With your speakers I’d definitely go Anthem all the way.
AVR Took A Dirt Nap - Looking To Upgrade
Yesterday during a new tv install I discovered the Denon AVR would not power up. It was time for replacing, so moving on.
I have a 5.1 set-up (center channel, Hales Design T-5 towers with a sensitivity rating around 88 or 89 db, two 15" subwoofers and two surrounds). I'm looking for all the latest software, like Dolby ATMOS etc. and an increase in watt/channel to more effectively drive my Hales Design, which are not that efficient. I'm thinking a minimum of 110W per channel. It will be used to watch movies and play music, so musicality is very important. My budget is $4 - 6K.
Initially I'm looking at Anthem, Arcam and Rotel, but I'm wide open to make & model suggestions in the above price range. It should be noted I don't want to go down the separates path.
Thank you in advance.
16 responses Add your response
| Post removed |
This review was of Anthem’s AV Processors. Are you now thinking of going this direction as opposed to an AVR? Anthem has its roots in high-end audio as the HT subsidiary of what was Sonic Frontiers and as such has been a cut above the more mass market brands. Their reliability is also among the best. For an AVR I’d try to go for at least the MRX 740 as your Hales will appreciate the additional power, and with the 740 the output channels can be reassigned so you could bi-amp your Hales for even more power. |
AV Processor has no amps so you'll need to buy a separate amplifier(s). These are separates and you stated that you did not want to go that route. An AVR (AV Receiver) is an all-in-one solution so it will have amps built in. Not familiar with the Anthem AVR lineup, but the MRX 740 should be sufficient for your needs if you want to go with Anthem. If you want to experience Atmos, you'll need to purchase some height channels. The MRX 1140 gives you more height channel (6 in 1140 vs. 2 in 740) and is more in line with the cost you listed ($4200 for 1140 vs. $3100 for 740). Anthem appears to have recently "updated" their AVM / MRX lineup to include 8K processing so make sure read the specs to be sure you're getting an 8K unit and not the "older" 4K unit. |
I'm starting to consider separates as an option. I know that's a more expensive option, but I think it will improve the resolution of the Hales and add more separation with the surrounds. Any recommendations on separates in the $5-6K range? Processor must be modern and have all the latest decoding options, Spotify etc., etc. |
Good idea, but if music is important I’d recommend a good stereo integrated amp and an AVR to handle HT processing and powering the center/surround channels. Here are a couple ideas FWIW… https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649895166-hegel-h190/ https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649856834-anthem-mrx-740-receiver-brand-new-just-opened-the-box/
|
With due respect, OP, you might not want to sling the cash around like tissue paper until you have done a bit more research, not just into different products, but into HT in general. Your failure to know the difference between AVR and AV Processors is telling. I recommend the books by Robert Harley on High End Audio and the chapters on HT, perhaps 1-2 hours of reading. I own two Anthem MX 570 AVRs for my two HT systems. I particularly value their room correction technology. Yamaha AVRs are also worth considering, and are probably better at reproducing speech. Keep in mind that AVRs have a “pre amp out” feature. That means you can upgrade the power amp section if you wish and use the AVR essentially as a processor. I would start with a basic AVR perhaps in the $1500 range such as Anthem and use that for a while. If the urge to upgrade hits try a separate power amp and then down the road if upgraditis hits again replace the AVR with a processor. Keep in mind that technology here changes fast and you may want to upgrade something every few years. If you overspend before you really know what you like, then it may be difficult to change later, and the resale value isn’t the greatest |