Arcam

[Lew2864]

I have been going back and forth as to what to replace my Anthem Statement D2V/A5 audio system in order to take advantage of Atmos and DTX as well as to pass through 4K. My front speakers are Paradigm S8 (l and r) and a C5 for the center. I would be using a 5.1.4 set-up. I am curious about going with Arcam equipment. The AVR 850 has 7 channels of amplification, so to achieve 5.1.4, I would need an addition 2 channels of amplification. With a used 2 channel (Arcam DiVA P90 or a Bryston (3B-ST) that combo would be a little under $7,000. If I went with the Arcam AV 860 avp and paired it with a Monolith 9 channel amp, the cost would be around $7,500.

Is the Monolith an equal to and/ or better amp than the internal 7 Class G amps of the AVR 850 plus the Arcam/Bryston route?

Also, the cost of 9 XLR cables can add up. Would running Monoprice or Blue Jean XLR cables be a good choice, or should I be considering a higher priced XLR cable?

Thank you!!!

Lew

 

[HTfreak2004]

First off nice or should I restate awesome gear. Not sure about the Arcam stuff as I’m quite happy with regular 5.1.

Can’t see any major advantages to higher priced XLR cables other than with pricey gear it looks pretty

 

[Lew2864]

First off nice or should I restate awesome gear. Not sure about the Arcam stuff as I’m quite happy with regular 5.1.

Can’t see any major advantages to higher priced XLR cables other than with pricey gear it looks pretty

Thanks for the XLR feedback! Hard to notice pretty when the cables are tucked behind ever.

 

[HTfreak2004]

Thanks for the XLR feedback! Hard to notice pretty when the cables are tucked behind ever.

Totally! I’m using unbalanced ultralink interconnections from my Anthem AVM20 to MCA50 and from my Pioneer Elite 59avi DVD A/D outputs.

Wanted to try XLR but if the entire setup from source component through to amp isn’t balanced then what’s the point other than some potential db gain/lower noise.

I never press my amp beyond -10 from reference on only the best recorded material from lossy recordings anyway. With the D2v you don’t have that issue of lossy unless your playing that material.

I’m actually surprised with the quality of those components in your setup that your concerned with Atmos.

Why not grab a middle of the road AVR with Atmos and purchase another 5 channel amp? That will let you add speakers almost until your tired of adding them!

I’d keep the D2v as it’s name applies for a Statement

 

[Lew2864]

I am going to repurpose the D2V and A5 amp in another room (with my Pioneer Elite plasma.)

 

[PENG]

I am going to repurpose the D2V and A5 amp in another room (with my Pioneer Elite plasma.)

I was wondering why you would replace the A5, now it makes sense. Arcam AVR850 seems like a good one, other than it would have been nice if they had picked a higher end DAC than the one that has poorer specs than those in even the likes of the Denon/Marantz 4000/6000 series.

For power amps, why not go with the MCA325, or the 525 if you might want to go 11.1.4 eventually? The MCA series should be able to handle the S8 even if you listen to near reference level from 12 ft. The 3B SST3 won't have enough power for them under the same condition.

 

[Lew2864]

Thank you Peng

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Also, the cost of 9 XLR cables can add up.

Just get 2 of these XLR.

https://www.amazon.com/GLS-Audio-Patch-Cable-Cords/dp/B000S7268E/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=XLR+cables&qid=1566846992&s=gateway&sr=8-16

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Arcam AVR 850 has 7 channels of amplification

$6K for an AVR is rip-off.

Definitely get a Pre-pro + amps if you are thinking of spending $6K on any AVR.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

According to the Monolith website, the HTP-1 pre-pro is due in October. So get the Monolith pre-pro for $4K + 9Ch amp for $2K = $6K.