Move on from Anthem D2V and A5 after OLED upgrade?

[Lew2864]

I recently replaced my Pioneer Elite Pro 151 to a 77” LG C8 OLED. My audio and video processing/switching between Apple TV and FiOS have been handled by an Anthem D2V pre-amp/processor and A5 5 channel power amp. My speakers are Paradigm S8 (l & r), C5 and two matching in ceiling Paradigms for the rears.

I am seeking advice (by someone they is not trying to sell me something). Would upgrading to a high-end new or used receiver and or mid-level separates be an improvement? I am thinking about adding a pair of speakers in the ceiling for Atmos. My budget would be under $6,000.

Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[awdio]

I would get another prepro and continue to use the 5 channel amp and get a 7 channel amp as part of an Atmos setup. Emotiva makes an affordable 16 channel prepro and 7 channel amp.

 

[Phase 2]

I recently replaced my Pioneer Elite Pro 151 to a 77” LG C8 OLED. My audio and video processing/switching between Apple TV and FiOS have been handled by an Anthem D2V pre-amp/processor and A5 5 channel power amp. My speakers are Paradigm S8 (l & r), C5 and two matching in ceiling Paradigms for the rears.

I am seeking advice (by someone they is not trying to sell me something). Would upgrading to a high-end new or used receiver and or mid-level separates be an improvement? I am thinking about adding a pair of speakers in the ceiling for Atmos. My budget would be under $6,000.

Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hey nice upgrade on the HDTV, how are you liking it? I've been looking at the nano LG's very nice.
I was walking through Best Buy they had a 65" LG nano on, colors where phenomenal! But so was the price. Oh well I'll have to stay put with my 4K 50 for now till prices come down some.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I recently replaced my Pioneer Elite Pro 151 to a 77” LG C8 OLED. My audio and video processing/switching between Apple TV and FiOS have been handled by an Anthem D2V pre-amp/processor and A5 5 channel power amp. My speakers are Paradigm S8 (l & r), C5 and two matching in ceiling Paradigms for the rears.

I am seeking advice (by someone they is not trying to sell me something). Would upgrading to a high-end new or used receiver and or mid-level separates be an improvement? I am thinking about adding a pair of speakers in the ceiling for Atmos. My budget would be under $6,000.

Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

It’s painful buying an expensive pre-pro that doesn’t have the features you want after a few years.

In terms of sound quality, using a sound mode that doesn’t use EQ or DSP should provide the same sound quality whether it is a $3,000 or $20,000 component.

If you love Anthem, the $3K AVM60 will sound just as good as your Anthem Dv2.

Other pre-pros that will sound as good (at least in modes that don’t use EQ/DSP) include Yamaha CX-A5100 (same one Gene uses) or CX-A5200 and Marantz pre-pros.

The upcoming (don’t have date available) $4K Monolith HTP-1 16Ch pre-pro that is based on the $10K DataSat and ATI pre-pros will also sound great.

 

[Lew2864]

Hey nice upgrade on the HDTV, how are you liking it? I've been looking at the nano LG's very nice.
I was walking through Best Buy they had a 65" LG nano on, colors where phenomenal! But so was the price. Oh well I'll have to stay put with my 4K 50 for now till prices come down some.

Thanks. I like the LG OLED, but not at first. The colors didn’t seem as natural and warm as the Elite Plasma. But after playing with the picture settings, I like the LG a lot.

 

[PENG]

I am seeking advice (by someone they is not trying to sell me something). Would upgrading to a high-end new or used receiver and or mid-level separates be an improvement? I am thinking about adding a pair of speakers in the ceiling for Atmos. My budget would be under $6,000.

Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I don't know about the high end Anthem AVPs, but I recently "upgraded (in terms of features)" from the Marantz AV8801 (paid over $3K) to the AVR-X4400H (at deep discount shortly before the X4500H was launched) and I am glad I didn't go for AV8805 ($4.5K) Overall, there is no question the "upgrade" is an improvement. Also, I am now feeling good and relaxed, knowing that from now on I can afford to try something new and hopefully improved, every 3 years or so, at affordable prices.

Like ADTG, I am sure the more affordable Yamaha CX-A5100, as well as other less expensive AVPs are just as good, in pure direct mode. With sound processing, all bets are off as that's where subjectivity may have great influence. Anthem AVPs are relatively expensive, but that does not mean it is "better"; and I think many of us know the reasons. On a $6,000 budget you will have many options, but imo you will gain more by focusing on speakers than on AVPs.

 

[Swerd]

I am seeking advice (by someone they is not trying to sell me something). Would upgrading to a high-end new or used receiver and or mid-level separates be an improvement? I am thinking about adding a pair of speakers in the ceiling for Atmos. My budget would be under $6,000.

I gotta agree with what ATDG and PENG said above. This is especially true for an AV pre-amp/processor, as there is little or no choice at mid-level prices.

There is nothing lacking in an AVR with all the needed pre-amp output jacks, and they can be found at significantly lower prices. Look at Accessories4less for good prices on factory rebuilds or new older models. They come with manufacturer's warranties.

Is there anything in particular about your Anthem D2V that is insufficient or lacking? Or do you want something new for general principles?

 

[Lew2864]

I gotta agree with what ATDG and PENG said above. This is especially true for an AV pre-amp/processor, as there is little or no choice at mid-level prices.

There is nothing lacking in an AVR with all the needed pre-amp output jacks, and they can be found at significantly lower prices. Look at Accessories4less for good prices on factory rebuilds or new older models. They come with manufacturer's warranties.

Is there anything in particular about your Anthem D2V that is insufficient or lacking? Or do you want something new for general principles?

Thanks. My Anthem is great! It’s internal video processor paired will with the Elite plasma. But it cannot pass through 4K. So I am running FiOS and Apple TV now through the TV first and connecting to the Anthem for audio via the LG’s HDMI’s audio. And obviously no Atmos. So, I guess the question is is whether there is any benefit to using a newer AVP/AVR to run the video through and use as the switcher. Also, some AVR/AVPs have video processing (some like the Anthem AVM 60 do not). Does an AVP/AVR’s on board video processor offer any advantages over the LG’s internal video processor?

Also, I am repurposing the Elite monitor in another room, so I will have to provide some kind of audio for it. Certainly my old Anthem stuff can be used for that. But if the new gear isn’t much better (or in fact a step down) from my Anthem stuff, I would keep the Anthem in the main room with the LG and buy a somewhat lower price AVR for the old Elite. I will be keeping the Paradigm Signature speakers in the main room with the LG.

To narrow the topic, I am thinking of Marantz separates. The 8805 AVP and the MM8077 power amp. The 8077 can be found in the $2,000 range. Of possibly a Marantz/Devon AVR.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

1. I wouldn’t depend on any AVP/AVR to process the video. I would pass through the 4K video. So the AVM60 is fine. You just need Atmos/DTSX.

2. If you want Atmos/DTSX and the awesome DTS NeuralX (and DSU),then you need a new AVP/AVR with Atmos/DTSX.

3. AVR or AVP - either way can get you great sound.

One thing I recently noticed is that although Denon/Marantz (D/M) have auto EQ (Audyssey) that will automatically EQ subs and speakers, if you prefer to use the manual EQ, then the manual EQ is Graphic EQ and you cannot manually EQ the subs. I couldn’t believe they don’t even allow you to manually EQ the subs.

On Yamaha, you get a much more advanced manual Parametric EQ that will allow manual EQ of all individual speakers and the 2 subs.

In my system, I prefer not to EQ the speakers. But I do manually EQ the subwoofers from 30Hz-80Hz to my liking (Chest-thumping-pounding bass instead of flat bass ).

Do you use Anthem ARC auto room EQ or manual EQ?

 

[Lew2864]

1. I wouldn’t depend on any AVP/AVR to process the video. I would pass through the 4K video. So the AVM60 is fine. You just need Atmos/DTSX.

2. If you want Atmos/DTSX and the awesome DTS NeuralX (and DSU),then you need a new AVP/AVR with Atmos/DTSX.

3. AVR or AVP - either way can get you great sound.

One thing I recently noticed is that although Denon/Marantz (D/M) have auto EQ (Audyssey) that will automatically EQ subs and speakers, if you prefer to use the manual EQ, then the manual EQ is Graphic EQ and you cannot manually EQ the subs. I couldn’t believe they don’t even allow you to manually EQ the subs.

On Yamaha, you get a much more advanced manual Parametric EQ that will allow manual EQ of all individual speakers and the 2 subs.

In my system, I prefer not to EQ the speakers. But I do manually EQ the subwoofers from 30Hz-80Hz to my liking (Chest-thumping-pounding bass instead of flat bass ).

Do you use Anthem ARC auto room EQ or manual EQ?

I used the Anthem ARC when I first set it up years ago. I haven’t touched it since.

I am leaning toward repurposing my Anthem D2V and A5 to my work shop/garage along with the old Elite Plasma. Now I just have to decide it’s replacement. Until this thread, I hadn’t considered the Yamaha separates, but it sounds like they are very well regarded. Maybe more so than the Marantz. So, the choice may come down to the Yamaha CX/MX-5200 or the flagship Denon AVR.

Is there any advantage from switching from my old Paradigm Servo 15 sub to a newer dual sub system?

 

[Lew2864]

And I really want to thank everyone for all of their help, shared wisdom and support. I love the hobby, but have been out of the game for 10+ years. A lot has happened during that period and it’s a bit hard to catch up on my own. So a big “Thank you” to all.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

the choice may come down to the Yamaha CX/MX-5200 or the flagship Denon AVR.

I do like my Yamaha CX-A5100/MX-A5000.

 

[Lew2864]

Noting that the Yamaha MX-A5200/CXA5200 is not much more expensive than the Denon AVR-X8500H and less than the Arcam ABR850.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Noting that the Yamaha MX-A5200/CXA5200 is not much more expensive than the Denon AVR-X8500H and less than the Arcam ABR850.

Also noting that when you bridge the MX-A5200 amp, it goes from an 11Ch amp to 9Ch amp and the Front Left and Right Channels can output 444 Watts into 4 ohms @ 1% THD using 4-ohm speakers (although Yamaha and just about every company will recommend that you use 8-ohm speakers when using Bridged Mode).