AV receiver & external amp, different manufactures?

[Bone-Head]

Im sure this may be a dumb question, but can mix matching be a problem? I may be having a problem with the supply system concerning Anthem. I can get the MRX1140 (pre-order) in February it appears, but their 3 channel amp not so much. I was looking at the Parasound A31, 3 channel to hook up to the pre-outs in the receiver. I am also open to another receiver at this point. My goal is to simply acquire something very nice by the end April. Looking for options here

 

[Leemix]

I use a marantz av8805 with the parasound a31 with no problem at all, both have standard input and output specs. Fairly sure Anthem does also as i have not read about any such issues with Anthem processors and AVRs.

There are many Anthem users around here who should know for sure.


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[AcuDefTechGuy]

Many audiophiles have been mixing and matching AVP/AVR/Preamp with Amps since the beginning of this hobby.

 

[PENG]

In my opinion the MCA325 is better designed resulted in much lighter weight and will likely measure better on the bench. The A31 should have more output in terms of "continuous output" that is really moot for real world use. Overall, for paring with an AVR such as Anthem's, I would go with the A31.

 

[ryanosaur]

Agree with Leemix. You do not need to brand match your components. Pay attention to the pre-out voltage and input sensitivity specs and you'll be fine.

As to dropping top dollar on new product from Anthem... I'd wait. Somebody else just got the 740 and said it has a bug in ARC. Moreover, Anthem has previously not benched near as well as one would hope it might.
If you buy into external Amps, I'd recommend spending the additional $300 on the HTP-1 from Monolith/Monoprice, and scoring some good Amps to take care of everything else.
My money is on the ATI-built HTP-1 smoking anything Anthem fields this year.