Need reco for replacing Arcam AVR 200

[shriramosu]

I have a Vandy HT system, Hsu VTF 2 sub. (2Ce, VCC-1, VSM-1) with Toshiba DVD as source, and Arcam AVR 200 receiver.

Hi

I have a Vandy HT system, Hsu VTF 2 sub. (2Ce, VCC-1, VSM-1) with Toshiba DVD as source, and Arcam AVR 200 receiver. Interconnects is MIT Terminator. Speaker cables is AQ Type 4.

My buddy is taking my receiver as he needed a good 220V receiver and I have to replace my receiver.

I am also thinking of setting up my computer as my transport and hopefully also play SACD and DVD A on it (not sure if that is possible). This is not right now

Receiver wise

1. I can replace with another Arcam 200 or upgrade to a 250 or 300. I am not sold on Arcam, like the sound but don't like that I cant input SACD, DVD A digitally plus not sure it will handle bass.

2. Buy a receiver like the Pioneer Elite with iLink and either get Pioneer Universal or try to to link with my computer with Firewire.

3. Buy a cheap receiver with digital power amplification (think its the way of the future and has gotten increasingly better reviews) hopefully with a way to input SACD/DVA digitally but even if not I can sell and upgrade easily in a year or two. Think Panasonic, JVC, Sony and some Kenwoods have this option. I would like to bi-amp my Vandy's so that feature would be great

Given all of these, which of these, or other options should I consider. Don't want to spend the money on separates as in a HT system get 80-90% of sound with a receiver much cheaper. Ideally would be able to do both SACD and DVDA or at least link digitally with a PC (for future) but not essential for now

Thanks a lot for advice

Shriram

 

[j_garcia]

I haven't seen any PC drives that can do SACD (haven't looked either), but DVD-A yes.

I'm not sure I understand the strong desire to pass hires digitally. If you buy a decent universal, I would expect you would WANT to use the DACs in it, especially since you're going to have to get a decent model to get i-link, denon-link, etc...

Also, unless you're looking to get a very nice model from one of the other manufacturers, I'd actually say going to one just for a digital connection is going to also mean a step down in sound quality.

I would never biamp off a receiver, but that's just my opinion.