Anthem AVM 60, Yamaha CX-A5100, Marantz AV 7702 or 8077

[sivad]

I am interested in members thoughts about which of these processors might be the best choice of some really great units. I'd like to replace my Integra DTR-50.3 AV receiver. Actually, I'm leaning toward the Anthem because I understand it's great for music and video. I'd appreciate any wisdom people would care to share. My system includes:
Anthem PVA 8 Amp
Vandersteen 2C main speakers (Considering going to Revel F30, maybe I should get those first before processor)
REL T9 sub

 

[bpassman]

Hi, I just moved from a Pioneer SC-85 Elite to the new AVM60. Primary reason was to get to 11.2 processing. My front runners were the AVM60 and the 7702mkII. I went with the AVM60 after test driving the unit, it has a really simple User Interface (UI), it was easy to setup; and I wanted to try their ARC over the MCACC and Audyssey.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The salient difference among these processors is in the EQ software. In bypass/Direct mode, the sound will all be equally great. As to which EQ software sound best, that's 100% equivocal - a personal preference. People's preferences are just theirs. You may not agree. I prefer just Audyssey Dynamic EQ (not Room EQ), but that's me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[Cos]

I have used both Anthem and Marantz. I used ARC with my brief stint with an AVM 50 and was thoroughly impressed. The AVM 60 has an upgraded version of ARC. I use Audyssesy on my AV8802A which took about 3 runs to get it to perform to my expecations, but it also works extremely well.

I would seriously look at other amps besides the PVA8, not that it is bad (I used a PVA7 for a long time) There are just better options out there IMO.

 

[sivad]

I have used both Anthem and Marantz. I used ARC with my brief stint with an AVM 50 and was thoroughly impressed. The AVM 60 has an upgraded version of ARC. I use Audyssesy on my AV8802A which took about 3 runs to get it to perform to my expecations, but it also works extremely well.

I would seriously look at other amps besides the PVA8, not that it is bad (I used a PVA7 for a long time) There are just better options out there IMO.

Cos,

I'm a novice, but willing to learn. I have a 7.1 system and I'd like to build for future. The PVA 8 is new, but do you have suggestions for a budget conscious amp; what do you think about the Revel F30 speakers?

 

[Cos]

I don't have experence with the REVEL F30, but I am sure others on this forum have.

As for the PVA 8, I think for $2799.00 you have a lot of options in this price range.
8 Channels is nice, but there are some other brands whom I would consider for that dollar amount. I may get crucified for saying this but when I had my PVA7 and was testing against the A52 A23 I swear the difference was night and day.

If I were you your shoes, I would save a little money on electronics and focus on speakers.

PRE/PRO Options:

• For the Pre-Pro I would strongly consider the AV7702MKII, shares a lot with the AV8802 and is substantially less money than either that unit or the AVM60
• I am partial to Anthem, so I could understand why you would want to go with that unit
• On a side note I believe that the AVM60 just has pass-through video and no video processing like the AVM50V3D if that is important.

Amp Options:

• $2799 is just to much money for that amp, I would look at other options
• ATI or Outlaw 7700 7 channel can be had for 2k-2500
• If you can find a used Parasound Halo A52 (discontinued) & A23, those can be had for under 2k
• Emotiva Gen 2 or 3

I figure if it gives you about a $1500 savings gear, put that to your $3500 budget for speakers and you will find a ton of options

• REVEL F208
• Salk SongTowers
• GoldenEar Triton One
• RBH
• etc.

I think you will get much more sonic improvement with speakers over the gear choices listed above and get the best option that sounds best to you.

 

[sivad]

THANK YOU, SO MUCH! Although I already own the PVA 8 and I got a great deal on it, I am happy with it, but going forward I will give your post serious consideration. Further, I was wondering whether, for now, I should get speakers first; I've heard the Revels and they are give a level of definition that the Vandy's do not. Not discounting the Vandy's, they really are great speakers, but a little dated. I am partial to the AVM 60, but who know what Anthem might upgrade to next year, or Marantz, or Yamaha.

This forum is wonderful and I'm learning a lot!

 

[Don G.]

One thing the Anthem has that I don't believe any other AVP's has is DTS Play-fi. The advantage to this system is you can stream hi-def audio from things like Tidal and other sources directly to the preamp. It is for sure better than Bluetooth or even Air-Play. I am considering the Anthem just for that as I spend a lot of time listening to Tidal and you can't stream that direct on any other AVP. The other option is the Anthem AVR's and I might go that route.

 

[everettT]

Dts playfi is nice, but as background music there are many other solutions. The playfi makes it simpler in some cases. To me any streaming service other than true HD is a joke and should be limited to background only. Tidal and et al generally offer garbage they call music.

One thing the Anthem has that I don't believe any other AVP's has is DTS Play-fi. The advantage to this system is you can stream hi-def audio from things like Tidal and other sources directly to the preamp. It is for sure better than Bluetooth or even Air-Play. I am considering the Anthem just for that as I spend a lot of time listening to Tidal and you can't stream that direct on any other AVP. The other option is the Anthem AVR's and I might go that route.

 

[Don G.]

Dts playfi is nice, but as background music there are many other solutions. The playfi makes it simpler in some cases. To me any streaming service other than true HD is a joke and should be limited to background only. Tidal and et al generally offer garbage they call music.

Tidal sounds better than most other music streaming services. And Play-Fi will stream at 24bit/192kHz which is pretty good quality for just about anything, certainly better than just background music. I am also interested in how it will integrate with DTS-X so I could use powered Play-Fi speakers for some of the effect speakers in back or up top. Just another thing to confuse the choice and muddy the water...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

AirPlay works great for me.

 

[sterling shoote]

Perhaps, the most important thing is what kind of solder is used on circuit boards. In my experience, it's deterioration of solder which sends what ever component discussed to the trash. Some components made today will only have a life of about 10 years since their lead free solder will grow whiskers over that time. As I understand it, Sony has addressed the issue trying to get a solution. It seems environmental law is having an effect on our sustained audio/visual pleasures. I have components in my system which I will never sell, trade or discard because they still actually work like new even though some are now over 30 years old. I just can't see spending 3 or 4 thousand dollars on a pre/pro today for 10 years of service, although at my age that might still outlast me. At any rate, seems the emphasis today with sound being indistinguishable between similar products, is features for the money, not product life. I want components which will indeed last a long time and therefore I look for five year warranties. I would not consider anything less than a 3 year warranty.