2. amps-preamps
  3. 156176-128813

Anthem STR preamp vs Integrated amp preamp section

Hi all, I'm having trouble really finding good info about this.

I currently have the Anthem STR Integrated Preamp.  But wondering if I should sell it and just get the STR preamp and use my PS Audio m700 amps.

My main question is, what are the main differences in the preamp sections?  Different dac?  Different processing?

I'm not totally comfortable understanding everything on their spec sheets.

Thanks
dtximages

Showing 4 responses by george_r

george_r
14 posts
 
I was pointed to this thread while asking the same question but I have another;

I've ordered the Anthem STR Preamp and I have searched but not found if the STR Preamp supports iPod/iPhone playback or not. One feature I take advantage of with my Oppo HA-1 Headphone Amp/Preamp is iPod/iPhone support via USB.

Made for iPod®, iPhone® and iPad®
The HA-1 passes Apple's "MFi" certification and is compatible with the latest iPod, iPhone and iPad to be used as the digital audio output accessory of these devices. By tapping directly into the digital audio signal of these devices and converting the audio to analog using the high performance SABRE 32 Reference DAC, music from your favorite portable device will sound its best.

https://www.oppodigital.com/headphone-amplifier-ha-1/

I have all my CD's saved as Apple Lossless in iTunes and just plugging my apple device allows me to use the HA-1 DAC and bypass the iPhone or iPod DAC. Does the STR Preamp support this? I understand I would need an iPhone lightning to USB-B male or A to B adapter. The Oppo HA-1 works direct, if the Anthem doesn't work with a direct connection, would it work with an Apple CCK Lightning to USB Camera Adapter?

If not, or even if it does, how about using a USB stick with FLAC? Would this allow playlists, albums, etc? I am a bit surprised there isn't a Type A USB connection on the front.


george_r
14 posts
 
@dtximages
I understand it has a USB input but does it accept a direct digital feed as a music source from an iPod/iPhone/iPad that bypasses the i device DAC and uses the STR DAC? Not all do but some that don't support the direct connection will work with the Apple CCK Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. 

I'm not concerned with streaming airplay.

Thanks
george_r
14 posts
 
I agree, it should, I hope it does, but I can't be the first person to want to connect an iPhone/iPod/iPad. Odd getting a clear answer has been a challenge. I guess I'll know when I get my STR preamp in a week or so.

I just don't want to have multiple DA/AD/DA conversions.

Thanks.
george_r
14 posts
 
@dtximages, I have no interest in streaming?  I want a direct digital connection  via lightning to USB to the STR DAC.

Regards
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