Thoughts on 2 channel audio from Anthem D1 vs Emotiva XSP-1 preamps


I can get an Anthem D1 with ARC (early 2000's unit) or keep my Emotiva XSP-1 2 channel preamp.  The Anthem was like a $5000 unit new and received awesome reviews even for 2channel.  I wonder if that technology, in your mind would be sub-par to the much newer and dedicated 2channel Emotiva.  

I cannot demo the Anthem but can pick one up for around $500.

Thoughts?
dtximages