Arcam BDP100

Hmmm DVD-2500BT only has HDMI output for AV output. Anybody buying this kind of kit will have a good quality receiver and or processer which can process the digital sound. I've coupled my DVD-2500BT with the AVR-2808 and an Arcam Muso/Logo 5.1 package. Nope we don't do gimmicks, we concentrate on core value AV quality, without it suffering for the sake of DLNA and other gimmicks. I put together the whole system for £2100. It completely blows away my friends who bought the Sony et .all midrange gimmicky players for near enough what I paid for the DVD-2500BT (£500). You can your DNLA and your red green spec updated 3D and streaming of low quality files. I just want to enjoy watching a movie or listening to a track.

@ Sparky

The well excepted & genral consensus from the Arcam community (of another forum) is that compared to the DV139, the BDP100 has:

Equal DVD picture quality

Better DVD disc soundtrack quality

Worse stereo analogue CD sound quality

It has a low quality transport with noise problems, and low-cost switched power circuit compared to the DV139's twin toroidal PSU's. It's absolutely not the DV139's equal as an audiophile player. But then it is half the price of the 139. The Broadcom SoC chipset solution also has a reputation for over-processing the picture too, and there is no ability to turn this picture processing off/down. So you must like the picture you are seeing. If you like a more natural picture you might not like the '100.

Hope that helps.

Anyone else noticeing that everyone posted on: Mon, Jan 31 2011, 10:00AM

Am I in a time warp?

Did anyone decide to keep their DV139 when they bought Arcams blu-ray player?

I'd appreciate opinions with comparison of the the DV139 & BDP100.

I got my DV139 from a guy two years ago who sold it, as they were sure as hell that the soon to be released (which wasn't so soon afterall) Arcam blu-ray would transfer the same transport for the CD audio.

We are currently re-testing the updated Arcam - we'll amend the online review to reflect any changes

@ British HiFi Is King

The product as has come to market has been rushed through. Arcam's first design included a bespoke chipset in similar vein to the Zoran's used in previous Arcam DVD players. The chipset designer pulled out of the project some way into it's development leaving Arcam back at square one. This is why the BDP100 has the fairly mediocre Broadcom SoC implemented.

Arcam were obviously in a tough spot with this. Options seem to have been to put out a generic product with slightly warmed up analogue 2CH audio (which is apparently nowhere near the equal of the DV139's) and not be too late to market, or get it right and put out a 'proper' original Arcam design no matter how long it took.

Seems they choose the former. Shame. They chose the wrong option judging by the overall feedback so far.

History repeats itself, first A38, now this...and it's really painful.

As far as the multichannel outputs go I don't see this as a trainwreck. Arcam took a chance with the majority and chose to focus on CD playback instead. I don't think this was an unwise decision.

Also, universal players up to this level i.e. 1000 quid might support DVD-A and SACD but are not distinguished players with respective formats.

Don't take any notice of Alan WHF, I want to know about multi-format players!

In the interest of science, I'm willing to let you borrow it to do a comparison (INCLUDING SACD). It'd be interesting to see (and hear) whether modding pays!

My moddded Marantz UD5005 should be with me next week. Total cost £670 for a premium clock upgrade and improved 2 channel analogue output. I'd love to compare it to this Arcam.

Typical Arcam, release a premium priced product that doesn't work, my AVR-600 all over again. I wonder if they'll ever learn?

Arcam appears to be trying to emulate Jaguar circa 1984.

I bought an AVR600 last year which totally blew away my Musical fidelity / yamaha DSP system.

This is truely a great piece of kit. Yes I had the software issues but a quick phone call to Arcam put me straight with a direct link to their update site.

Ther have been approx two updates since and both have sucessfully corrected issues. The natural progression was to purchase the BDP100 which is an eqaully great piece of kit. What impresses me is if you get a problem you can call mr Arcam and discuss the issues which to date have all bee rectified. You could say there should be no issues but a for a small to medium britsh company taking on the big players such as Denon , Sony etc has to be at the cutting edge of its game to succeed. What you get is a superbly built unit with the best available componants and with a back up second to none.The Arcam sound suits me also. Its a sound you can listen to for hours without critism or fatigigue. I say well done Arcam and keep it coming.Lets hope the 3D upgrades are as good. Perhaps What hifi should re test the BDP100 now with its latest software updates!Support your UK companies!

I treated myself at Xmas to one. Superb picture and sound period.  Plus it looks rather lovely next to my AVR500. So in that respect Star ratings are irrelevant?

All of this is so subjective. We can all give our own ideas, thoughts and suggestions...WHF are in a lucky position that they can listen, tune. demo any products they wish - however this is ONE opinion!

There are no BAD players. Like cars...the more you spend, the better the players will be!

(Subjectivly of course!) ;o)

Cheers.

Yes Arcam have taken a risk building a player at this price. But pound for pound, performance over and above, other players, like Denon's 3800 or 4010, Pioneer BDPLX91, this is a stunning player!

OK, 3d coming in due course...and then only offering it up as an up-grade - this is a great idea! I for one wont be buying into 3d, but will want the most high end, CD & DVD player - not to mention a very good Blu Ray player also.

Cheers!

Doesn't sound like it's any better than Cambridge Audio BD650 (�399) and the CA works flawlessly with great audio and picture.

The new audiophile CA 751 (with 3d too) due end Feb should be another nail in the Arcam's coffin?

I heard from an insider that this, in essense, is the same design as the Anthem BLX200. That machine proved to be a stable and fantastic performer, seems odd Arcam have screwed it up and are charging £400 more....if it's true then they're no better than Denon cloning Panasonic Bluray decks!

Oh and WHF please stop banging on about multichannel outs, DLNA support, SACD and the like!

If you're a SERIOUS film lover you'd have changed your AV amp by now, you'd have something more dedicated (flexible?) for streaming support, and SACD only really shines when played through a dedicated player.

Constantly promoting convergance is doing your readership no favours from the point of view of maximising the performance in their systems.

I never said no one would be interested in multiformat machines pete321, just that serious film/music lovers would want the best in performance without the (inevitable) compromises of convergence.

Maybe I should redress my point as to whether WHF is now a magazine for true enthusiasts or just another "gadget" magazine? (please take this as constructive criticism WHF)

Plus (and don't get me wrong here - I have little respect for what Arcam do nowadays) I find it stupid that a machine at this level gets knifed for not having multichannel outs. People with this sort of budget will have a new amp in their sights to make the most of their new deck!! It would be more relevant to highlight the omission on budget decks where the need would be greater.

If we didn't know how long this player has been in development, one may think it's been a little rushed. I've been looking out for this review for ages now as i'm sure have others.

I think John will be having a very serious chat with some of his staff and hopefully

make some improvements and send another sample for review. I don't think they will leave this with a three star rating for the rest of it's life.

Hi chaps,

New firmware is now available from Arcam Dealers for this player and it's much much more stable.

Worthy of a revisit What HiFi review team????

My BDP also now has new software loaded and (touch wood) is behaving itself.  If it keeps it up I will be very pleased with it.  If so, time for a further WHF review?