betty boop Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 i would say go for it too. those B&Ws are thirsty and especially given dont plan on external power amps and plan to keep this a long time. the cost difference over all those years be all forgotten. rather wondering if should have. on other hand if there is still doubt wait up for the shoot out to help decide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JukKluk2 Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 4 hours ago, Chris Disbrey said: The 550 is an class a/b design however the 850 uses fancy overpriced glass g amps. It's supposed to be a big deal but I haven't heard it so can't speak from experience. I'm in the process of acquiring an Arcam FMJ A49, their top of the line integrated amplifier, that operates in Class G and I can tell you for sure and certain that if the 850 is anything like it then you had best start working out how to accommodate one in your system and your marriage. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JukKluk2 Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 4 hours ago, Chris Disbrey said: Nerds and pros love it. Professionals that is, not prostitutes Then again, there's no evidence to suggest that prostitutes can't love it too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Fi Whipped Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 4 hours ago, Chris Disbrey said: Thanks Marc, good input. The price gap is a little smaller atm with the current deal. 550 - $4500 (normally $6000) 850 - $7100 (normally $9500?!?!!?) Definitely thinking about it yeh $7100 is starting to talk crazy money for an AVR in my mind and I'm an Arcam Tragic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDizz Posted September 15, 2017 Author Share Posted September 15, 2017 Well the a49 is 8.5k, so by comparison the 850 with 5 more channels is a bargain! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDizz Posted September 21, 2017 Author Share Posted September 21, 2017 Well holy cow I just bought the 850. Did an a/b/a/b/a shootout with the 550 and each time it came back to the 850 I was reblown away. After hearing it I couldn't leave there without it. It was a stark contrast. Every aspect of the sound improved. More detail, more presence, more control, yet incredibly effortless. Can't wait to set it all up and listen to every CD and watch every Blu-ray that I have all over again 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Marc Posted September 21, 2017 Administrator Share Posted September 21, 2017 Congratulations .... maybe I should have bought the 850 afterall! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDizz Posted September 21, 2017 Author Share Posted September 21, 2017 I think it's good enough to sell yourself on the street for. That's pretty high praise 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDizz Posted September 21, 2017 Author Share Posted September 21, 2017 Good dealer deal atm too with the trade in. $9500 is hard to justify, $7100 was easier to swallow. Hmm, seems like a lot writing it just now.. oh my god, what have I done!??! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metalheadz Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 3 hours ago, Marc said: Congratulations .... maybe I should have bought the 850 afterall! Happy to take your 550 when you make the upgrade Marc ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swervyn Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 7 hours ago, Chris Disbrey said: Hmm, seems like a lot writing it just now.. oh my god, what have I done!??! Pretty much how I would react too lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDizz Posted September 21, 2017 Author Share Posted September 21, 2017 It's all just numbers on a screen somewhere. It truly sounded (to me) as good as a high end dedicated 2 channel system. Really impressed me. I didn't think any receivers could sound that good. Can't wait to play with it. Left it at the store today for pick up tomorrow as I was heading out for the evening and didn't want to leave it in the car. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JukKluk2 Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 (edited) 12 hours ago, Chris Disbrey said: Well holy cow I just bought the 850. Did an a/b/a/b/a shootout with the 550 and each time it came back to the 850 I was reblown away. After hearing it I couldn't leave there without it. It was a stark contrast. Every aspect of the sound improved. More detail, more presence, more control, yet incredibly effortless. Can't wait to set it all up and listen to every CD and watch every Blu-ray that I have all over again I am inordinately pleased that you heard just how good the Arcam 850 is. You will notice that I have refrained from saying, "I told you so". The Class G as implemented by Arcam is phenomenal. Well done. Edited September 21, 2017 by JukKluk2 spelling error Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Marc Posted October 12, 2017 Administrator Share Posted October 12, 2017 I've ultimately decided to sell the AVR550 which hasn't even played 1 movie yet, it's been plugged in and 'Dirac'd', still with box and all accessories etc. Decided to upgrade after all. PM me if you are in the market for a new 550. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSmith Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 1 hour ago, Marc said: PM me if you are in the market for a new 550. @metalheadz ... quick! JSmith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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