Arcam vs Marantz vs NAD receiver?


I am buying an AV receiver that will be used for music at least as much as movies. Speakers will likely be B&W M-1 Sats and PVD-1 sub. I am looking at Marantz SR 7007, Arcam AVR 400 and NAD 758. All have different specs but don't bench test that differently. I have heard all three and liked them all, but I am concerned about the Arcam and especially the Marantz running out of steam at higher volumes driving 5 channels. The NAD to its credit hardly loses any punch even driving 7 channels. Marantz has the most features, but the lightest amp section. Your thoughts?

kn
knownothing

Showing 2 responses by knownothing

Thanks for your replies. The data comes HT review bench tests. Not manufacturers declared specs. Thanks for the votes for all three;-). I think the Arcam is probably the most high fi of the three. I might buy all three to test and keep the one that works best in my space. It's only an 18x12x8 ft room, so I am sure they can all fill it with decent amount and quality of sound.

kn
Arcam wins. I listened carefully to both the NAD T758 and the Arcam AVR 400 driving the B&W sats in two channel, and the Arcam was clearly better. The NAD sounds good, but the Arcam was more refined with more body and detail, and an airier treble. The step up from the T758 was evident even driving the nice but relatively modest B&W sats. The Arcam should be better since the list price is actually closer to the NAD T777, although I was able to pick one up on sale as they are being phased out for new model.

I tried listening to the AVR 400 with the B&W PM1 stand mounts just for fun. Wow, are they good - phenomenal disappearing act and soundstage. Anyway, that experience made me rethink the speaker choice. I decided not to get the B&W sats/sub system and instead ordered a Monitor Audio Apex system with three Apex 40's in the front and two Apex 10's for the surrounds.

Not decided yet on the sub now since the Monitor Audio's go down into the 50 Hz's (fronts) and 60 Hz's (rears), perhaps there is some more flexibility for sub choices than with the little B&W's. Any sub suggestions appreciated - looking for a balance between tuneful bass for music and deep bass for movies. Again room size is 8' high x 18' wide x 12' deep, is reasonably well treated, but size will limit the longest waves. While there is no point in overloading room with a giant box and driver, pressure and speed with good tone are desirable. Upper budget is about $1500.

Thanks again for the input, helpful.

kn