Arcam vs. B&K

If music is really important to you then I would definitely recommend the Arcam. I have the AVR300 and love it (using it with Nola speakers). I prefer it with an aftermarket power cord, which doesn't have to be an expensive noe BTW.

I've had a couple B&K amps and listened to their receivers. B&K do make a very nice product.

But for me, the transparency, body, dynamics and overall sophistication of the Arcams are great not just for movies but also for music - and much closer to the sonics I'm used to with my high end audio system. I don't want to give those virtues up in my second/HT system. I want it all, sound quality and convenience, and that's why I'm a big fan of the Arcam receivers.

Depends on what your priorites are. If music is more important I would recommend the Arcam, but if HT is more important I would probably get the B&K.

Overall I would recommend the Arcam. Features, looks, music performance, resale, etc.

I have the Arcam AVR350 and can tell you the sound reproduction is stunning. It is feeding a pair of maggies (1.6QRs)and is truely the most musical receiver I have ever heard even with mediocre sources. Add a quailty source and is pure magic.

Have you looked at the Rotel RSX 1067? Does not have HDMI capability if you are looking for that, but it has a great amplifier; provides that punch when you really need it, and on 2 channel listening, the amplifier is definitely audiophile quality.

IMO the Rotel is not in the same class as the Arcams.