Arcam FMJ AV888 Processor: Official Thread

[recruit]

In Detail

Since the early 1990’s, Arcam has been dedicated to bringing high fidelity sound to the world of home cinema. Using audio technology usually reserved for audiophile stereo equipment, Arcam have pushed the boundaries for combined music and movie reproduction. The AV8 and AV9 AV processors have won numerous awards for sound and video quality around the world while Arcam’s audiophile AV receivers have gained wide critical acclaim in the more affordable sector.

Wolfson 8741 Digital to Analogue converters are deployed across all eight channels bringing ultra linear conversion of digital audio signals. Individual, multi-regulated power supplies feed all critical audio stages with studio grade Burr Brown DRV134 balanced line drivers used for balanced audio outputs to drive longer cable runs or active speaker configurations with extreme fidelity

To help eliminate the large volume jumps often found in broadcast TV sound user selectable Dolby Volume* processing is included, a world’s first for an AV processor. In addition Dolby Volume includes programme dependant tonal correction to deliver a richer, more realistic sound experience at low listening levels.

The AV888s internal video processing delivers sublime video using broadcast quality scaling and frame rate conversion from Pixelworks. Up-conversion of all video inputs to HDMI output at all commonly used standard or high definition resolutions is possible making system integration a simple affair. Full RS232 and IR connectivity are deployed along with IP control and dedicated interface for control and audiophile playback of iPods using the rDock or rLead.

Arcam’s world wide reputation for sound quality has come from over thirty years of experience and legendary attention to detail. All of this experience has been brought to bear in the development of the AV888 and as a result its sound quality is simply world-class. No matter what the program material, from the most explosive block blockbuster action to the most subtle musical detail, the AV888 will delivers simply breathtaking performance

Analogue Audio

* Audiophile quality components for best sound quality
* Multi-channel 7.1 analogue input for DVD-A or SACD sources
* Stereo direct mode bypasses and disables all digital processing for 2 channel analogue sources
* 9 stereo analogue inputs (including one MM phono input & front 3.5mm AUX input)
* Zone 2 stereo audio, from analogue inputs (Source and volume control independent from main zone)
* Zone 3 stereo audio, from analogue inputs, linked to Zone 2, volume control independent
* Support for iPod via Arcam rLead / rDock (independent of RS232 connection)


Digital Audio

* State of the art Analog Devices ADSP-21366 & ADSP-21367 DSPs for surround decoding
* Wolfson 8471 high end 24bit 192kHz audio DACs
* Crystal Semiconductor stereo ADC and precision electronic volume controls
* Burr Brown DRV134 Balanced line drivers
* Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS HD Master Audio*
* DTS High Resolution Audio, DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS96/24, DTS Neo:6**
* Dolby Volume gain management and Tonal correction processing*
* Dolby Volume processing for balancing of program material gain and tonal balance
* Adjustable crossover switching 40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz
* 8 digital inputs 4 rear optical, 3 co-axial, 1 front 3.5mm optical AUX input
* Global audio delay, adjustable from 0-1000 milliseconds, to compensate for video processing delays in digital displays and sources with auto lip-sync for compatible displays


Video

* 5 HDMI inputs (up to 1080p, Deep Colour)
* 2 HDMI outputs (up to 1080p, Deep Colour)
* 5 Component inputs, one monitor output (up to 1080i)
* 5 S-video inputs, one monitor output, 2 tape outputs
* 5 Composite video inputs, one monitor output, 2 tape outputs
* Full video up/down conversion & frame rate conversion of all inputs where technically allowed
* Video enhancements (per input): Edge enhancement, Mosquito noise reduction, Random noise reduction, Block noise reduction


Custom Install Features

* Independent Zone 2 (audio & video), with fixed/variable volume
* Zone 3 audio with fixed/variable volume (follows Zone 2)
* Balanced audio outputs (XLR) for long cables or active speakers
* RC-5 remote input jacks for all three zones
* IP control over Ethernet
* IR pass through for source components
* Full suite of discrete IR RC-5 codes, including separate on / off etc
* 12Volt triggers, on / off for zones 1, 2 and 3
* Full duplex RS232 control input for more complex control systems
* Audio streaming and Internet radio via Ethernet port


General

* Supplied with back-lit CR102 learning remote
* control with support for up to 7 other components and a huge on-board code library
* Large, high contrast dimmable VFD front panel display
* User switchable between 120 & 230 volt
* mains supplies
* Size – 435mm (17.1in) wide, 415mm (16.3in)
* deep, 185mm (7.3in) high
* Weight 12kg (26.5lbs) nett, 17kg (37.5lbs) packed


Arcam FMJ AV888 Owners Manual

Arcam FMJ AV888 Processor Review at the Shack

[recruit]

Please could owners and members use this as the Official Arcam AV888 thread for discussion and questions