Strong 2 Channel Mode, tight bass, laid back sound.

Bass management (xover at 100 hz only)

Time for a little balance here.

While I was looking for a HT reciever that could play music well, I ran across 2 good reviews for the ARCAM. I did listen to several Denon, Yamaha, at the same price range.
I was not entralled by these units.
I did not listen to Marantz, because I have a bias against Marantz from several years back - they may have improved.

When I took it home it sounded great with my Heybrookes. I could hear nuances in my CDs that I had not heard before.

When I cranked up Stanlely Clarke, the bass shook the windows and lamps with clean, tight, uncolored bass. The mids and high just sound detailed and at the right level, this is a strong point of this Reciever.

Now I cannot deny that if I had it to do all over again I would have listened to the A85, which is no doubt better.

But by my ear the sound and dynamics out of this AVR outdo the Onkyo and Denon by sounding more natural all the way around.

Yes the light power supply and made in china logo could be a concern, but its sound real fine to my ear, perhaps not excellent, I do concede.

I have had everyone who has heard this AVR comment on the way it sounds - and then I know its not me making it up.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo and Yamaha Separates

I bought this product because I really like the Arcam amp I use in my music-only room. Unfortunately, I do not think this amp is powerful enough for a good home theatre system (unless you plan to use very efficient speakers like Klipsch). I do not care for the sound of Klipsch speakers, this is a personal preference (I also don't like light beer).

The receiver was propmtly returned and replaced by an OUTLAW audio receiver. They are now selling for 500 (less than half the price of this receiver) and, although not on paper, they are much more powerful than this Arcam. For this price difference, you can get a good audiophile amp and use it to power the front two channels of the Outlaw. The outlaw with an Oddessy stratos or "real" Arcam will blow this away. Plus, if you decide to upgrade, you are only out around 50-100 because you can sell the Outlaw for 450. Online rumors state that Arcam is discounting this receiver to prepare for the introduction of a new model. If you pay 1,200 for this model and you don't return it in time, you could lose a substantial amount, perhaps $500. I think this explains some of the angry responses to negative reviews owners of this product have expressed on this forum. It appears they realize they made a bad decision and don't want the resale to go too low before they can "correct" it.
The Outlaw also feels much more solid, has six channels amplification, and is much better for home theatre.

If you are buying this for critical listening in two channel, you are missing the boat. Get a used Arcam or an Oddessy Stratos amp. You won't believe the difference.

Many

few

The previous few reviews seem crazy. I have tested almost all high end A/V receivers, and yes, most others have more trinkets, and bells and whistles, but for my need ( 2 channel primarily) nothing matched this in sound quality. I have also had no quality control problems. You want surround primarily, with a million different inputs, and settings, buy a Yamaha, you want sound that rivals separates ( I know because I traded in my separates for this) buy the Arcam.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz, NAD, Rotel, Nakamichi

excellent detail, excellent sound quality for a reciever at this price point..nice uncluttered appearance and simple operation, w/o useless bells and whistles.

only three digital inputs (non-assignable),obnoxious remote, limited set up flexibility.

Unfortunately it seems that a couple of the previous reviewers felt that making fun of Chinese was more important than providing an informative review. If you don't like the product, fine. Save your hostility for your local hate chapter and leave this forum for informed audio equipment reviews, not racist remarks. Surprise me with the maturity not to come back with some obnoxious response.
Yea, I knew it was made in China before I purchased the AVR100, and I could care less. It is a superbly constructed and designed unit, I see no reason why a Chinese individual, cannot construct something as well as anyone else, they've certainly done a fine job here. I wouldn't be surprised with close ties to NAD ...The Arcam has upgraded componentry in the signal path, a toroidal power supply, and an external fascia far nicer than the NAD. I'd say the NAD is quite a good place to improve from! Further, if anyone thinks they're going to get a first offer AV reciever from a manufacturer like Arcam for $1000+ and assume that the design and construction is purely in house, is sadly deluding themselves. This unit is a steal if you can accept the compromises that come with it, but I assure you the compromises are in flexibility only.
I listen to music primarily, the AVR100 does a wonderful job of reproducing both the detail and dynamic range of my recordings. I experience none of the grain or midrange harshness that has occasionally interfered with my listenning enjoyment. The soundstage, though always excellent with my Vandersteens, is even deeper. I find myself listenning, and rediscovering, all of my older CD's, as they exhibit detail not previously evident. This is an excellent sounding unit, which not only rivals, but beat my previous seperates in audio reproduction hands down. If I were in the market again...I would purchase the AVR100 in a heartbeat.
It is harder for me to critique the video aspect of the AVR100, as music is my primary focus. Bullets fly by me, explosions rumble, and doors slam behind me...all as they should, and the effect is very impressive. The Matrix is a mind blower. Whether it is on par with other AV recievers in this regard I don't know. Everything works and switches correctly, with minimal time delay. This unit lacks digital input flexibility, as owner of a DVD player with only a tos-link output, I am forced to run it through the AVR 100's tos-link VCR input, a wierd choice for the only tos-link input available. So my DVD is VCR and my VCR is AUX, my wife and kids are confused and I can't wait to hitch up a soon to be purchased phono pre-amp. More flexibility, either through more inputs or assignable inputs is needed.
Speaker configurations are limited, and bass mgmt. is non-existent. There is no sub in stereo mode. These are not shortcomings for me personally, but I feel they should be addressed.
The remote is a cruel joke for anyone over 40. Sexy Euro design may look cool but tiny, shiny, non backlit round buttons, with even tinier mode designations, require me constantly to lift my glasses and try to angle the remote in such a way that I can actually see the designations through the reflections. Pretty obnoxious for a "convenience" device. There's nothing wrong with my ears... but this remote is going to make me go blind.
Sonically the AVR100 is a superior reciever, no matter where it is made. I appreciate its simplicity, its lack of artificial soundfields, and its focus on musicality. If you feel that, because it is constructed in China, that it must be of inferior quality, than I fear you are only doing yourself a diservice by not auditioning the AVR 100. Personally I am thankful, if built in England, I doubt I'd have been able to afford it.

Similar Products Used:

First AV reciever, demo'd Yamaha,Marantz,Rotel at this price point. Previous owner of 1020/2150 NAD seperates.

I like this receiver. It sounds better then my aiwa that it replaced. This is my first jump into a quality unit. The 2 channel sound that everyone raves about is good, home theater is as good as the aiwa. I have had no problems with the unit. I think it is a bit expensive.

What everyones seems to complain about is the place of build and the lack of HT inputs. LISTEN to this receiver in stereo mode with good speakers and a good CD player. I know sound is personal, but it sounds GREAT...........nothing like the bright tinny sound of the Yamaha's or the muddy sound of the other common brands like Denon etc. I did like the Marantz Sr19 and Sr18 and they compared favorably, but at much more $. This unit does sound like a top end STEREO unit, not like a home theater receiver. Go to ecoustics.com ( a search engine for stereo reviews) and read the many reviews. All say it sounds great, and usually these guys know what they are talking about. Anyway, for my application ( 2 channel) nothing in this price range sounded this good..........music sounded like it should.

Great Sound Quality in Stereo, DD, DTS

A constant hiss if the volume is above db

This is my first AV set up, it consists of the following

Silver Aniversary biwire
Kef 55.2 fronts
Kef 95.2 center
Kef 15.2 rears
Sony 32 inch vvega
sony dvp735d dvd

The sound quality is the best i have heard from the many different combinations of systems that i had demonstrated to me. In Stereo it is sensational and in DD and DTS it is good. I feel that the denon had the edge over the arcam effects wise but the sound quality of the arcam just blew me away.

The System is perfect apart from the slight hiss which is not there when the volume is at 0db but when it is at 1 db and above a constant quite hiss is introduced

If you listen to music and want quality reproduction in all department then go for this amp. If you want to hear effects and blasts over the best quality sound then maybe the denon 3801 is for you.

Similar Products Used:

denon 3810, 2801 sony db940

Poor quality control, had to return the first one because of a hiss in the speakers, bad remote (short range),

If you love music this is the HT Receiver for you! Arcam truly proves that "less is more". They don't give you any DSP (Digital Signal Processor) modes - I never use them anyway - I want to hear the original recording not a computer chip!

The following is a summary of my experience with the AVR100 and is meant to assist any other owners (and a follow up answer to John's posting from Santa Barbara).

I just set up my second Arcam AVR100. The first one was defective; it had a hiss through the speakers at all volumes. I paired mine with the "PSB Image Series speakers": Mains - 4T, Surrounds - 3LR, Center - 8C and Sub - Sub 6. My speakers are rated with a nominal impedance of 6ohm; therefore I changed the setting on the AVR100 and noticed a significant difference in clarity and range (there are 2 settings: 8ohms and 4-6ohms).

In addition, there is a serious bug in the 1st Speaker mode (all large + sub - both my units had this flaw). In this mode my active subwoofer would not work with Dolby digital or DTS DVD's signals. To fix this problem, I modified the setting to the 3rd speaker setting, (all small + sub). This made a tremendous improvement and automatically set the crossover at 100hz.

The PSB's seems to be an amazing match for the AVR100 http://www.psbspeakers.com. Both are very musical, flat, accurate with an incredible sound stage. I still have a slight hiss, but it's barely noticeable (unless my ear is within 4 inches to the speaker), and I attribute this to the use of a powered antenna (possibly). I had to set the AVR100 to ground lift because of this, to prevent the system from shorting.

I must say that the sound from the AVR100 is outstanding and more musical then any other receiver I demo'd in the price range and even better then much more expensive receivers I've listed to in the past. I tried the Marantz 8000, Nakamichi AV-10 and the Rotel RSX-972. The Rotel came very close, but wasn't a good match for my speakers - to bright and harsh.

It does seem however that Arcam has some serious quality control issues, based on my experience and other reviewers in this forum. However, I have no qualms about returning an item until they get it right.

If you read the manual carefully there are also some subtle hints the manufacture gives you that really help you achieve outstanding performance. Using the tone bypass mode provides a slightly more natural sound. Using the CD input from a DVD player will provide a clearer sound in analog stereo (and even hall – when playing CD’s via DVD player). I never like pro-logic on any receiver I've ever heard.

In addition, setting the speakers to the 3rd setting "all small" still provides a signal to 100hz, which consequently provides more power to all speakers (this way you wouldn’t need an amplifier – the matching Arcam P85. Reproducing sounds below 100hz requires significantly more energy and is best left to a subwoofer (yes, I strongly suggest a separate sub to produce the lower frequencies). Allowing the AVR100 to provide the crossover (as opposed to wiring through a sub or setting 1) also produces a better matched over all musical sound.

My Arcam dealer also suggested that all excess wire was tied off in a figure 8 configuration. Thank you Jay from Stereo Exchange in NYC for all you patience and explanations.

Receiver - Arcam AVR100
DVD - Pioneer DV-C36
Main Speakers - PSB Image 4T (bi-wired)
Surround - PSB Image 3LR
Center - PSB Image 8C
Sub - PSB Image Sub 6
Monster Cables (M1000 series) & power strip.

The receiver is also incredible in Home Theatre, i.e. Gladiator, Fight Club, etc. But any HT manufacture can produce digital modes well, but few can get it "right" with analog.

I would give the AVR100 5 stars, however; I cannot over look the serious quality issues. There is an input section in the manual that is covered over with tape, because it's no longer used (why wasn't a newer manual produced and a new OSD (on screen display)? I'm sure Arcam will get these things right in the next release, but I wasn't willing to wait. I hope this one breaks in well.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz 8000, Rotel RSX-972, Yamaha 759 (old HT Receiver) and Nakamichi AVR-10

Musicality, 2 Channel audio, styling

Worst remote ever, bass management, input flexibility

After shopping around for 3 months I found that it is quite difficult for the average consumer to compare A/V receivers. A shop may not have all the units you want to compare so you have to try and judge the performance despite all the variables of different speakers, amps, cd players, room interactions blah blah blah.... However, when I had a chance to compare, I listened to the Arcam vs the Denon and it was no contest. In 2 channel audio, the Arcam was notably more musical and involving, my 2 biggest criteria. After I bought it, it sounded great right out of the box and has improved ever since. HT performance was also excellent, but 2 channel holds more importance for me.

I must admit, if ergonomics are important to you, you will probably not dig the Arcam. The other reviews speak to the ill conceived bass management and digital input issues so I won't repeat them here. I simply chose sound over features.

MEMO TO ARCAM: YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY FIRE THE BONEHEAD THAT DESIGNED THAT PIECE OF CRAP REMOTE !!! UTTERLY USELESS !!
I planned to get an universal remote anyway, so no issues for me.

Overall, if sound quality is paramount to you, the Arcam outperforms any receiver I've heard regardless of price. It really is that good. It is just a shame that some of the basic features were compromised. Otherwise, every HT and audio geek would have this lovely box as a part of their rig.
Check out a review at www.soundstage.com (the home theater section of the site)these guys are audiophiles first and they loved the Arcam.

Oh and to those that couldn't recommend it because it was built in China...wake up ! No way you could get this kind of audio performance for the money if built in England. Probably would have doubled or tripled the price. I experienced no quality issues.
That's why NAD and Rotel farm out their production to the Far East as well.
Bottom Line: Best Sounding AV out there. No competition even close at the price. No bells etc. just make sure you understand the limitations of its features before you buy.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 787, Denon 3801, Rotel

La forma que tiene, queda muy bien con mis cortinas y los cuadros del salon. Le da ambiente.

El mando del volumen. Es muy grande y tiene muchos numeros por lo que me emociona ver la potencia que tiene.

Hace tiempo soñaba con un amplificador que diera separacion a los sonidos y frecuencias. Al probar con el AVR100 de ARCAM me quede impresionado, ahora si que puedo tener separados los sonidos ya que traen de casa una cable de vinilo de alta calidad que me permite tener un altavoz en cada extremo del salon obteniendo asi esa separacion de altavoces.

No obstante si que debo añadir un pequeño inconveniente sobre esta maquina y es un que pesa mucho. Eso para otro no supondria ningun problema en si, pero a mi que me gusta cambiarlo de sitio casi todos los dias, al final termino un poco dolorido en la espalda. Pero cambio chichas por limoná.

Bueno otro inconveniente que le he visto, sin que esto me tache de racano, es que me costo bastante caro, $2.850. A veces pienso que me han engañado un poco.

En fin, si que quiero animar al que tenga cualquier duda sobre comprar esta maquina que no se lo piense y lo haga, eso sí que se compre al mismo tiempo unos buenos auriculares de esos gordos, porque como bien sabeis todos vosotros a los que le gusta tanto el mundo HIFI como a mi, de esta forma es como mejor se disfruto del buen sonido.

Bueno me despido de todos vosotros hasta la proxima semana. Mientras me leeré la ultima revista de HIFI para que mis comentarios tengan un poco mas de peso.

Similar Products Used:

Sanyo, Funai, Saab, y la mejor de todas la gramola de mi abuela que no fallaba nunca.