Arcam FMJ-AV888 Home Theater Processor

The Arcam FMJ AV888 is a superb AV preamp with only a few minor quirks. Despite its vast array of inputs you can only use five video sources, and you will likely need to do some planning as to which source to use for what component as you can't freely assign the digital or analog inputs to video inputs. That said, once you get it all wired up the piece sounds simply wonderful both with music and movies. It gives an open, spacious soundstage with a smoothness not often found in digital gear. This is an AV preamp geared towards the audiophile who wants an exceptional home theater but refuses to lose two-channel performance.

The auto setup works well with extreme accuracy, leveling to a twentieth of a dB and a hundredth of a meter, or one centimeter. To my knowledge no other AV preamp allows such fine control of speaker distances and levels. This certainly could account for the excellent balance I experienced with the Arcam AV888 in my system, giving me transitions that were perfect during films. The included room correction also did an exceptional job enhancing the surround field and balance of the system and the Dolby Volume was a nice touch for leveling TV shows and commercials.

The Arcam locked onto digital signals quickly, regardless of type and gave exceptional audio performance be it from home theater, TV or two channel listening. Despite the AV888's minor quirks and poor remote this is one of the finest AV preamps I have heard to date, and I've had most all of them by now. If you are looking for a top tier controller for your home theater you owe it to yourself to demo the Arcam FMJ AV888. Its rich sound with have you in awe, both for movies and stereo listening, making the AV888 one of the best buys among the current crop of AV preamps.this processor is 1.3