Arcam AV Receivers: the HDA & FMJ Series Compared

ARCAM HDA SERIES

The Arcam HDA (High Definition Audio) Series first appeared in 2018 with the release of a CD player/network streamer and two stereo amplifiers. It was the first step in refreshing the Arcam product range since the company was bought by Harman International (and, subsequently, Samsung).

With a departure in the styling of the familiar FMJ Series, the HDA Series kept the most important 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, the AV receivers in this series are very similar in features. The main difference between each model is the power output. However, if you look closely, there are one or two other differences in the specification.

ARCAM FMJ SERIES

The FMJ Series doesn’t just include integrated AV receivers. There is a stereo AV receiver and an AV processor – alongside the receivers. They are all built with a black metal casing which is where the series name originates.

FMJ originally stood for Full Metal Jacket, to describe the build of these models. Currently, Arcam is branding this series as Faithful Musical Joy. A description that really tells you where these products are aimed at. Audiophiles.

One thing I really like about this series is how each AV receiver is essentially the same – save for one or two fundamental differences. Once you realize it is only the amplification that is different for each receiver, it is quite simple to make your choice. Everything else is the same.

I’ve included the feature tables and images for each AV receiver. This is to make it easier for anybody checking out a particular model. But, if you’re comparing, the only difference between each is the power and Class G or Class A/B amplification. And the price!