The Arcams Cometh

[Voltron]

Well, the temporary setup was quite disappointing. It worked and all, but without the real speakers, it was a bit hollow. Plus, I might as well have been scotch-taping it together given that I was using some random 16-guage speaker wire and an odd assortment of cables and other stuff lying around. ops:

But, the AV8 is incredibly cool and looks smashing paired with the DV29. The potential is huge. Once Lex's CAT cable shipment arrives and I finally get those beautiful Reference 3 speakers in place, all will be right in my A/V world. Until, of course, I get the upgrade/expand bug going again. Gallo is coming out with a matched center that will be much better than the Due, and they are also coming out with an amp that will power the second voice coil in the woofers of the Ref 3, effectively turning it into a pair of subwoofers, and I am still need to figure out some kind of DVR/DVD burner because my wife wants to record stuff for her sister... Will it ever stop? :

[will1066]

LOL David. Yeah, I'm a dog and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

Patience, Voltron, patience. Just look at it like you're building an A/V version of Voltron. You've formed the feet and legs, and when the speakers come, you'll be able to form the head.

[will1066]

Hi, Sithlord.

I have a question. I have my configuration saved under Preset 1. In the Preset 1 page in the menus, where it says "Save Following Items?", what does selecting Yes to Volume Setting, Input Source, Src Specific Items, etc., do? I'm not quite sure from reading the manual. Thanks in advance.

[will1066]

I figured out the question in my previous post. Nice feature.

Sithlord, do you have "DTS LFE Gain" in the "Subwoofer" menu on Normal or -10 dB? With DVDs, there's presumbably no way to tell at what level the .1 channel was recorded, and I don't want to blow out my sub, so I have it on "-10dB". I'm curious to the setting you're using.

[Sithlord]

Sorry for not getting back to you on your other question as I'm playing Half Life 2 on the pc. I've rechecked my settings and found that I set it to normal not -10db. I read the manual and it says thats the recommended setting so I will stick to that for the time being .

[will1066]

FWIW, right now, after playing around for awhile, I've decided to go with "0 db Normal". My LFE doesn't seem to be overloaded with this setting.

[Voltron]

It's been quite a day. It started out by learning that Arcam has new owners and new management. Here's to hoping that it is a good change for the company. Then I received two boxes of CatCables from Doug, so I can really start putting things together. They are simply gorgeous. Then I found a local guy with a used Shunyata Hydra through Audiogon.com (a site a highly recommend when looking for new/kindly used equipment), which was the last thing I had on my list to buy. And finally, I got a call that my Gallo speakers are finally ready to be picked up! Man, I don't think I will be sleeping tonight! :coffee: I'll let you know how it comes together--and I'll take some pictures for Will to check out later. :W

BTW, Will, I laughed my ass off about your A/V Voltron comment but forgot to mention it. Now, my patience has paid off and all five lions are combined! :lol:

[Sithlord]

Well done Voltron cannot wait until you've set everything up. Looking forward to those photos as well.

[will1066]

Hi Sithlord,

I am in a bit of trouble and hoping to get some help. I was fiddling with my power bar earlier as I was doing some work on my laptop's wireless router and accidentally knocked off the power cable from the bar, causing a stoppage of power going to all my AV equipment -- including the AV8. After restoring power and everything else, everything seemed OK but the OSD will not display on my TV. The front display shows my menus without problems but no OSD. I'm not sure what was done to the AV8 when power to it got cut off. Is there a way to do a reset on the pre/pro? I will keep manually powering off and back on by pushing the front button in the meantime. Hopefully, it will de-glitch itself. Crossing my fingers...


EDIT: OK, everything seems alright now. It looks like the AV8 has good recovery powers. 8O PHEW! Lesson learned: BE CAREFUL TO NEVER CUT THE POWER OFF. ops:

[Sithlord]

Very lucky mate could have been alot worse. I'm glad it came good.

[will1066]

Yeah, thanks. I cleaned up the cabling mess. Power to the AV gear is now neatly separated and secured. Still waiting for that touch-up paint, though...

Hey, Voltron, where are those pics?

[Voltron]

Sorry about your close call, Will, but glad that it worked out and the AV8 bounced back. I have not been so lucky. After struggling to finish installing and wiring everything before 15 guests arrived on Thanksgiving, I found that my right front channel was fried. I don't know what happened but it was a huge disappointment! :M Any suggestions on how/why one channel of my 5-channel McCormack amp could be producing only garbled, crackling sounds would be appreciated. The cables are all OK, I switched the speakers around, I did all kinds of things to isolate the problem and that one channel seems to be it. Worst of all, I bought it used from a guy on AudioGon.com. I think he is honest and so forth, but warranty service may be difficult.

Anyway, I attached a pic (or tried anyway--how do you make them appear within the message?) of the plasma and the front speakers. More will follow as I figure things out. I set it up with 3 channels by using a different channel for the right front. In 3 channel movies still sound pretty sweet but without the surround effect (no Star Wars until fixed!), and I can listen to 2-channel music no problem. Oh well, this too shall pass...

[Voltron]

Since that pic worked here's one more. The components are behind a sliding glass door. Still not too pretty in there and a shelf full of jumbled CDs and DVDs is above the AV8 and DV29, but I will take more pics and post when it gets cleaned up a bit. The display and front speakers are on the wall to the left of this wall. The hobbled McCormack is on the bottom shelf.

Oh, and that's my dog BillBob on the bottom left.

[Voltron]

Now that I realize I can attach pictures, I need to share this one with SithLord. I saw it on an action figure website--a clear version of Darth Vader--and thought it would make a good alternative avatar.

[will1066]

Sweet pics, Voltron. This might be unhealthy gear love, but the Arcams behind the translucent door make them look like the sexy beasts they are. Sorry about your McCormack. I don't know what could've been the cause. I would contact the guy you bought it off from and see if you can help out with warranty service, if any.

[Sithlord]

Nice pics I like the Darth figure. The pic with the components, have you got the DV-29 sitting directly on top of the AV8? If so I would give the AV8 a little bit more breathing room otherwise looks great. Pity about the amp channel though I hope it doesn't cost you too much or hopefully it's under warranty. Good luck with it.

[will1066]

Put some padding underneath the DV29's feet. You don't want to scratch or leave long-term marks on your brand-new pre/pro.

[Voltron]

I talked to the guy who sold me the McCormack and he thinks it is a blown fuse, which I can replace myself. I have to take a look tonight because he had the exact issue with the center channel (including the same crackling sound). When he found and fixed the fuse problem all was well. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the rest of the day, which is making typing very difficult. :??

Thanks for the suggestions on saving the AV8 from heat and abrasions. I didn't take any pics of the inside shelves because I have not finished the placement. I want to build a small shelf so the DV29 sits above the AV8 but not on it. I also have been looking at a small tweak of some isolation pucks that my local dealer is convinced actually work: "I'm not a tweak guy, but these things actually make a difference, even on amps, which I never thought would be possible..." He also likes these plates that you put on top of dvd/cd players that are supposed to further reduce vibrations and he believes both sound an picture improve. I will post the name of the product because I cannot remember it now. They are not expensive, so I might try them out when the "rack" is figured out. Then I can post some close-up pics.

[Voltron]

FINALLY I have my McCormack amp problem figured out. Since that last post, I fixed the blown fuse, had it working on all 5 channels and then it crapped out altogether the next morning. I have been without any amp for weeks now but yesterday I took it to a local McCormack dealer and we finally found that the Right Front channel lead to the RCA jack was broken off at the solder joint, which caused some blown fuses internally that were blocking the current. Replaced fuses and soldered the wire, and viola, sound once again. I couldn't have done it without the forensic skills of Michael Silver at Audio High in Mt. View, California, and especially Steve McCormack himself (on the phone through the whole thing like a guy talking someone through defusing a bomb). Michael is great and his shop is fantastic.

Anyway, I will finally be able to get down to some serious listening and movie watching and I will report back on the lovely Arcam gear, the sweet McCormack amp, and my Cat Cables connecting it all up.

BTW, Sith, that's a nice new Avatar. Is that the AV8 remote in the Lord Vader's hand?

[Sithlord]

Sure is with a slightly modified pic that you provided so thanks for that. I just couldn't have Vader blue had to be red. I'm glad you have sorted your problems out so happy listening. I have a busy weekend with watching LOTR:ROTK EXT, Daredevil Directors cut and Top Gun(DTS). Whew don't know if theres enough hours in the weekend to watch all of those. I tried Top Gun and it sounded awesome they have done a great job with PQ and Sound. Love the Arcam gear.

[Voltron]

Did you really get through all those beauties this weekend? ROTK extended doesn't get released here until tomorrow. Already ordered a copy, so hopefully I can try it out next weekend.

I shouldn't be surprised after all the crap I have been going through, but the amp blew all 6 fuses on the center and rear channels on friday. It came at the climax of Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban. My kids got real antsy while I tried to figure it out before continuing the movie. I have to figure out what caused this latest mess because I replaced the fuses again and all works.

Whatever happened to BladeRnR? Did you end up having to sell all his parts to fund the upgrades? :twisted:

[Sithlord]

Weekend

Yep it was quite a marathon but I got through them. ROTK was amazing for picture and sound not too impressed with the extra scenes some just shouldn't be in there. Top Gun was simply awesome in DTS and Dardevil was the same really good.

That sucks with your amp mate is it under warranty? Ask for a new one at that price as I looked them up on the net nice amp.

Umm Bladernr is now overseas as a slave for some family got a good price :W . If I need to upgrade again I've still got 3 other brothers and 5 sisters to choose from :rofl:

Hope you sort out your amp problems.

[Voltron]

I hope BladeRnR still has access to the internet on occasion so he can keep track of your system and the films you watch! :demon: When you watch DTS movies, do you let the DV29 decode it and run it through the analog direct on the AV8? I am still figuring out which are the best paths for different sources.

The McCormack amps are great. That incredibly long article in IAR about the AV8 and DV27a thought that the McCormack smoothed out some of the solid-state edge from the Arcam gear and I agree. It has a good punch but it is smooth. You don't have the P7 do you? I am curious to hear someone other than a reviewer talk about them with the AV8. I have heard it at a shop, but not in depth.

Hey Will1066, do you have the P7? If so, shoot back your thoughts on the sound.

The amp you really have to hear is the McCormack DNA 500. It is incredible. One of my kids may have to join BladeRnR to add it to my system, but man it is amazing.

My amp troubles are made moreso because I bought it second-hand through AudioGon. ops: McCormack doesn't extend the warranty past the initial owner but if I continue to have troubles I am going to contact them and lay it on the line. It is still less than a year old, and they are a good company, so maybe I can work something out. I may have to swear off AudioGon for anything this substantial though. Too risky.

[will1066]

Hey guys,

I am using Rotel RB-1080 and RMB-1075.

Hope you get your amp troubles sorted out, Voltron. They must be frustrating.

[Sithlord]

I'm using the optical for DD and DTS so the AV8 is doing the decoding. I'm using a Krell TAS (Theatre Amplifier Standard ) 5 channel amp. I used to own the Rotel 1095 but I wanted something with more quality not to take anything away from the Rotel as it was a great amp my first for seperates.

Good luck with the amp problems hope you resolve them soon.

[will1066]

bump

Hey guys, I have a question, or actually, a curiosity.

Have both of you noticed there isn't a big difference between the DTS and DD outputs coming out of the AV8? It's curious because most everybody agrees that DTS is usually "hotter" or louder.

[Voltron]

I would have to agree in my relatively limited experience Will. That is one of the reasons I am trying to study the manual and the lengthy IAR article on AV8/DV27A combo. I am not yet sure I have all of the connections, settings, and modes sorted completely.

[Sithlord]

I would have to agree with that. I'm finding that I'm using the same volume for DTS and DD with most movies. I too thought that DTS was always hotter than DD especially when it came to bass. LOTR-ROTK is the latest one where I had to turn up the volume when watching the DTS version which was more than the 2 disc set being DD. I found the DD version to be louder at the same volume. Not sure what this means in relation to the AV8 maybe ask it on the offficial Arcam forum.

[will1066]

Hey guys, just an update, my AV8's going back for repair of the glitchy OSD. The withdrawal is going to be painful.

[David Meek]

Condolences Will. :duh: Hopefully, it'll be a short turn-around.

[Voltron]

I guess ASL finally called you back? I saw your post on the Arcam forum just yesterday or today. Can you get a loaner or something to ease the withdrawals? :cry:

[will1066]

Thanks, David.

Voltron, after some wrangling, it turned out that ASL had been in communication with my local dealer about the issue and that my dealer was supposed to call me. So I got off the phone with ASL and called my dealer, who said they were just about to call me. So, in essence, ASL wants me to work through my dealer. The thought of asking for a loaner did cross my mind. I'm going to see if the dealer can accommodate. If not, I might have to form my blazing sword and threaten them. :W

[Voltron]

Blaze on Will! Use the attached image to inspire you--they should cower before you (especially since they lagged for days on getting back to you)!

[Sithlord]

Sorry to hear your troubles Will hope it all works out for you. I know how it feels to have the heart of your system taken away. Chin up mate it will be back before you know it.

[will1066]

Thanks, Lord of the Sith. I have at least a few more days with it before I take it back. I decided to have them order a new faceplate from England and install it while it's there.

[c3dlc]

This post has been deleted.

David Meek

[will1066]

Hey, how are you Arcamians doin'?

[sbank]

Hey, how are you Arcamians doin'?

This Arcamian is doing pretty good. I own the DV29 (FMJ DVD player).

Has anyone seen the following?

I am watching a movie. I hit pause. Then I hit play, sometimes instead of playing the movie, it starts the rewind feature. So I usually just hit play again once or twice and it works fine.

[will1066]

Hey there, sbank.

That is a weird happening. Is this from the original remote control, another programmed remote, or the front panel buttons?

[sbank]

Hi will1066,

The original remote has the problem as well as my universal remote (mx-800). I don't use the front buttons enough to know if it does it with them.

It doesn't bug me too much, though. Has this ever happen to you?

[will1066]

It's never happened to me. I wonder if the original remote has a problem. Maybe it's sending out more than one IR signal. And you transferred the problem over to your Theatermaster, maybe?

[David Meek]

Rewind???? :W

[sbank]

Rewind???? :W

Heh. 8O

I always make sure I rewind the DVD before I return it to Blockbuster.

[Al Garay]

Anyone here try the ARCAM AVR300 receiver as a pre-amp? I can buy it for $1,500 but I'm primarily interested in using it as a HT preamp. The new ARCAM Diva AVP700 HT preamp will be out in June but will cost about $2,500.

[jimmyp58]

No, but I have it in one of my showrooms and use it strictly as a receiver with sterling results.

Jim