Arcam has released further details of its much anticipated AVR500 AV receiver. Using technology culled from the higher end AVR600, it’s a seven-channel, 100-watts-per-channel machine with the ability to decode all the latest HD audio formats.
Unlike the AV600, it won’t have a network card for internet radio, streaming and IP control, though this can be added at additional cost. It’s also shaved off a few of the bigger model’s copious video and audio outputs and multiroom connections.
It will however incorporate video transcoding from component to HDMI, HDMI 1.3a dual output video switching and Dolby Volume gain processing. It can serve two different zones at once and as well as an FM/AM radio tuner with 100 presets there will also be an optional DAB radio module.
The Arcam AVR500 will have its UK coming out party at Manchester’s Sound & Vision Show in Manchester on 17-18 October. It’s due on sale late November and while the final price has not yet been set, it’s expected to retail for around £2,500, a grand or so less than its big brother.