Arcam AV8, superb pre/pro, no reserve!

This is Arcam's last generation highest-end preamplifier/processor (pre/pro). The performance is absolutely stunning for your movie viewing. Not only that, but Arcam has also done a stellar job of producing a unit that is also fantastic for 2-channel critical stereo listening, as well. There is no need to have a "home theater" setup and a dedicated serious 2-channel rig. This one does it all.

I am the original owner and it was purchased from an authorized Arcam dealer. The unit is in beautiful like-new condition and comes with manual, learning remote, manuals and original boxes. I'm really sorry to see this go, but am downsizing things. I already sold the matching Arcam FMJ P7 7-channel amplifier. I have since moved to a top-end $1700 Marantz all-in-one receiver and while it is very nice, has all of the latest decoding and HDMI switching ---- honestly, I would take my old setup back in a heartbeat if I could. The difference is night and day. Oh well, I don't have the space, so I can't go back and here is your opportunity to get into this.

Originally priced at $4999, here is your chance to get into world-class performance and see what movies and your music are supposed to sound like! By the way, the current generation highest-end Arcam pre/pro, the AV888 is $6900.

You can see one representative view about what Arcam achieved with the AV8 here: www.hometheater.com/content/arcam-fmj-av8-71-channel-preamplifier-processor-fmj-p7-7-channel-power-amplifier

Here is Arcam's page abou the now discontinued AV8: arcam.co.uk/advice-and-support/discontinued-products/AV8Processor

Bid with confidence, I've been on Audiogon since 2003 and eBay with the same name since 1996 with a 100% record.

•Lucas Film THX Ultra2 Certified
•THX Surround EX 7.1 Channels
•Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, DTS NEO, DTS 6.1
•DVD-A / SACD multi - channel 8 way input
•Zone 2 Audio and Video, with independent On-Screen Display
•3 Component inputs with On-Screen Display (HDTV compatible without OSD)
•Lip Sync delay up to 200ms for de-interlacer / frame scaler
•Software upgradeable via RS232 interface
•Acousteel damping, constrained layer case construction

The AV8 Preamp Processor is designed to be the center of a high quality home entertainment system. It offers excellent levels of Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS decoding with THX post processing from twin Crystal Semiconductor DSP chips.

The AV8 Preamp Processor features Arcam’s experience in outstanding audio performance coupled with comprehensive Home Theater functionality. Four Wolfson 24bit, 192kHz capable, multi-bit delta sigma modulator DACs handle digital to analog conversion, giving outstanding audio quality and performance. Full system operation speed of 96KHz is available for linear PCM and Pro Logic II.

Installation convenience is built in: full zone 2 support including on-screen display to give feedback to the user; a back lit learning remote control; independent tone, level and delay controls for each channel to help with troublesome speaker placement; RS232 or RC5 remote control; lip sync delay of up to 200ms for realigning sound when using a video de-interlacer or frame scaler.

The user interface of the AV8 is straightforward and logical. It incorporates two levels of operation. The first and simplest modes are for everyday use while the second level is aimed at providing extra features for the installation engineers or expert users. There are a total of five preset modes available for most commonly used settings. This allows the system to be optimised for sports, movies, night time, music videos and computer gaming.

The product software is upgradeable via an RS 232 connector to ensure the AV8's software can be easily upgraded in the future. The unit comes with a learning remote control that can control hundreds of models of TVs, tuners, plasmas, etc. from a built in library of consumer electronics' remote control codes and which also includes the advanced facility to learn commands for devices that are not in the standard library.

The AV8 was designed and manufactured in the UK and available in black or silver finish.

System Features
•High quality full analog stereo bypass
•Optional analog stereo bypass + subwoofer
•Optional analog stereo bypass + ambience extraction and subwoofer
•High quality DVD-A / SACD 8 channel analog input
•Digital effect modes:- Music, Party, Club, Hall, Cathedral, Sports Stadium
•5x nameable presets, each store complete system set up
•Upgradeable modular design
•Universal supply voltage of 85V-265V
•Very low noise, semi resonant, audio clock synchronized, switched mode PSU

Control Features
•RS232 control of all commands
•Software upgradeable via RS232
•RC5 remote jack input for Main zone
•RC5 remote jack input for Zone 2
•Separate RC5 on, off, mute, un-mute commands
•Selectable RC5 system codes 16 or 19 for each zone
•Output of all received IR via cable or IR blinker, to control source components
•12V current limited 100mA trigger outputs for main and zone 2

Audio Inputs and Outputs
•8x analog stereo inputs
•8x channel DVD-A / SACD input
•Headphones output for main or zone 2
•8x channel main output + 3 sub outputs
•7x digital inputs, re-assignable
•5x Coaxial
•2x Optical
•1x digital output, coaxial
•Optional MM, MC Phono Stage

Video Inputs and outputs
•5x composite inputs
•4x composite outputs
•2x Monitor
•1x Zone 2 composite output
•1x VCR composite output
•5x S-video inputs
•2x S-video output
•1x Monitor
•1x S-Video VCR composite output
•3x component inputs, HDTV / progressive scan compatible
•1x component output, HDTV / progressive scan compatible
•Supplied with back-lit CR80 or CR100 learning remote control with support for up to 7 other components
•Large, clear 12 character dimmable VFD front panel display
•Ground lift switch
•Size – 430mm wide, 360mm deep, 130mm high
•Weight (net) 9kg