Arcam SR250 Stereo AV Receiver Preview

Arcam has always designed and produced top notch amplifiers, but at CES in Las Vegas this year they introduced a top notch AV receiver for two-channel enthusiasts- The Arcam SR250. The SR250 is designed to fill the gap for audio enthusiasts who have their room setup for two-channel stereo listening, but still want the connectivity and flexibility that a networked modern AVR delivers as well as a sophisticated room correction system to optimize the speaker to room integration.

 ArcamSR250 Stereo AV Receiver at CES 2016

The SR250 does have the inputs to satisfy most home theater enthusiasts who need or want a 2.1 channel system with both video and audio stages designed to embrace both current and upcoming technologies. HDMI2.0a with HDCP2.2 4K “Ultra HD” and 3D video capability are built in. All in all There are seven HDMI 2.0 inputs with HDCP 2.2 compatibility with six of them able to handle a 4K video signal, three HDMI outputs with ARC (Audio Return Channel), and ethernet connectivity and a stereo subwoofer out.

For the two-channel audio lover, the SR250 us designed for those who want an amplifier that sounds as good as the best separates in stereo. Besides the power of their class G amplifier technology, the system also relies on the power of Dirac Live, an auto room correction program that gives the owner the ability to tune the acoustic performance of the system to the room situation.  The acoustic room information is sent via the internet to Dirac Research in Sweden where a supercomputer analyzes the sound of the room acoustics and then sends back the corrections to the receiver for correction.

With class G amplifier technology and other features, the SR250 should be able to take the big hits in a musical symphony and deliver the realistic stomp of a dinosaur crushing a car. The receiver should run on the lower rail in class A mode for low listening sessions then switch to the higher rails in Class A/B when needed. With a subwoofer attached, action movie buffs should be able to get all the heart pounding thump, whump and bump they need.

An internal tuner provides a fully integrated FM / DAB / DAB+ (in appropriate markets) radio solution.   Worldwide access to internet radio stations is provided through the network connection, which also interfaces to UPnP audio servers.  The USB port supports memory devices.

Control is possible via Ethernet, enabling it to be fully integrated with whole house control systems, or via the iOS MusicLife UPnP/control app. RS232, 12V triggers and standard IR control are also included.

Arcam seems to trying to satisfy both two-channel audio enthusiast AND home theater buffs with this product and we hope they don’t fall short. What we heard at CES was a great all in one 2.1 channel system, but with 100,000 people standing around you it really made it difficult to tell.  We would love to get one into a more controlled environment for a full review.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.