Anthem STR preamp or integrated OR Parasound P6

The ARC in the Anthem puts it in a completely different league. Not only can you set crossover points but you can significantly improve the quality of your bass output.


I have a Parasound P7 (in storage) and I have to run the bass out to a miniDSP EQ to get the same level of performance.


However, you really should listen to both. In particular, the quality of the DACs, and the final results of the ARC are important.


You should also seriously consider the Anthem integrated. I haven't heard it, but I went from Parasound A21s to Class D (IcePower) and finally to Luxman. My point is, I switched out of the A21 because the Class D was more efficient and sounded just as good. You may find the Anthem as good or significantly better, and for $500 more, it's totally worth it, not to mention reduction in shelf space used.

@erik_squires excellent info and good points.  I do like the sound of the Anthem.

I think one thing that's holding me back is the lack of MQA support for its DAC. 

OP:
MQA is an absolute joke.

Get whatever you like.

Dtximnages, the Anthem STR is a lovely preamp, that has everything you wish.

We would recommend that you use your separate amplifier with the STR as the STR with a good amplifier will outperform the STR integrated.

The Dac stage is very good, for even better performance ditch the Blue Sound for an Innous Mini

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Anthem, Parasound,NAD, Innous dealers

@audiotroy Thanks for the input.  I don't need a cd ripper or a NAS as I have zero downloaded files and I only stream.  It seems like for the money, using the Bluesound to stream to the STR DAC would be just as good as the much more expensive Innuous.

So the STR preamp has a different DAC and analogue output stage than the Integrated?  I'm not sure why in the world they would do that?

dtx completely wrong the node sounds medeocre as a streaming device

 

a better streaming device wheather it is a server and you dont store files is imaterial

 

all good servers can act as streamers

 

the best devices for sending music to a dac are all servers:

aurender innous taiko pink faun 432EVO

Dave and Toy

Audio Intellect NJ