They say it's really nice, for the money, and especially for the 2ch. playback. Rather buy the Arcam than what it should compete against at the price point, denon etc. But my point of view is biased, I really like Arcam. Saw a used set of both the AVR100 and the DV88 super-double-throw-down DVD/CD player the other day for around $1300 on audio shopper.com. Can't beat that with a stick.
There are a couple of reviews floating around, but can't remember where. Try the audioreview receiver page, then pick one (any one i.e., sony), once there, there is a link in the corner to general pro. reciever reviews. Hope it helps.
Chris |
Hey Chstob, have you heard about the QA problems that the new Arcam DiVAs are having? I have read a few reviews where they praised the performance but complained about the quality of the unit (since it's made in China)...
Rch_cah, I am also looking for receivers in the sub-$1000 category. E-mail me if you would like to discuss more on this subject.
Regards,
George |
Mgs, No, I have not heard about such problems. I had a DIVA DV88 and thought both the build quality and performance were very high, it gave no trouble whatsoever. I also thought much better than the preceeding line DIVA replaces, since I generally prefer metal to plastic. It is designed in the U.K., even if assembly is outsourced to China, I understand. Still a fan.
Chris |
Chris,
Perhaps those reviews were done by Arcam bashers (I found them on Audioreview)...What other receivers in the same price range would you recommend auditioning? I am considering Denon 2801/3801, Nakamichi AV10, and Marantz (forgot the model); do you have any experience with any of these units?
Thanks,
George |
George, I can't really, no experience to speak of. I say, though, if you have to take a chance, or buy blind without proper auditions, take the chance on Arcam over the others. As for audioreview, you can't almost believe one thing you hear over there, good or bad. That place is loaded with knuckleheads. Best of luck with your search.
Chris |
Thanks for the responses. I currently have an Acurus ACT3 and am quite pleased with its performance. However, it does not have an analog bypass and am interested in rigging up for dvd-a and sacd. I do like the 20-bit dacs on all channels and audio 2-ch stereo sounds very good. I really dont feel the need to have separate amps for my movie viewing and thus have been looking to the Arcam avr100. I was planning on using the preout for main channels and continue to use my Acurus A200 (200w/ch) to power my NHT2.5i. I may just take a chance on the Arcam as I have heard many good things about its sonic performance in stereo mode.
Rick |
Chris,
Thanks for the advice. I am fairly new to this hobby and to Audiogon, and I appreciate any help or advice from others. BTW, since I live in the metro Chicago area, I think I should be able to find local dealers who would allow home auditions of those units. I will definitely give the Arcam a try.
Thanks,
George |
Any time. I just reread the entire discourse above and I see now there may have been a percieved inconsistency in my advice from your perspective. At first, I said goto Areview. Then I said you can't believe a thing over there. You may have already figured it out.
There are two kinds of reviews over there. Pro and Ams. Neither one in objective or unbiased. The Ams get on there drunk from the shine of theie new stuff and write write write. You get the idea, everything is 5 stars, nothing can sound any better even for 100X the $.
But there is also an archive of pro reviews over there. There aren't unbiased either, but not as obvious, and maybe more informative. Access these as per instructions above. I know there is at least one, I remember it.
I don't think you will be sorry, they say it smokes anything near it in price range at 2ch. Later.
Chris |
i have had both the avr100 and dvd88 for a few months.both are excellent machines,nothing as good at their price point.combined they perform with excellent clarity and very sharp picture resolution,matches up to serious hi fi equipment quite well. |
Ptresslar, may I ask what speakers and cables are you using with the Arcam? I am curious because I am worried that the AVR100 might not have enough juice for the NHTs (86db sensitivity)... |
