Arcam AVR-350 Receiver Review by webhammer

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Model:	AVR-350
Category:	Receiver
Suggested Retail Price:	$2500
Description:	Best sounding receiver on the planet?
Manufacturer URL:	Arcam
Model Picture:	View

Review by webhammer (D) on July 07, 2006 at 08:22:55
IP Address: 68.255.117.214

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for the AVR-350

As a former "Linnie", where timing precision was everything, I can say that the Arcam AVR-350 has opened new vistas into what is possible with a receiver. Not only is the timing spot on, the noise floor drops to zero. I have never experienced such realistic size and body in instrumentation before, and the emotional presentation in vocals, from Patsy Cline to Cecilia Bartoli, makes me cry every time I listen. I had the Arcam AVR-300 for a year before this, and before that, an active Linn system with Kaber speakers, Kairn preamp and three 5105 amps. I have always preferred the British sound. Give this receiver a listen on music, even in a non-purist way as I do, in Dolby Pro Logic Music with no delays. I guarantee you will be surprised.

Product Weakness: None noted.
Product Strengths: Incredibly low noise floor, subtlety revealed on every emotional passage.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Arcam Diva AVR-350
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Arcam FMJ DV29
Speakers:	Acoustic Energy AE1 MkIII
Cables/Interconnects:	Nordost throughout
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Pop and classical individual and group vocals
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 13 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	REL Brittania 2 sub
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Follow Ups:

I dunno but... - Harmonia 19:26:08 07/07/06 (0)
...this receiver has been getting raves elsewhere, as did the AVR300 before it.
I have the AVR300 and it's a great receiver, especially for us music lovers who feel we give up way too much musical quality when leaving our dedicated 2 channel main rigs for the questionable world of HT receivers.
I've had a variety of receivers, and other than going to Cary-BAT-or suchlike separates, Arcam is the most musical I've found.
Are you an Arcam distributor/rep? NT - grantv 08:29:46 07/07/06 (2)
- Yup and... - Harmonia 19:28:04 07/07/06 (1)
  ...Audiophile Systems, the distributor, is in my hometown of Indy. Don't know webhammer personally.
  It's not why I like the Arcam gear though. I like it cuz it sounds good.
  - Better sounding? - HiFiSoundGuy 22:13:11 08/14/06 (0)
    Sorry... That message number is not valid.

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Product Weakness:	None noted.
Product Strengths:	Incredibly low noise floor, subtlety revealed on every emotional passage.