My personal review and experience with Arcam AVR 550 with Dirac Live

@danimaz - the AV860 is a pre-pro so there is no amp section.

I am using a 7channel Sunfire (L/R/C/Surrounds/Rear Surrounds) and a 5 channel Emotiva (4 Atmos speakers) in my set up.

I also own an AVR550 & wrote a review posted at the Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity website.  At the time I wrote the review, the implementation of the Dirac Live correction had but a minimal effect on the sound.  But recent rearrangements in the room will require that I try it again.  Will post again after calibration to see what differences it makes on "round two."

@danimaz 
 
If you don’t want it warm sounding, you know you can adjust that with Dirac right?

As a Chicagoan, I’ll heed your suggestion.  What kind of a warranty did the Arcam have?  Lasting less than 2 years is really poor performance; I have a 20 year old Pioneer ES in my basement system that’s going strong.  I recently replaced a 9 year old Onkyo
AVR in my living room system that worked flawlessly with a Anthem AVR that sounds great and I really think the service from Simply Stereo in Hoffman Estates is excellent (I’ve been dealing with them for years).  I hope that things work out for you.
btw, Midwest Audio in Arlington Heights is an excellent repair shop.