Arcam has confirmed that it's launching a stripped down version of its highly-regarded AVR600 receiver. The new AVR500 model maintains the build quality and audio processing of its high-end predecessor but drops some functionality. Principally, the network card for internet radio, streaming and IP control capability has been removed, along with a number of legacy video and audio outputs and multi-room connections.
The orginal AVR600 was developed in the UK over three years, and in many ways represents a rebirth for the Cambridge-based company. This '600' platform has already given rise to the uprated AV888 pre-amp processor. Now Arcam says the more affordable model will 'set new world standards for audio quality in its price range.'
Beneath the hood is a seven-channel amplifier rated at 100 watts. The feature set includes Dolby Volume, AM/FM tuner and decoding for all hi-rez audio formats. Available in silver or black, it's expected to sell for £2,500. However, there's still no sighting of the brand's long-awaited Blu-ray player debut, which remains the missing component in Arcam's HD audio jigsaw. More news as we get it.
Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited
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In the latest Home Cinema Choice:
I wouldn't call this
JG (not verified) - 22 September 2009 - 8:11amI wouldn't call this affordable. If the price was somewhere between £1500 and £1800 then it might be worthy of the affordable tag in my view!
disappointed
mark dix (not verified) - 22 September 2009 - 9:55amtwo and a half k and it still does not have pre out???? come on arcam you've made a huge mistake with this.
i'm a big fan and i can see lots of people just turning their backs on this stunning english brand because they have priced themselves out of their core market.
Noted the apostrophes!
Home Cinema Buyer (not verified) - 22 September 2009 - 11:04am@JG I think Home Cinema Choice recognised the statement was a slight oxymoron by the use of apostrophes around the word affordable!
It looks fab though and I'm sure it is splendid value for money, but it is out of reach of most home cinema fans which is a shame, because we'd all like to support British companies in these difficult times.
Agreed that HCC think the
JG (not verified) - 22 September 2009 - 4:21pmAgreed that HCC think the same about this statement as well, I should have made it clearer that I was aiming my comment at Arcam.
When I saw the headlines I was excited about a cut down version of the AVR600 and was hopeful that it would be in my price range, but sadly not.
Indeed no pre-outs is shamefull
Melodicus (not verified) - 25 December 2009 - 10:33amI wrote to Mr. John Dawson suggesting pre-outs only for the front channel, by reassigning "some unused" connectors. It is used when you heve another Stereo Amp (like an A32) to have pure stereo and no double wires to speakers. The AVR300 can do that.