Arcam FMJ AV8 AV Preamp Reviewed
HTR Product Rating
- Performance
- Value
- Overall
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The setup menu was relatively straightforward, and speakers were calibrated using my Radio Shack sound meter. A word on the manual is necessary: it is easy to read and does not overly tax your technical knowledge. This is only the second processor manual that I have read that didn't immediately put me to sleep.
The Arcam has assignable digital inputs, as well as assignable names to different sources. It has all the necessary surround modes -- DD EX, DTS-ES, Neo:6, Pro Logic II, and a 7.l Matrix mode. The crossover frequency can be set from 40 to 150Hz for bass management.
Final Take
The Arcam follows my personal design idiom for a processor -- get the
basic analog sound right first, then mate it with a good digital front
end. The AV8 sounds clean, open, and distinctly English (a very good
thing). This means that it is not only transparent, but it has the
ability to be smooth, clear and resolve very minute details. These are
the details that make listening a joy and movie watching even more
realistic. Since most digital front ends today are very good at
handling Dolby Digital and DTS, the real difference between processor
sound comes down to the analog stage. When this is implemented well,
everything sounds good.
When playing analog sources, the Arcam functions very well -- almost as
well as my reference Krell HTS 7.1, a processor nearly double the
price. Although not quite as resolving in high end detail as the Krell
(a good thing in some people's book), it still is open, detailed and
dynamic. The midrange is smooth and neutral, while bass extension is
excellent.
More of the same came from hooking up my Marantz DV-8400 for the 7.1
inputs for SACD and DVD-Audio playback. The analog stage once again
provided clear, detailed, transparent sound, allowing the high
resolution goodness of these formats to shine through.
Movies, as I mentioned before, sound very, very good indeed. The
digital front end is excellent, as good as I have heard, but the analog
stage is what really makes the sound come alive. It provides a clarity
that allows you to almost reach out and touch the characters as the
movie seems to be taking place right in your theater room. It is this
integrated, open, detailed sound that makes for good movie processing.
I really didn't have any glitches with this processor, a testament to the thorough engineering at Arcam.
The AV8 has excellent sound, very good ergonomic design, clean good looks, and a decent remote. All of these attributes definitely make this processor a good choice. The only real downside is the lack of balanced outputs (and inputs) and this is what prevents me from giving this processor a slightly higher score which would net it a "Top Choice" award. In this market, I have grown accustomed to expecting these at this price point, and as long as you don't mind their absence, then the Arcam is definitely a serious contender for your dollar.
Additional Resources
• Read more preamplifier reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com
• Find a receiver to connect with the FMJ AV8.
Arcam FMJ AV8 Surround Sound Processor
THX Ultra 2 Certified
24-bit/192kHz D/A Converts
Video Inputs: (5) sets of S-Video, composite,
and 2-channel audio; (3) sets of component,
S-Video, composite, and 2-channel audio
Digital Audio Inputs: (4) digital coaxial,
(2) TosLink optical
RS-232, 12V triggers
Dolby Pro Logic II, DD, DD EX, DTS 5.1, DTS-ES, 7.1 Matrix Music Mode, DTS Neo:6
Signal/Noise Ratio: >100 dB analog; >98 dB digital
Dimensions: 19" x 6 1/2" x 14"
MSRP: $4,995
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