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Arcam AV Receivers: the FMJ Series Compared

Featured image for - Arcam AV Receivers: the FMJ Series Compared. Master volume control on an AV receiver.
Updated: October 12, 2019

Arcam AV receivers are aimed at the top-end of the market. So, if you are somebody who demands the best that money can buy, then an Arcam receiver should be on your list of 'possibles'.

What you can expect from Arcam is an attention to detail and the highest possible engineering standards. They are a British brand and their receivers are designed for audiophiles.

One big difference from many brands in this market is they don't release a new model every year. These receivers are built to last and will receive essential new core features via firmware updates.

Arcam makes sure you have all you need for a fantastic receiver that looks and sounds great. But they don't waste time and money on things which don't serve the core requirements.

It's all about the sound and performance.

The models below are listed by release year and MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price). Just be aware that you will often be able to buy a receiver below the MSRP. But, it's useful guideline to it's place in the market.

If you want a more general overview of AV receivers, and which features you should look out for, take a look at my AV receiver guide.

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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!

2016

Arcam AVR850 7.2-Ch AV Receiver

Features in the best high-end AV receivers

MSRP: $5999.99

Arcam AVR850 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverImage Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR850 7.2-Ch AV Receiver RearImage Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR850 User Manual
Arcam AVR850 AV Receiver Features
Amplification Type
Class G
Channels Power (W/Ch)* HDMI In/Out Dolby Atmos?
7.2 120 7/3 5.2.2 (Processing for 7.2.4)
4K/HDR Support Zones Speaker Impedance (Ohms) Auto Calibration Type
HDR10 / Dolby Vision / HLG / HDCP2.2 - 4K/60p 4:4:4 Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio line-out) 8 recommended Dirac Live
Pre Out / Line Out Network / Wireless? Weight (lbs) Dimensions (W x H x D)
11.2-Ch / Zone 2 (2-Ch) Ethernet / Spotify Connect 36.8 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Digital Audio Formats/Processing
Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X + Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X & IMAX Enhanced
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2016

Arcam AVR550 7.2-Ch AV Receiver

MSRP: $3399.99

Arcam AVR550 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverImage Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR550 7.2-Ch AV Receiver RearImage Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR550 User Manual
Arcam AVR550 AV Receiver Features
Amplification Type
Class A/B
Channels Power (W/Ch)* HDMI In/Out Dolby Atmos?
7.2 110 7/3 5.2.2 (Processing for 7.2.4)
4K/HDR Support Zones Speaker Impedance (Ohms) Auto Calibration Type
HDR10 / Dolby Vision / HLG / HDCP2.2 - 4K/60p 4:4:4 Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio line-out) 8 recommended Dirac Live
Pre Out / Line Out Network / Wireless? Weight (lbs) Dimensions (W x H x D)
11.2-Ch / Zone 2 (2-Ch) Ethernet / Spotify Connect 34.1 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Digital Audio Formats/Processing
Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X + Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X & IMAX Enhanced
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

2016

Arcam AVR390 7.2-Ch AV Receiver

MSRP: $2499.99

Arcam AVR390 7.2-Ch AV ReceiverImage Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR390 7.2-Ch AV Receiver RearImage Credit: Arcam
Arcam AVR390 User Manual
Arcam AVR390 AV Receiver Features
Amplification Type
Class A/B
Channels Power (W/Ch)* HDMI In/Out Dolby Atmos?
7.2 80 7/3 5.2.2 (Processing for 7.2.4)
4K/HDR Support Zones Speaker Impedance (Ohms) Auto Calibration Type
HDR10 / Dolby Vision / HLG / HDCP2.2 - 4K/60p 4:4:4 Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio line-out) 8 recommended Dirac Live
Pre Out / Line Out Network / Wireless? Weight (lbs) Dimensions (W x H x D)
11.2-Ch / Zone 2 (2-Ch) Ethernet / Spotify Connect 34.6 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm
Digital Audio Formats/Processing
Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X + Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X & IMAX Enhanced
* 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.02% THD, 2 Channels Driven CLICK FOR LATEST PRICE

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About Home Cinema Guide

Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has worked as 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.

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