The Arcams Cometh

[will1066]

I don't feel you need to get the matching amp. If I'm reading you correctly, you're referring to the P7, which is 7 channels. There are other options, I feel. Personally, if I'm already in the world of separates, I wouldn't go back to receivers. On the other hand, Arcam's integrateds are of good repute.

[luszer]

will1066


thanks for the response, I highly agree the Arcam integrateds, I have an A32 in my seperate 2 channel setup, are wonderful. That is why I am gravitating towards an Arcam multi-channel config. Its just the price tag of the is more that the KRELL Showcase, the Bryston and probably a few others. And then yes, a P7 or the 5channel model are up there as well. Your correct, many choices on the amp side of the house.

So my thought process was get all the Arcam processing finese with the AVR300 for not such a high cost. Hopefully get outstanding results with the 100w/channel like the FMJ A32.


Ron

[BladeRnR]

HDMI is just a transport, and the player still use the de-interlacer. So it will still use the Zoran chip. HDMI is "superior" to the component connection because you are avoiding some digital to analog conversion in the path. With a CRT, it's a mix-bag and results vary greatly from one CRT-display to another. HDMI will be "far superior" on a digital display like LCD, LCOS, DLP...

With one player, using component or the DVI (HDMI) connection can sometimes give different PQ, even if it's the same machine, depending on the display. That's what I was talking about when talking with you about the 5900 compared to the Marantz you did own, because you were comparing the component connection of both, that was, IMHO, not showing what those players can really do, because of all those conversions made in your CRT-display. The guy at Arcam just confirm this by saying the HDMI connection is "far better"... But this "far better" is for digital displays, not usually a CRT-display...

Keep us updated on this. I'm really interested on Arcam answers on that subject. Did you ask them why they did choose to go back with the Zoran solution instead of the Silicon chip? You could point them to the last Secrets shoot-out where Kris is stating that it's a step back for Arcam.

But still, the Silicon chip will give a better PQ (compared to the Zoran) if both were through HDMI. That's why I said your Marantz (Pio Elite 59avi clone) was probably yeilding a better PQ over HDMI (or DVI) then the new Arcam using the Zoran chip, because of the better de-interlacer (Pio proprietary solution).

I believe Sithlord has asked John Dawson (Lead Technologist for Arcam) as to why they chose to dismiss the Silicon chip. We're still waiting on an answer and are just as curious to know why. We're also investigating if there's a provision to retrofit a Silicon board to the DV29 (If need be). We're also not sure if the Zoran chip has had an upgrade in the DV29.

We'll keep you apprised.

[Aussie Geoff]

BladeRunner and Sithlord,

Easy answer - this is fate telling you you need to get that new display with the HDMI interface!!!!!

Now what to choose?

Plasma...

LCD...

Projection...

Choices, choices...

Geoff

[Sithlord]

Display

Unfortunalty Geoff that will have to wait until next year when we buy a house and have the dedicated room made. I will be getting a projector for that room so not going to bother with HDMI now. If you go to this web site:

https://www.audiotrends.com.au

This is the place where I have been dealing with for over 8 years and they have just opened a huge new store. They will help me design and build my HT room next year. I'm going to visit them today as they sent me an invitation as it's not open to the public until the 18 of October. They have spared no expense with their setup and have 6 rooms with differnet setups but 2 main HT rooms fully layed out with some nice gear and fully treated with carpet and down lights etc.

Sorry I still haven't tried the coax yet I will try it this weekend and let you know what I think. The Arcam gear it's just a another level to what I had before and cannot wait to hear my gear in a properly treated room, something to look forward to. So whats the next upgrade for you? 8)

[Aussie Geoff]

Sithlord,

Outstanding...

A new house and dedicated HT room to plan for... The upgrade possibilities are extreme! I can see now why Bladerunner has that "itch" for the second SVS PB4+ (one for each front corner of the new HT room!)

Good luck with it...

Seriously though - with a rear projection TV I doubt you will notice any small degradation in comparative component picture quality between the two Arcam DVD players (between outstanding and amazing I suspect!) and I would be confident that the newer HDMI compatible model will be a great match for the new projector you buy... (as well as future proofing you for the A9 processor next year!).

Enjoy your new set-up! arty:

PS – It is good to see that Bladerunner has recovered so well from the “little operation” required to finance this upgrade! Such commitment!

Geoff

[will1066]

Hey fellas,

One of my area dealers has a B-stock AV8 for 20% off, in the color I want (black). It is in perfect working order (inspected by U.S. distributor Audiophile Systems) and in excellent cosmetic condition. They say cosmetically, there might be a scratch but it wouldn't be obviously visible. Still have to pay sales tax, but it comes with full warranty and dealer support.

Do you think it's worth it?

[will1066]

Your suspense is killing me. Anyone?

[Sithlord]

Sorry for the late reply didn't see that you had posted on this thread. Well it sounds like a geat deal to me if the unit is in perfect working order and it's just a little scratch then go for it. I would find out how long until the warranty runs out as well but if it's a full one then the decision is simple. After owning that pre-pro now for over a month I can say it's simply an amazing piece of gear and will bring new life to your movies. I haven't really tried much music as thats not my thing but I'm sure it would sound great as well. Just a quick question how much after the discount is the dealer selling the AV8 for? I see you own the Rotel 1066 well I owned the 1098 and can say IMO that the Arcam is just another league sorry to all the Rotel owners. I hope this has helped make your decision but you should go and hear it if you can. Good luck and keep us posted.

[will1066]

Hey Sith,

The price would be $3999 US. It's full warranty, I think, and it's been checked out by the techs at the U.S. distributor. I think I'm going for it. I'm making one last call to get assurance that I'm getting full warranty and dealer support and that there are no major blemishes on the unit. The dealer will open it up and let me check it out, maybe plug it in.

I may as well get my Christmas gift early and out of the way.

Will

[will1066]

I did it. Excited and nervous. Should be in the store in a few days.

[jimmyp58]

Congrats Will, I know you'll enjoy it!

[Danbry39]

I did it. Excited and nervous. Should be in the store in a few days.

Understand those feelings just like they're my own. You know what though? I've never regretted buying anything after I get it home and set up. All the purchase jitters just melt away.

I bet you're going to love it. Congratulations.

[Sithlord]

Woohoo

Awesome mate well done. I just love getting new equipment and I'm sure you will get to love the Arcam. Happy testing let us know what you think. :T

[David Meek]

All right William!!!! :banana:

[will1066]

Thanks, guys. I'll give a status report soon, I hope.

[will1066]

Sithlord, can you do me a favor? Can you measure the distance between the front and back feet on the AV8? Please tell me it's not more than 16 inches. Thanks!

[Azeke]

I did it. Excited and nervous. Should be in the store in a few days.

Congratulations Will, sounds like a wise investment.

Merry Christmas

Regards,

Azeke

[Sithlord]

Will the dimensions for the AV8 are WxDxH 430x360x130mm.

[will1066]

Azeke, thanks. I hope it's a wise investment, indeed.

Sithlord, for some reason, I remember seeing different dimensions than those. But if the ones you posted are correct, then I won't have a problem. The depth of my shelves is 406 mm.

ETA is tomorrow or Friday.

[Aussie Geoff]

Will1066,

Try page 30 of the manual linked to HERE

Mains voltage range 85V to 265V
Power consumption 35VA
Power consumption (standby) 32VA
Dimensions Width x Depth x Height (including feet) 433mm x 360mm x 130mm
Weight (net) 9kg

And you can have so much fun reading the manual before hand!!

Geoff

[will1066]

Geoff, you know it. I've had AV8 and FMJ literature and a downloaded copy of the owner's manual on my coffee table for 2 weeks. I read the manual last week but will need to read it again. LOL

[will1066]

Ha, I'm not hallucinating!

I have an AV8/P7 brochure here that says the AV8 is 433 x 460 x 180 mm!

Someone messed up!

[jazznsoccer]

OK Sithlord - you got me going.

I did luck into a fantastic deal on the Arcam AV8 (less than list for the Rotel 1098) so I got it. Now waiting tfor the CineNova amp to pair it up with. (And figuring out the cables with Doug).

[Sithlord]

The Arcams are certainly coming...THERE EVERYWHERE Ahhhhhh.

[jimmyp58]

jazz...that Arcam is a great pre/pro

[will1066]

Yes, they are, Sith. After an excruciating two weeks, I am finally in bliss.

http://community.webshots.com/album/100053251toPHHA/2

The improvement in transparency and dynamics over my Rotel 1066 is immediately apparent. I have only played a couple tracks among an SACD, CD, and SW Episode II, but the difference is all too clear. The bass simply hits you, and it's quicker and tighter than with the 1066. Don't get me wrong, the 1066 is still fantastic in my eyes, but this is a new level now. Another factor that led me to the Arcam was the userability/ergonomics. This thing was so easy to configure! And the remote is awesome to use! Plus, instant controllability with my CD23.

Also, both good and slightly bad news: Good is that I have documentation that my B-stock unit was QA-checked in mid-October and has, if I remember correctly, Version 3 firmware in it. There's an addendum with a list of changes along with the owner's manual. Slightly bad is that B-stock is never going to be perfect cosmetically. There are two small spots on the top edge of the front faceplate that have some paint taken away. Nothing major, no depressions/dents. Can someone suggest something to touch it up? A permanent marker like a Sharpie is still too obvious because it's ink. Maybe a dark gray paint with a matte finish? Meanwhile, the display window is perfect. Not even those microscratches that can be seen with a flashlight or sunlight. Rest of the case is flawless. I'm happy about that.

The other slightly bad news is the slight buzz/hum I used to have with the 1066 in the system is now slightly louder with the AV8 and source players all on. I checked the cable TV line; it's not that. I'm already using a Jensen to break the cable hum. I suspect it is the Rotel amps. Now, I need to figure this out. It's audible maybe within a quarter foot of the speakers.

[Sithlord]

Awesome Will the AV8 looks right at home. I'm glad you like the sound as it was obvious from the moment I connected mine that it sounded better than anything I've owned before. Now I don't even worry about my setup any more just sit back and enjoy. I can't even see those marks you mentioned in the photos I'm just happy for you that the unit is not faulty. Regarding the buzz/hum I had the same issue with the 1095 so I sold it and bought a diferent amp (wanted to upgrade anyway) and it went away. I know it can be frustrating to localise so I hope you can fix it with a simple solution. Enjoy your new toy.

[will1066]

Thanks, Sith. Yeah, the marks are not all that bad. I'd still like to cover them up. Maybe model-car paint will do the trick.

The sound is just fantastic. The surround field is much more immersive and cohesive. And the dynamics. Wow. I have Ronin on right now, and even though it's a relatively old surround mix, it's come alive with the Arcam.

[Sithlord]

Av8

Yep I found that everything I re-watch just sounds so much better. It's just a different type of sound much more body more expansive I love it. You will want to try everything again :E . I just bought Spiderman 2 so I'm hanging to get home and try it out. One movie that simply surprised me for powerful bass and dynamics was The Rundown with the Rock Wow that sounded amazing on the Arcam. The Starwars movies are total audio bliss.... well I could go on but you will find out . :tv:

[Aussie Geoff]

Sithlord,

I find myself vaguely dissatisfied

...Dreaming of how much (imaginary) difference an AV8 would make to my system

...Checking up Aussie price for the AV8

...Wondering when Dolby IIx will be out for it

…Thinking “I wonder what the new AV9 will be like?

...Speculating about the trade-in price for my 1098

Simon - you are a very bad man!!!

Geoff

[will1066]

Sithlord, you're right. I want to watch everything over again. I have an SVS PB10-ISD on backorder for late November. It will REALLY rock then.

Yes, Geoff, he is a very bad man, but you will thank him for it.

Going from a 1066 to the AV8, I can't tell you what the difference will be going from the 1098 to the AV8, but again, trust Sithlord. The thing, though, is that the 1098 has more configuration features like discrete speaker crossovers. The AV8 has a global crossover like the 1066, and its speaker level settings are in 1-dB increments, not 0.5-dB. But, in the end, that might not matter. I find dialog and small sounds much more powerful, immediate, clear from my center channel. Haven't done multichannel music yet, but with 2-channel music, after a listening session last night, the 1066 comparatively sounds more congested. I really hate to say that, but it's what I found. Transparency, air, soundstage and imaging, bass frequencies all improved a lot. Highs are sweeter and clearer. Low-level detail was about the same; I think that's more to do with my speaker's resolution abilities.

Again, I don't know about the 1098, but the build quality of the Arcam is fantastic. And stuff I find whimsical is when it powers up, the standy light goes from red to yellow to green and the display reads Initialising. LOL Not being British, you don't know how fun that is to me! And I like the configurable fine volume control in 0.5 increments.

[Voltron]

My Arcam Cometh Tomorrow!

My AV8 will be delivered to my office tomorrow and I am not sure how I will keep myself from leaving as soon as FedEx drops it off. :W Like Will, I'm looking forward to seeing that very British greeting and funny use of "s" as the AV8 is initialising for the first time. Besides, my DV29 is rather lonely for its mate.

Doug (aka Lex) also emailed me to say my CAT cables might be done mid-week because he hauled so much ass all weekend. You the man, Doug. ;x(
Thanks in advance.

Now, if only Anthony Gallo could take a lesson from Doug and get my new speakers to me, I would really be set! :twisted: I may have to try it out with my old Klipsch and Bose bookshelf speakers that are languishing in the garage... A little old-school, but I don't think I have enough patience to wait and hear it right the first time.

After several years with a silly Bose Lifestyle system, this will be my first true audiophile/HT system. I will let you all know how it comes together, but I have no doubt that it will be a religious experience. Be back soon. :T

[Sithlord]

Arcam

IT'S ALIVE..ALIVE. Sorry but it's looks like I've created monsters here. Geoff you know me I don't praise equipment unless it's worth it and the Arcam is definatly worth every cent. The difference b/w the Av8 and the 1098 for me was huge, but the price difference is likewise. But in saying that I have not looked back and do not regret my decision one bit. The 1098 was an excellent pre-pro but the Arcam is just another level as I'm sure the Anthem and bryston pre-pros are as well. It just depends on ones budget and how far your willing to go. :E

Voltron thats one big change from a Bose to what your going to get. You will simply be in HT heaven when you first hear your new system. I look forward to your impressions with bated breath. Hope it all arrives safely.

Geoff you know you want to :evil:

[will1066]

I have Norah Jones' Come Away With Me redbook on right now and can't wipe the grin off my face.

[Voltron]

Indeed, I am keeping my toes crossed that the unit arrives safely. SithLord is spawning a number of Arcam apprentices here in the US. I can't believe his influence is not greater on Aussie Geoff. Come over to the dark side, Geoff, resistance is futile (to mix my metaphors). :assimilate: I have to admit it took me awhile to move past the would-be AV9 and just bite the bullet. The Bose is going on auction soon, so that some other sucker can make do for a while. Reports to follow once I get everything in place. I'm ready, that's for sure. Any suggestions on the first movie, the first CD, the first DVD-A, etc.? I have a bit of a stockpile that I have saved for viewing and listening once the system is in place, but I would be happy to hear some ideas like Will's Norah Jones nirvana.

[will1066]

Voltron, which speakers are you employing right now? Klipsch or Bose?

I would try it out with the Klipsch, if I had to choose, until your Gallo speakers arrive. I'd play a movie first before anything else. The AV8 will light it up, guaranteed. Coming from a Bose Lifestyle, frankly, I'm petrified for you. You might just collapse from shock, so please have your phone handy in case of emergency. Just kidding.

I have gone full throttle only once so far, with Ronin (rocket propelled grenade scenes and both car chases). I can't go all out until I'm alone in the house. But when that time comes, I will go through:

Behind Enemy Lines surface to air missile attack and land mine detonation scenes
Saving Private Ryan beach invasion
The Bourne Identity apartment invasion and car chase
Kill Bill Vol 1 nightclub showdown
The Transporter opening car chase

I could go on and on...

[Voltron]

Will-

I'm going to be brave and get through this transition. There may be a couple of rough moments, but I will have smelling salts handy.

The current setup is the Bose Lifestyle with 5 double cubes on little poles. They can barely handle playing the Arcam DV29 through them for some reason--Bose system has its own very weak DVD player built in so the DV29 is on AUX for the moment. Given that the Bose system has proprietary connectors for the speakers, I cannot use them as satellites for my new system while waiting for the Reference 3s to arrive. If I set something up for the interim, it would be the Klipsch pair for front L/R, the Gallo Due I already bought and have for the center, and my old Bose bookshelf speakers (don't remember the number) as the rears. Given that Gallo is backed up, I may just do it, but it will be a sad shadow of the real deal. Better than the Lifestyle system, no doubt.

As to movies, I have some of the same ones on my initial list, but you have some good additions. So far, I have held off on watching a few of these, but once I got the plasma installed a couple weeks ago I broke down:

Star Wars trilogy
Episodes 1 & 2
SVP, DTS edition
Das Boot, Director's Cut
Diva (newest DVD release is quite good)
Crouching Tiger
North by Northwest
LOTR 1 & 2 extended (waiting for 12/14 and the third extended ed.)
Kill Bill
Led Zeppelin DVD

As you say, I could go on and on, but I better get back to work. :B

[Aussie Geoff]

Voltron,

I'm going to be brave and get through this transition. There may be a couple of rough moments, but I will have smelling salts handy.

That's what we like to see - a truely dedicated uprader - fearless in his commitment and willing to face the consequences.

... And we're all here to help you through it....

Geoff

[Voltron]

The AV8 Has Landed!

It's here, and it looks beautiful! :drool:

I had to close the blinds on my office to unwrap it and fire it up -- just to make sure it works, of course. Man, I can't stay focused on work. :E

Oh, and I found out that my Gallo dealer has two Due speakers available and I can pick them up today. I guess that makes up my mind on what to do about the surrounds once and for all. Now I can hook them up with the one I already have for L/C/R and hook up my old skanky bose bookshelfs in the rear for the short run. At least I can get an idea of what it will sound like...

Gonna have to leave early to get set up and listening ;b> watching :tv: and maybe a little celebrating :beer:

[Voltron]

Thanks for the support Geoff. I couldn't have done it without you guys! :lol:

[will1066]

Congrats!

Can you do photos? I like to stare.

[Voltron]

I certainly will try to post some photos when it's all put together, along with some of the sad "before" pictures to make it look even better!

[will1066]

Just got a reply from Arcam that their FMJ black finish doesn't conform to any standard paint code. But a replacement fascia is £95 plus VAT "due to its build quality and costly finish." I didn't know it was *that* special of a finish! It looks nice but it's a pain to clean, I can tell you that. I think I'll pass on the fascia; just not worth it for such a small blemish. I'll look for a paint that's close enough.

[David Meek]

Can you do photos? I like to stare.

Will, we've heard that about you. . . . :B