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Please help- Arcam AVR-300 or B&K AVR507

Well, I've narrowed it down to these two receivers for my entry into the world of multi-channel music and movies. Each has essentially what I'm looking for, but some features do vary. I'll list my main pluses and minuses and would love to hear from any owners of either.

B&K AVR 507:
Pluses:
Nice build quality/looks (made in U.S.A.)
Nice remote (SR10)
Flexible bass management, crossover, eq setting abilities
Rated power (true ability)
Can rename inputs for front panel display
Can adjust speaker levels (trim) on the fly without the OSD
Minuses:
Routes all signals through DSP if bass management is used (I think)
Cost about $1000 more than the Arcam

Arcam AVR300
Pluses:
The one available review I've read says it is very musical for two channel music only listening (an important feature for me)
You can use the sixth and seventh channels of amplification to "Bi-Amp" the two front (main) speakers
Has a cool turn-on volume level setting (so the wife and kids don't blow up any speakers)
Very extensive bass management, eq, speaker settings, though maybe not as extensive as the B&K.
Price, $1000 less than the B&K
Minuses:
Build quality (Made in China?)
Pretty basic remote
Can't rename front panel display names

Notes:
I realize that B&k has the 505 which has five channels of amplification and is a little cheaper, but I fear that the resale value on a 505 would be much less than a 507.
If I were to go with the Arcam that would leave about a grand for other h/w or s/w... namely an upgraded aftermarket remote and SACDs, DVD-As etc.
Any help, comments will be very much appreciated!

Best Regards & thanks in advance,
Dennis
lps2cd
hurler85
1 posts
 
I am also looking at both the B&K 507 and the Arcam 300. I am leaning towards the Arcam because of what I heard 2 weeks ago. I heard the Arcam with the Gallo III's...WOW! I also listened with my JM lab Electra's, it seemed to let them loose, an effortless sound. The primary reason I started looking at a new receiver was more power. (currently have NAD T762). The Arcam is equal in power but with the ability to bi-amp the 6th & 7th channels I should have pleanty of power to open up the "Lab's".
I own an older B&K 2 channel amp running through an old NAD Pre, sounds great but I'm not wed to it.
I have to buy something new though...After listening to the Arcam, I am nolonger satisfied with my NAD.
Unless someone can tell me why I shouldent buy the Arcam...
Merry Christmas to me:)
matti
114 posts
 
I own the AVR507 and I consider it as close to separates as you can get in one box. I've owned several pre/pros and multi-channel amps and I don't feel like I'm missing much with this solution. I have no doubt that Arcams 300 is top notch as well however I'd be surprised if can put out as much clean power and current as the BK - translation, your speakers choices may be a bit narrower with the Arcam IMHO.
russ_l
95 posts
 
Not to muddy the waters, but I don't see how any manufacturer can compete with Denon. The AVR3805 is an absolute steal for the money (list $1200, street price less). Denon has a reputation for good two-channel sound (important to most on this site) and the 3805s have every feature known to man including the ability to bi-amp the front channels (see audioholics.com). If the 3805 was manufactured by Arcam or B&K it would sell for double the price Denon sells it for.

The 3805 is such a good value that I’d bet it will outsell ALL other mid to high-level receivers combined; it's that good. In either case, you should be quite happy with the B&K or the Arcam. I’m currently considering the Denon AVR5803A.

Need to determine if the 5803A will process a DSD data stream (SACD from the Denon Link) as DSD, and not first convert to PCM. I will be looking at the 3805 (with the same question) if the 5803s do convert DSD to PCM before processing.
f1stserve
25 posts
 
Russ:

I don't think that the Denon Link is enabled for SACD yet. Seems to be an ongoing problem...

John
russ_l
95 posts
 
John- I'm assuming that Sony will give Denon permission to enable the link some time soon. Seems like a nice two-box (DVD9000/DVD3910 into AVR5603A) one-wire solution.

Russ
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