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FWIW... Yamaha RX-v2700 / Anthem Pre1 Combination

This post may come as no suprise to many of you, so your indulgence is appreciated. But for those who may not know about Phono PreAmps I post...

I recently put in a Yamaha RX-v2700 into my system to use as a pre-amp/prosessor and to run my surround speakers. The front three are handled by outboard amps.

In the system is a Scout turntable with a dynavector 20x High Output cartridge and an Anthem Pre1P phono pre-amplifier. I've use that for a couple years and really know no other set-up, it being my first journey into analog of this nature.

Upon installing the Yammie, I decided to by-pass the Anthem and go direct to the 2700's inboard phono stage thinking I'd not hear much of a difference and could simplify my system.

Big mistake, not even close. The sound stage became one dimensional and sounded compressed and flat to me. Favorites lost all their magic. The little things were missing totally and the sound was okay but certainly ordinary.

I hooked up the Anthem and everything returned. Wide soundstage, intimate details of the recording and all the little things that keep you involved in the music. Even the volume itself was almost 30-40% higher. I did use an SPL meter as I knew the volume would be different and know that generally louder sounds better anyway.

I don't believe this to be a sign of the Yammies unability to produce good sound. It sounded okay but just that, ok. The rest of this processor sounds marvelous and does H/T just fine. It replaced an older Anthem unit and sound wise is just terrific. Not having a dynamic phono stage in a receiver of this nature isn't suprising.

I post this more to let anyone know that is contemplating a purchase of a stand alone phono preamp it will make all the difference in the world over a built-in one in a similar type receiver.

This also confirms, to me at least, that this Anthem Pre1P is one terrific phono stage - totally transformed the sound. They are very resonably priced if you can find one and have a tube stage as well.
sailfishben

Showing 1 response by sailfishben

sailfishben OP
65 posts
 
Elevick... I can appreciate what you say. However, the gap isn't as much as one might think on this particular Yammie. I'm very familar with the AVM20, and in a stand alone processor, it is very highly recommended not just by me but mostly anyone whos heard or had them. The build a great product. A hands down winner.

But for one thing, it should sound better. An AVM30 cost almost double what the 2700 does. So it just plain better sound far superior for that kind of cost. A comparison not taking into account the cost of any gear isn't really an apples to apples comparsion.

However, for H/T IMHO there isn't a tremendous gap between the two units and I've heard both with my gear. I might even prefer the Anthem but Yammies processing and the way they impliment it is just fine and the detail for H/T it produces is astonishing. I've no experience with a 2200 so I won't comment on its merits or lack thereof.

For it's price point, this Yammie is very credible and does the job. Very value packed considering the video processing etc. built into it.

Its competion from Anthem would cost $4695 at retail - quite a jump. Frankly, if I had the money, that's where I'd be. But for now this unit sounds great and allows me the luxury of really cranking up the wattage out of my stand-alone amps by bridging them.

My point posting is no matter what your using for a pre-amp, a good stand alone Phono Stage, assuming your into vinyl, makes all the difference in the world, at least to me. I also have mentioned this 2700 before and wanted to pass along what I found out about its phono stage.

STEUSPEED if you ever get a bug to sell the tubed Anthem CD player, let me know! I bet its one terrific sounding unit and is a changer too, correct?
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