Arcam Diva AVR100...any good???

Mgs, No, I have not heard about such problems. I had a DIVA DV88 and thought both the build quality and performance were very high, it gave no trouble whatsoever. I also thought much better than the preceeding line DIVA replaces, since I generally prefer metal to plastic. It is designed in the U.K., even if assembly is outsourced to China, I understand. Still a fan.
Chris

Chris,
Perhaps those reviews were done by Arcam bashers (I found them on Audioreview)...What other receivers in the same price range would you recommend auditioning? I am considering Denon 2801/3801, Nakamichi AV10, and Marantz (forgot the model); do you have any experience with any of these units?
Thanks,
George

George, I can't really, no experience to speak of. I say, though, if you have to take a chance, or buy blind without proper auditions, take the chance on Arcam over the others. As for audioreview, you can't almost believe one thing you hear over there, good or bad. That place is loaded with knuckleheads. Best of luck with your search.
Chris

Thanks for the responses. I currently have an Acurus ACT3 and am quite pleased with its performance. However, it does not have an analog bypass and am interested in rigging up for dvd-a and sacd. I do like the 20-bit dacs on all channels and audio 2-ch stereo sounds very good. I really dont feel the need to have separate amps for my movie viewing and thus have been looking to the Arcam avr100. I was planning on using the preout for main channels and continue to use my Acurus A200 (200w/ch) to power my NHT2.5i. I may just take a chance on the Arcam as I have heard many good things about its sonic performance in stereo mode.

Rick

Chris,
Thanks for the advice. I am fairly new to this hobby and to Audiogon, and I appreciate any help or advice from others. BTW, since I live in the metro Chicago area, I think I should be able to find local dealers who would allow home auditions of those units. I will definitely give the Arcam a try.
Thanks,
George