Arcam AVR30 vs Anthem MRX 1140

[@tedross3434]

I installed an Anthem AVM90 because my Arcam Av40 was having serious issues. I’ve been running the AVM90 for a month and my arcam came back from repair. I installed the av40 in my office and all the sudden my 5.1 in my office with old speakers sounds better than my MUCH more expensive 7.1.4 running on the AVM90. I am about ready to buy another arcam Av41 and return the Anthem. Anthem is great but it doesn’t produce as “magical” a sound when compared the Arcam. You really have to compare the two in your home and ignore the reviews. The upmixing in the Arcam is the best I’ve heard (over Sony 7000es and Anthem - soon to test marantz AV10)

[@Laissez_Faire]

I agree with you. I got an Arcam avr850 and an Anthem mrx720 and you can’t go wrong with any of these two brands. I just don’t like the new Arcam because they got rid of the on-screen display

[@deananderson7092]

Did you know that you can log in to the Arcam and use a web based setup screen that makes life super easy.

[@Laissez_Faire]

@@deananderson7092 no way?! I didn’t know that. I did love the sound. But then again I do love the sound of the avr850 too.

[@deananderson7092]

@@Laissez_Faire As AVR's become more and more like computers it has some advantages. I just learned that today and I'm going to see if the same trick works with my SA 30 stereo integrated.

[@danroyer961]

@Laissez_Faire Compared to the sound quality on the avr850 how does the mrx720 sound?

[@edmundgil6008]

Hello! I saw this video a couple months ago, & watched at least two more… I love your thoroughness, & your rhythm, or pace! The product & content is always great, probably because of your extensive experience, it seems! So much so, I’ve gone back to the beginning of your journey to watch many other reviews! Im in the market for two system upgrades; living room & bedroom. I can’t believe how awesome & extensive your bedroom system is! I would highly recommend others to watch your reviews! I hope you continue to provide us with more great reviews! Thank you so much!

[@techjourney5383]

Thanks so much for the encouragement Edmund! I’ve been wondering if it is worth it to keep posting since the audience is so small but it is messages like yours that remind me that I started doing this for fun and hopefully others such as yourself can get a little something out of it. Thanks again!

[@mrwilliamwonder]

absolutely, your audio choices and reviews are very helpful. I can tell we have similar tastes. You’re right up there with Audioholics. I’m thinking about upgrading to Paradigm Founders.

[@madhurshankard]

I was longing for this comparison... I'm trying to decide between Arcam and Anthem... Thanks for posting this video....

[@larsv6144]

If you connect 2 subwoofers to pre-outs of channel 13 and 14, you can use them as dedicated subwoofer connection, and the volume of each subwoofer can be controlled (DIRAC) individually.

[@aspjake123]

The Arcam is huge! Awesome review. Edited: I did purchase the 1140 and had to return it. So many handshake bugs and little annoying quirks all the time was the reason. I really wanted to love it but for a 4k AVR I expect pretty much near perfect, which In my case the Anthem is not ready for prime time. Unfortunately the Arcam is just out of my budget. Would love to have tried it. Now waiting for the Marantz Cinema 40 to come out and will give that a try. Thanks for your review, love your channel!!

[@techjourney5383]

Thanks and sorry that I missed your note but wanted to mention…check out Music Direct if you ever want to give Arcam a try. They often have b stock and open box units with full warranty and a 60 day return window. Good luck on your hunt for the best unit for your needs!

[@jackryder6732]

Get arcam avr850. You won't regret it. Nothing like it

[@Herofmine]

Listened Arcam in showroom, sounded really good! But price was a killer for me so I went with AVM 70 since I already have powerful amp to pair with.. music and details also sound separation is great!

[@wolverine3344]

Truly appreciate your compassion videos and honest feedback. Incredibly helpful.

[@ijhammo]

for anyone landing here who is looking at the MRX1140 - it has 15 channel processing, not 13 as per the video. It also has 11 amplified channels onboard - 5 x class A/B and the rest class D

[@lukedudgeon8699]

Came here looking at these avr's. Now also looking at the av40 along with a pa720. Im in Australia and couldnt find anyone willing to do an in home demo. All return policies are sealed box returns. So, once i commit, thats it. Still hard to know of its going to work with my gear and space, but guess im going to have to bight the bullet and make a choice. Thanks for the videos.

[@normrubio]

I went Anthem because it's a little more lively and warm; a sound less clinical and more my preference. Thx!

[@soniclink8960]

Hello Tech Journey. First of all thank you for posting straightforward observations on these two AVRs. My question given you have tried out both is: Which AVR (ARCAM 20 or Anthem 1140) of the two would you pick for movies on say a 5.1.2 setup in a large? Also was there a reason Rotel wasn't considered? I am currently trying out the ARCAM AVR 20 and it sounds good yet I have 4 ohm speakers to which I am already $$$ committed and I don't know the Arcam is the best long term match.

[@techjourney5383]

I looked at Rotel but it didn’t offer Roon Ready which is important to me. I am even more happy with my Arcam AVR30 now that I have upgraded to KEF Reference 5 and 4C. I am amazed that I am completely happy with how a receiver sounds with the KEF’s for both 2 channel and home theatre but I think it really boils down to equipment matching which requires a lot of trial and error or following people who’s ears you trust who have tried various pairings. Sorry that I can’t be much help as I have only tried the receivers with KEF and old Aperion speakers but I do think the Anthem is a safer bet as mentioned in the video. Good luck!

[@whitecrowuk575]

@@techjourney5383 I have AVR20 with KEF and indeed sounds great when bi-amped matching magic done by likes of Lyngdorf 1120 and even surpassing ever so slightly Arcam SA30. Lately upgrades amps to Purifi and it widened the soundstage even more and gave it even greater dynamics, topped it now with KEF kf92 and all integrates so well it’s absolutely amazing. Give purify a try with your reference 5 which are not easy to drive and require top notch amp - for that price I’m sure you won’t find better one than this.

[@soniclink8960]

Thank you for the reply. I have two other questions if I may. Did you notice any difference in the object sound orientation between the Anthem and the Arcam? You gave the example of 101 Dalmatians for the AVR 30. I’m curious if you had similar experience of sound spatial orientation with the anthem. Second question is more general. In your tech journey did you experience video audio sync issues and have any particular way forward on that?

[@antonioantequeracid6005]

Hello friend we talked in the past when you tested the nad t778 and the denon..then you tested the avr20 which is the one I currently have. I was looking at the mrx740, in power on all 5 channels, do you think anthem is more powerful than the avr20? To what volume did you use to carry the avr20 in movies?

[@michael0791]

If no personal experience what would be your thoughts on pairing either one of these receivers with B & W 702s2 speakers ?

[@AdultDevelopmentInstitute]

The AVR30 and the 702's would sound amazing. I have tested them and the sound is superb.

[@totalplonker824]

Thanks for sharing your experience, it's a pleasure to listen to you talk! In fact I wish your video was a little bit longer, after all considering the journey you've been on to get here, I'm sure your viewers as well as myself wouldn't mind you hearing you rambling on! I have a question for you, mainly because we're unable to view you're listening environment in it's entirety... 'have you got any sort of acoustic treatment'? And if not.. have you ever considered it.

[@techjourney5383]

Thanks for the encouraging words! I have one large artistic acoustic panel from GIK Acoustics to handle an issue with a reflection point. The rest is just furniture and a rug. I am happy with the balance of performance and aesthetics in my room. Thanks again

[@tedross3434]

I had a slightly different experience with the sound signatures. I felt like the anthem was a bit more clinical / possibly technically accurate. But the Arcam was more open, magical. On the Arcam I can hear subtle sounds in the background that the anthem doesn’t bring out. The anthem sounds great at loud volumes with trueHD atmos. The Arcam makes streaming of any lesser number of channels sound just as good. I don’t know what Arcam is doing but their Dolby virtualization is off the charts better than the competition.

[@troder8858]

Nice video and review. Thanks! In the meantime there is the AVR 11 / 21 / 31 series available. I am considering an AVR 11. You mentioned that the AVR 30 is slightly superior compared to the AVR 20 when it comes to sound and details. Do you think that this is because of the stronger amplifiers implemented? I would go for external amplification anyways, that's why I think that the AVR 11 would be sufficient since I dont need so many channels.

[@techjourney5383]

I don’t have any experience with the AVR11 but sounds like that might be the better by for you if you are 100% sure that you will be using external amplification. With that said, I personally would not go below the AVR20 because I would like to have the option to use the internal amps and compare against my external amps but I’m a little crazy that way 😊

[@parkermackenzie9848]

Can you please do a video or comment on how you ended up choosing these two big (apparently REL) subwoofers?

[@techjourney5383]

I definitely plan on it at some point. Have just been super busy with work and general life stuff. I bought two pair of Rel s510’s and am extremely pleased with their performance in two different rooms.

[@jackryder6732]

Good video. I have avr850. Amazing brand, I have connected to Canton. I have heard anthem, but I feel arcam sounds quite different.and its very good. Subjective

[@Laissez_Faire]

Man🤦🏻‍♂️ I got the new Anthem mrx740 to try out and from just trying to connect it to the wifi was a pain. The cec doesn’t work, there’s a fan noise that’s annoying, and the dialogue to me doesn’t sound right compared to the mrx720. Definitely not worth the upgrade. Well, that’s curiosity lol

[@techjourney5383]

Thanks for the feedback as I was thinking about purchasing one for a second home theatre system but guess I’ll stick with Arcam😊

[@francoisbarth9462]

As far the Arcam´s Auro 3D made a difference listening on your Kef Reference set up ?

[@techjourney5383]

Sounds better with some movies but sometimes I like atmos better. Just depends on the mix. I’m glad I have it for the option.

[@obrienmcneil]

I'm looking at an Arcam AV40 right now. I have Monitor Audio Silver towers and matching center. My amp is a Halcro MC70. I'm wondering if you had a chance to listen to any Monitor Audio prior to going with KEF. I Like the R series, but I already have the Monitors. I'm hoping the British designed Arcam + Halcro will work well with the British designed Monitors.

[@techjourney5383]

Hi Greg, thanks for stopping by. Unfortunately I don’t have any experience with Monitor except for a couple of quick demos over the years which I recall being positive. System synergy can be so tricky so I’d recommend purchasing from somewhere that offers a good return policy like Music Direct if you can. The other suggestion will be to try manual calibration (vs Dirac) and even tone controls as I was able to achieve 100% satisfaction with my Arcam by doing so. Lastly, make sure the firmware is up to date because some of the earlier firmware versions were super buggy. Best of luck!

[@SlicedBread1001]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time to post it. I am looking for speakers at the moment for an Arcam AVR30 (well, JBL synthesis SDR-35 which is the same unit different chassis and dac). A quick question. You mentioned you are using Kef r7’s while I’m your ls50 vs r7 video you preferred the ls50. Is there a reason you went back to the r7? Thank you!

[@techjourney5383]

Hi thanks for stopping by. I’m actually using the older R700’s in one system which I prefer more than the R7’s. I’m using reference 5’s with the AVR30 and it’s a great match. I’ll try to post a video when I have some time😊

[@SlicedBread1001]

Thank you, that’s interesting to hear. Your not the first person from what I’ve read to prefer the previous R series line up. Maybe I should wait to see what the next ones are like.

[@SlicedBread1001]

Wow just took a look at those reference 5’s! They’re pretty serious. Can the avr30 drive them well enough alone or do you need a power amplifier?

[@techjourney5383]

The avr 30 drives my Ref 5’s and Ref 4C very well. I have a separate amp for my height channels

[@SlicedBread1001]

Superb. Good to know there are options! Looking forward to your next video 👍

[@jglaserbot]

Just curious why you didn’t try either of the Preamp Processors from Anthem or Arcam seeing how your emphasis is on better audio?

[@techjourney5383]

I have run separates before but I’m looking to simplify the various systems in my home. I have been able to achieve the quality that I was after with the Arcam AVR30. With that said, the Arcam does require a separate amp for some of my Atmos height channels.

[@jglaserbot]

@@techjourney5383 I can appreciate that. I downsized my system and went with an Anthem MRX-720 receiver and I’m using my Anthem MCA 5 from my older system to run my my other speakers.

[@sumitagarwal3788]

@@jglaserbot Hi James , what's the best part of anthem Arc, is it better than dirac

[@francoisbarth9462]

Hello.. you’re running the Arcam30 with Kef Ref 5/4C.. I have Ref 3/4C and wanted to ask whether you’re using external amp’s or can the AVR alone handle these power demanding speakers ? How compared to the Anthem or even to the AVR20 you had before; many thanks…

[@techjourney5383]

AVR30 has plenty of power for my Ref5’s. While Ref 3’d are slightly less efficient, I still think it would do great. Sorry but I got the Ref 5’s after I returned the Anthem and avr20. I highly recommend AVR30 for kef ref speakers. Please report back if you decide to go in that direction so that others can benefit from your experience. Best of luck!

[@francoisbarth9462]

Thanks for reply.. unfortunately now the AVR30/31 price here in Europe is min. 1500E above the Anthem.. I am running a 5.1.4 system and would for the Arcam additionally have to add a 2-channel power amp since only 7 channels are amplified. Hence the 30/31 set exceeds the budget and thinking on AVR20 or Anthem… Have you had a chance to listen to the new Yahama RX-A..? Tks..

[@techjourney5383]

Unfortunately I haven’t heard the Yamaha. They were just about to hit the market when I was making my final decision between the anthem and Arcam. I think others would be interested to hear your experience no matter which way you go so please let us know after you’ve had a chance to test.

[@totalplonker824]

@@francoisbarth9462 just to give you a heads up my friend... if you're setup is a 5.2.4 set-up and you wish to add the arcam avr20 rather than a two channel power amp, I think you'll find you're going to need a 4 channel power amp it's a 7 Channel receiver and you cannot reassign channels! Maybe someone can correct me but I think it's called no multi-channel outs, which basically means if you want to run all four Atmos channels you have to run them all together through a Poweramp! Hope that helps.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Thanks for your video. Always fun to follow your journey. Just curious : have you considered Yamaha's new flagship (RX-A8A) as part of your AVR search? I was hesitating between Anthem and Yamaha for my next receiver...

[@techjourney5383]

Hey Raphael, always great to see you in the comments section and glad you are enjoying the videos. I really wanted to try the Yamaha but timing wasn’t good for me because they were just starting to hit the market when I was zeroing in on my final decision and I really wanted to try to find one unit that sounds great and works great with streaming like Roon. Would love to hear your thoughts when you decide on your next receiver purchase. Thanks for stopping by!

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

Are those the reference floorstanders back there? How do they compare to the Meta/sub combo? TIA!

[@MrPuciek]

What amp or avr would you recommend for B&W 702 s2, htm71 s2, 706 s and subowoofer? I have a Marantz sr7010 and I don't like it at, it sounds too bright to me especially in two channel application.

[@whitecrowuk575]

Try Purify based amp - it’s got high damping so controls LF woofers well

[@failingup4907]

I bought an Arcam AVR11. I returned it. Too many issues. No app, that's a deal breaker for me. It did sound amazing when it worked. I'm testing out a Pioneer 505 & Denon 4800.

[@techjourney5383]

Thanks for providing feedback so that people can make an informed decision before purchasing. I have owned 4, and still own 2 recent Arcam AVR’s and they all require a painful firmware update process to get them to run properly. My AVR30 and AVR10 now run flawlessly. They do have an app but it is only to work functions on the AVR like on/off change input. I use Roon and Spotify to stream so don’t use the app much.

[@failingup4907]

@@techjourney5383 Arcam is for you. They are really nice receivers. I give them a lot of credit for the updated look. If it had the Pioneer's app and reliability, I'd own it. I'm probably keeping the Pioneer. For $1049. You just can't beat it. It hits way above it's price point!

[@kasedogg11]

You mentioned the volume controls in the Spotify app work better on the Arcam. Do you have any issues with the Arcam when you pause it and then press play again in the Spotify app? I sometimes have to switch playback to my computer or phone and then back to the Arcam to get it to play again. By the way, the volume controls are working fine on the Anthem MRX 740 I am testing out right now and it seems to work better with the Spotify app as far as pausing and restarting or changing songs without interruption.

[@techjourney5383]

Not unless I pause Spotify for a long period of time (>10mins?) it will time out and then I have to reconnect but I think that happens with most of my Spotify connect enabled devices. Has not been an issue for me at all. Thanks for the feedback about the Anthem. I’m thinking about picking one up for another system at home.

[@kasedogg11]

@@techjourney5383 I just got the Anthem so I am still testing it out. I have noticed that on the Anthem the volume changes in 1 dB increments using the Spotify app if I am above -35 (ie -34), but if I am below -35 (ie -36) then it changes the volume in 2 dB increments. Also if you change the volume using the phone but outside of the app, like you said, it jumps up in much larger increments but I think the Arcam did that also. The Anthem was doing something weird with the volume last night where I would try to increase the volume in the Spotify app or with the receiver remote, it would move the volume back down automatically. It is not doing that today though. Also I have noticed that the Anthem does not change inputs automatically when I for example wake the Apple TV using its remote which the Arcam did do. I do have CEC enabled on the Anthem. Also I could not get the Anthem to switch to the Apple TV without turning the receiver off and back on.

[@techjourney5383]

Thanks again for the feedback as it could help others that are looking at these units. Which Arcam do you have? Mine has worked great with the hardware volume keys on multiple household iPhones. Also good to know that the Anthem is still having issues with device switching. That was a major frustration for me. One suggestion…I had to update the firmware on every Arcam unit that I have purchased which resolved a lot of issues for me.

[@kasedogg11]

@@techjourney5383 I have the AVR10 and it came with the latest firmware which is 1.54. I did update the Anthem to its latest firmware before using it.

[@rayking507]

Hi there, could you give us a bit more detail on how both these machines sound for movie watching. I can’t make up my mind on Arcam Avr 20 or Anthem Mrx 740. I am assuming sound characteristics between 740 and 1140 being very similar if not the same. I am after the ultimate detail in sound quality for movies.

[@techjourney5383]

Can you purchase from retailers that have good return policies? If you are in the US, check out Crutchfield and Music Direct. That way you can try and then keep the one you like best.

[@kkxs6705]

如果您选好了并且都试听后请告诉我你的答案

[@kevinhoronzy6011]

Which one has better object placement in atmos?

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

Its always a trade off. Neutrality vs Tonality. Features vs Implementation. That said, since 50% of the sound is dictated by the room, do you have any plans to address that issue in your music room?

[@techjourney5383]

Thanks for comments and totally agree on the importance of getting the room right. I’m really pleased with my systems right now, but do have plans to improve the room over time. Thanks again!

[@JJJ-dz1he]

Hi sir I' m just surprised to ear that you have tested too the SR8015 and do not keep it compares to all others brands because to me it is way more musical than all mentioned brands...Arcam included... Anyway to each theirs ears 😉 I've got the T778 also but do not like it at all musically speaking...I do not heard the SR 20/30 to give an honest opinion but already heard the previous AVR850 range that I didnot appreciate at all (lack of life and annoying sound restitution...)

[@techjourney5383]

Thanks for the feedback and like you said it is up to personal taste and equipment matching. I just didn’t like the SR8015 but can understand why others do.

[@mauranomanon1974]

Arcam all the way!!! Nice review 👍

[@Novilicious]

Ok, you haven’t talked about your REL S510’s. Don’t hold out on us, tell us why you picked those. And tell us why those are better than t9x’s or any other subs.

[@techjourney5383]

Sorry have been crazy busy at work but I do plan on it

[@kennethdillon1168]

Great videos. Now you have had the AVR30 for a while, how do you feel about it?

[@techjourney5383]

Thanks! Even more pleased now that I have paired with KEF Reference 5’s and a 4C. Really great sounding setup and first time that I have been satisfied with not having to add separate components with “home theatre bypass” features for 2 channel listening. It has been very reliable as well. I no longer get the frustrated calls from my wife and kids when they just want to turn on the tv or listen to music. Highly recommended as long as you have speakers that match up well sonically.

[@BoBxPaiN]

Do you think the arcam is a good match with focal aria speakers ?

[@techjourney5383]

Sorry but I don’t have any experience with Focal speakers.

[@megacontroller2637]

What about the fan in your Anthem unit? Is it noisy ? As you say in the video, some users reported that but I didn't understand if they got a new unit or they changed brand.

[@techjourney5383]

Hi no fan issues for me but not sure if that is because I had it in an enclosed cabinet? The Anthem is a great unit so I wouldn’t be afraid to give it a shot even though I decided to stick with the Arcam. Good luck!

[@megacontroller2637]

@@techjourney5383 I bought an MRX740 last september. A very bad unit. Hum in the main amplified outputs; Hum in surround amplified and preout outputs when voltage decreased under 215V; A distorted sound very udible when listening to heavy metal. With those problems the noise of the fan was the less. Sent to the national dealer twice to check the problems, they returned to me saying the unit was OK. Then the seller accepted to test the unit too and finally they heard the hum. 6 months to demonstrate what I heard and have money back. I don't think I'll be so brave to buy another Anthem. I should write to Anthem and relate about my odissey.

[@techjourney5383]

Sorry to hear about your trouble! I didn’t have any of those issues but was not at all impressed with Anthem support when I needed to contact them about streaming.

[@tedh1979]

@techjourney5383 I have some very important questions on this video. Both companies do a poor job of advertising and there’s not much on KZbin about them either. I have the chance to buy both of these models for the same price. Based on that what would your pick be? I know that the ARCAM AVR30 uses all class G amplifiers. Anthem MRX1140 uses AB for fronts and center and D for the surrounds. The Anthem has the ability to upgrade it to 8K/4K 120 for $450. My TV is 4K 120. My speakers are B&W 702 S2 and I usually run them on an Emotiva external amp. Sub is a SVS PB-16 Ultra. Anthem is 11 channel VS Arcam 9 channels. Are the front channels assignable? The ARCAM looks to be twice the size and more attractive. Does the ARCAM screen show color artwork? The Anthem screen is tiny with a huge bezel. Have you encountered bugs with the ARCAM? Does ARCAM come with full Dirac Live for free? Mic included? I do prefer a warmer sound but I don’t prefer tons of bugs. Very curious how and what the Arcam screen does. Sorry for all the questions but it’s a big purchase for me. Does the ARCAM have a GUI? Anthem doesn’t. For the same price based on my setup and needs, which would you pick? Thanks for the help. I subscribed. ❤

[@kkxs6705]

免费的dirac live 全频段，在这个时感受dirac可以说是一种潮流。B&W对于功放要求其实比较高。如果电流太小就无法得到丰满的中低频。dirac会增加中低频的速度但是对于B&W来说可能需要单独的后级才能发挥他们。所以你需要考虑前后级的搭配

[@briancampbell7712]

This video was a while back...now seems you must miss the sound quality of the Anthem, because I see you now have the Anthem AVM 70 ?? ...guess the bugs are getting fixed and you don't mind

[@techjourney5383]

Hi, not sure what gave you the impression that I have an AVM70? I do not and am still very happy with my Arcam AVR30.

[@briancampbell7712]

sorry...had you confused with another...so it seems you prefer the Arcam over the Anthem... I am looking to replace my Marantz model 40n for my 2.1 ...wanting to do 2.2 later...I don't need all the channels for mucho surround setup...I'm so confused watching so many reviews...not any good 2 channel setups with hdmi arc...I am able to stream my tv, movies , tidal and apple from Android TV box and airplay from iPhone...so I don't need a streamer... my LG Oled has optical and HDMI eArc...I like the sound of the new hybrid Vincent SV-737 however there is no HDMI eArc, only optical...if you understand and have some advice...much appreciation ! There's probably a million people just like me not needing all the channels of the AVM and AVR's but they have the HDMI's that we need🤪

[@yeah_buddy_1994]

hey, can you please help me decide: Onkyo TX-RZ50 1600€ Anthem MRX 740 3500€ Arcam AVR20 2800€ My speakers are Monitor Audio Bronze series and usage is 80-90% movies, series and games. Want the best and also being worth the price

[@techjourney5383]

I don’t have any experience with the Monitor Audio or Onkyo but would choose Arcam if you can find somewhere with a good return policy. If you find it to be a good match then it would be a keeper and if not, then I would return and buy the Anthem.

[@danracariu4833]

Which one does a better job for 2 channels? Thanks

[@techjourney5383]

Arcam sounds a little better for 2 channel to my ears.

[@jasonme3557]

The arcam is the most musical.

[@gamingingalaxy4011]

Whats your opinion about sr8015 for movies ?

[@techjourney5383]

Really good for movies as long as you don’t experience any HDMI handshake issues.

[@michael0791]

I run the SR8015 w B&W . 5.1.2 Sounds really good for movies. Handles atmos good as well. With the warmth and musicality of Marantz the music in the movies always stands out abd just adds to the experience. I'm sure with the 8805 , Anthem , Arcam , or Mcintosh it would be better but im very please with what the 8015 delivers.

[@whitecrowuk575]

Today let’s be good to dad - let’s praise his audio setup haha I can imagine

[@theoracleprodigy]

Have an arcam 20 and bought an anthem 70. I think maybe I had a bad arcam unit. It was always a little out of phase. No matter what I tried it wasn't right. Completely lost the dialogue on movies. The anthem is amazing for dialog and music.

[@techjourney5383]

I too recently had a bad experience with a used Arcam PA240 that I bought through eBay where it also sounded out of phase so I returned it. Haven’t had any other issues with the 5 or 6 other Arcam units that I’ve owned over the years though including an AVR20 and AVR30.

[@theoracleprodigy]

@@techjourney5383 actually sent mine back to best buy to get it serviced. Then it's going on ebay. It wasn't a horrid sounding, but was out of phase enough to affect dialog.

[@truwarrior22]

@@techjourney5383Out of phase as if vocals sound like they came from the sides instead of center?

[@thomashull7169]

every time i have asked to demo a arcam in store they have always over heated and shut down

[@techjourney5383]

Interesting. I have owned 5 Arcam amps and have never had that type of issue. They offer great value and service in the US based on my experience.

[@antonioantequeracid6005]

Which one did you end up with?

[@techjourney5383]

Arcam AVR30

[@antonioantequeracid6005]

@@techjourney5383 You have not been able to test the yamaha A8a they say it sounds better than the avr30.

[@techjourney5383]

I’m extremely happy with the Arcam but thanks for the feedback!

[@antonioantequeracid6005]

@@techjourney5383 Hello, do you think there is a difference in sound quality between the avr20 and the avr30? And in power is it noticeable? thaks

[@techjourney5383]

Hi, I think I mentioned in one of my videos that the improvement is about 10-15% with the AVR30 but now that I’ve upgraded to KEF Reference speakers I’d revise that estimate to about 20% better. The AVR30 is a fantastic match with the Ref 5’s and 4C.

[@nespressoman]

Arcam AVRs go wrong too often. I would avoid their products.

[@techjourney5383]

I’ve had AVR20 and now AVR30. Tons of bugs when they were first released but the latest two firmware versions have been bullet proof for me.

[@nespressoman]

@@techjourney5383 That’s good to know. Try turning the amp off at the front and turn it back on. Have your speaker levels reset themselves? Also, play some music through any digital input. Does the AVR latch on to the song quick enough?

[@failingup4907]

​@@nespressomanI had an AVR 11. I'm sitting there watching TV and it just switched to Bluetooth by itself. I had to do a reset 4 times, it kept dropping sound. Internet connection kept dropping. No App. Took it back. Yes, it had the latest firmware update. I'm leaning towards keeping the Pioneer 505. Works flawlessly and has an amazing app.

[@nespressoman]

@@failingup4907It’s not good enough for the price they charge. Are you in the UK? Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you are covered for six years.