It sounds like your challenge is to give more or less equal time to "traditional" 2-channel audio from analog sources, plus surround processing for digital sources. I'm in the same boat. Going to separate pre-amp/processor + multi-channel amp would be great, but your budget is too low. I've...
Paul..Arcam's Canadian distr. emailed me to say that the 300 model has a likely release in Canada "at the end of February/March", and "an estimated MSRP of CAN$3000". Right now the Arcam 200 may be available in your area for less than the suggested MSRP of CAN$1895. Jason
Paul, I know Dean will reply to your question on the AV8. On your question of comparisons to NAD and Rotel, all I can suggest is that you audition each one, even if it means visiting a few dealers. Hopefully one dealer will have 2 products (My local dealer carries both Arcam and Rotel, for...
While risking the opening of a debate on this forum, I think "bells and whistles" are highly overrated, and often come at the sacrifice of the accurate reproduction of the information on the source media. I like to think that Arcam is one of a handful of companies which is bridging the divide...
Arcam tends to have a lower profile on forums, perhaps because it is not one of "the-usual-suspects" brands, its Diva 100 and 200 receiver had less bells and whistles than competitor 5.1 a/v receivers, and the price-point was above what budgets would allow. The upcoming release of the 300 will...
ScottMP, I think what you wrote goes to the heart of the matter: the boundaries are blurring, technological advances are producing a very dynamic, fluid and unpredictable environment, and people like us, who are attentive to the audio portion of HT, are more confused than in prior years...
ScottMP (and others), is it fair to sum up the main combinations of audio gear choices in the following simple-minded way (setting aside speakers - - another nightmare!) 1). a mainstream a/v receiver (Pioneer, Yamaha, HK, etc,) 2). a "boutique" a/v receiver (insert your favorite here)...
Tim, thanks for the amp suggestions. Parasound was on my list, along with Outlaw. I'll add the others. I'd like to add B&K (I have one of their older amps for 2-channel) but they have no dealers in Canada. Also checking out Arcam and Rotel: I always did like the British gear! It's not too...
Thanks TimGRA. Seems like I might be putting a sales rep through audition hell! It's encouraging to know that I could take advantage of the pre/pro advances of a popular name-brand receiver (and not use the amp stage) and combine it with a great amp (if that's what you're saying). As well, it...
This is such an important issue for me, and I'm glad to be reading this thread. I'm coming out of audiophile-grade 2-channel gear...into 5.1 audio for DVD, and 2-channel for music. My biggest concern is that no individual component in the chain add any "sonic signature" to the end result: the...
An audio dealer near me, here in Ontario, demoed the Pre2 and the multi-5 amp for me, with some JM Lab speakers in a 5.1 setup. Found the Audio Refinement highly musical, and gear did not seem to add too much of its own sonic signature. This dealer has the demo pair for sale for CAN $4000...
Tom I'm going through the same process. The choices are many, but two things helping me...which may help you: what receiver do you have your "ear on"; think about a % mix of listening you'll be doing --like the audio soundtracks of DVDs in a HT evening and the listening to CDs and other audio...
I didn't read your last post. Some manufacturers clearly state that their products must be purchased from authorized vendors or warranties won't be honoured, etc, etc. Whether this type of disclaimer has been tested in civil litigation is not known to me. If you wish to reduce risk down the...