Main Interest Music - Sound quality AVP700 vc AVR-350

dtb300 · 27-03-2007, 3:37 PM

I posted this same question over in the Arcam owners forum, but did not get many replies.

I do not need the amplification part of the 350 as I pre-out to dedicated power amps. So I am wondering if anyone here can comment on the sound quality (yes I know this is very subjective) of the 700 vs the 350. Both are priced around the same, and with my main criteria being music first, then movies second, which would you consider to be a better option?

Again, MCH Music playback is my main concern between the two pieces. I do not use my current processor, Yamaha, for 2 Ch music playback. It is only used for MCH Music and Movies.

If the sound quality of the 350 is so much better than the 700, then that would be my first choice. But again I interested in opinions of others.

Also my Arcam Stereo Shop currently only has the AVR's to listen to and not an AVP, so comparisons there is not possible at this time.

Dan

bolts · 28-03-2007, 5:03 PM

Hi Dan,
If you are happy with you AV amp why not add a stereo amp instead of buying another AV one?

I have had a demo of the AVR350 and I own the AVP700 but as you say it is hard to compare when most dealers don't stock both. The demo I had was for speakers and the 350 was the nearest thing in stock at dealers.
I think it is unlikely that the "350 is so much better than the 700"

markusp · 29-03-2007, 2:35 PM

From my brief experience, they sound virtually identical, since both are based primarily on the same exact platform. Go with the cheapest deal and enjoy.

dtb300 · 29-03-2007, 5:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markusp

From my brief experience, they sound virtually identical, since both are based primarily on the same exact platform. Go with the cheapest deal and enjoy.

That was my thought, that the 700 was based on the 300 and/or 350 circuitry without the amplification. If I could just listen to the two of them, I would not need to ask this question here.

While my current AV Receiver is working, I want to see if there is something better for MCH Music playback. I have no issues with Movies and the Yamaha. I may find out that the Pre-Out of the Yamaha is not that bad for music, or not worth the $2k upgrade price. But again I need to compare.

Thanks,
Dan