Arcam 21 vs Anthem 1140

[anilum]

Hello all,

I m setting up a home theatre with JBL Synthesis (SCL 6, 7 & 8) line of speakers with 5.2.2 setup and maybe go to 7.2.4 setup down the line. At the moment, I want to get a good receiver that does the job before adding a pre-amp later on.
My question is - what would be the best receiver between Arcam 21 vs Anthem 1140? Arcam 21definitely had an edge over Marantz 40 during the demo but I wasn't able to listen to Anthem 1140. Any inputs? The speakers are rated @ 4ohms and both receivers should have enough power to drive JBL. I was more concerned from sound quality and sound processors/options. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, in advance!

 

[PENG]

I would definitely go with the Arcam 21 if the prices are comparable. If the Anthem cost a lot less, then it will be different.

The Arcam has DLBC ready, Auro 3D, and is Roon ready. Also, the Arcam uses the ES9026Pro DAC chip that is superior in specs to the Anthem's ES9010K2M. The ES9026Pro costs a lot more (almost double), after adjusting for the 8 channel vs 2 channel factor.

No brainer really.., you may think the Anthem sound better but in my opinion unless you compare them side by side, using tightly controlled DBT protocols, any differences you heard means little, if anything. The more reliable way to compare is to look on the objective facts, based on specs and measurements.

 

[anilum]

I would definitely go with the Arcam 21 if the prices are comparable. If the Anthem cost a lot less, then it will be different.

The Arcam has DLBC ready, Auro 3D, and is Roon ready. Also, the Arcam uses the ES9026Pro DAC chip that is superior in specs to the Anthem's ES9010K2M. The ES9026Pro costs a lot more (almost double), after adjusting for the 8 channel vs 2 channel factor.

No brainer really.., you may think the Anthem sound better but in my opinion unless you compare them side by side, using tightly controlled DBT protocols, any differences you heard means little, if anything. The more reliable way to compare is to look on the objective facts, based on specs and measurements.

Thank you, Peng! This is really helpful. The cost difference is Anthem MRX 1140 is cheaper by close to $1200 (as a sale price). The other diff. I see is Anthem can run 7.2.4 with 15 channels support while Arcam 21 can do 5.2.2. Unfortunately, I don't have any place nearby to try these two systems

 

[PENG]

Thank you, Peng! This is really helpful. The cost difference is Anthem MRX 1140 is cheaper by close to $1200 (as a sale price). The other diff. I see is Anthem can run 7.2.4 with 15 channels support while Arcam 21 can do 5.2.2. Unfortunately, I don't have any place nearby to try these two systems

I thought the Arcam AVR21 can support 4 height/Atmos channels so it should be able to do 7.1.4 as well, are you sure it can only do 5.1.2?

Note: I don't like the .2 thing because there is only 1 LFE channel, so the 0.2 is actually a misnomer as it would imply two discrete channels when there is only 1.

Anthem's sales price is indeed attractive. It boils down to whether you think Dirac Live is worth the extra cost, I think it does if DLBC is included in the price. Otherwise I believe it would cost you another $300 or more to upgrade the license.

Anthem ARCG is good but in my opinion it is no better than Audyssey with the apps, and it is not easy to tweak for the best possible bass. Anthem fans will tell you the opposite, but you will find it hard to find actual measurements, they seem to think those predicted FR graphs/PDF files are evidence but they are not.

Again, $1,200 is a lot of money so I don't know what to say any more.

 

[anilum]

Thank you, Peng! This is helpful. It makes decision easier. Also, I didn't know on the 0.2 thing that there is only 1 LFE channel. Appreciate your inputs here

 

[lovinthehd]

How did you demo the Arcam vs Marantz....i.e. how was it done particularly? That would be difficult to do fairly, especially if both were setup with their REQ programs.

 

[anilum]

How did you demo the Arcam vs Marantz....i.e. how was it done particularly? That would be difficult to do fairly, especially if both were setup with their REQ programs.

I was talking to BestBuy and their consultation team and made them demo me a 2-channel system with Marantz and Arcam-21 while ensuring both had their own setup done through their default calibration. This is all I could request for and the difference was noticeable.

 

[lovinthehd]

I was talking to BestBuy and their consultation team and made them demo me a 2-channel system with Marantz and Arcam-21 while ensuring both had their own setup done through their default calibration. This is all I could request for and the difference was noticeable.

Wouldn't trust salesmen at Bestbuy....Was it even level matched?

 

[ban25]

Wouldn't trust salesmen at Bestbuy....Was it even level matched?

+1 The one that sounded "better" was likely just louder (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudness_war)

 

[lovinthehd]

+1 The one that sounded "better" was likely just louder (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudness_war)

High probability at least....Plus doesn't mean they can setup up the REQ properly, and a two ch demonstration of such isn't that important anyways.

 

[anilum]

All helpful discussion here. At this moment, all I can say is - the setup was a 2-channel (without sub) and both the receiver levels were the same. However, the designer did crank the volume high. At low or high, the Arcam definitely, for my ears, sounded better.

 

[lovinthehd]

All helpful discussion here. At this moment, all I can say is - the setup was a 2-channel (without sub) and both the receiver levels were the same. However, the designer did crank the volume high. At low or high, the Arcam definitely, for my ears, sounded better.

Designer? Designs on your wallet? How did the levels get matched, spl meter or by voltage? Was the test blinded? Best way would be to not use the dsp to compare them....or you're more likely comparing dsp/skills in setup.

 

[Timforhifi]

I actually just sold my arcam avr21, I was running a 7.1.6 setup. I had an arcam avr10 that I sent In for the hdmi 2.1 upgrade that I was using in my office. Decided to try 7.1.4 using this avr10 and could hear no difference after testing for over a week. Sold arcam a few days ago to replace all the money I’ve been spending on this hobby.

I’ve actually been selling a lot of gear that I don’t need anymore or use enough. The four avrs in my house are arcam avr10 with revel f208, c208, two Rythmik fv18pc, nad t977 amp in a 7.2.4 configuration. Second setup is a marantz 6015 with canton vento 896 and 866 center in a 3.0 configuration. Third is a denon 4700 with Jbl l890, infinity beta c360, 4 infinity beta 20 and two energy exl12 subs in a 7.2 configuration. Lastly is a denon 3300 with infinity beta 50 and beta c250 in 3.0 configuration. You can see I like harman!

I mentioned all that because I’ve swapped avrs around to see which I prefer in each system. Spending weeks with each unit and I can say without a doubt they all sound a little different at the beginning. With proper setup and eq I can get them all to sound just as good as any of them. Really the speakers determine the most, or the room itself. It can only sound as good as the speakers can play. My revel 208 sound just as good on the marantz 6015 as the arcam avr21 did. If you like playing things loud get the right speakers with great subs and plenty of power. If you don’t crank it up buy great speakers and don’t worry about power, something like denon 3700 would be great.

If you’re building a big theater the arcam 21 can process up to 16 channels. So 7.3.6 is really what I did, but they have many configurations. Avr21 isn’t hard to find at a discount from dealers, but will still run around $3500-4000. Don’t pay retail at Best Buy magnolia, $4700 plus tax is crazy. I got $3000 for mine, which I was ok with.

also what speakers are you running? If you’re investing that much in an avr you must have nicer speakers.

 

[PENG]

I actually just sold my arcam avr21, I was running a 7.1.6 setup. I had an arcam avr10 that I sent In for the hdmi 2.1 upgrade that I was using in my office. Decided to try 7.1.4 using this avr10 and could hear no difference after testing for over a week. Sold arcam a few days ago to replace all the money I’ve been spending on this hobby.

I’ve actually been selling a lot of gear that I don’t need anymore or use enough. The four avrs in my house are arcam avr10 with revel f208, c208, two Rythmik fv18pc, nad t977 amp in a 7.2.4 configuration. Second setup is a marantz 6015 with canton vento 896 and 866 center in a 3.0 configuration. Third is a denon 4700 with Jbl l890, infinity beta c360, 4 infinity beta 20 and two energy exl12 subs in a 7.2 configuration. Lastly is a denon 3300 with infinity beta 50 and beta c250 in 3.0 configuration. You can see I like harman!

I mentioned all that because I’ve swapped avrs around to see which I prefer in each system. Spending weeks with each unit and I can say without a doubt they all sound a little different at the beginning. With proper setup and eq I can get them all to sound just as good as any of them. Really the speakers determine the most, or the room itself. It can only sound as good as the speakers can play. My revel 208 sound just as good on the marantz 6015 as the arcam avr21 did. If you like playing things loud get the right speakers with great subs and plenty of power. If you don’t crank it up buy great speakers and don’t worry about power, something like denon 3700 would be great.

If you’re building a big theater the arcam 21 can process up to 16 channels. So 7.3.6 is really what I did, but they have many configurations. Avr21 isn’t hard to find at a discount from dealers, but will still run around $3500-4000. Don’t pay retail at Best Buy magnolia, $4700 plus tax is crazy. I got $3000 for mine, which I was ok with.

also what speakers are you running? If you’re investing that much in an avr you must have nicer speakers.

So you are keeping the 6015 and 4700?

 

[Timforhifi]

So you are keeping the 6015 and 4700?

yeah, just using them in two different setups. You looking to get something?

 

[PENG]

yeah, just using them in two different setups. You looking to get something?

I don't need anything now, just wondering why you have so many and wonder if you are keeping just one. Thanks.

 

[Timforhifi]

Those avrs are in different setups throughout the house so I need them all. I’ve sold the ones I’m not using anymore. Pioneer sc502, marantz 7012, integra drx7.1, denon 3800, and a few others.

I have these canton chrono speakers still left that need a new home.

 

[anilum]

I actually just sold my arcam avr21, I was running a 7.1.6 setup. I had an arcam avr10 that I sent In for the hdmi 2.1 upgrade that I was using in my office. Decided to try 7.1.4 using this avr10 and could hear no difference after testing for over a week. Sold arcam a few days ago to replace all the money I’ve been spending on this hobby.

I’ve actually been selling a lot of gear that I don’t need anymore or use enough. The four avrs in my house are arcam avr10 with revel f208, c208, two Rythmik fv18pc, nad t977 amp in a 7.2.4 configuration. Second setup is a marantz 6015 with canton vento 896 and 866 center in a 3.0 configuration. Third is a denon 4700 with Jbl l890, infinity beta c360, 4 infinity beta 20 and two energy exl12 subs in a 7.2 configuration. Lastly is a denon 3300 with infinity beta 50 and beta c250 in 3.0 configuration. You can see I like harman!

I mentioned all that because I’ve swapped avrs around to see which I prefer in each system. Spending weeks with each unit and I can say without a doubt they all sound a little different at the beginning. With proper setup and eq I can get them all to sound just as good as any of them. Really the speakers determine the most, or the room itself. It can only sound as good as the speakers can play. My revel 208 sound just as good on the marantz 6015 as the arcam avr21 did. If you like playing things loud get the right speakers with great subs and plenty of power. If you don’t crank it up buy great speakers and don’t worry about power, something like denon 3700 would be great.

If you’re building a big theater the arcam 21 can process up to 16 channels. So 7.3.6 is really what I did, but they have many configurations. Avr21 isn’t hard to find at a discount from dealers, but will still run around $3500-4000. Don’t pay retail at Best Buy magnolia, $4700 plus tax is crazy. I got $3000 for mine, which I was ok with.

also what speakers are you running? If you’re investing that much in an avr you must have nicer speakers.

Thank you for the detailed reply. This is helpful.

My speakers (In-wall and in ceiling) are - JBL Synthesis SLC-6 (L+C+R), JBL Synthesis SCL-7 (Surrounds) and JBL Synthesis SCL-8 (Dolby Atmos). I have dual SVS PB-2000 pro subs that I'm intending to use. My setup is 5.2.2

Anthem MRX 1140 is at discount and there is more than $1200 difference between Anthem and Arcam 21

 

[Timforhifi]

Thank you for the detailed reply. This is helpful.

My speakers (In-wall and in ceiling) are - JBL Synthesis SLC-6 (L+C+R), JBL Synthesis SCL-7 (Surrounds) and JBL Synthesis SCL-8 (Dolby Atmos). I have dual SVS PB-2000 pro subs that I'm intending to use. My setup is 5.2.2

Anthem MRX 1140 is at discount and there is more than $1200 difference between Anthem and Arcam 21

Nice speakers! Sounds like you have money so I’d buy the unit you like best. If you get the anthem you’ll always think about the arcam. Arcam has dirac and new hdmi upgrade makes it a great choice. Just find a dealer that will discount it.

 

[anilum]

Nice speakers! Sounds like you have money so I’d buy the unit you like best. If you get the anthem you’ll always think about the arcam. Arcam has dirac and new hdmi upgrade makes it a great choice. Just find a dealer that will discount it.

Thank you!