Finally upgrading to 4K. Yamaha at a massive discount or Anthem at full price?

[Happygodavid]

Hey all! Long time lurker, first time poster.

I just ordered an LG C8, and my Integra DTR-40.1 needs to be upgraded as well. I need some help thinking through the long term logic of which route to go.

I’ve got a friend who can get me a discount on Yamaha, so I’m looking at getting the new RX-3080 for about $1300USD (lists for $2000). The more I read on here, tho, the more I’m considering just going for what I reaaaally want, which is the Anthem MRX 720 ($2500). Just trying to figure out if I can justify spending that much more for the Anthem, as they both will cover the bases for my current needs. I only have 5.1 now. I can add 2 more channels for 7.1 pretty easily but won’t be able to do full Atmos, etc. for a few years, when I’m not a renter. For now I just need something that does 5.1, does pass-through for HDR10, HLG, etc., and sounds good. Eventually, I’ll add external amps (hence my choice in models with preamp outputs).

Anyone have any input to offer? I’m torn and need input from folks who know more about this stuff than me. Thanks in advance!

Edit: I should clarify; I can afford both. But hey, it’s over $1200. Just wondering if it’s worth the difference of the “higher end” Anthem. I’m not trying to pinch pennies. I’d rather get the better product in the end. But you guys see the conundrum, right??

 

[M Code]

Hmmm..
Great price..
Close to dealer's cost...
The Yamaha AVRs are #1 for reliability, the 3080 has some great features.

Just my $0.02...

 

[snakeeyes]

That’s a great price. Have to ask if the friend can do even better on a 3070? The specs are very similar on both models.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hmmm..
Great price..
Close to dealer's cost...
The Yamaha AVRs are #1 for reliability, the 3080 has some great features.

Just my $0.02...

No kidding. Actually lower than some small-time dealer costs.

 

[PENG]

Hey all! Long time lurker, first time poster.

I just ordered an LG C8, and my Integra DTR-40.1 needs to be upgraded as well. I need some help thinking through the long term logic of which route to go.

I’ve got a friend who can get me a discount on Yamaha, so I’m looking at getting the new RX-3080 for about $1300USD (lists for $2000). The more I read on here, tho, the more I’m considering just going for what I reaaaally want, which is the Anthem MRX 720 ($2500). Just trying to figure out if I can justify spending that much more for the Anthem, as they both will cover the bases for my current needs. I only have 5.1 now. I can add 2 more channels for 7.1 pretty easily but won’t be able to do full Atmos, etc. for a few years, when I’m not a renter. For now I just need something that does 5.1, does pass-through for HDR10, HLG, etc., and sounds good. Eventually, I’ll add external amps (hence my choice in models with preamp outputs).

Anyone have any input to offer? I’m torn and need input from folks who know more about this stuff than me. Thanks in advance!

I am Canadian, and would like to say go Anthem, but there is no way I can justify paying so much more for so much less. The RX-A3080 is more comparable to the Anthem MRX-1120, and I would still give the edge to the Yamaha. However, Anthem does have Anthem ARC on their side, that probably can do a better job than YPAO, but I believe if one spends time on perfecting YPAO with some manual fine tuning, guided by REW/Umik-1 mic can achieve the same good result. Or worst case, one can purchase Dirac separately,, and the final total cost will likely be well below the price of the 1120 or even the MRX-720.

 

[Happygodavid]

That’s a great price. Have to ask if the friend can do even better on a 3070? The specs are very similar on both models.

I could ask... know off the top of your head what the difference would be between the two? At such a great price, I could easily justify spending a little more if it’s something that would be worth it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[snakeeyes]

I could ask... know off the top of your head what the difference would be between the two? At such a great price, I could easily justify spending a little more if it’s something that would be worth it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Think main difference is the AI on 3080. If you get last years 3070 new, you probably wouldn’t miss that. Just saying in case you can get a 3070 for even cheaper.

 

[TechHDS]

The A3080 I has the latest saber pro chip, ES9026Pro and ES9007S, AI real time adjustments for surround. Plus XLR pre- outs for L/R mains. That unit is really nice, it will be in my set up very soon!

PS
Yamaha has intrigue me enough to make the jump to the A3080 flagship. Can’t wait to get my hands on that unit I will run it in a 5.2.2. and 2.2 for music.
Mike

 

[snakeeyes]

I have the RX-A2060 and I love it.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I’d rather get the better product in the end.

You mean in terms of sound quality?

If you are into room EQ Correction and believe it improves the sound quality, then get something with ARC, Dirac, Audyssey XT32.

If you are not into EQ/ Room Correction, then the Yamaha, Anthem, etc., will sound equally good.

I would say the ONLY reason to buy the Anthem is if you’ve experienced ARC in the past and you love it. Otherwise it’s a waste of money.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

A3080 is tempting to get such neat deal, but I'd personally go with a comparable Denon
https://www.prosoundgear.com/shop/home-audio/denon-avr-x4400h-9-2-channel-network-v-receiver/
125 vs 150 wpc is not significant

 

[lovinthehd]

Why do you need to update the avr particularly? Nothing is changing audio wise.....you don't have the ability to send video 4k signal to tv, audio to avr separately?

 

[speakerman39]

I agree w/Peng in that I would opt for the Yammie 3080 and employ a miniDSP w/REW. Then, take the savings and put it into your speakers and /or subwoofer(s). Another option would be the Denon AVR-X3400W for only $599! The OP plans to use outbouard amplification eventually. Here is a link:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX3400/Denon-AVR-X3400H-IN-Command.html

The 3400 would easily hold the OP over until he gets into his new place. Just saying.........at the price of $599 it really is a good deal w/full warranty!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

@Happygodavid I just noticed that Crutchfield now has the Denon AVR -X4400H on sale for only $899! What an incredible deal. The Denon AVR-X3400H is still $599 as well. Here are some links for you:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX4400/Denon-AVR-X4400H-IN-Command.html


https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX3400/Denon-AVR-X3400H-IN-Command.html


The 4400 looks to be a bit beefier weighing 6.3 -lbs. more and has a phono input. The remote control is a multi-brand learning remote as well. Otherwise, there are not a lot of differences that I can see other than the 4400 is a 9-CH"s AVR vs. 7-CH's with respect to the 3400. Both have the pre-outs that you are looking for as well. There is no doubt that the 4400 is the bigger bargain.


Cheers,

Phil

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The A3080 I has the latest saber pro chip, ES9026Pro and ES9007S, AI real time adjustments for surround. Plus XLR pre- outs for L/R mains. That unit is really nice, it will be in my set up very soon!

PS
Yamaha has intrigue me enough to make the jump to the A3080 flagship. Can’t wait to get my hands on that unit I will run it in a 5.2.2. and 2.2 for music.
Mike

Cool. So you’re going ATMOS 5.2.2?

I don’t know why I was fighting ATMOS as if it were the Klingons. In this hobby, resistance is futile. Just do it and get it over with.

So a few days ago I just had to install 2 RBH ceiling speakers on my 14’ ceiling. Now I have ATMOS 5.5.2 (Yamaha CX-A5100).

 

[Out-Of-Phase]

@Happygodavid I just noticed that Crutchfield now has the Denon AVR -X4400H on sale for only $899! What an incredible deal. The Denon AVR-X3400H is still $599 as well. Here are some links for you:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX4400/Denon-AVR-X4400H-IN-Command.html


https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX3400/Denon-AVR-X3400H-IN-Command.html


The 4400 looks to be a bit beefier weighing 6.3 -lbs. more and has a phono input. The remote control is a multi-brand learning remote as well. Otherwise, there are not a lot of differences that I can see other than the 4400 is a 9-CH"s AVR vs. 7-CH's with respect to the 3400. Both have the pre-outs that you are looking for as well. There is no doubt that the 4400 is the bigger bargain.


Cheers,

Phil

Yes, I’ll vouch for the X4400 since I own it. It’s so feature laden, you won’t be sorry. Oh, and it sounds good too. You’ll like it Happygodavid.

 

[TechHDS]

Cool. So you’re going ATMOS 5.2.2?

I don’t know why I was fighting ATMOS as if it were the Klingons. In this hobby, resistance is futile. Just do it and get it over with.

So a few days ago I just had to install 2 RBH ceiling speakers on my 14’ ceiling. Now I have ATMOS 5.5.2 (Yamaha CX-A5100).

Yep, going to go front Heights. I wasn’t going to spend this much on upgrades, but since I can’t take the money with me, I be dam when I’m on my deathbed going, man wish I had gotten that flagship unit and them nice tower speakers now I’ll never know what fun I could’ve had. Lol So now l l’ll know!!

 

[3db]

As a Canadian, I want to say Anthom like Peng says but that Yamaha offers so much more in terms of power delivery and feature set. Plus their reliability and longevity leads the industry. Its really a no contest.

 

[Happygodavid]

I would opt for the Yammie 3080 and employ a miniDSP w/REW. Then, take the savings and put it into your speakers and /or subwoofer(s). Another option would be the Denon AVR-X3400W for only $599!

"miniDSP w/REW"? Sorry, but I'm a noob; what's that?
As for the Denon... I could get that at a discount as well. Basically, anything that the Walmart of Home Theater sells, I can get with my buddy's employee discount. In the last couple of days, in fact, I've even pondered going with something from Rotel (I'm a bit overwhelmed at the options).

 

[Happygodavid]

Or worst case, one can purchase Dirac separately

Mind helping me with what I'd need to do this?