Arcam Avr300 Vs. seperates?

[Darrenmc]

I had a chance to hear this unit at a local dealer and it is impressive. It has gotten rave reviews and is viewed as one of the few a/v receivers that can rival the sound of going seperates. The dealer is selling this unit for $2000.00CDN($1725.00US). It normally retails for $2500.00CDN($2160.00US). Are their cheaper alternatives by going seperates that would be better than the Arcam AVR300? Lemme know your opinions or suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[PENG]

It depends, C$2000 is not that great a deal if it is a demo. If it is new in a sealed box it is a fair price considering it is no longer their latest model. If 100WX7 is good enough for you, it is probably a better alternative than separates because I don't think you can find a better sounding receiver at this price point. If not, you may be better off going with something like a RX-V2600 or AVR3805 (I used older models as well) plus a 2 or 3X200W power amp (e.g. Outlaw, Adcom, Parasound or used higher end amps such as Bryston, Anthem, Sunfire).

 

[serrada]

That's a good price. Better options might be the AVR350 or the newly released AVR280. I listened to the AVR350 and was very impressed. The Emotiva Reference Theater Series is another option at this price point I'd also suggest looking into.

If you can wait by years end just about every mfrs. it going to have a new line-up. Rotel RSV -1058, Arcam AVR380 maybe? and NAD all have new receivers coming out very shortly. The Sherwood Newcastle R-972 HDMI 1.3 will be right up here with these receivers also but probably won't be out until late August.

 

[pablito]

If you are from around Ottawa I can get you better deal for AVR280. I just got one yesterday from StereoPlus - I know the manager
Pablito

 

[sploo]

I've been running an AVR300 for a couple of years now, and I'm very pleased with it.

I compared it to a Denon AVR3805 and found the Denon to have a brighter sound that was a little grating to my ears*. The shop assistant said that he felt the Arcam was better for music, but he preferred the sound of the Denon for film use.

I did also try some Cyrus CD players and stereo amps. I note this because someone pointed out that I could've purchased the Denon plus the Cyrus amp for the price of the Arcam, and got the 'best' of both worlds. I just wanted the convenience of one unit.

I would also note that you can biamp (and I do mean biamp, not biwire) using the Arcam. My 5.1 system has the mains biamped, and subjectively, they sounded better to me.

* Note that this was a purely subjective test; It could be that the Denon has a slight lift in the treble to make it sound a bit more forward, it could be that I imagined the whole thing (without measurements you can never be sure)