Arcam Amplifier Software Update: High-Resolution Streaming Access and Optimized eARC
April 23, 2025
Arcam has just rolled out a significant software update for several of its high-end audio devices. This update, identified as v1.62 or v2057 depending on the models, brings substantial improvements to streaming features and HDMI connectivity, particularly for owners of the British brand’s amplifiers and AV receivers.
Expanded High-Resolution Streaming Capabilities
The update primarily focuses on two aspects: enhancing high-resolution audio streaming and optimizing the eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) function on HDMI 2.1-compatible devices.
For fans of digital music, the most notable development is the introduction of Tidal streaming support up to 24-bit/192 kHz on certain models. This improvement particularly benefits the integrated amplifier SA30 and the network player ST60, two products that are now discontinued but received excellent reviews during their market release.
Previously, these devices could only access Tidal via Arcam’s Musiclife app and supported only MQA streams. The addition of 24-bit/192 kHz support therefore represents a significant improvement in both audio quality and usability for Tidal subscribers.
The update also introduces Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect on certain products, complementing existing streaming capabilities via Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and Roon. These new features address a recurring user demand, as noted by Arcam in its documentation.
eARC Optimization via HDMI 2.1
The second major aspect of this update concerns Arcam’s amplifiers and AV receivers. For the HDA AVR11, AVR21, AVR31, AV41 models, as well as the HDMI 2.1 versions of the AVR5, AVR10, AVR20, AVR30, and AV40, the update “improves eARC functionality via HDMI 2.1.”
To recap, eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is an evolution of the ARC function that allows audio to be transmitted from the TV to the audio system via a single HDMI cable. Unlike standard ARC, eARC offers greater bandwidth, enabling the transmission of uncompressed high-definition audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Arcam has also announced that this improvement will be rolled out “to all HDMI 2.0 AVRs after final testing” during the first half of 2025, thereby extending the scope of this update to more devices in its catalog.
An Improved Web Interface
In addition to technical improvements, some users who have already installed the update report a significantly more pleasant and usable web client interface, with dropdown menus on Android, making the Musiclife app “completely redundant.” The stability of Spotify Connect also seems to have been improved, although some issues have been reported with Chromecast, which experiences dropouts, making it difficult to use in certain configurations.
A Range of Affected Devices
The update applies to a wide range of Arcam and JBL products (a brand owned by the same Harman group):
- Arcam HDA AVR range: AVR5, AVR10, AVR11, AVR20, AVR21, AVR30, AVR31, AV40, AV41
- Arcam integrated amplifier: SA30
- Arcam network player: ST60
- Network player with integrated amplifier: Solo Uno
- JBL AVR range: SDR-35, SDP-55, SDR-38, SDP-58
- JBL integrated amplifier: SA750
Installation and Compatibility
For users wishing to take advantage of these new features, the update can be downloaded from Arcam’s website and installed via a USB stick. Detailed instructions are provided with the update files.
It is important to note that products must be updated to a minimum software version of NET v1542 to use these new features. Depending on the product and current software version, a reset may be required after the update.
Arcam also mentions working on a method to enable future over-the-air (OTA) updates for greater convenience, which will greatly simplify the process for less tech-savvy users.
A Continued Commitment to Product Longevity
This update is part of Arcam’s ongoing policy of keeping its products up to date with the latest technologies. It is worth recalling that in 2021, the brand had already announced the possibility of upgrading its HDA AVRs to HDMI 2.1 via a physical HDMI board replacement.
At the time, Jim Garrett, Senior Director of Product Strategy and Planning for HARMAN Luxury Audio, stated: “By announcing this HDMI upgrade today, we are giving our customers the assurance that their AVR will remain at the forefront of audio and video capabilities and will support the next wave of 8K video products.”
This new software update confirms this commitment to users by bringing modern features to devices that are no longer necessarily in production, such as the SA30 and ST60.
For owners of these Arcam devices, this update is excellent news, extending the lifespan and functionality of their equipment without requiring investment in new hardware.