[davisa]

So, four years later how is everyone getting on with their AVR-280's? Still doing the business or moved on to something else?

I still have (and love) the AVR280. Recently upgraded my front speakers from AE 109's to AE Radiance 1's which has breathed a whole new lease of life into the old Arcam.

I do *slightly* regret not going for the 350, because of the pre-amp outs, but the price difference at the time was just too much.

I have also had to go fully HDMI, so now use an Octava HDMI matrix (which is OK, but very overpriced for what it is) to do all the switching. I stand by what I said about component being a far more customer friendly format though!

Nothing in the current Arcam range, at the price really does it for me so if I was to 'upgrade' I'd be looking at the likes of Anthem.

But for now, the Arcam still sounds wonderful

[neo_2009]

I've bought an 350 18 months ago, originally i had it with a BK XLS200, and monitor audio RS1.
Recently i've upgraded to a pair of XTZ99.26 mkI.

Movies using the DTS core at 1.5mb are fantastic, very musical, with good instrument separation and clarity.
I use the XTZ jumpers to enable the +3db lift on films, it gives an edge in the high frequencies that is very suitable to movie sounds.
I hope it still lasts several years, as i dont have any need to move to HD.

Although if i could get my hands on a denon bdp 3800, i would really like to ear how the new HD formats sound on the arcam

[micromoose]

I've been reading this thread with interest as I'm thinking about an AVR300 or 350 (plus a couple from Onkyo and Yamaha). I want an amp with front pre outs to pass on to my A18/P90 combo. The 280 therefore isn't any use to me.

I'm very encouraged by the comments on the 300/350 and look forward to hearing peoples feelings 4 years on. Have things moved a long way forward? i.e. would a newer Onk or Yam do the business any better? I'm not after cutting edge performance just something quality that will keep me entertained for a good few years.

[larkone]

Go for the 350 - love mine. Not heard anything that I could afford that comes close to it for music.

[eaglemmoomin]

I actually got fed up with only being able to use MCH for HD audio as I had a couple pieces of kit that supported it (that number has only grown). So I decided that I did want that 7 channel power amp and HDMI after all. So I went processor and poweramp. The Arcam was and still is a great amp though. All that said it's replacement is more flexible and sounds as good with music if not a bit more powerful and clean and films are a lot more dynamic.

Has anyone compared the newer 360 and 400 against the older models? I think the US doesn't get the 360 but gets a 380 instead. Nope US gets the 360 also.

[neo_2009]

Originally Posted by neo_2009

Although if i could get my hands on a denon bdp 3800, i would really like to ear how the new HD formats sound on the arcam

Well, i managed to get my hands on a Denon 4010, and the results were a bit unexpected: Arcam (350) + Denon 4010 (DTD-HD) vs Arcam alone(DTS)

Now I'm trying to find a P85/90 to join the 350

[JUST ROCK]

I have the new ARCAM 360 Receiver and it is Great with Music from my WAV files. Movies sound Great too in HD lots of detail.

[andreas359]

Thinking about upgrading my speakers from Paradigm Studio 20's to Elac BS 243's, Kef LS150, or maybe something from the Totem or PMC lineup.

Anyways, a quality receiver that sounds/looks great.