NAD T775 HD2 and Anthem MRX 700

[iunknown]

I have narrowed down my choices to these two AV receivers and would like to know your experience in these two models. I could get both these receivers almost at the same price. Currently I have a Pioneer Elite SC-37 and KEF XQ40 speakers. I will be giving my Pioneer to my nephew. My questions are:

1) From a sound quality perspective is there any major differences between these two. I know that NAD delivers real high power than the conventional rating. I assume Anthem MRX also the same way. Is that correct?

2) In terms of room correction, Anthem has the ARC, but not sure it is worth because of the complex setup. NAD has a modified Audyssey. Anyone compared these

3) In terms of build quality any comparisons?

4) I am not worried about the video processing as I am leaving them to the better components (my Oppo Blu-Ray player or to TV), but issues like video dropouts are concerns to me. I am not worried about 3D video.

5) Finally and the most important point - Which one has the better sound quality (not just power, but everything)

Thanking you all in advance,
iunknown

 

[PENG]

1) From a sound quality perspective is there any major differences between these two. I know that NAD delivers real high power than the conventional rating. I assume Anthem MRX also the same way. Is that correct?

2)

"real high power"? Sound like hearsay stuff. NAD typically rate their power output as XXX W 2 channel, YYY W all channel driven, 20 to 20,000 hz 0.0X % THD etc., that's quite "conventional" except in most cases, Dennon, Pioneer, Yamaha don't bother rating their AVR ACD. I doubt the MRX 700 could match the power output of the 775 but I also highly doubt you would notice the difference in real life listening sessions.

In terms of room correction, Anthem has the ARC, but not sure it is worth because of the complex setup. NAD has a modified Audyssey. Anyone compared these

No idea what Anthem's ARC does but I would trust Audyssey more as they are more broadly used and have lots of technical and R&D resources on their side.

3) In terms of build quality any comparisons?

I don't own any NAD product but I have faith in Anthem's quality.

4) I am not worried about the video processing as I am leaving them to the better components (my Oppo Blu-Ray player or to TV), but issues like video dropouts are concerns to me. I am not worried about 3D video.

I have no use for AVR video processing either, pass through will be good enough for me.

5) Finally and the most important point - Which one has the better sound quality (not just power, but everything)

Only golden ears can hear any difference between them. Heck I can't even hear difference between my Denon AVRs and my separate system let alone just some NAD/Anthem AVRs that are definitely no better than Denon and Yamaha. The SC37 may, just may, sound a little different due to their class D amps. Between the two I would probably go for the MRX for their perceived reliability but to me neither are as good as something like a Denon 4311 or Yamaha RX-A3000.

 

[iunknown]

2)

"real high power"? Sound like hearsay stuff. NAD typically rate their power output as XXX W 2 channel, YYY W all channel driven, 20 to 20,000 hz 0.0X % THD etc., that's quite "conventional" except in most cases, Dennon, Pioneer, Yamaha don't bother rating their AVR ACD. I doubt the MRX 700 could match the power output of the 775 but I also highly doubt you would notice the difference in real life listening sessions.

Yes, I know that in real life listening sessions, the difference might be very less (if not, any - and depends on the room treatment and setup), but I am checking anything that I need to be aware of.

Only golden ears can hear any difference between them. Heck I can't even hear difference between my Denon AVRs and my separate system let alone just some NAD/Anthem AVRs that are definitely no better than Denon and Yamaha. The SC37 may, just may, sound a little different due to their class D amps. Between the two I would probably go for the MRX for their perceived reliability but to me neither are as good as something like a Denon 4311 or Yamaha RX-A3000.

Interesting. Are you telling that Denon 4311 or Yamaha 3010/3000 are better than Anthem MRX in overall sound quality?

I could definitely spot the difference between, Elite SC-37 with my friend's Denon 3808. Also, I always felt that Yamaha is little bit bright (I listened RX-V3800/3900 many times, but never listened to the new A series).

 

[PENG]

Are you telling that Denon 4311 or Yamaha 3010/3000 are better than Anthem MRX in overall sound quality?

No, but they, for example the Denon has a better feature set including 11.2 pre-outs, preamp mode, 4 ohm capable, and I trust the Denon's Audyssey XT32 more. The Denon also seems more powerful but most likely too negligible to make a difference.

Anthem MRX 700 A/V Receiver HT Labs Measures | Home Theater

Denon AVR-4310CI A/V Receiver HT Labs Measures | Home Theater

I cannot find a review of the 4311 by HTM but I have read a couple by others including one by Home Cinema Choice. I trust HCC more.

I could definitely spot the difference between, Elite SC-37 with my friend's Denon 3808. Also, I always felt that Yamaha is little bit bright (I listened RX-V3800/3900 many times, but never listened to the new A series).

I know you say "definite", but I still wouldn't be so sure because it is very difficult to do a proper A/B comparsion and to be credible you really need to do a blind test if not double blind. Besides, the SC-37 uses the ICE class D amp so it may also be possible that it could sound slightly different under certain conditions.

Anyway, if you are happy with either one that's great just don't assume they will sound better because some people/reviewers tell you so. I am not trying to talk you into considering Denon and/or Yamaha. I am just trying to tell you AVRs within the same price group just don't sound noticeably different and if driven within their power capability they don't even sound different than separate systems that cost twice as much or more.

You felt the 3800/3900 sounding bright probably because the units you listened to was not set to pure direct? Or it may be possible they were driven outside of their limits due to the low sensivity of the speakers, the size of the rooms and the SPL level. They would sound bright if they could not cope with the current drawn by the speakers when trying to reproduce a lot of low frequencies. The same could happen to any AVR if they are push beyond their limits.

 

[iunknown]

No, but they, for example the Denon has a better feature set including 11.2 pre-outs, preamp mode, 4 ohm capable, and I trust the Denon's Audyssey XT32 more. The Denon also seems more powerful but most likely too negligible to make a difference.

I cannot find a review of the 4311 by HTM but I have read a couple by others including one by Home Cinema Choice. I trust HCC more.



I know you say "definite", but I still wouldn't be so sure because it is very difficult to do a proper A/B comparsion and to be credible you really need to do a blind test if not double blind. Besides, the SC-37 uses the ICE class D amp so it may also be possible that it could sound slightly different under certain conditions.

Anyway, if you are happy with either one that's great just don't assume they will sound better because some people/reviewers tell you so. I am not trying to talk you into considering Denon and/or Yamaha. I am just trying to tell you AVRs within the same price group just don't sound noticeably different and if driven within their power capability they don't even sound different than separate systems that cost twice as much or more.

You felt the 3800/3900 sounding bright probably because the units you listened to was not set to pure direct? Or it may be possible they were driven outside of their limits due to the low sensivity of the speakers, the size of the rooms and the SPL level. They would sound bright if they could not cope with the current drawn by the speakers when trying to reproduce a lot of low frequencies. The same could happen to any AVR if they are push beyond their limits.

I did not know that Denon 4311 is a 4 Ohm capable. My biggest fear on Denon is that they are making receivers with too much bells and whistles and always a chance that sound quality might not get enough attention from their side. Having said that I heard that recent Denons are now manufactured in Japan (moved from Mexico/China due to some quality issues)

My reasons for looking for NAD or Anthem was specifically for the sound quality as they seem to be care more for the sound quality rather than other features (it may be just my perception). Having listened to Anthem briefly at place, I liked it (but I listened it only for 5 minutes and it is not sufficient.

 

[bommai]

I own a NAD T775HD and love it

There are some people that believe there is absolutely no difference between different receivers. I am NOT one of them. I used to own Denon receivers. I owned Onkyo briefly. I owned HK for a few more years. This year, I switched to NAD. I currently have NAD T775HD, T763 and T744. I love all of them. For both music and movies they are sweet sounding. Very neutral and natural sounding. Great sound stage. No shortage of power. Stable. Simple interface. Not too many bells and whistles. Great customer support. Solid build quality.

 

[PENG]

There are many reasons why one would think an AVR sounding better than another, until they do a properly conducted A/B listening test. Most people are able to hear obvious difference in SQ between speakers, to the point that no one even bother conducting any DBT to prove the point. On the other hand, there is no consensus in whether all preamps/amps (beyond entry level units) sound audibly different. I believe if set up correctly without any processing, most people really could not hear a difference between mid range higher end AVRs/amps even if they thought they could.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Between NAD & Anthem, I would pick Anthem.

 

[deedubb]

I've never owned Anthem gear but have auditioned them and like their sound. I currently have an NAD 7 channel amp so I obviously like their sound as well. I don't think you can go wrong with either. I would see if they will allow you to take them home to do A/B testing. Most places I've dealt with will allow this.

 

[PENG]

Between NAD & Anthem, I would pick Anthem.

I would pick NAD as I prefer Audyssey. As for SQ, in pure direct mode when used well within their power output limits both will be the same to human except for those prone to Placebo.

 

[cpp]

Anthem, reason I just came back from a store yesterday and the owner who is also a NAD dealer had three NAD 755's AVR's that are going back in for repair. .