Arcam AVR600 - Page 4

All,

I see this discussion about the new Arcam and it has some features that are quite interesting to me. I'm in the process of replacing my AVR300 right now because quite honestly it can't drive my Beethoven Concert Grand main speakers in stereo much less handle them in 5.1 mode with the rest of my speakers adding load. Have others of you had issues with getting enough current out of the Arcam receivers? I otherwise really like this unit. Yes, the VA speakers really like a lot of current, but I love them so they are staying. I'm considering getting some Primare amps and then a separate pre-pro. I'm considering the Integra DHC-9.9. Have any of you listened to this Integra in comparison to any of Arcams AVRs? How about and Arcam pre-pros? I'm looking for a reference as its hard for me to audition Arcam these days.

Which Arcam did you sell, and how much did you get, if you don't mind?

I'm thinking of selling my AVP700 and P1000. Been drooling over Parasound Halo lately, but this thread has me reconsidering.

Thanks

what will the network card allow ??

On a side note. Arcam released new firmware for their HT equipment last week. The new firmware is 3.50.

I was forwarded an email from Arcam to one of their rep's regarding the AVR-600's network capability. Here is the quote:

"Using the 600's ethernet connection gives the owner:
1. Internet Radio: You can save internet station addresses in the 600, of these (or FM) are quickly accessible from the remote.
2. Streaming from NAS drives on the same network. The 600 will decode/play all file types (except of course the Apple proprietary codices).
3. The USB port on the front of the 600 reads all supported file types, (the Solo-Mini's USB port only decodes MP3 and WMA files). Like with the Mini, when you choose USB as the source, the 600's remote navigates the music on the USB drive and the 600's display shows the information.
4. Firmware/Software upgrades will be done over the internet.
5. Control over I.P.

One of the input selections on the 600 is Network and I understand that all of these functions (except the USB port) will be accessed through the Network input." -- end email.

Now, I'm not sure what he really means by "all file types supported". Does that mean support for both audio and video files? If the 600 can decode AVI/DivX, then that would be a great feature.

Hi bhaaf:

Do you know what the new firmware does?

Rumor has it the the price has jumped again and now its $6000 I know the economy is bad but a 1k jump in price is just insane! Can anyone confirm this?

Might be explained by the weak pound? I mean it's almost 1:1 with Euro now!! Rumour has it that GB is thinking about switching to Euro, after all...

The value of the dollar vs. the pound has been going up. If anything this should make the Arcam cheaper.

You're right. I think I need some sleep...

Anyone think they'll come out with a lower end Reciever to replace the existing units? I'd be happy with the existing units if they had 2 more HDMI inputs and did sound over HDMI. $5-6k is WAY more than I want so spend on a reciever.

Is there going to be a scaling chip?

I notice that both the AVR350 and 280 are available in England at less than 1/2 msrp - perhaps an omen

Just got confirmation of the price in the Netherlands. Its 3990,-

Thats about $5550,- and 3880,- pound.

I've been a fan of Arcam and was considering this unit. I own the Integra DTC-9.8 and I've been happy with it.

Some shortcomings, IMO, of the AVR600:

- no Audyssey (as discussed at length in this thread)
- only 1080i on component input/output
- single global lipsync delay, not per input
- high price

Unknown:
- are both HDMI outputs active at the same time so it can be sent to a display and a projector?

The lack of Audyssey is a show stopper for me. I've really enjoyed this feature in my Integra, it has made a big difference, especially in intelligibility of movie dialog and boundary compensation.

Please remember; VAT is included in the prices!

NL 19%
UK 17.5%

So we can expect pricing to come in about $4600 in the US?

Any further word on a processor-only version to replace the AVP700?

That sucker looks like a replacement for the AV9. Either way, still out of my price range. I was waiting impatiently for them to announce a new AVR and was crushed when I saw the price tag for the AVR600. Looks like the AV888 is the FMJ pre/pro version.

I assume Arcam are releasing their flagship stuff first with the trickle down stuff to follow. My local dealer was at CES and he said the the Arcam guys were hinting that the upgraded 'lesser' models were on the way. That's good news for me. I would have bought an AVR350 a year ago if it had HDMI 1.3 and decoded the new audio formats. One would assume their wont be too much new stuff on them as they still need to be distanced from the FMJ models.

The only thing that scares me is Arcam seems to be discontinuing almost all of the Diva range.....which gives me the "i'll believe it when i see it" feeling.

And again.....I wait.

I think this may be it--IOW there will be no replacement for the AVP700 other than this. (I own it and the P1000)

This from conversations with my dealer, but could be wrong.

I didn't think Arcam was maintaining similar products (ie FMJ and Diva) at different price points anymore.

That's disappointing.
By eliminating the Diva range they are essentially eliminating a group of would-be buyers for that price point.....i.e. ME.
The FMJ range is just too pricy for modest fellas like myself.

No kidding - guess I'll have to look at NAD T175 or Masters 15HD. BTW, Target HiFi in London is still planning on getting the AVR600 to demo. They plan on setting it up in the same room as NAD Masters series.

Nice. Thanks for the heads up.

I was hoping it would show up somewhere around. Next time I'm in London i'll have to check it out....i've never been there.
I also see from the CES reports that Cambridge Audio has the "version 2" 640R receiver on its way. Perhaps that might be another alternative.
It sucks when you have your heart set on something and they make it out of reach.
All I know is my Denon 2807 isn't a good match for my speakers and has to go.

Listed at $5000.00 obo (obo??)

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:...client=firefox

This is what the Arcam site says about video. I wonder what sort of processor it has? and 1080p24?

Video
5 HDMI inputs (up to 1080p, Deep Colour)
2 HDMI outputs (up to 1080p, Deep Colour)
5 Component inputs, one monitor output (up
to 1080i)
5 S-video inputs, one monitor output, 2 tape
outputs
5 Composite video inputs, one monitor
output, 2 tape outputs
Full video up/down conversion & frame rate
conversion of all inputs where technically
allowed
Video enhancements: Edge enhancement,
Mosquito noise reduction, Random noise
reduction, Block noise reduction

It uses class G amplifiers.... what are those? Some type of proprietary digital topology? Anyone?