Introduction
Looking for a high-end AV receiver but unsure whether to go with the Arcam HDA or FMJ series? To assist you in making an informed decision, our blog post compares the two, covering everything from sound quality to room correction technology. Find out which Arcam receiver is best for you. A home theatre system would be incomplete without an AV receiver. They function as the central hub that connects all of the audio and visual components of a home theatre system and provides the processing needed to create a fully immersive experience. AV receivers are becoming more sophisticated, with advanced features, connectivity options, and improved sound quality.
Table of Contents
The goal of this article is to compare two popular AV receiver models, the Arcam HDA and FMJ, in order to help readers make an informed decision when selecting the best one for their home theatre system.
Arcam HDA AV Receiver Specifications
The Arcam HDA AV Receiver is a high-performance AV receiver aimed at audiophiles. This model is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and includes a number of advanced features that are intended to improve the overall experience.
Key characteristics include:
7 amplification channels, each rated at 125 watts per channel
Compatibility with 4K Ultra HD, HDR, and Dolby Vision
Dirac Live provides advanced room correction.
Customizable user interface with a simple setup wizard
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity are all available.
Pro:
High-quality audio with strong amplification
Advanced room correction to improve the sound in any space
Customizable user interface that is simple to set up and use
Cons:
Priced higher in comparison to other models in its class
There are only a few HDMI inputs.
Arcam FMJ AV Receiver Specifications
The Arcam FMJ AV Receiver is a high-end AV receiver designed for those who demand the best in terms of sound and performance. This model is constructed with audiophile-grade components and includes a number of advanced features that produce exceptional sound quality.
Key characteristics include:
7 amplification channels, each rated at 200 watts per channel
Compatibility with 4K Ultra HD, HDR, and Dolby Vision
Dirac Live provides advanced room correction.
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity are all available.
Pro:
High-quality audio with strong amplification
Advanced room correction to improve the sound in any space
Various connectivity options to meet a variety of requirements
Cons:
Priced higher in comparison to other models in its class
There are only a few HDMI inputs.
Arcam HDA AV Receiver
The Arcam HDA (High Definition Audio) AV Receiver is a high-end home theatre receiver for audiophiles who demand the best sound quality. This receiver delivers a high-performance audio and video experience, with a variety of features to meet a variety of needs and preferences.
Key characteristics include:
12 Channel Surround Sound: The Arcam HDA AV Receiver delivers a true 12 surround sound experience with seven amplifier channels, delivering clear and powerful audio to all areas of the room.
Support for High-Resolution Audio Formats: The receiver supports high-resolution audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. This means you can listen to music, watch movies, and watch other media with crystal-clear sound quality.
Advanced Room Correction: The Arcam HDA AV Receiver includes Dirac Live, an advanced room correction system that optimises audio performance based on your room’s acoustics. This ensures that the sound you hear matches the original recording.
Pros:
High-quality audio performance: The Arcam HDA AV Receiver has excellent sound quality, making it ideal for audiophiles and music fans.
Advanced room correction: The Dirac Live room correction system optimises audio performance for your specific room, providing accurate sound regardless of where you are in the room.
A wide variety of audio formats are supported: You can enjoy a wide range of content with superior sound quality thanks to support for high-resolution audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Cons:
Price: Because the Arcam HDA AV Receiver is a premium product, it is pricier than other home theatre receivers on the market.
Finally, the Arcam HDA AV Receiver is an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking the highest possible sound quality. The Arcam HDA AV Receiver provides a high-performance audio and video experience that is sure to impress, with advanced room correction, support for high-resolution audio formats, and a plethora of features.
Arcam FMJ AV Receiver Specifications
The Arcam FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) AV Receiver is another high-end home theatre receiver made by the same company that makes the Arcam HDA. The FMJ, like the HDA, is designed for audiophiles who demand the best sound quality, but it is a little less expensive.
Key characteristics include:
7.1 Channel Surround Sound: The FMJ AV Receiver features 7.1 channel surround sound, delivering clear and powerful audio to every corner of the room.
Support for High-Resolution Audio Formats: The receiver supports high-resolution audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. This means you can listen to music, watch movies, and watch other media with crystal-clear sound quality.
Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 are among the advanced connectivity options available on the FMJ AV Receiver. This enables you to connect your devices and stream content from a variety of sources with ease.
Pros:
High-quality audio performance: The FMJ AV Receiver has excellent sound quality, making it ideal for audiophiles and music fans.
Advanced connectivity: You can easily connect your devices and stream content from a variety of sources with a wide range of connectivity options, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2.
Price: The FMJ AV Receiver is less expensive than the Arcam HDA, making it an excellent choice for those looking for high-quality audio without breaking the bank.
Cons:
The FMJ AV Receiver, unlike the HDA, does not have advanced room correction, which can result in less-than-perfect sound quality in some rooms.
To summarise, the Arcam FMJ AV Receiver is an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound at a more affordable price. The FMJ AV Receiver provides a high-performance audio and video experience that is sure to impress, with support for high-resolution audio formats, advanced connectivity options, and a wide range of features.
Arcam HDA vs. FMJ AV Receiver Comparison
There are several key differences to consider when deciding between the Arcam HDA and FMJ AV Receivers.
Design and construction quality:
The HDA and FMJ AV Receivers both have a high-quality build and an elegant design, but the HDA has a more premium, high-end aesthetic. It has a sleek aluminium front panel and a small footprint, making it ideal for modern home theatres. The FMJ, on the other hand, has a simpler design with a metal front panel and a slightly larger size, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more traditional appearance.
Connectivity:
The HDA and FMJ AV Receivers both have advanced connectivity options such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2. The HDA, on the other hand, includes advanced room correction and control systems that allow you to tailor the sound quality to your specific room and preferences. The FMJ lacks this advanced room correction, but it still provides excellent sound quality for the majority of users.
Sound Quality:
Both the HDA and FMJ AV Receivers deliver excellent audio quality, but the HDA comes out on top. Its advanced room correction system and high-end audio components enable it to deliver exceptional sound quality that the FMJ cannot match.
Control and user interface:
Both the HDA and FMJ AV Receivers have simple user interfaces and control systems, but the HDA offers a more comprehensive and customizable experience. You can fine-tune the sound quality to your specific needs and preferences using advanced control and room correction options. The FMJ offers a more straightforward experience, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more straightforward setup.
Price and monetary value:
The Arcam HDA AV Receiver is more expensive than the FMJ, but it offers a higher-end experience that the FMJ cannot match. The HDA offers excellent value for money thanks to advanced room correction, high-end audio components, and a premium build quality. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the FMJ AV Receiver provides excellent sound quality at a lower price point.
Finally, the Arcam HDA and FMJ AV Receivers are both excellent options for audiophiles and home theatre enthusiasts. The HDA offers a premium, high-end experience, whereas the FMJ offers a more affordable option with excellent sound quality. Finally, the choice between the two will be determined by your individual needs and preferences, as well as your budget.
Arcam HDA Series
Arcam AVR31
The Arcam AVR31 is a high-end home theatre audio receiver that is designed to provide the discerning audiophile with premium sound quality and advanced features. The AVR31 includes a powerful 7-channel amplifier with 120 watts per channel, allowing it to drive even the most demanding speaker systems. The device also supports a variety of audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, for an immersive and multidimensional audio experience.
The AVR31 comes with a slew of advanced connectivity options, including six HDMI inputs, two HDMI outputs, and a variety of digital and analogue audio inputs. In addition, the device supports the most recent video and audio technologies, such as 4K video, HDR, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) 10+. The device is compatible with a variety of multi-room audio options, including Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, allowing users to stream audio content from their smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The Arcam AVR31’s powerful room correction system is one of its standout features. The device includes Dirac Live, a cutting-edge room correction system that analyses the acoustics of the room and adjusts the sound output to provide the best listening experience possible. The device also has a highly intuitive and user-friendly interface, so even inexperienced users can get the most out of their home theatre system.
The AVR31 also includes a number of customizable settings, allowing users to tailor their audio experience to their specific tastes. The device has a 7-band equaliser as well as adjustable bass and treble controls, which allow users to fine-tune the sound output. Furthermore, the device includes a number of advanced audio processing modes, including a dedicated music mode and a movie mode that are optimised for music and movie playback, respectively.
In terms of build quality, the Arcam AVR31 is made of high-quality components and has a sleek and stylish design. The device has a durable and stylish brushed aluminium finish, and the large display and control knobs are both intuitive and simple to use. The device is also built to last, with high-quality components and a sturdy frame that ensures longevity and dependability.
Overall, the Arcam AVR31 is a top-tier home theatre audio receiver that provides an impressive blend of sound quality, advanced features, and ease of use. The AVR31 is an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking the best possible audio experience or home theatre enthusiasts seeking a powerful and versatile device. The AVR31 is a versatile and powerful audio receiver that is sure to impress with its advanced room correction system, customizable settings, and wide range of connectivity options.
Arcam AVR21
The Arcam AVR21 is a high-end home theatre audio-video receiver launched in 2021. This receiver is intended to provide a complete home theatre solution, combining audio and video processing with network connectivity and a plethora of advanced features.
The Arcam AVR21’s powerful audio processing capabilities are one of its standout features. It has a 7-channel amplifier with a total output power of 145 watts per channel, allowing it to easily drive even the most demanding speakers. The receiver is compatible with a number of surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, and offers a rich and immersive audio experience.
In addition, the AVR21 has advanced video processing capabilities, such as 4K Ultra HD video pass-through and upscaling. This means that even standard definition and HD video signals can be upscaled to near 4K quality, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image on compatible displays. The receiver also supports HDR video formats, which provide a wider range of colour and brightness levels, resulting in a more vivid and lifelike image.
In terms of connectivity, the Arcam AVR21 has a wide range of inputs and outputs. It has 8 HDMI inputs for connecting multiple devices such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, and streaming devices. The receiver also has Ethernet connectivity, so you can connect to your home network and use online streaming services like Spotify and Tidal. Furthermore, the AVR21 supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your mobile devices.
The Arcam AVR21 also has a number of advanced features that will improve your home theatre experience. It has multi-room audio capabilities, for example, allowing you to listen to music in different rooms of your house. It also has voice control support, so you can use popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control the receiver. The receiver also comes with a handy remote control and an easy-to-use on-screen display, making it simple to navigate and control all of its features.
Finally, the Arcam AVR21 is a top-of-the-line home theatre receiver that offers a complete audio and video solution. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a high-end home theatre system due to its powerful audio and video processing capabilities, advanced connectivity options, and convenient features.
Arcam AVR11
The Arcam AVR11 is an audio-video receiver for home theatres that was released in 2021. It is intended to give your home entertainment system a high-quality audio and video experience.
One of the AVR11’s standout features is its support for high-quality audio formats. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are advanced surround sound technologies that add height channels to the traditional 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound setup to provide a more immersive audio experience. The AVR11 also supports High-Resolution Audio formats like FLAC, ALAC, and WAV, allowing you to listen to music with more detail and clarity.
In terms of video support, the AVR11 has HDMI 2.1 inputs and can play 4K Ultra HD video with HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision. It also supports eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows high-quality audio from a TV to be returned to the receiver, allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio even when using streaming services.
The AVR11 also has built-in streaming capabilities, with support for popular music services such as Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz. This eliminates the need for a separate streaming device by allowing you to stream music directly to the receiver. It also has WiFi and Ethernet connectivity, making it simple to connect to your home network.
The AVR11 has a plethora of connectivity options for connecting your devices. It has seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs for connecting multiple devices such as a Blu-ray player, gaming console, and cable/satellite box. It also has a USB input for connecting a USB drive, as well as several analogue audio inputs for connecting older devices like a CD player.
Finally, the AVR11 has an easy-to-use interface that makes it simple to use and control. It has a full-color on-screen display and an easy-to-use remote control with quick access to all of its functions. Furthermore, the AVR11 can be integrated into a smart home system and controlled via a smart device or voice-controlled assistant.
Finally, the Arcam AVR11 is a powerful and feature-rich home theatre receiver that delivers high-quality audio and video. With support for advanced audio and video formats, built-in streaming capabilities, and a plethora of connectivity options, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a truly immersive home theatre system.
ARCAM FMJ SERIES
Arcam AVR850
The Arcam AVR850 is a high-performance home theatre receiver that offers excellent sound quality as well as a variety of features to improve your audio-visual experience. This device is intended for use in a home theatre setup and is designed to deliver immersive, dynamic sound.
The AVR850’s advanced amplifier section is one of its standout features. It employs Class G technology to deliver high power with low distortion, resulting in a clear and punchy sound. It also has a total of 7 amplification channels, each rated at 140 watts, providing enough power to drive even the most demanding speakers.
The AVR850 also includes a number of audio decoding technologies, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, allowing you to enjoy immersive, three-dimensional sound. Other popular audio formats supported include Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
The AVR850 is well-connected, with 7 HDMI inputs, including one on the front panel, and 3 HDMI outputs. This allows you to easily connect a variety of devices, including Blu-ray players, game consoles, and streaming devices. It also has Ethernet and Wi-Fi built in, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from networked devices or access popular streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music.
The AVR850 is simple to operate thanks to its simple on-screen menu system and remote control. Arcam’s MusicLife app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, can also be used to control the device. This app lets you control the volume, source, and other functions, as well as access to various music streaming services.
The AVR850 has a solid and well-made build quality, with a sleek, attractive design that will look great in any home theatre setup. The front panel is brushed aluminium, and the unit is housed in a strong metal chassis.
Overall, the Arcam AVR850 is a top-tier home theatre receiver with excellent sound quality, a variety of advanced features, and ease of use. Whether you’re building a new home theatre system or upgrading an existing one, the AVR850 is a great choice that will give you years of enjoyment.
Arcam AVR 550
The Arcam AVR 550 is a high-performance home theatre receiver aimed at music and movie fans who demand the best audio quality. This receiver is part of Arcam’s AVR Series, which is known for manufacturing high-quality audio components with an emphasis on sound accuracy and musicality.
Features:
Power: The AVR 550 features a powerful amplifier section that produces high-quality audio output of up to 140 watts per channel into 8 ohms, allowing it to easily drive even the most demanding speakers.
Compatibility: This receiver is compatible with a wide range of audio and video formats, including 4K Ultra HD video, HDR, and Dolby Vision, making it an excellent choice for use with cutting-edge home theatre systems.
The AVR 550 has a variety of inputs and outputs, including 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs, and a USB port for connecting external devices such as smartphones, laptops, and MP3 players.
The AVR 550 incorporates advanced audio processing technologies such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Arcam’s own Advanced Music Optimizer, which improves the sound quality of compressed audio files.
User-Friendly Interface: The AVR 550 has an easy-to-use interface, with a large, clear display and a simple remote control. The setup process is simple and guided, allowing you to get the most out of your home theatre system with the least amount of fuss.
Arcam is known for producing high-quality components, and the AVR 550 is no exception. Its sturdy construction and high-quality components ensure dependable performance and longevity, making it an excellent choice for any home theatre setup.
Finally, the Arcam AVR 550 is a high-end home theatre receiver that provides a high-quality audio experience for both movie and music fans. Its powerful amplifier, support for the latest audio and video formats, and advanced audio processing technologies make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home theatre setup.
Arcam AVR390
The Arcam AVR390 is a high-performance audio-video receiver designed for home theatre enthusiasts who value sound quality and versatility. It is part of Arcam’s AVR product line, which is known for its exceptional sound quality and build quality.
Features:
Power Output: The AVR390 has a staggering 7 x 160W RMS power output, allowing it to power even the most demanding speakers. The power output has a dynamic headroom rating of 2dB, ensuring that the receiver can deliver a powerful, detailed, and distortion-free audio experience.
Audio Decoding: The AVR390 is outfitted with cutting-edge audio decoding technology such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. These audio codecs provide a multidimensional and immersive soundstage that enhances the listening experience.
Connectivity: The receiver has 8 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs, 4 analogue audio inputs, and multiple digital audio inputs, including coaxial and optical. In addition, the AVR390 supports the most recent audio and video formats, including 4K Ultra HD video and HDR10+.
Room Correction: The AVR390 includes Dirac Live-powered room correction technology. This sophisticated software enables users to analyse the acoustics of their room and adjust the sound output accordingly, resulting in a personalised and optimised audio experience.
Networking: The AVR390 has built-in Ethernet connectivity, allowing users to connect to their home network and stream music from networked devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Popular music streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz are also supported by the receiver.
Build Quality: The AVR390 is constructed with high-quality materials, such as a heavy-duty metal chassis, to ensure durability and longevity. The receiver’s front panel is finished in high-quality brushed aluminium, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion:
The Arcam AVR390 is a high-performance audio-video receiver that provides a high-quality audio and video experience. Its advanced audio decoding technology, room correction software, and wide range of connectivity options make it an excellent choice for home theatre enthusiasts looking for the best in sound quality and versatility. The AVR390 is a long-term investment that will provide years of enjoyment due to its high build quality and advanced features.
Conclusion
To summarise, both the Arcam HDA and FMJ AV Receivers are excellent choices for those seeking high-quality audio and a premium home theatre experience. The HDA has a sleek, high-end design as well as advanced room correction and control systems, making it ideal for those who expect the best. The FMJ, on the other hand, has a simpler design and is a more affordable option with excellent sound quality.
Finally, the HDA and FMJ AV Receivers both provide exceptional sound quality, advanced connectivity options, and user-friendly interfaces, making them both excellent choices for home theatre enthusiasts. The HDA offers a premium, high-end experience, whereas the FMJ offers a more affordable option with excellent sound quality.
You can choose between these two AV receivers based on your specific needs and preferences, as well as your budget. The Arcam HDA AV Receiver is the way to go if you want the best sound quality and a premium, high-end experience. The Arcam FMJ AV Receiver is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more affordable option with excellent sound quality.
In any case, both the Arcam HDA and FMJ AV Receivers are excellent choices that will provide an excellent home theatre experience.
