Arcam AVR390 / AVR550 / AVR850 including Dirac Live®

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The Arcam remote does have an odd characteristic. You need to press the amp button, then the remote will control the amp.

If you press one of the inputs, the buttons then control the source device, until you press amp again.


Yes that does take some getting used to
 
"Odd" characterizes the entire setup/control. Didn't the guys know they need to write the manual themselves, rather than having their customers figure things out? But damn it sounds good. One more question then I'm closing down for the night: how to get out of menu?
Going from memory here but I’m sure you just press menu again.
 
"Odd" characterizes the entire setup/control. Didn't the guys know they need to write the manual themselves, rather than having their customers figure things out? But damn it sounds good. One more question then I'm closing down for the night: how to get out of menu?

To be fair Arcam do provide a very good printed manual, thats a full manual not a "quick set up guide" printed on a single sheet right inside the box. Written in english not a poor translation from another language.
 
As the AVR850 is getting on a bit now does anyone know when it might be updated to a new model, last time I bought the AVR750 they released the 850 shortly afterwards and I don't want to make the same mistake buying an 850 to find out the 950 or whatever they will call it is released a few months later.
 
As the AVR850 is getting on a bit now does anyone know when it might be updated to a new model, last time I bought the AVR750 they released the 850 shortly afterwards and I don't want to make the same mistake buying an 850 to find out the 950 or whatever they will call it is released a few months later.
Already have:

 
Thanks Joe, AVR850 still looks like the current model on Arcams website?
 
I think it's been a number of years since Arcam dropped "Can only be purchased direct from authorised dealers"

This is what they have on their site now.
View attachment 1248852
"Specialist Dealer" - Amazon? I'll give them a call later & see if I can arrange a demo... :)
Thanks Joe, AVR850 still looks like the current model on Arcams website?
The range name has changed to HDA. I can only assume the FMJs are still listed as current in order to not hurt the clearance of old stock too much. Which with the like of Amazon now involved I'm guessing are substantial.
 
"Odd" characterizes the entire setup/control. Didn't the guys know they need to write the manual themselves, rather than having their customers figure things out? But damn it sounds good. One more question then I'm closing down for the night: how to get out of menu?

I've posted this before , having to press the amp button is not unique to Arcam as I had a Pioneer reciever with exactly the same function where you had to keep presing the 'AMP' button.
To exit the menu just press menu button again.
 
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I've downloaded the latest version of Dirac (2.3) but get the following message when trying to install it on my iMAC.
Anyone else have the same problem?
Image 24-01-2020 at 19.38.jpeg
 
Arcam confirmed today that there will be a "Final" update for the FMJ range but still no set date for release.
Gary
 
I've downloaded the latest version of Dirac (2.3) but get the following message when trying to install it on my iMAC.
Anyone else have the same problem?
View attachment 1249273

You can try the following...
1) In system preferences/ security check off radio button for download Apps from App store only (versus Apple store and authorized developers)
2) Try to download Dirac.
3) You will get "This app was not downloaded from App store" plus a choice "open anyway" and some Agree dialog screens
4) Open anyway & agree and open the Dirac App
 
You can try the following...
1) In system preferences/ security check off radio button for download Apps from App store only (versus Apple store and authorized developers)
2) Try to download Dirac.
3) You will get "This app was not downloaded from App store" plus a choice "open anyway" and some Agree dialog screens
4) Open anyway & agree and open the Dirac App
Thank you, that worked a treat. Strange it’s never happened before. I’ve had the message at 3) on many occasions. Maybe the latest beta of MacOS has changed something.
 
Having just acquired a clearance 850, I've also just managed to grab a P429 at a heavily discounted ex-demo price.

Not quite ready to rip open the ceiling yet to install in-ceiling Atmos but will do later this year and didn't want to risk not finding one nearer the time, so after a quick test will out it into storage.
Probably has made my decision to hold off any HDA range purchase for some considerable time now a bit easier and will stick with FMJ line as the combo has set me back £3400 and I'm happy with that.
 
Great news in regard to the freezing/hanging issue when using the Dirac target editor after working with Dirac support we have be able to resolve the issue.

This fix will hopefully be pushed with the release of version 2.3.1
 
Az Arcam av860 bass management not good! Test 40hz 60hz and 110hz crossover!
LFE why it changes?

LFE rew diagram:
40vs80vs110hz.JPG
 
Just now unpacked Arcam AVR850. Somehow can not see DAB/FM ariel How does it look? Is it useful. There is a pile of wire along with a round equipment, a search of image suggests its a mic.
 
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Just ? Had my 850 set up Dirac live,on the,speaker levels,all my speakers are set +9.0 dB and one + 8.5.db,on a video i saw on you tube,the said he reset all his back to 0 dB.
Just wondering if anybody done this,or just used the levels that Dirac live set ?

Thanks :)
 
Just ? Had my 850 set up Dirac live,on the,speaker levels,all my speakers are set +9.0 dB and one + 8.5.db,on a video i saw on you tube,the said he reset all his back to 0 dB.
Just wondering if anybody done this,or just used the levels that Dirac live set ?

Thanks :)

Those levels are normal. Arcam do it this way so as to equalise the levels between Dirac On and Off. Whoever said reset them them back to 0 dB does not know what they are doing.
 
Thanks Steve :)

FWIW, my LCR are set at 7.5, 10.0 and 7.5 dB by Dirac. When I measure them using a calibration disc, the sound levels are roughly equal to those with Dirac Off, where they measure 2.5, 5.0 and 2.5 dB to get to 75 dB sound levels. Hope this makes sense.
 
Just now unpacked Arcam AVR850. Somehow can not see DAB/FM ariel How does it look? Is it useful. There is a pile of wire along with a round equipment, a search of image suggests its a mic.

See page E13 of the user manual for a pic of the aerial
 
Hi guys.
Was discussing with my friend that has a pair of MA PL200, Plc350, MA FX Gold and 2 DIY 15"subs if the Arcam avr850/860 would be a good choice for him as he wants the best possible sounding amp, dirac live and of course to not break the bank.

Our initial discussion was to bi-amp the PL200 and use the remainder channels for a pure 5.1 setup.

What are your thoughts or advice?

Best
George
 
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