WAV, FLAC, MP3, and AAC files from data discs
• Sound quality refined through blind listening tests
• Plastic-free packaging

What's Included

• ARCAM CD25 CD Player
• Power cord
• Remote control with two AAA batteries
• Quick Start Guide
• Important Safety Instructions

Specifications

Supported Discs: CD (audio), CD-R (audio/data), CD-RW (audio/data)

Supported File Formats: WAV (LPCM), FLAC, MP3, AAC

Supported Bit Depths: 16–24 bit

Supported Sample Rates (WAV/FLAC): 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz

Supported Sample Rates (MP3/AAC): 32, 44.1, 48 kHz

DAC: Dual ESS ES9039Q2M

Analog Outputs: 1 stereo RCA pair, 1 balanced XLR pair

Digital Outputs: 1 coaxial, 1 optical

Maximum Analog Output (RCA/XLR, 0 dBFS): 2.2/4.4 V RMS

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted, 16-Bit/24-Bit, 0 dBFS): 93/115 dB

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz (±0.1 dB)

Mains Voltage: 100–120 V or 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz

Maximum Power Consumption: 20 W

Standby Power Consumption: <0.5 W

Maximum Ambient Operating Temperature: 95°F (35°C)

Dimensions (H × W × D): 3.31" × 16.97" × 12.95" (84 × 431 × 329 mm)

Weight: 14.33 lb. (6.5 kg)