[LTHL VPR]

My Denon 5800 has done it's job for me over the last several years. It worked flawlessly, never had any issues. With no HDMI inputs/outputs, I thought it was time for an upgrade.


I have gone back and forthabout whether to get a separate processor and amp or get a A/V receiver combo. I no longer have a dedicated theatre room, so I figured the smartest thing to do would be getter a higher end 'all in one'.


As I did some research it appears that the Denon 5308 and Arcam AVR600 are popular choices. Trying to figure out what the main differences are which is superior. I don't have an external video processor/scaler and I know these 2units use different ones but not sure if one is better than the other.


My setup is not too complex. Main inputs are HDMI (Blu ray player, Sat box, HTPC from Cellar Cinema) and audio inputs are from HTPC and Yamaha Musicast, and Sonos music system.


Can I go wrong with either one? Is one better for my setup? Does it even make sense for me to consider separate processor and amp?

 

[Antibayi]

I would go with the Arcam. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it should sould better. Check out the review on hometheatermag.com. Very glowing! For a cheaper alternative, you may want to consider the Pioneer Elite SC-27. The Pioneer is very highly regarded. Also, the ICE amps seem to be the real deal.

 

[vinodk]

Arcam may sound better but look at all the problems AVR600 owners are having with HDMI handshake issues. Not acceptable for a $5000.00 receiver. Between the two Denon may be more stable unit with less issues. In the end sound is very subjective.

 

[LTHL VPR]

Thanks. I did notice quite a bit of people who were complaining about quirks and bugs with the Arcam unit. Did these problems get resolved with the latest software upgrade? Anyone have any info on comparing the two video processors and scalers that each of these units use?

 

[Filthy McNasty]

If audio SQ is important to you, the Arcam AV600 (or 500) is best.


However, I agree with vinodk, $5k is too much for this with it's firmware issues.


I would opt for either a NAD Masters 15HD or T175HD prepro with an amp.


Best value, IMHO, for this setup would be a Cambridge Audio 650R AVR at $2k.

 

[LTHL VPR]

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll do some research on the NAD products. Hadn't read too much about these particular ones...

 

[Gulinias]

I would look into the NAD gear. I am familiar with Cambridge piece as well as the Arcams. I think the Cambridge unit is nice but not as good as the Arcams, I thought in my opinion it was not quite as good a a 280 but that is close enough I would leave that up to you. It is not as good as the 500 which depending on what you really want might be enough for you. I would say that the increased features on the Cambridge might be enough to pick it over the 260 though I would need to listen more. The 350 and the 280 that you can get for a good price are lacking in some nice features. I fount the 650 r to be a little aggressive on the top and in my mind would be fatiguing in long term listening. If you are more into the HT part then the Cambridge does a wonderful job and I would recommend it highly. I would say the Cambridge is worth a listen. I heard everything of Focal 816v speakers so take that into account. I would say on your speakers between the 280 and the 685 your mileage may vary. The 600 (500) is in another league as far a mucicality and almost everything in my opinion. I own Denon 4300 series and I think all of the above are better than it is for musicality.

 

[Denophile]



Quote:
Originally Posted by LTHL VPR /forum/post/18175900


My Denon 5800 has done it's job for me over the last several years. It worked flawlessly, never had any issues. With no HDMI inputs/outputs, I thought it was time for an upgrade.


I have gone back and forthabout whether to get a separate processor and amp or get a A/V receiver combo. I no longer have a dedicated theatre room, so I figured the smartest thing to do would be getter a higher end 'all in one'.


As I did some research it appears that the Denon 5308 and Arcam AVR600 are popular choices. Trying to figure out what the main differences are which is superior. I don't have an external video processor/scaler and I know these 2units use different ones but not sure if one is better than the other.


My setup is not too complex. Main inputs are HDMI (Blu ray player, Sat box, HTPC from Cellar Cinema) and audio inputs are from HTPC and Yamaha Musicast, and Sonos music system.


Can I go wrong with either one? Is one better for my setup? Does it even make sense for me to consider separate processor and amp?

if it were me id go with the marantz prepro (or the higher end onkyo or integra) and an amp from emotiva or used b&k, sunfire, etc. I suppose you don't NEED to do this if you don't have a large room/inefficient speakers but lately the sound I have heard from avr's is not comparable to decent separates-at least in my listening and ht room. I do have a marantz (6003) avr in my secondary setup which works well but it isnt close to what my separates can do. I did have a lower end denon 2808 avr toi test out in the primary setup and it sounded comparatively terrible--I suppose some of the room correction features may have helped but if I had to live with that sound I would have rid myself of the whole setup. It seems like most avr amps just arent what they used to be back in the day...