Which to buy Arcam AVR280 OR YAMAHA DSPAX763

[gnmilne]

Would appreciate any advise on which to buy, I will be watching films, listening to some music and playing xbox with Kef speakers. I can’t believe the Arcam at £400 is not the best deal but I can be corrected. Denon 1909 was also in the running.

[RobertPaulson]

What Kef speakers? The Arcam will sound far superior musically, but has no HD sound decoding and does not take sound through HDMI. It really depends on what your priorities are and what features you are looking for in the Receiver.

[Badger0-0]

If you don't want HD audio, I'd take the Arcam.

[gnmilne]

Thanks for the replies so far, speakers I have, Kef Concerto fronts, Kef IQ2C, IQ1 rear and Rel Storm 111 active sub. Mainly be using the system for films and gaming but occasional music.

[Badger0-0]

Ah, that's a different kettle of chips and not what I (or RobertPaulson, I bet) suspected.

Still has to be the Arcam for me

[Tetlee]

I had this very same decission recently(aswell as considering the Denon 1909 and the Onkyo 606). Went for the Arcam in the end as I think for movies & music it still sounds like the best bet, is a bargain at todays price that's for sure.

BTW, if you do go for the Arcam, HiFix is the cheapest(spent a day searching the web) at £380 delivered, they give a 3 year warrenty on it too Only ordered mine the day before yesterday so can't comment on their service, but did google for others that had and read plenty of praises for the site.

[gnmilne]

Thanks again for the adice. The Arcam doesn't seem to be the most recommended or discussed AVR on this Forum but it looks like this is the one I will go for. Hope it turns out to be the correct choice. Any Arcam owners got any comments on performance of this unit ?

[Badger0-0]

The Arcam doesn't seem to be the most recommended or discussed AVR on this Forum

Probably because of this one;

Arcam Owners' Forum - AVForums.com

[Davieboy00]

Originally Posted by gnmilne

Any Arcam owners got any comments on performance of this unit ?

As an owner of several pieces of Arcam kit over a number of years I am more than happy and have stuck with the brand through many many upgrades.
As a non HD reciever the Arcams are cracking pieces of kit. I paid full price of £1500 for my AVR350 and even though prices have dropped vastly over the last few months I have never regretted it.
As Badger 0-0 has said , check out the Arcam owners' forum - plenty of happy customers there.

[PSM1]

Depending on your budget you can get the avr350 for £500 and it sounds amasing. If you want hd sound then can get blu ray player to decode and input into the 350 via the direct inputs. I have not listened to the one you are looking at but it is only half as good as the 350 then will sound great.

[kidloco46]

I had the same budget just before christmas. went for the AVR280 in the end as I wanted a capable amp for music as well.

Had it a couple of weeks now, great amp. it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Yamaha but it does sound fantastic. and it surprisingly good with music. I have my GS10s bi-amped and it drives them really well.

[eaglemmoomin]

Witrh those speakers at the front the Yam will be seriously outclassed buy the Arcam. If you can get a 350 get that as the price diff now probably is'nt all that.

I've listened to both and there is'nt any real difference in the tonal quality or clarity of the sound between the two until you really start cranking it. The 350 has more power so will have an easier time driving speakers not that the 280 is a wimp in any way shape or form, unless of course you have a huge room or listen at ear bleeding levels the lack of extra oomph won't be too noticable. The 350 does have pre-outs though which the 280 does lack so the 350 will let you add different power amps for your channels if you so desire.

[bmkev]

Have a look at my kit below mate.

I've had the 280 for around 6 weeks and in my opinion it sounds better a nd better every time I use it.

Get the Arcam!!

[gnmilne]

Many thanks to all that have replied and given valued opinions, the Arcam 280 in black looks like it will be purchased this weekend for £399 unless I find a cheap Arcam 350 while checking for a better deal.

Thanks again.

gnmilne