Which AVR to purchase


I need advice. Nad T785 vs. Arcam 350 vs. Cambridge 640r. I have been holding off because of the lossless formats. I guess I will run video source through another component? If there is another receiver out there that would entice let me know. I heard a B&K ref 70 might have upgrades but might be a little out of my price range. Have a older onkyo and does well but I feel upgrade is neccesary!
stramons1

Showing 3 responses by iplaynaked

Of course, you are forgoing all the newest DSP room correction technology (knowing that the deficiencies in your room acoustics are likely pulling the sonic integrity - and potential - down, likely) with these otherwise good sounding receivers.
That said, it's hard to beat the Arcam, as a tool, by-itself. It's got good refinement of detail, good balance of warmth and clarity, and quite sounding.
However, better power, body, weight, impact, transient response, etc, can be had with a modest newer tech receiver with 1.3a HD codecs and an outboard amp - not to mention the lastest in acoustics friendly processing.
But besides all that, considering reliability issues in past with NAD, I like the Arcam here. That and I can't see any receiver blowing the world away with sonic magic, so I don't even need to consider the Cambridge.
See you can pick any of them and expect about the same "realm" of performance. My experience says Arcam has a better track record of maintainability than the NAD, if that helps. Cambridge, can't tell ya.
Wait, doesn't cambridge make entry level speakers and such?
Here's another thought, along the lines I mentioned.
You could buy something like a newer Harmon Kardon (Stereo Dave's in Oregon Mod's these, also) AVR 247/347, with DCI Faroudja processing, 1.3a HDMI and Dolby HD and DTS Master, 1080p vid switching, EZset Parametric EQ (tune out the nasty peaks in your room), same 100db sig/noise specs as the Arcam,
multi-channel inputs, and and overall superb sound quality in an otherwise budget receiver line!
Actually, the tonal qualities, clarity, detail, and lack of coloration (even similar warmth range - although the HK is a tick warmer, if better balance I think) of these stellar sounding little Av receivers is superb! I think the best around for mass manufactured AV receivers, personally.
You could then spend a few hundred bucks buying one of these, and add a superior set of amplification with a used mult-channel amp! (which, BTW, will stomp the amps in any receiver with careful selection. Plus less electro-magnetic interference, less noise in the sytsem, better dynamic range, etc). Not to mention, yes, you can get these moded for even more refined sound!
Anyway, it's a consideration to your all-in-one solution, with older technology you're considering.
Personally, I wouldn't consider any of the older receivers, with no current tech EQ, no HDMI 1.3a, no HD codecs, No 1080p vid(???), and limited power, ideally, etc.
Maybe this helps, maybe it doesn't. But it's more info to toss around