Arcam HDA & FMJ AV Receivers Compared

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Arcam AV receivers target audiophiles who want high-end British engineering and performance. The focus is exceptional sound and essential features, not frivolous extras and annual releases.

Check out the current lineup below and compare them to the older models, sorted by release year and MSRP. If you want a more general overview of AV receivers and which features you should look out for, take a look at the AV receiver guide.


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ARCAM HDA SERIES

The Arcam HDA (High Definition Audio) Series first appeared in 2018 with a CD player/network streamer and two stereo amplifiers. It was the first step in refreshing the Arcam product range since it was bought by Harman International (and, subsequently, Samsung). With a departure in the styling of the familiar FMJ Series, the HDA Series kept the essential part of the Arcam brand – high-quality audiophile sound.

It wasn’t until late 2019/early 2020 that Arcam released a series of AV receivers in this range. As with the FMJ series, each receiver’s features are very similar, although there are one or two other differences in the specification if you look closely. But, the main difference between each model is the power output.

2022

Arcam AVR31

Features in the best high-end AV receivers

MSRP: $7000

Arcam AVR31 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR31 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR31 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR31 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR31 User Manual
Arcam AVR31 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 9.2.6)
HDMI In/Out 7/3 (ARC/eARC - HDMI 2.1)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 15.2-Ch + Zone 2 (2-Ch) / Stereo 2-Ch
Other Audio Out 1x Optical
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out)
Auto Room Calibration Dirac Live (Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control)
Power (W/Ch)* 120
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP2.3
HDR Support HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX®HD, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders Auro-3D
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 39.9/18.1
Year 2022
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven
2022

Arcam AVR21

MSRP: $5000

Arcam AVR21 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR21 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR21 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR21 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR21 User Manual
Arcam AVR21 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 9.2.6)
HDMI In/Out 7/3 (ARC/eARC - HDMI 2.1)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 15.2-Ch + Zone 2 (2-Ch) / Stereo 2-Ch
Other Audio Out 1x Optical
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out)
Auto Room Calibration Dirac Live (Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control)
Power (W/Ch)* 110
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP2.3
HDR Support HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX®HD, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders Auro-3D
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 36.6/16.6
Year 2022
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven
2022

Arcam AVR11

MSRP: $3500

Arcam AVR11 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR11 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR11 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR11 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR11 User Manual
Arcam AVR11 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4)
HDMI In/Out 7/2 (ARC/eARC - HDMI 2.1)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 11.2-Ch / Stereo 2-Ch
Other Audio Out 1x Optical
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones None
Auto Room Calibration Dirac Live (Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control)
Power (W/Ch)* 80
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP2.3
HDR Support HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX®HD, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders Auro-3D
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 36.4/16.5
Year 2022
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven
2021

Arcam AVR5

MSRP: $2000

Arcam AVR5 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR5 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR5 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR5 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR5 User Manual
Arcam AVR5 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4)
HDMI In/Out 7/2 (ARC/eARC)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 11.2-Ch / Stereo 2-Ch
Other Audio Out 1x Optical
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones None
Auto Room Calibration None - optional Dirac Live purchase
Power (W/Ch)* 80
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 4K/60p, HDCP2.2
HDR Support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 36.4/16.5
Year 2021
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven
2020

Arcam AVR30

MSRP: $6000

Arcam AVR30 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR30 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR30 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR30 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR30 User Manual
Arcam AVR30 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 9.2.6)
HDMI In/Out 7/3 (ARC/eARC)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 15.2-Ch + Zone 2 (2-Ch) / Stereo 2-Ch
Other Audio Out 1x Optical
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out)
Auto Room Calibration Dirac Live
Power (W/Ch)* 120
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 4K/60p, HDCP2.2
HDR Support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders Auro-3D
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 39.9/18.1
Year 2020
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven
2020

Arcam AVR20

MSRP: $4000

Arcam AVR20 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR20 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR20 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR20 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR20 User Manual
Arcam AVR20 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 9.2.6)
HDMI In/Out 7/3 (ARC/eARC)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 15.2-Ch + Zone 2 (2-Ch) / Stereo 2-Ch
Other Audio Out 1x Optical
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out)
Auto Room Calibration Dirac Live
Power (W/Ch)* 110
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 4K/60p, HDCP2.2
HDR Support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders Auro-3D
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 36.6/16.6
Year 2020
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven
2020

Arcam AVR10

MSRP: $2500

Arcam AVR10 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR10 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR10 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR10 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR10 User Manual
Arcam AVR10 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4)
HDMI In/Out 7/2 (ARC/eARC)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 11.2-Ch / Stereo 2-Ch
Other Audio Out 1x Optical
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones None
Auto Room Calibration Dirac Live
Power (W/Ch)* 80
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 4K/60p, HDCP2.2
HDR Support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders Auro-3D
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 36.4/16.5
Year 2020
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven

ARCAM FMJ SERIES

The FMJ Series includes a stereo AV receiver, AV processor, and integrated AV receivers. But they are all built with a black metal casing, where the series name originates. FMJ originally stood for Full Metal Jacket to describe the solid build of these models. However, Arcam later switched this branding to Faithful Musical Joy. This description tells you the target for these products – audiophiles.

A standout feature with these Arcam receivers is that each AV receiver is essentially the same – save for one or two fundamental differences. Once you realize only the amplification for each receiver changes, it is pretty simple to choose. Everything else is the same. The only difference between each is the power and Class G or Class A/B amplification if you’re comparing – and the price!

2016

Arcam AVR850

MSRP: $5999

Arcam AVR850 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR850 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR850 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR850 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR850 User Manual
Arcam AVR850 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4)
HDMI In/Out 7/3 (ARC)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 11.2-Ch / Zone 2 (2-Ch)
Other Audio Out ---
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out)
Auto Room Calibration Dirac Live
Power (W/Ch)* 120
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 4K/60p, HDCP2.2
HDR Support HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 36.8/16.7
Year 2016
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven
2016

Arcam AVR550

MSRP: $3399

Arcam AVR550 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR550 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR550 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR550 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR550 User Manual
Arcam AVR550 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4)
HDMI In/Out 7/3 (ARC)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 11.2-Ch / Zone 2 (2-Ch)
Other Audio Out ---
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio line out)
Auto Room Calibration Dirac Live
Power (W/Ch)* 110
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 4K/60p, HDCP2.2
HDR Support HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 34.1/15.5
Year 2016
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven
2016

Arcam AVR390

MSRP: $2499

Arcam AVR390 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Arcam AVR390 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR390 7.2-Ch AV Receiver - Rear View
Arcam AVR390 – Rear View
Image Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR390 User Manual
Arcam AVR390 Specifications
Channels 7.2
Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 (Support for 7.2.4)
HDMI In/Out 7/3 (ARC)
Other Video In None
Other Video Out None
Audio In 6x stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 4x Coaxial
Audio Pre Out/Line Out 11.2-Ch / Zone 2 (2-Ch)
Other Audio Out ---
USB Connection 1x Rear (Updates Only)
Zones Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out)
Auto Room Calibration Dirac Live
Power (W/Ch)* 80
Speaker Impedance (Ohms) 8 recommended
UHD Support 4K/60p, HDCP2.2
HDR Support HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Network/Wireless Ethernet
Voice Control No
Dolby Decoders Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos
DTS Decoders DTS, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Other Audio Decoders
Selected Processing Modes Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Weight (lbs/Kg) 34.6/15.7
Year 2016
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven
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About The Author

Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has been a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. You can find out more here.

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