Working on the initial setup video now. Have run Dirac and there are some things to think about if have multiple subwoofer which I did not experience with other Dirac implementations. -Jon
Good question, perhaps I can time each cold boot to operational state and put in a table. The HTP-1 has two boot option - normal and fast mode. No complaints about their fast mode. -Jon
Nice AV Processor. As a 7.2.6 configured room this processor would fall short for us without being able to use a second subwoofer with a discrete output. I would agree with the VOG comment you mentioned. Our two height middle speakers do a very good job of recreating that phantom VOG channel pretty well. Oh, and your delivery is great Jon....really appreciate your down to earth honest reviews so you can disregard that other poster's comment. Finally no DSD support makes this a definite show stopper for our fam.
Yes - i am learning how Arcam lets you configure subwoofers through my direct experience. There is no details on the manual. On the defined outputs (1-12) there is one output labeled for “subwoofer”. For the assignable channels (13-16), channels 13 and 14 are configurable as “front subwoofers” and channels 15 and 16 are configurable as “rear subwoofers. What I need to determine is whether you can have 5 subwoofers configured simultaneously and independently controllable. So far I believe you can but have not fully tested yet. It is also unclear if the “front” and “rear” labels do anything more then serve as labels. I think they are just labels and have no impact. So likely you get the desired 7.2.6 (or even 7.3.6) with independent subwoofer control. Arcam really needs to improve marketing and documentation and clearly state what they support. -Jon
DSD - another odd omission from published resources. So I will test this out. In reading comments in forums I hear that DSD is supported by Arcam, but is not direct support. They convert to PCM and run through their DSP. DSD support within my Emotiva RMC-1 is processed as DSD and not converted to PCM at any stage - just a DSD to analog conversion at the end. -Jon
I brought in the Arcam AVM 70 8K earlier this year. From a sound quality perspective I placed it in the top tier (or what I’ve reviewed to date) with the Emotiva RMC-1 and Yamaha RX-A8A but slightly behind those two. As I will be able to head-to-hear Arcam to Emotiva I will have a sense as to how the Arcam compares with the Anthem’s sound quality. I am not testing the Anthem AVM 90 this year as it is over my $5000 limit boundary I set - maybe next year. I had big issues with Anthem ARC Genesis which appear only to impact a small group. However, I would need assurance from Anthem that they have resolved before I run their calibration tool as not to damage my speakers again. -Jon
@@ripewave Wonderful, I've been told, that Arcam, because of Dirac, is the better choice if music is a priority. Subjective aside, what's your thoughts on the matter?
@@ripewave Thanks again for your input. I wait anxiously for your review between Arcam and Emotiva and finally the sound comparison between the two A's.
I would choose the Arcam over the Anthem for several reasons. I had big issues with Anthem ARC Genesis and won’t touch it again until Anthem can assure me it won’t blow my speakers again. The other is features. Arcam supports Auro-3D. sound quality is likely better too. -Jon
Thank you - yet another undocumented capability. They really need to step up their documentation and marketing teams to advertise what this unit is capable of. -Jon
The Arcam 20/30/40/21/31/41 can have 5 Independent subwoofers (using DLBC multi-sub), so the information in the video in not accurate regarding that aspect (it is similar to the HTP-1). Also, the Arcam units do have DSD support.
Yes - once I was able to explore its configuration and test each use case I found the same. Shame on Arcam for not properly describing their product online and within documentation. No excuse from a company owned by Harman/Samsung - Harman should know better with the rich history and Samsung has the money if they choose to use it. Thanks for calling attention to these. -Jon
I believe this is incorrect. They are not “fully independent”. Channels 13&14, 15&16 are grouped or paired. 13&14= Front Subs 15&16=Rear Subs. Each Pair is on one DAC Channel. I believe this is why these Processors cannot get Dirac ART. It’s because Dirac ART requires 4 fully independent Sub Channels. For example, the Marantz Cinema 30 uses an 8 Channel DAC the ESS 9017S similar to the ESS 9026 PRO found in the Arcams. Difference is the Marantz uses 2 of them (16 Channels.). While the Arcam Processors use one. (8 Channel)
Yes - the receivers have that. But we still need to justify the cost of the AV41 processor separate with no amplification. It doesn’t sound good and is feature rich. -Jon
I feel that is a fair comment. That has been my feeling on Arcam to date. I am very curious to see if that perception can change once I am able to hear it in its fully configured and calibrated state. -Jon
@boterhammetpindakaashagels384 Well it doesn't have to be mutually exclusive, they can all be overpriced. I don't think the Arcam AV41 is technically overpriced itself. It is correctly priced within in a ridiculously overpriced category. In the video, he addresses a perceived strange anomaly that the AVR31 is actually priced higher than the AV41. The fact that he had to address this kind of proves my point. Typically, the processors are priced higher than their receiver siblings, even though the receiver typically offers more on paper. While Arcam eschews this on the AVR31 vs AV41, they don't on the AVR21 vs AV41 as the 21 seemingly has everything else just like the 41, but adds a 7 channel amp in place of XLR outputs. The amp should be the higher value item, yet the 41 is much more. Arcam is just reacting to the market and are following the favmct that consumers are willing to pay more for less in the name of perceived quality that often times aren't proven in testing. For example Denon receivers commonly measure better than Marantz processors, yet people continue to pay more for less, so manufacturers aren't going to say no.
I designed this channel to be focused on straight forward content without spending much effort on visual effects or entertaining elements. The money earned from this channel goes into acquiring hi-fi/home theater components and supporting technology to produce the videos. I will do my best to be more engaging. -Jon
@@ripewaveThere are enough “salesmen” review channels. I appreciate the earnest search and depth of detail. Explaining the complex systems as you do so clearly is much appreciated.
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HiCxoDeo0hc/mqdefault.jpg)
Been interested in the Arcam. Thank you for your efforts to do all of this
I am glad these video are covering a model that this audience is interested in. -Jon
Hi John, Nice overview. Looking forward to your video comparing sound of Arcam AVP 41.
Working on the initial setup video now. Have run Dirac and there are some things to think about if have multiple subwoofer which I did not experience with other Dirac implementations. -Jon
Wow these are expensive! Thanks for covering, I've been curious about this brand.
Yes they are expensive. Looking to find out if the cost is justified. -Jon
Great content, looking forward to the rest of this series. Curious, do any of these devices seem to have a excessive boot time over the others?
Good question, perhaps I can time each cold boot to operational state and put in a table. The HTP-1 has two boot option - normal and fast mode. No complaints about their fast mode. -Jon
Nice AV Processor. As a 7.2.6 configured room this processor would fall short for us without being able to use a second subwoofer with a discrete output. I would agree with the VOG comment you mentioned. Our two height middle speakers do a very good job of recreating that phantom VOG channel pretty well. Oh, and your delivery is great Jon....really appreciate your down to earth honest reviews so you can disregard that other poster's comment. Finally no DSD support makes this a definite show stopper for our fam.
If only using 7.2.6 you can reassign the last 2 channels as subwoofers, which I believe would give you the 2 independent sub channels that you need.
@@jaredhylton6591 hey great point !
Yes - i am learning how Arcam lets you configure subwoofers through my direct experience. There is no details on the manual. On the defined outputs (1-12) there is one output labeled for “subwoofer”. For the assignable channels (13-16), channels 13 and 14 are configurable as “front subwoofers” and channels 15 and 16 are configurable as “rear subwoofers. What I need to determine is whether you can have 5 subwoofers configured simultaneously and independently controllable. So far I believe you can but have not fully tested yet. It is also unclear if the “front” and “rear” labels do anything more then serve as labels. I think they are just labels and have no impact.
So likely you get the desired 7.2.6 (or even 7.3.6) with independent subwoofer control. Arcam really needs to improve marketing and documentation and clearly state what they support. -Jon
Thanks for the encouragement. It is hard to creat content that pleases all audiences - so I am sticking with what comes most naturally for me. -Jon
DSD - another odd omission from published resources. So I will test this out. In reading comments in forums I hear that DSD is supported by Arcam, but is not direct support. They convert to PCM and run through their DSP. DSD support within my Emotiva RMC-1 is processed as DSD and not converted to PCM at any stage - just a DSD to analog conversion at the end. -Jon
Hi John, great stuff. Have you considered a head to head shoot out between Arcam AV41 vs Anthem av 70 and or 90?
I brought in the Arcam AVM 70 8K earlier this year. From a sound quality perspective I placed it in the top tier (or what I’ve reviewed to date) with the Emotiva RMC-1 and Yamaha RX-A8A but slightly behind those two. As I will be able to head-to-hear Arcam to Emotiva I will have a sense as to how the Arcam compares with the Anthem’s sound quality. I am not testing the Anthem AVM 90 this year as it is over my $5000 limit boundary I set - maybe next year.
I had big issues with Anthem ARC Genesis which appear only to impact a small group. However, I would need assurance from Anthem that they have resolved before I run their calibration tool as not to damage my speakers again. -Jon
@@ripewave Wonderful, I've been told, that Arcam, because of Dirac, is the better choice if music is a priority. Subjective aside, what's your thoughts on the matter?
@@ripewave Thanks again for your input. I wait anxiously for your review between Arcam and Emotiva and finally the sound comparison between the two A's.
I would choose the Arcam over the Anthem for several reasons. I had big issues with Anthem ARC Genesis and won’t touch it again until Anthem can assure me it won’t blow my speakers again. The other is features. Arcam supports Auro-3D. sound quality is likely better too. -Jon
I will aim to provide a valuable assessment. -Jon
When will you review one of the new Sony Receivers? Thanks
I’m interested in that one too
Yes - next on my list. Aiming for October. -Jon
All Arcams support MQA using tidal. I’m using it now.
Thank you - yet another undocumented capability. They really need to step up their documentation and marketing teams to advertise what this unit is capable of. -Jon
The Arcam 20/30/40/21/31/41 can have 5 Independent subwoofers (using DLBC multi-sub), so the information in the video in not accurate regarding that aspect (it is similar to the HTP-1). Also, the Arcam units do have DSD support.
Yes - once I was able to explore its configuration and test each use case I found the same. Shame on Arcam for not properly describing their product online and within documentation. No excuse from a company owned by Harman/Samsung - Harman should know better with the rich history and Samsung has the money if they choose to use it. Thanks for calling attention to these. -Jon
I believe this is incorrect. They are not “fully independent”. Channels 13&14, 15&16 are grouped or paired. 13&14= Front Subs 15&16=Rear Subs. Each Pair is on one DAC Channel. I believe this is why these Processors cannot get Dirac ART. It’s because Dirac ART requires 4 fully independent Sub Channels.
For example, the Marantz Cinema 30 uses an 8 Channel DAC the ESS 9017S similar to the ESS 9026 PRO found in the Arcams.
Difference is the Marantz uses 2 of them (16 Channels.). While the Arcam Processors use one. (8 Channel)
The big Arcam avr is so expencive becouse it has class G amplification.
Yes - the receivers have that. But we still need to justify the cost of the AV41 processor separate with no amplification. It doesn’t sound good and is feature rich. -Jon
What ever the result....over priced
I feel that is a fair comment. That has been my feeling on Arcam to date. I am very curious to see if that perception can change once I am able to hear it in its fully configured and calibrated state. -Jon
And the Anthem or Marantz flagships are not? €9K and €7K respectively.
@boterhammetpindakaashagels384
Well it doesn't have to be mutually exclusive, they can all be overpriced. I don't think the Arcam AV41 is technically overpriced itself. It is correctly priced within in a ridiculously overpriced category.
In the video, he addresses a perceived strange anomaly that the AVR31 is actually priced higher than the AV41. The fact that he had to address this kind of proves my point. Typically, the processors are priced higher than their receiver siblings, even though the receiver typically offers more on paper. While Arcam eschews this on the AVR31 vs AV41, they don't on the AVR21 vs AV41 as the 21 seemingly has everything else just like the 41, but adds a 7 channel amp in place of XLR outputs. The amp should be the higher value item, yet the 41 is much more. Arcam is just reacting to the market and are following the favmct that consumers are willing to pay more for less in the name of perceived quality that often times aren't proven in testing. For example Denon receivers commonly measure better than Marantz processors, yet people continue to pay more for less, so manufacturers aren't going to say no.
I feel Arcam, Anthem and Marantz are charging a premium for their brands. -Jon
you have great content, but might consider hiring someone else to do the delivery for the channel that has bit more energy on camera
I designed this channel to be focused on straight forward content without spending much effort on visual effects or entertaining elements. The money earned from this channel goes into acquiring hi-fi/home theater components and supporting technology to produce the videos. I will do my best to be more engaging. -Jon
@@ripewave I appreciate your delivery!
@@ripewaveThere are enough “salesmen” review channels. I appreciate the earnest search and depth of detail. Explaining the complex systems as you do so clearly is much appreciated.
@@ripewave the delivery is put you to sleep boring, but good content.. no disrespect meant, just helpful advise on channel growth.
Jon has the right energy, too much energy I find to be annoying and salesy. I like how he's having a conversation with me vs speaking at me.