NEW ARCAM AVR 30 Flagship AV Receiver vs AVR 850 Long Term REVIEW Begins Dirac Live Bass Control
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
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In this video I am taking a closer look at the NEW Arcam AVR30 Flagship AVR Receiver that I am about to begin the long term review of.
I have been out Dirac Live calibrating all the previous Arcam AVR products so know them inside and out and compare some of the main features of the Arcam AVR30 vs the Arcam AVR850 I have owned for the last 2+ years
www.arcam.co.u...
I am also working in collaboration with Nintronics the authorized UK Arcam dealer to try and offer my viewers something more. If you buy your AVR 30 from Nintronics I will come and do your Dirac Live Calibration for free.
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Contact them to make your purchase and then contact me and we can setup a date to do the calibration. If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact me on terryellis@pursuitperfectsystem.com
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I am a Dirac Live Calibrator and come and out and setup systems for customers, if this is of interest please get in touch with me
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Someone pointed out that I got the release date wrong for the Arcam which was in 2015 not 2017 - which is fair enough and emphasises my point about the long life span of the product even better :)
IIRC the 850 doesn't have the LOGIC 7 feature? That's why I am saving up for the Lexicon RV9 instead. It's basically the SAME amp other than that! Back in the 90s I had the Lexicon DC-1, and I liked the L-7 feature!
Can't wait for the next video on the AVR30. I'm an AVR550 owner and seriously considering the AVR30.
Nice one Terry, seems as though you will be swinging by my house in the next few weeks....! Make sure your calibration gear is ready and oiled up!
Great introduction. Looking forward to seeing how you get on with it long-term.
Terry, good luck with the review. Eagerly anticipating pt2
The basic take-away is that if you already own the AVR850, there is little to gain in moving up to the AVR30.
As much as I like the LCD front panel of the AVR30, I'm more often going to use the on-screen setup. I'm also using Ethernet at home, so don't need wifi steaming. The biggest miss on this product is the lack of 8K support, which only reinforces the desire to hold on to the AVR850. If one could trade up for only a $1000 USD/$1,500 CAD via a dealer, maybe the slight improvements would be worth it, along with getting a new warranty. Here in Canada, I just recently purchased a store demo model AVR850 for $4,000 CAD. The AVR30 retails for around $7500 CAD. Once you factor in taxes, that's almost 2X the cost.
Yep hanging onto the 850 is a good idea, its still capable of great great results - the AVR30 adds more channels and a few other things too and it is a higher resolving AVR for sound quality. I dont really see the need for 8K as I think 8k is a ways away and will likely all come via a network rather than HDMI but I would well be wrong about that
@@PursuitPerfectSystem As with any upgrade, one always has to consider the weakest link in their audio chain. Will the AVR30 sound sliiiightly better? Maybe. But what about the speakers? Do I need better speakers to hear that 5% difference? Is a 5% audio improvement worth 2x the price? To some... maybe. Between the two products, with the 850's being marked for clearance in many retailers right now, it's clearly the best bang for your buck in an all-in-one solution. I'm still running 5.1 at the moment. Might go 5.2 in the near future, and if I'm really desperate for more, might add a few height channels next year.
Getting back to that aspect of diminishing returns for $ spent, I own Paradigm Signature S8 towers, C5 and matching surrounds in piano black, along with a servo sub. While Paradigm recently replaced those with the Persona line, I demoed those in store and could not discern a marked difference. So if they are 5% better, the 2x price tag completely soured my desire to upgrade to them.
New doesnt make what you currently own all of a sudden bad. If your happy with it keep it and enjoy it
Great video Terry.
Good afternoon! Condolences to the loss of Queen Elizabeth. I have been following you now for a few years and enjoy your reviews. I have a couple questions regarding two channel direct music listening. I own a AVR850 and really don't see any reason to upgrade to any other AVR at this time. The AVR is used for both HT in a Great Room in my home as well as musical listening. My question are related to using an external DAC with an AVR like the 850/30 for music streaming or CD playback. I would use my Oppo 203 as a transport direct to an external DAC say like a Chord Qutest or something along that line then to the analog direct ins of the Arcam AVR850. Same with digital streaming. The big question is have you ever done this, and if so what were your findings? If so, was there a significant improvement to the presentation of the music audio verses using the Arcam internal DAC?
Does it support Tidal MQA streaming?
The latest is 31 with 8K. I'm only curios if 6Ohm speakers can be connected.
hi terry.any chance you can get hold of the Arcam AV40 Surround Sound Processor and do a review.im looking possibly to getting one to replace my yamaha pre. thanks
What was your thought process regarding not going for the 40 and go for separate amps ?
On its the back reads "8ohms speakers recommended". So why otherwise you showed us a printed leaf with power performance at 4ohms too ?!?
Do I need a stream music for arcam sa30 or airplay quality is fine with that?
Nice video, looking forward to see the REVIEW, specs are clear and known. For what I have seen: nothing really changes vs AVR850, just 3 slots for Dirac, web control and tiny things like WiFi, etc. The big thing keeping me from buying an Arcam again is the lack of flexibility, I definitely miss the Scenes of Yamaha or Smart Selects of Marantz
If you get the Arcams setup correctly with Dirac and other bits you wont need any additional processing besides some Dolby atmos upscaling for non atmos disc and TV etc ;)
Pursuit Perfect System Well, yes I do need. Just 2 examples:
I listen to music in MultiCh Stereo mode always, and I need to reduce the levels of the center, surround and atmos, just for this mode
When I use the proyector, I need a scene in which I increase the center channel by 2db
@@fofocho71 I dont see why you would need to make those adjustments once the system is setup properly, to me once its setup properly everything sounds perfect in terms of volume and balance for every channel inc the subwoofers. Yes some music and movies will have more bass than others etc depending on how it's made but you shouldn't be changing channel levels to rebalance. Why are you feeling the need to do that out of curiosity
Pursuit Perfect System An example: disable center channel for MultiCh Stereo
@@fofocho71 that's confusing as well what's your reason for disabling the centre??
Great video.
Thanks
I hope the AVR30 is more reliable than the AVR850. I had and still have big problems with Fault messages suddenly appearing on the front of mine, it switches itself off and makes my speakers make a banging sound. I was given a replacement and still have similar problems with it. Add to that, my Arcam P429 4 channel amp that I use to power my four Atmos speakers turns itself off when I turn it on. It's in for repair. I look after all my equipments and I know I am unlucky but I have found Arcam's service times to be truly shocking recently. I doubt I would buy Arcam again.
Jim mate that is not common for the AVR850, it does shut off if you over drive it but it doesnt make a bang sound. You didnt tell me about this?
The updated AVR31 receiver is currently $9700.00 in Canada....well just went on sale for $7700.00. Truly astronomical price. Would you pay £9000 for this or any receiver?
It’s about £6000 here I don’t know what the exchange rate is for Canada or why it would be more except for maybe high import duties etc. sorry I can’t say but this is a very good AV receiver one of the best ones
@@PursuitPerfectSystem £6000 = $9945.00 Cdn....so I guess we are paying the same relatively speaking. But come on...I can get a McIntosh MHT300 for pretty much the same price. It's just very frustrating how the average consumer is slowly getting priced out of good sounding music and HT
Thx, for the vid. I think i will buy the new NAD.
I wouldn't buy a NAD AVR because of how they implement Dirac into it - NAD lock down certain essential controls such as trim levels for the speakers and subwoofer which totally negates the benefit of Dirac giving the user control because you dont have control - but its up to you of course
@@PursuitPerfectSystem The NAD T-738 is a piece of JUNK!
I'm doubting between the Arcam AVR20 (2.999€) and the Rotel 1580 mkii (2.900€)...
5:58 ...and for Auro 3D !!!
Well build quality for the AVR850 was crap for me! I had it in the shop over 4 times for failed parts. I would go with another brand!
that is bad luck and I can see why you feel that way
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Update though my AVR850 has been in the shop 4 times in 5 years it is now repaired and sounding and performing great. Harmon picked up all the repairs which was awesome.
I’m luck enough to have Arcam 550 with a P349 and P429 creating a 7.2.4 system. I went to the show and spoke to Arcam, but I’m not sure they really articulated why I’d want to upgrade the receiver over the old one if I don’t want more speakers. What does it give me that makes my 550 redundant?
Hi Alex, It will depend on the new digital section quality with the different dac etc and whether the new Dirac Bass Control is exclusive to the new units and how much benefit that adds to things. Hard to say for now but it will be exciting to find out :)
Hi Sir! Can you please check if Dolby Volume and Dolby Leveler are possible to use with height channels (5.1.4 config)? It was not possible with avr 850, only in 5.1 and 7.1 not with height configuration. Thank you in advance!
Can anyone test Dolby Volume and Dolby Leveler with height channels? Please?
So a new dac, base management, hdmi 2 supporting earc, 2 extra channels. Anything else?
Wifi bluetooth roon end point mqa and better sound
Gee... regarding being on top for years - isn't this piece already outdated because of 2.0b? ;) and somehow I do not believe that Arcam from 2015 was constantly updated and up to date till 2020... what would be the point to buy a new one?
I think only if you need more than 2.0b otherwise your good
Hi big man, I just bought the arcam avr10 and struggling to update the firmware can you please make a video on that or send me Direct link to the update? I have connected cat6 cable straight to the avr but still doesn’t install the update and I have downloaded the file to the USB drive and also doesn’t install. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I need your help please
You paid your money to the dealer and to arcam its their job to support customers not mine. But that is what my dirac calibration service is for to help people get the best from their systems that includes setup and what patreon is for if people would like some 1 on 1 advice time from me
You said replaces? O.o... it's so ugly... 850 is a beauty, I think i sould get 850 now before stocks out :D. Have a question about these room corrections softwares. Can I use dirac to a avr receiver or processor pre amp, indepandanlty? Like , I buy it and use it to equipment that doesn't come with it?
The 850 are going for good prices if you can get one still if they are not all sold. This is not ugly in the flesh as I said and the screen etc is much nicer.
I own an 850 so this will replace that for the review period
Totally agree about the appearance. Arcam was on something when they redesigned their faceplate. That only will affect sales.
Can you please advise - does Dolby Volume work at all on your AVR30? I’ve done all updates so far (released frequently - currently up to v1.20) and Arcam have addressed many of the issues I’ve flagged back to them. However DV still isn't working on my AVR10 which is really starting to annoy me now, 5 months after purchase! Thanks in advance for your response to question.
Be good if you could review a Meridian 861 I am desperate to hear how an Arcam processor stacks up against it.
If you look back at my very early videos I had a Meridian V4 861 with the upgraded power supply and Mr Apodizer Apodizing filter upgrade, no comparison the Arcam is miles better :)
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks. What about the latest version of the 861 though, is it worth 3-4 times the price of the Arcam processor?
@@dastiffmeisterman I dont know sorry
@@PursuitPerfectSystem ok no worries I can't find any review anywhere of it!
@@PursuitPerfectSystem So here in CanaDUH that would be KILOMETERS better??? L0L
Hi everybody, can anyone Pls give me advice because I'm new in the HiFi business. I only have 1500 Euro to spend and I have already got KEF Q550 Floorstanding Speakers. Are the following systems a good combination, Cambridge Audio CXA80 Stereo Two-Channel Amplifier with Built-in DAC and Denon DCD-800NE cd player
Here's hoping Arcam introduces an AVR31 in 2021, with 2.1 HDMI / 8K support.
@Piotr Konieczynski I'm sticking with my 850 for now. The AVR 30, while perhaps slightly better in sound, doesn't offer enough yet to consider the upgrade. I like the front screen, but it's more a gimmick to me.
arcam fudged the number here, typical avr style. i have arcam products myself and thought arcam whould not do this in avr space since they are solid in stereo space. 2 channels driven seem ok, but when listing 7 channels driven they use 1khz frequency only and gain watts that way(on paper). in 2 channel they gain 20 watts by doing this, so at least 20 watts in 7 channels, so its a 80 watts all channels driven at best. and probably not for long at that power draw, look at the idle power draw. its 100watts! i complain about my amps draw 30watts... just my observation.
my solution is buying a surround sound processor, like a Yamaha CX-A5100, then get 2 channel hifi power amps class d half width, like Pro-Ject Amp Box RS, proper 110 watts 8 ohm and 2 ohm stable. get 2 of those and its easier to cool and get full power and cheaper than the arcam avr 30, 4 channels is all most people need. and just get more power amps if you want more channels, both my suggestions are balanced inputs and outputs.
No Dirac in the Yamaha rules that one straight out for me :)
@@PursuitPerfectSystem i use my own 3rd party eq, did not even think about dirac when looking up processors. did not find many in my country at the price i was looking for, rotel has one but with no balanced outputs. in the 2000 dollar range there should be some options to choose from.
is there some good way to add dirac to any system without sound quality loss if its not built in?
@@sudd3660 I was only kidding in a way but I like the control Dirac gives me I cant see me being wholly satisfied now with a solution I cant set to to be how I think it should be if that makes sense.
Its not an easy one adding dirac in third party hardware minidsp sell units but they are channel limited so it depends on what you need/want
Same bloody remote! You're joking.....
Same bloody rear end.....
Ridiculous. Bring a brand new product out after all these years and all that's changed is that they've put a new front cover on.
I'll pass on this one.
I'm an Arcam owner BTW but not for long.....joke of a company
They make the best receivers though and if it aint broke dont fix it
Wait till you see the two line OSD
@@APSuk2 is that true. I’ve heard people say that but can’t find images or videos of the on screen menu. Not that the old one was any good. I’m trying to figure out if I should buy one or not
I heard this is the worst receiver for the price out there. is that true? that almost nothing works properly and has funny static sounds?
There has been a lot of bugs and a lot of bug fixes but despite that what this av receiver can do in the right hands is blow minds
@@PursuitPerfectSystem well that’s good to know. It is $1600 for an avr10. I’m very tempted to buy it and just try it out. He did say it sounds awesome
@@PursuitPerfectSystem really? So you would recommend buying a used avr10 for $1600 US dollars? I’m tempted to buy it
Shame you didn't live in Oz and no I'm not going to pay your air fare lol
haha :) I only fly first class for long haul :)
The remote is AWFUL, looks cheap as in a 100$ chinese product.
The remote is annoying but it works well and in the flesh the AVR30 is nice and the sound quality is insane good
@@PursuitPerfectSystem That 'insane good' is probably due to the CLASS G amplification? I have researched it but never heard it yet!
I just added a KLIPSCH RC64 center channel speaker. The rest of my 7.2 system is M&K SC-1 speakers including their MX-200 subwoofer. After I get the RV9, I am adding a 2nd sub, the SVS PB 2000 Pro. I have a small room so that is more than enough WOOMPH for me! www.amazon.ca/SVS-PB-2000-Pro-Ported-Subwoofer/dp/B082LS3VGB/ref=asc_df_B082LS3VGB/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=335328227204&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15113449854948334261&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001460&hvtargid=pla-864124580042&psc=1
Why do they need you to do dirac live anybody can do it adjust and set it up themselves I don't see the logic what do you bring to the party that so different
Because it is obviously very complex.
Hi John, Thanks for the positive comment as always.
You can cook your own dinner. or you can go to a restaurant. Why might someone go to a restaurant - well they might want their dinner cooked for them. They might want to eat a certain meal and are not confident making it them self, or maybe they can make it them self but feel the chef will do a better job of it. Noone is pointing a gun to anyones head if you can cook your own dinner and are confident its the best the dinner can possibly taste then maybe you dont go to the restaurant.
Pursuit Perfect System ....well said.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem yes I like to give positive comments no point being ass licker is there lol
yeah I hear what you're saying but you're turning it into what you can hear and like maybe not a bad thing ? but somebody else's hearing is completely different they might want it change slightly to suit their own hearing requirements what is different, when you do it is it with them but then you're not in the sweet spot the customer.
How does dirac live respond to different volume changes that's another issue doesn't that throw all the measurements off? The arcam is it 7.2 because dirac live only goes to 8 channels and another thing sorry for being so long- how does it work with servo controlled speakers woofers like rythmik control box any idea it doesn't control the servo Direct does it? Cheers!
Hi John, I havent tried this model yet, but the 850 did Dirac for all 11 speaker channels and dual subwoofers, this new model I am sure does all 15 speaker channels and then 2 subwoofers - these are sum mono'd
Peoples hearing is not as different as is often thrown about - the hearing is the roughly the same the difference comes from taste or preference developed from their own experiences and more powerful is familiarisation.
Thats where Dirac is powerful because you can set it however you like within reason - so I can set it how I like it of course which some customers have wanted, others have been more choosy so I have sat them in the hot seat asked for their feedback and made changes accordingly. They dont always finish in the same place they started for preference once I have shown them things graphically and then supported by what they are hearing.
For servo subs it wont make any difference that I can see its just sending them an analogue signal the same as normal which they will process and amplify the same as normal.