The ARCAM CD25 is a high-performance CD player featuring a dual-mono DAC architecture with two ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips for exceptional stereo separation and detailed music reproduction. Its low-noise linear power supply and vibration-damped disc mechanism help deliver accurate, refined playback from audio CDs and compatible CD-R/CD-RW discs. Balanced XLR, RCA, optical, and coaxial outputs provide flexible connections to premium integrated amplifiers and external digital audio components. With five selectable DAC filters, support for WAV, FLAC, MP3, and AAC files on data discs, and convenient remote operation, the CD25 brings sophisticated digital audio performance to your hi-fi system.
Get the Details

ARCAM CD25 High-Performance Compact Disc Player

The ARCAM CD25 is a premium CD player designed to bring exceptional clarity, precision, and musical detail to your Compact Disc collection. As part of ARCAM's Radia Series, the CD25 builds on nearly four decades of digital audio expertise, combining a sophisticated dual-mono digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a low-noise linear power supply, and a vibration-damped disc mechanism. The result is a high-fidelity CD player engineered to reveal the nuances of your favorite recordings while preserving the musical engagement that makes listening to physical media so rewarding.

At the heart of the ARCAM CD25 is an advanced dual-mono DAC architecture featuring two ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips and ESS reference voltage regulators. Each DAC independently processes one stereo channel in balanced mode, helping minimize noise and crosstalk while supporting precise imaging, excellent channel separation, and a spacious soundstage. A dedicated low-noise linear power supply provides stable electrical performance, while the vibration-damped disc mechanism reduces mechanical interference during playback. Together, these technologies create an exceptionally refined foundation for reproducing music with detail, dynamics, and clarity.

Designed to integrate into both modern and traditional hi-fi systems, the CD25 provides balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs, along with optical and coaxial digital outputs. Its balanced connections make it a natural companion for premium ARCAM amplifiers such as the A50 Signature and SA45, while its RCA outputs provide compatibility with the A25+, SA35, and other integrated amplifiers with line-level inputs. The digital outputs also allow listeners to connect an external DAC or compatible digital audio component.

Beyond traditional audio CDs, the ARCAM CD25 supports finalized CD-R and CD-RW discs, including data discs containing WAV, FLAC, MP3, and AAC files. Five selectable digital filters allow listeners to adjust the DAC's processing characteristics, while an included remote control provides convenient access to playback functions, settings, and display brightness. With its thoughtfully engineered circuitry, versatile connectivity, and focus on musical accuracy, the ARCAM CD25 offers a compelling way to enjoy your physical music collection in a high-performance stereo system.

What It's Good At:

• Exceptional Digital-to-Analog Conversion: Dual ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips operate in a dual-mono architecture, independently processing the left and right audio channels for excellent stereo separation, low noise, and precise imaging.
• Clean, Stable Power Delivery: A dedicated low-noise linear power supply helps minimize electrical interference, providing a stable foundation for reproducing subtle musical details and dynamic contrasts.
• Precision Disc Playback: The vibration-damped CD mechanism reduces the effects of mechanical interference, supporting consistent disc reading and accurate audio reproduction.
• Versatile Audiophile Connectivity: Balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, optical, and coaxial outputs provide flexible connections to ARCAM Radia amplifiers, conventional integrated amplifiers, external DACs, and compatible audio equipment.
• Expanded Disc and Audio Format Support: Plays standard audio CDs and compatible finalized CD-R/CD-RW discs, including data discs containing WAV, FLAC, MP3, and AAC files. WAV and FLAC playback supports sample rates up to 96 kHz.
• Customizable Listening and Convenient Operation: Five selectable digital filters, multiple playback modes, adjustable display brightness, and the included remote control make the CD25 easy to tailor to your listening preferences.

ARCAM CD25 Full Specifications:

General Information

• Brand: ARCAM
• Model: CD25
• Product Type: High-performance Compact Disc player
• Series: ARCAM Radia Series

Digital-to-Analog Conversion

• DAC Architecture: Dual-mono, with independent left and right channel processing
• DAC Chips: 2 x ESS ES9039Q2M
• DAC Configuration: Independent balanced-mode processing for each stereo channel
• Voltage Regulation: ESS reference voltage regulators
• Power Supply: Low-noise linear power supply
• CD Transport: Precision Compact Disc mechanism mounted on an internal vibration-damping chassis
• Selectable DAC Filters: 5 (Apodizing, Minimum Fast, Minimum Slow, Linear Fast, Linear Slow)
• Default DAC Filter: Apodizing

Supported Disc Formats

• Audio CD: Supported
• CD-R: Audio and data discs supported
• CD-RW: Audio and data discs supported
• CD-TEXT: Supported, including display of available disc text information
• Recordable Disc Requirement: CD-R and CD-RW discs must be finalized

Supported Digital Audio Formats

• WAV: Linear PCM (LPCM)
• FLAC: Supported
• MP3: Supported
• AAC: Supported
• Supported Bit Depth: 16-bit to 24-bit
• WAV/FLAC Sampling Rates: 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz
• MP3/AAC Sampling Rates: 32, 44.1, and 48 kHz
• Data File Playback: From compatible CD-R and CD-RW data discs

Analog Audio Outputs

• Balanced Analog Outputs: 1 stereo pair (2 x XLR)
• Unbalanced Analog Outputs: 1 stereo pair (2 x RCA)
• Maximum RCA Output Level: 2.2 Vrms at 0 dBFS
• Maximum XLR Output Level: 4.4 Vrms at 0 dBFS
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 93 dB (A-weighted, referenced to 16-bit, 0 dBFS)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 115 dB (A-weighted, referenced to 24-bit, 0 dBFS)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +/-0.1 dB (default filter)

Digital Audio Outputs

• Coaxial Digital Output: 1
• Optical Digital Output: 1 (TOSLINK)
• Total Digital Outputs: 2

Playback and Control Features

• Playback Modes: Normal, Repeat One, Repeat All, Shuffle
• Default Playback Mode: Normal
• Disc Autoplay: User-selectable, default Off
• Output Selection: Both analog and digital, analog only, or digital only
• Default Output Setting: Both analog and digital
• Front Panel Controls: Standby, eject, stop, play/pause, previous track, next track
• Display: Front panel display with adjustable brightness (Full, Dim, Off)
• Remote Control: Included infrared remote control
• Remote Functions: Standby, playback controls, track navigation, playback modes, menu navigation, output settings, DAC filter settings, display brightness, and volume control for compatible ARCAM Radia amplifiers
• Additional Menu Functions: Software version display and restore factory defaults
• Automatic Standby: Configurable 20-minute inactivity timer
• Default Automatic Standby: Enabled

Power Requirements

• Mains Voltage: 100-120 V AC or 220-240 V AC
• Mains Frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Voltage Selection: Rear-panel voltage selector; must be configured for the local supply
• Maximum Power Consumption: 20 W
• Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.5 W
• Maximum Ambient Operating Temperature: 35°C (95°F)
• Electrical Safety Classification: Class II, double-insulated appliance
• Laser Classification: Class 1 laser product

Physical Specifications

• Width: 431 mm (16.97 inches)
• Depth: 329 mm (12.95 inches)
• Height: 84 mm (3.31 inches), including feet
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 431 x 329 x 84 mm
• Net Weight: 6.5 kg (14.33 lbs)
• Gross Weight: 9.5 kg (20.94 lbs)
• Packaging: Plastic-free packaging using materials designed for straightforward disposal

Included Accessories

• ARCAM CD25 Compact Disc Player
• Infrared Remote Control
• 2 x AAA Batteries
• Region-Specific AC Power Cable(s)
• Quick Start Guide
• Important Safety Instructions / Safety and Compliance Booklet

ARCAM CD25 Q&A:

What makes the ARCAM CD25 different from a conventional CD player?

The ARCAM CD25 combines a dual-mono DAC architecture, two ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips, a low-noise linear power supply, and a vibration-damped disc mechanism. Each stereo channel is processed independently to improve channel separation and minimize noise. These design choices help deliver detailed, precise, and engaging CD playback in a premium hi-fi system.

Can the ARCAM CD25 play CD-R and CD-RW discs?

Yes. The CD25 supports standard audio CDs and compatible CD-R and CD-RW discs containing audio or supported data files. Recordable discs must be finalized for playback. The player also supports CD-TEXT, allowing compatible disc information to appear on its display.

Can the ARCAM CD25 play FLAC, WAV, MP3, and AAC music files?

Yes. The CD25 plays WAV, FLAC, MP3, and AAC files stored on supported CD-R and CD-RW data discs. WAV and FLAC files support 16-bit to 24-bit playback at sampling rates up to 96 kHz, while MP3 and AAC playback supports 32, 44.1, and 48 kHz sampling rates. These capabilities provide additional flexibility for listening to compatible digital music collections saved to disc.

What is the difference between the CD25's balanced XLR and RCA outputs?

The balanced XLR outputs provide a differential analog audio connection that can help reject interference when connected to compatible balanced inputs. The RCA outputs provide conventional unbalanced stereo connections for integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, and receivers with line-level inputs. The CD25 delivers a maximum output of 4.4 Vrms through XLR and 2.2 Vrms through RCA, so the appropriate connection depends on the receiving component and system configuration.

Can I connect the ARCAM CD25 to an external DAC?

Yes. The CD25 includes coaxial and optical digital outputs that allow it to function as a CD transport when connected to an external DAC or other compatible component with digital audio inputs. This gives you the choice of using the CD25's internal dual-mono DAC architecture or routing its digital audio signal to another converter.

Does the ARCAM CD25 offer selectable digital filters?

Yes. The CD25 provides five digital filter options: Apodizing, Minimum Fast, Minimum Slow, Linear Fast, and Linear Slow. These filters use different approaches to frequency response, phase behavior, and pre- or post-ringing during digital-to-analog conversion. Apodizing is the default setting, and the options can be selected through the player’s settings menu.

Will the ARCAM CD25 work with amplifiers from other manufacturers?

Yes. Although the CD25 is designed to complement ARCAM Radia Series components, it can connect to other brands of integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, and compatible audio equipment. Its stereo RCA outputs work with conventional line-level inputs, while its balanced XLR outputs can be used with equipment supporting balanced analog connections. Optical and coaxial digital outputs provide additional options for connecting external digital audio components.

Does the ARCAM CD25 include a remote control and automatic playback features?

Yes. The CD25 includes an infrared remote control for operating playback, navigating menus, selecting playback modes, adjusting display brightness, and accessing DAC settings. Available playback modes include Normal, Repeat One, Repeat All, and Shuffle. Optional Disc Autoplay can automatically begin playback when a disc is loaded, while a configurable 20-minute automatic standby timer helps reduce power consumption during periods of inactivity.

ARCAM CD25 Downloads:

ARCAM CD25 User Manual
ARCAM CD25 Spec Sheet