Arcam - FMJ 420W 7.1.4-Ch. Network-Ready 4K Ultra HD and 3D Pass-Through A/V Home Theater Receiver - Black

Years ago I used a Asian brand (starts with a Y) AVR. Good unit, but was only rated for its power with two Chanel’s, when at 7.1 Chanel’s it’s power was not impressive. My first foray into British AVR’s started with another brand( starts with a C). The British KNOW how to make a AVR. They say sound is king(and it is) but they know how to give the video end a boost as well. They have a habit of under rating the power they put out. I have speakers that like that. I bought a new 4K TV (the plasma finally gave up the ghost), so my older AVR didn’t pass 4K. Hence the need for a new AVR. The pervious AVR’s company quit making AVR’s, I looked at all the British higher end brands. I did my research before listening to a few. I looked at which brands were less buggy and lasted for years. I found Arcam to be the most reliable, I listened, I liked, I bought. Best Buy’s price is the best on this living room owning AVR! The power satisfies my speakers power demands well. The 7.2 system I run sounds great and the 4K pass through is second to none. It has all the inputs I need. I also have a turntable (with a phono preamp), the analog sound is AMAZING! I have a CD player with a built in DAC that sounds AMAZING in analog as well. Digital is handled very well by this unit as well. I have yet to get DIRAC room correction set up, but this unit sounds great just with a manual speaker set up. That is a step you will need to do before DIRAC is set up anyway. If your on the fence with this one go ahead and make the jump, you will not be disappointed.

Just getting to experience my new receiver but everything so far is great. This receiver definitely delivers the power to all my Kef speakers. My room is 20’ X 14’ and the sound is plenty to give you the experience of a theater.

First, I was a little concerned about trading our separates Marantz system for the Arcam AVR390. Not that I didn't trust the brand reputation, but 60 watts X 7 channels? Was that going to be enough power? I was getting ready to remove an actual 150 watts per channel separates system. Second, I had never been happy with the sound of my equipment. Although I was powering Bowers and Wilkins speakers, something was always missing. Subs felt wrong; the sound felt weak, even after several calibrations with the Marantz processor. But I saw an opportunity—the opportunity to test out something new and see if I could hear something different. I was able to pick up the AVR390 for $999.99. I figured if I didn't like it, I'd return it. Before running the Direc calibration, I could already hear the difference. The sound was powerful, and I don't understand it. I could listen to sound everywhere, surround sound. The bass pushed me back into my seat, and I could not wait to calibrate the system. I had to wait until I could buy a movable mic stand; this is a must as you will run at least seventeen placements for sound measurements. I also had to watch about five videos to learn how to use the software. Do not prepare for an easy task, but it will be worth it. I was frustrated a few times because it did not set up like a Marantz. But after all, the Marantz didn't perform. You have to go into the menus and activate all the speakers and run the calibration software from your computer, but once you get going, it's pretty easy. The sound is terrific; I believe they have found a customer from life if the performance holds up.

I was looking at a $1500 receiver for my Martin-Logan speakers then my associate switched to this Arcam … unbelievable!

This was recommended by a Magnolia salesman and it works great. It’s perfect for what I need.

Holy cow! This is so much better than the pioneer I had. It rocks the house

Excellent high quality receiver that I would recommend without reservation.

The sound quality is out of this world. So happy with my purchase.