New Marantz AV-8801 or 1 year used Anthem AVM50V-3D?

[glaferri]

I have a dilemma. I can buy for about the same price a brand new Marantz AV-8801 or a used Anthem AVM50V-3D in mint condition. It is not an upgraded AVM50V. It was bought in July 2013.
Both processor have great reviews and it's difficult for me to make a decision.

I would say that I use my system 50%-50% for cinema and music. I have a very nice home theater room that was built as part of the renovation of my home. The acoustic is very good.
I need to move my amplifiers to the basement to make room in my audio-video rack for the new turntable I just bought. I'm back to analog and vinyl records! To do so I need a preamp-processor with balanced outputs (20 to 25 ft cable run between my preamp and amplifiers).

What would you recommend between those 2 processors and why? I would rather emphasize on the best audio quality first and video performance second. Bell and whistles are not important to me.

The actual audio-video components for my 7.1 system are:
Pioneer Elite SC-35 (use only as a processor-preamp. Will be replaced by new processor)
Emotiva XPR-2 (for LR Fronts)
Emotiva XPR-5 (for center and surrounds)
Oppo BDP-93
Panasonic PT-AE-4000U projector
GrandView 120" screen
Pro-Ject 6perspeX turntable with Ortofon 2M Black cartridge
SimAudio Moon 310LP phono stage (with balanced output)
All my speakers are Definitive Technology:
BP-2002 bipolar (L&R Front)
CLR-3000 (center)
UIW BPZ/A (L&R surrounds)
UIW BP/A (Rear surrounds)
SuperCube Reference Subwoofer

Thanks!

 

[fuzz092888]

I don't know anything about the Anthem, but I can vouch for the 8801 and what a great unit it is. If you have any questions about it, I can try to answer them.

 

[PENG]

I don't know anything about the Anthem, but I can vouch for the 8801 and what a great unit it is. If you have any questions about it, I can try to answer them.

+1..............

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If both were brand new, it would have been a more difficult decision.

But when it comes to complex electronics, I would choose the brand new over the used.

I am completely happy with Audyssey Dynamic EQ, and I am not sure if Anthem or other processors have the exact equivalent, which I doubt because every company (Audyssey, Anthem, Yamaha, Pioneer, HK, etc.) has its own variation.

If I were buying a new processor today, I would have to try Anthem to see if they have what I love in Audyssey DEQ and see which I prefer more. But only I could make that determination, not anyone's opinion.

Perhaps you could try both for YOURSELF to see which you PREFER more.

 

[JonnyFive23517]

With the rate at which processors become paperweights, I wouldn't by used. The successor for the AV8801 is due in October/November, I'm waiting until then to pull the trigger. The successor may have features the AV8801 doesn't have that are desirable, or it may not. Well, I'm trying to wait until then...but everyone lauds the AV8801 which makes it hard to wait.

 

[Cos]

What price can you get the used AVM50V-3D for? If you don't get it, I might be interested

- Anthem does one thing that Marantz wont, you can upgrade your units. Now it's not cheap, but I am a big fan of ARC

 

[JonnyFive23517]

Instead of the used Anthem, what about the new x10 series and just using the pre-outs??? I'm considering this is a much cheaper alternative to the AV8801. Only thing I think I'd miss is the Audyssey Dynamic EQ.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Only thing I think I'd miss is the Audyssey Dynamic EQ.

Have you tried ARC to see if they have an equivalent to that?

I can do without room corrections (both ARC & Audyssey), but I cannot do without that.

 

[JonnyFive23517]

Have you tried ARC to see if they have an equivalent to that?

I can do without room corrections (both ARC & Audyssey), but I cannot do without that.

I have no idea, but I'd be very interested to know! I have not tried ARC myself Can anyone comment if ARC has a dynamic EQ type feature?

 

[Broadcast_storm]

Anthem processor, used? RUN......
Had one new. Anthem wanted me to pay shipping to return it on the first day!!!!! No way. Took it back. The OSD in the one I had was fried. Dealer said its common to have issues with them.
If you cant resist, at least check serial to see how many times it has been serviced. Warning #2. Anthem frowns on used market and you may get snubbed if you have a problem. The processors can be a handful concerning reliability. The amps are reliable.

The Marantz is good. I would take more comfort in having it new with a warranty over a used item for sure.
The new Yamaha is neat. It will likely be a step down in SQ from the Marantz.

 

[PENG]

For AVR and processor I just don't trust anything other than those from the major players such as Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, even Sony (ES only). IMHO there are too many things that can go wrong or not done right (software/firmware). I can see why some audiophile class stuff would occasionally launch their own but their internals would be based on one of those major player's components. To me the choice would be easy, the brand new 8801. I do own an Anthem amp, they make good amps for sure.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

For AVR and processor I just don't trust anything other than those from the major players such as Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, even Sony (ES only). IMHO there are too many things that can go wrong or not done right (software/firmware). I can see why some audiophile class stuff would occasionally launch their own but their internals would be based on one of those major player's components. To me the choice would be easy, the brand new 8801. I do own an Anthem amp, they make good amps for sure.

Yeah, I agree there. But you already know that.

Only major players for me.

Brand new is preferred.

Not to mention that feature we all seem to like.

 

[kzaudiovideo]

YAMAHA CX-A5000 SURROUND PROCESSOR. You can check for reviews on the link below.

What's Great About Yamaha CX-A5000 Surround Processor? | KZ Audio Video

 

[Broadcast_storm]

Dont eliminate NAD. Ive used two of their processors. No problems at all. First the T163 and now the M15. Excellent SQ too.

 

[glaferri]

I finally decided to buy a new Yamaha CX-A5000. Thanks everyone for your comments and support. Really appreciated. The Yamaha wasn't even on my list but I had really good comments about it so I decided to give it a try.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I finally decided to buy a new Yamaha CX-A5000. Thanks everyone for your comments and support. Really appreciated. The Yamaha wasn't even on my list but I had really good comments about it so I decided to give it a try.

Congrats. Yamaha is well regarded.

 

[RichB]

I finally decided to buy a new Yamaha CX-A5000. Thanks everyone for your comments and support. Really appreciated. The Yamaha wasn't even on my list but I had really good comments about it so I decided to give it a try.

Great choice.
Please let us know how you like it.

- Rich

 

[glaferri]

I am going on vacation for 2 weeks. (CX-A5000 is cheaper than AV-8801 or AVM50V-3D so I still have some money to go on vacation! )
I will report back after installing it when I return.
Thanks everyone.