Anthem MRX 510 or Yamaha 1030,2030?

[Jcharger13]

I bought a Yamaha RX-A730 about a month ago and have been fairly happy with the performance of the AVR. My only issues are no pre outs (except sub), so I'm screwed if I ever want to add an amp and I probably will at some point. Another negative is it doesn't do much for sub integration besides adjusting the level (no EQ functions on the sub channels). Was going to buy a minidsp 2x4 for better sub integration before this afternoon.

Was at the dealer today where I bought the Yamaha and I asked if I could trade it in/bring it back for a better model? They said yes they'd let me do that. I thought that is awesome, now what do I go with?

They sell Anthem and Yamaha. They are really high on the Anthem at the store and I love my paradigm speakers so I'm leaning towards the Anthem 510 over Yamaha models in the same price range due to the room correction on the Anthem and I can use my Apple TV for Spotify, etc.

Anyone have any pros/cons for the Yamaha vs the Anthem AVR's? What do you all think?

Thanks for any help, guidance in advance!

Edit, sorry forgot to add I listen to 2ch music 70/30 over movies. Running paradigm studio 20's & se center speakers and SVS SB2000 sub only at the moment. Adding rears later on. Medium sized room.

 

[rnatalli]

I picked up the Anthem 310 recently and love it; see my review in the review section. Do you need 7.1? If not, go with the 310 which should be able to drive your speakers no problem.

 

[Jcharger13]

I honestly don't need a 7.1 ATM and I did read your review. Thank you for that. They don't have a 310 in stock so that's why I was thinking the 510 but may be better off to have them order a 310 for me and save some $. I am not worried about the few watts lost from the 510 to the 310.

 

[Ponzio]

The Yamaha's 1030 & 2030 also have room correction, it's called YPAO. Personally I'd go with the 2030 for reliability & features.

 

[Jcharger13]

Yes the Yamahas do but the 1030 doesn't have sub equilazition from what I found in the manual but the 2030 & 3030 do. All Yami Aventage models have speaker room correction/eq.

I'm having an issue with placement of the sub and having a null/suck out around 70-80hz, the RX-A730 I currently own (returning) ypao can't fix it due to no sub correction. Can't find a better sub placement in the room either with where I'm allowed to place it. Lol.
I'm thinking the 2030, the Anthems or lower model Yamaha with a minidsp would help it out.

Measured with REW and minidsp usb mic after it seemed like I was lacking in the low midbass/high sub bass realm.

Got spoiled in my car SQ setup where midbass is awesome and now I'm trying to get my home setup, well maybe not gonna be the same but hopefully not lacking in that area either. At least try to get rid of big holes in the FR.

 

[Ponzio]

Yes the Yamahas do but the 1030 doesn't have sub equilazition from what I found in the manual but the 2030 & 3030 do. All Yami Aventage models have speaker room correction/eq.

So do their previous models, the RX-V2700 & 3800. My understanding is, from Gene here at Audioholic's, is that you can set it to a lower frequency on the 1030, down to 40Hz, but it is then applied to all the speakers, unlike the 2030 & 3030, where you can specifically apply the settings to each speaker group (mains, center, sub, etc.).

Yamaha RX-A1010 AVENTAGE 7.1 Channel Networking A/V Receiver Review | Audioholics

I have my sub set to 80Hz on my 2700, instead of the 90Hz that the YPAO recommended. Good luck whatever you choose. Here's a review of the new Aventage line, if you haven't read it already.

Yamaha RX-A1030, RX-A2030 and RX-A3030 Aventage Receivers Preview | Audioholics

 

[Jcharger13]

Thanks for the help guys. I will read those links for sure.

It's just the two little quirks, no preouts and the lesser ypao version on the 730 or I'd keep it. I really like the amp. The audio quality is very good and I like the features it has. The dealer had got me thinking about Anthem or it wasn't even a thought, Yamaha all the way before then.

Man this is crazy, I'm only choosing between 2 brands and am pulling my hair out. There is so much great AV equipment out there these days. When I was last into this stuff (10 years ago or so) the HK AVR I bought ($800 range) was no where near these new recievers. Things have come a long ways. Love the on screen menus.

 

[JonnyFive23517]

It's just the two little quirks, no preouts and the lesser ypao version on the 730 or I'd keep it.

I think the Anthem 310 at $1199 MSRP would be a very attractive option for you, for the two features you've mentioned. I wonder if there's a way you could try one. Or buy it with the option to return it if you weren't completely satisfied...but I bet you wouldn't return it!

Does anybody know, why don't they offer a version of x10 with the power amp section removed? Would it improve SQ to do so?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The big differences among any of these AVR are the different Room EQ, sub EQ, and Dynamic EQ (DEQ).

Dolby Volume Modeler is supposed to be the equivalent of Audyssey DEQ. I have not compared Dolby VM vs Audyssey DEQ.

Anthem, Harman Kardon 3600 ($700 on Amazon), and the Onkyo 5007 ($2500) have Dolby Volume.

Yamaha & Pioneer have their own versions.

Denon & Marantz have Audyssey DEQ.

IMO, if you do not use subwoofers and just use full-range towers, Anthem is the better route because it will allow you to EQ just the bass of your towers.

If you use subs and don't care to utilize the bass in your speakers (XO 80-100Hz), I think Audyssey is the better route because it can bypass the front L/R EQ and just EQ the subs (DEQ). That's what I am thinking.

You can always try the Anthem and compare for yourself. Return the Anthem if you don't like.

 

[JonnyFive23517]

If you use subs and don't care to utilize the bass in your speakers (XO 80-100Hz), I think Audyssey is the better route because it can bypass the front L/R EQ and just EQ the subs (DEQ). That's what I am thinking.

That might work well. Even cheaper than the Anthem 310, one could get the Denon x4000 and get into Audyssey XT32. That would be a viable route as well.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

That might work well. Even cheaper than the Anthem 310, one could get the Denon x4000 and get into Audyssey XT32. That would be a viable route as well.

Yeah, I noticed that when I use the Salon2 in 2.0 full-range w/o subs, Audyssey DEQ does nothing for me.

So if I only had Salon2 w/o any subs, ARC might possibly work better if it EQ only the bass region.

But since I XO at .......... 120Hz (thought it was 80, but it was actually 120), I can bypass Audyssey for the main front left and right and still EQ the subs + DEQ.

 

[rnatalli]

Just an FYI, I only paid $1,100 for the 310 so check with your local dealer on price.

 

[Jcharger13]

I'm looking at a similar price for the 310. Unfortunately my dealer is closed until Tuesday now so I can't order a 310 until then if I go that route and it'd take at least a week or so after that, at least that's how long it took for me to get a replacement grill for one of my studio 20's.

If they cut me a good deal on the 510 I may give it a shot because it's in stock and I'd have the option for 7.1 available if I ever decide to go that route. If not I'll probably order the 310. If I am not happy with it I will take it back and go with the Yamaha 2030. I somewhat know what to expect from the Yamaha and would like to try the Anthem. Have really enjoyed the speakers from their sister company.

Denon and Marantz were options but they don't stock them either and I'd like to buy local. I think the Marantz is the best looking AVR out there in pics, something to be said about the simplicity look of it that catches my eye. Never used one though. Hard to pick one of these as they all seem to be fully capable.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm looking at a similar price for the 310. Unfortunately my dealer is closed until Tuesday now so I can't order a 310 until then if I go that route and it'd take at least a week or so after that, at least that's how long it took for me to get a replacement grill for one of my studio 20's.

If they cut me a good deal on the 510 I may give it a shot because it's in stock and I'd have the option for 7.1 available if I ever decide to go that route. If not I'll probably order the 310. If I am not happy with it I will take it back and go with the Yamaha 2030. I somewhat know what to expect from the Yamaha and would like to try the Anthem. Have really enjoyed the speakers from their sister company.

Denon and Marantz were options but they don't stock them either and I'd like to buy local. I think the Marantz is the best looking AVR out there in pics, something to be said about the simplicity look of it that catches my eye. Never used one though. Hard to pick one of these as they all seem to be fully capable.

No Best Buy stores around? They price-match Amazon and other online retailers.

It it would be great to compare ARC/Dolby Volume Modeler vs. Audyssey XT32/DEQ vs Yahama.

 

[Jcharger13]

Yea I have a few local Best Buys in the area but they don't sell/stock gear in this range. Just the lower end stuff. Don't even have one Aventage AVR in the store let alone any of the other brands. I wish they did. No Magnolia room, etc. The best AVRs they have in the whole store are probably either the RX-V675 or Sony 1040.

One B&M here sells some higher end stuff but I don't like dealing with them. Kinda snobby cause they know it's them or no one. Couldn't even get a decent demo of some DefTech speakers when I was looking. I don't know how they stay in buisness as I don't know anyone that buys anything from them. Their prices are above retail, they may come down to retail. Ridiculous.

I drive an hour to deal with the store that I bought the stuff from. It really stinks.

 

[Ponzio]

Welcome to the Best Buy experience!

 

[Jcharger13]

Went to the store today. They only had the Aventage 830 as their top model from Yamaha in stock. They offered me the MRX510 for $240 more than MSRP on the 310 so I took it home with me.

First thoughts this thing is a tank. I propped the Yamaha 730 up with my leg to disconnect wiring (I know it's not the correct way) anyways there is no way I'd try this with the 510 it's only 7lbs heavier but seems like more when moving it around. Front panel buttons are kinda flimsy for an over 1k AVR. Remote and the rest of the build quality looks pretty decent.

Hooked it up and fired up no problem. Out of the box it sounds pretty good, nothing where I'd say it sounds way better than the low end Aventage or anything at low levels. Updating is kind of a pita as it has to be done via a USB thumb drive instead of through the network cable but I did already know this.

Set speaker distances then got ARC installed and run, wow the mic and stand is the real deal. Not a cheap mic setup typically with AVR's. PC connected to the 510 through the network with no issues. Ran the room correction software and made a sub level adjustment then re-ran ARC.

After the correction was applied I can say there is the midbass I have been missing. I like the 2 configs for correction. The room has a door so I ran one with the door open and one closed which worked well. This is mainly why I bought the Anthem (for ARC) and it performs just like I hoped it would. This thing sounds amazing since ARC was ran. Would recommend it.

My only real complaint is I can't get my Sony BD590 to play a sacd through it (HDMI) for some reason which the Yammi did no problem. Still working on this though.

Have only listened to music (Anlogic music) so far, no movies yet. Will report back if I have any other info.

 

[rnatalli]

Set your BluRay player to output PCM for SACDs and that should solve your SACD issue; I do recall this isn't obvious with Sony players so hopefully someone else chimes in. Also, keep an eye out as Anthem is releasing another update very soon to fix the few minor issues remaining. Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the MRX family!

 

[Jcharger13]

Thanks man. The more I use the Anthem the more I'm impressed by it. I never watched movies much before with my old reciever because the sub just didn't seem right, sound seemed thin on both movies and music. I think it was due to placement/room issues but I was limited in where I could put it. Sound with the MRX is full which is a testament to ARC. It's almost like I own a different sub/speakers now how they blend so well, it's really quite a pleasant experiance. Actually got chills when watching Into The Darkness earlier at the title scene.
I do realize I came from a lower end Yamaha reciever and the 2030/3030 would probably do a much better job with room correction so it isn't a fair comparison with my old reciever vs the MRX.

I hope they fix Anthem music & cinema in the next update because they seem much quieter and the sub is low as others have stated.

I have tried PCM out for SACD and about every other setting in the Blue Ray player, checked for updates, reset to default, unplugged it, switched HDMI cables, you name it I think I've tried it. Everything works great but SACD. I'm thinking that it's a communication problem between the 2 devices or something. The player froze up earlier tonight when I had it paused and had to unplug it to reset it. I really don't want to drop big money on an OPPO as this Sony was working so well. I hope an update fixes it.