I come fom high end 2 channel audio world and have to say that - based on personal experience - Arcam makes very good sounding receivers if you're into music as well as HT. I've had several Dennons and I'm just not a fan, especially for music. For a music lover who wants to combine it all into one no muss-no fuss system you can't go wrong with Arcam.
I had excellent performance from my Arcam AVR300 - if I had the bucks I'd do the 600 in a heartbeat. If you could find a demo or used that would be sweet.
NAD and Rotel would be next level down IMO. Onkyo has some very good sounding budget receivers and are worth a listen.
If you're not gonna upgrade any time soon buy one of the upper end Arcams and be done.
However, if you're thinking you want to be on an upgrade path, consider buying seperates - I personally have liked Cary gear and think it very underrated. A lot depends on your speakers.
I've bought lots of gear used.demo and would recommend that option.
I had excellent performance from my Arcam AVR300 - if I had the bucks I'd do the 600 in a heartbeat. If you could find a demo or used that would be sweet.
NAD and Rotel would be next level down IMO. Onkyo has some very good sounding budget receivers and are worth a listen.
If you're not gonna upgrade any time soon buy one of the upper end Arcams and be done.
However, if you're thinking you want to be on an upgrade path, consider buying seperates - I personally have liked Cary gear and think it very underrated. A lot depends on your speakers.
I've bought lots of gear used.demo and would recommend that option.