Arcam vs Marantz vs NAD receiver?


I am buying an AV receiver that will be used for music at least as much as movies. Speakers will likely be B&W M-1 Sats and PVD-1 sub. I am looking at Marantz SR 7007, Arcam AVR 400 and NAD 758. All have different specs but don't bench test that differently. I have heard all three and liked them all, but I am concerned about the Arcam and especially the Marantz running out of steam at higher volumes driving 5 channels. The NAD to its credit hardly loses any punch even driving 7 channels. Marantz has the most features, but the lightest amp section. Your thoughts?

kn
Ag insider logo xs@2xknownothing
Hi KN,

Marantz for sheer musicality, multi channel processing, and Audyssey room correction. Adjust crossovers and channels properly and won't be an issue for the Marantz to drive the B&W sats.

Regards,
BG
Thanks for your replies. The data comes HT review bench tests. Not manufacturers declared specs. Thanks for the votes for all three;-). I think the Arcam is probably the most high fi of the three. I might buy all three to test and keep the one that works best in my space. It's only an 18x12x8 ft room, so I am sure they can all fill it with decent amount and quality of sound.

kn
Im not buying that the Marantz is going to shine over the Arcam or Nad for sonics from it's analog and amp sections, honestly. In that respect, I'd prob say the Arcam is the best sounding unit, on it's own. But I'm assuming.
If you don't need the room EQ so much, I'd recommend Arcam's products. If you measure the room to have lots of peaks in the bass response up to 300hz, I'd consider the Marantz, and wait for a deal on a multi channel amp or stereo for the front 2 ch, at least. I find your amp sections in these mass marketed Denon's, Yamaha's, Marantz's, Sony's, and the likes to have marginal amp sections. In this genre, I like the HK's over the years, then the Denon's, for your standard Chinese AV receiver assembled fair.
My prob, again, with the ARcam, is no room EQ, which can DEFINITELY help level playing fields, make of for sonic nightmare issues, and make a much more accurate response acccross the spectrum, deal with some acoustics Issues, etc. Not so with the Nad and Arcam. You really need to add an EQ in the subs, at very least, and be extensively careful in set up for rest of the speakers if you don't gots no EQ - cause even large living rooms have lots of modes that need knocking down, with limited placement and seating options (especially with a wife-unit to appease).
But, all things on their own, I go Arcam, then the Nad, likely, then other receivers down the line.
The Arcam won't run out of steam. It does come with a mic,and room calibration. I've never used any Marantz, but have a lot of experience with NAD. I like the Arcam better, and use it at home myself.

**dealer disclaimer**