Anthem STR "Convert Analog" sounds much worse


I've spent all afternoon playing around with different settings with subs etc.  On this preamp, there's a setting to "Convert Analog".. This allows you to use the ARC and subwoofer outputs - hence you get to use the internal crossover, phase etc for the subs.. Really nice feature.  I'm not even using ARC yet...

But, I noticed a significant improvement in quality and dynamics with it OFF, allowing my Lumin T2 to flow straight through the Anthem.  It's louder by probably 3db too (not measured).  

I have not heard of any audiophiles more picky than me mentioning this. 

I've asked this question before about connecting the Lumin T2 this way... Am I negating any T2 dac magic by sending it through the Anthem's dac engine?  I was told NO.  But it sure sounds like it now!

Again, I'm not using ARC yet, maybe that's where I'll hear a significant improvement but as for now, I like running my subs from the preouts (giving me no xover so speakers play full bandwidth).  

Anyone in dallas want to come teach me more about  this?
dtximages

Showing 3 responses by mike_in_nc

I thought setting the crossover in the Anthem created a high pass or low pass whatever for the mains... i.e. setting the xover at 50hz sends nothing below 50hz to my main speakers.. No? So using the subwoofer management on my Anthem still sends full range to my speakers?

It is adjustable. You can set the HP filter on the mains (which ARC calls "Subwoofer Crossover Frequency") to FLAT if you like. That will run the mains full-range.

I suggest you try letting ARC set everything automatically before you do that, though. You can save that calibration file, then copy it to another name, re-open it, and adjust ARC settings ("Adjust Targets" for each of the four allowable profiles. That will let you compare easily.

To get access to all the adjustments, you need to run ARC on a computer (not a mobile phone) and in Professional mode.

As others have said, you will get better sound using a digital input on the STR, rather than converting to analog in the Lumin, converting back to digital in the STR, then using the STR’s DAC again to get analog output.

After you have a correction set up, be sure to run the automatic phase feature, which will give you the most even LF response for several octaves around the crossover area. Without it, you are likely to have nulls and peaks.

Many settings in ARC can affect the sound in ways you might not expect at first. For example, speaker levels have no effect if you are running corrections full-range. But if you’re not, they affect the relative levels of response within the correction bandwidth and outside it. Thus, a click or two change in levels can change brightness of the sound.

It will take some playing around with ARC and thought about what it’s doing for you to fully master it. Also (as has been said in many reviews of DSP products) if a listener is used to hearing bass peaks, it can take a while to adapt to sound without them.

HTH
Thanks for telling us! We’ve all made mistakes, but not everyone admits them. So you have my respect for that.

I haven’t used the A-to-D conversion of the STR, but I was surprised it seemed a problem.

That -5 dB is probably a safety factor to keep from overloading the ADC, which could sound really bad.

P.S. Maybe your dealer would swap the T2 for a U1 mini + partial refund?

@dtximages-

Ultimately, I think 97% of "this dac sounds soooo much better" reviews has to do with personal and situational bias. 
Above a certain level of gear, I agree with you. I tried a US$50 DAC once, and though inoffensive, it lacked transparency. (I was relieved it didn't equal my more costly equipment.)

It will take a while to learn all the options and settings on the STR. I hope you will enjoy doing so and that you'll be happy with your results.

About a year ago, I surveyed available DSP preamps, and my finalists were the STR and the DSPeaker X4. After a home trial of the STR, I bought it and haven't looked back. I'm always seeking perfection, and nothing is perfect, but I don't know of another DSP preamp now being made that I'd prefer to the STR.