The Acrcam AVR300 is rather special, providing genuinely high end sound for both music & movies. I haven't heard every receiver in the marketplace, but I suspect you would have to spend literally thousands more $$$ to significantly better it.
I was originally committed to separates - I've had nothing but separates in my 2 channel high end stereo system for ages and I've been dissatisfied with several moderate to expensive HT receivers for one reason or another. But my local dealer talked me into an audition of the Arcam, and all I can say is...no brainer. I can easily see this piece staying in our HT rig forever...well...at least for a very long time ;-).
You could do much worse than the Rotel, the Nad or the Outlaw, and the Outlaw is a bargain. I have nothing but respect for B&K and Anthem. But the Arcam is in a whole 'nother league as far as sound quality and usefulness.
I didn't expect to get this good a performance from a receiver. I actually can't believe I'm buying a *receiver* and happy about it, but the AVR300 is that good.
Jeez...I'm even looking forward to *music* in surround. (NEVER thought I'd say that.)
I was originally committed to separates - I've had nothing but separates in my 2 channel high end stereo system for ages and I've been dissatisfied with several moderate to expensive HT receivers for one reason or another. But my local dealer talked me into an audition of the Arcam, and all I can say is...no brainer. I can easily see this piece staying in our HT rig forever...well...at least for a very long time ;-).
You could do much worse than the Rotel, the Nad or the Outlaw, and the Outlaw is a bargain. I have nothing but respect for B&K and Anthem. But the Arcam is in a whole 'nother league as far as sound quality and usefulness.
I didn't expect to get this good a performance from a receiver. I actually can't believe I'm buying a *receiver* and happy about it, but the AVR300 is that good.
Jeez...I'm even looking forward to *music* in surround. (NEVER thought I'd say that.)