Opinions of Anthem Users. I am considering the Anthem AVM 70 8K

[TLS Guy]

Unfortunate state of affairs. If keeping the 7.1 EXT IN. is a must, choices are fewer still. The 8805A is available online though I know you are reluctant to go that way. The Trinnov Altitude32 is fitted with the 7.1 EXT IN but they aren’t exactly giving that unit away. Do not Anthem units require web setup with no onscreen setup? Something to consider along with the user manual.

The Marantz AV10 will lack the 7.1 EXT IN but features LFE Distribution to route LFE to any speakers set to Large as I know are present in this system. The 2CH Playback feature offers separate speaker settings for use in Stereo and Direct mode.

I would keep an open mind and also consider the Denon AVR-A10H. Its amplifiers can be shut down when setting it to Preamplifier mode for use with external amps. It is equipped with the LFE Distribution and 2CH Playback features as well.

The A10H also features Bass Extraction LPF for the ability to adjust the point at which low frequencies are copied to the subwoofer when using speakers set to Large.

To experiment with a unit a bit less equipped with customizable features but at a much lower cost, the Denon AVR-X3800H that @AcuDefTechGuy mentioned can be used in Preamplifier mode for all channels as well and, like the AVR-10H and AV10, features LFE Distribution and 4 Subwoofer Pre Outs with separate level and distance settings.

If one believes Denon/Marantz to be on their way out, I’d get the most features for the least amount of money at this point. The X3800H is well equipped but lacks the 7.1 EXT. IN as well. Though, it is time to let that one go. Whatever you do, good luck with it.

I can't use an AVR even if the amps switch off. I need to be able to use RCA and XLR output from the same channels at once in all three of the LCR speakers and the rear speakers need XLR, so I have to have both sets of outputs. That is a must for this system. If not I would have to design and build a significant amount of custom gear.

My front speakers in particular are all integrated designs. All have variable BSC which really sets them apart. The radiated sound stage is seamless unlike subs dotted about.
Those lines shake the floor even when a very soft 32' pedal is played. So I don't need speakers that go lower. What is more they can produce thunderous bass, with the driving 909s producing little power. If you heard this system, you would know why I designed it this way. I have assiduously worked with nature's physical laws and not fought them as is the usual case these days.

Anyhow I think actually I am leaning to the AV10 despite my current views on Sound United.

It has the features best suited to the design of this room. It is built in Japan, and looks very neat internally, with the channel cards all neatly lined up. It looks very reminiscent of the way Peter Walker used to design. This is not surprising as among Japanese he is highly regarded and revered. Quad sold very well in Japan and there is a site that buys, collects and lovingly restores vintage Quad gear for sale on eBay. Those units sell for unbelievably high prices. So I think Japan has a history of excellent build quality on their top end gear.

I have come to the conclusion I am having to go for excellence, especially in construction. As usual that is the cheapest way in the long run. I should have bought an AV10 in retrospect rather then the 7706. That is what Gene advised and I should have listened.

 

[TLS Guy]

Order placed for Marantz AVP10.

This looks like a well thought out neat build.

Above is the AV10, and below a Quad 33 pre-amp.

The approach is strikingly similar. I would bet the designer of that AV10 was well aware of Peter Walker's design approach. Rule one, DON'T THROW IT TOGETHER!

 

[Trebdp83]

Nice. You will have additional features and it will be familiar to you.

 

[Cos]

Albert Einstein did not actually say the famous quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"

That being said, hopefully the third time is a charm. I had great success with my two previous Marantz Pre/Pro's, their 1st 3D blu-ray player...not so much. The fact is Marantz's customer service is terrible when you need it. Paradigm (Anthem) has been really good for me which is why I went with the AVM70.

While not an expert, the AV10 looks overengineered and well built. I think you had a case of bad luck. Between the AV10 and AVM70 I would go with the Marantz.

The AVM70 is definitely not perfect, but after the 3-4 times to get ARC the way I wanted to work, I have been completely happy and problem free.

Looking forward to your feedback.

 

[TLS Guy]

Albert Einstein did not actually say the famous quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"

That being said, hopefully the third time is a charm. I had great success with my two previous Marantz Pre/Pro's, their 1st 3D blu-ray player...not so much. The fact is Marantz's customer service is terrible when you need it. Paradigm (Anthem) has been really good for me which is why I went with the AVM70.

While not an expert, the AV10 looks overengineered and well built. I think you had a case of bad luck. Between the AV10 and AVM70 I would go with the Marantz.

The AVM70 is definitely not perfect, but after the 3-4 times to get ARC the way I wanted to work, I have been completely happy and problem free.

Looking forward to your feedback.

Yes, it was not a straightforward decision. I saw too many reports of slow and somewhat glitchy software with Anthem gear.

As others have pointed out, I am used to the Marantz "universe". In addition my system is designed round that "universe". I still think that Sound United quality and service has slipped under Masimo ownership.

I think they would be well advised to sell it off under its component parts. Sell Denon/Marantz as an entity, or even separately. Then sell off the speaker companies individually. I think they would do better that way.

I really think the outfit has declined under Masimo ownership and I don't think it is worth what they think it is. In the and anything is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it. Sound United has been up for sale for a significant time now and no buyers. So that is proof the outfit is worth less than what Masimo think it is worth.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I just checked the Masimo/SU warehouse inventory. Practically none of the Marantz AVP or AVR are in stock. Same thing with Denon. Maybe everyone (dealers and consumers) is trying to stock up in anticipation?

 

[TLS Guy]

I just checked the Masimo/SU warehouse inventory. Practically none of the Marantz AVP or AVR are in stock. Same thing with Denon. Maybe everyone (dealers and consumers) is trying to stock up in anticipation?

I know that is what I'm worried about. It looks to me as if Masimo are running down Sound United stock and preparing to shutter the outfit. So I might have to settle for Anthem after all.

Masimo's acquisition of Sound United was an ill considered vanity purchase by the former CEO. Masimo had no business buying Sound United, let alone running it.

My faint hope is that the Japanese builders of their high end electronics may be able to buy just that portion of the company and just make the top end gear, which seems to be the market right now.

Unfortunately we are headed for exquisite high end and junk with not much of anything in between. I'm pushing 80 and I don't remember a time when the outlook has seemed so dismal.

 

[Kleinst]

I can't use an AVR even if the amps switch off. I need to be able to use RCA and XLR output from the same channels at once in all three of the LCR speakers and the rear speakers need XLR, so I have to have both sets of outputs. That is a must for this system. If not I would have to design and build a significant amount of custom gear.

My front speakers in particular are all integrated designs. All have variable BSC which really sets them apart. The radiated sound stage is seamless unlike subs dotted about.
Those lines shake the floor even when a very soft 32' pedal is played. So I don't need speakers that go lower. What is more they can produce thunderous bass, with the driving 909s producing little power. If you heard this system, you would know why I designed it this way. I have assiduously worked with nature's physical laws and not fought them as is the usual case these days.

Anyhow I think actually I am leaning to the AV10 despite my current views on Sound United.

It has the features best suited to the design of this room. It is built in Japan, and looks very neat internally, with the channel cards all neatly lined up. It looks very reminiscent of the way Peter Walker used to design. This is not surprising as among Japanese he is highly regarded and revered. Quad sold very well in Japan and there is a site that buys, collects and lovingly restores vintage Quad gear for sale on eBay. Those units sell for unbelievably high prices. So I think Japan has a history of excellent build quality on their top end gear.

I have come to the conclusion I am having to go for excellence, especially in construction. As usual that is the cheapest way in the long run. I should have bought an AV10 in retrospect rather then the 7706. That is what Gene advised and I should have listened.

Well sounds like you are getting a full refund right? So maybe you can get an AV10 for cheaper now? Not sure

 

[dolynick]

I haven't read through all the messages yet as I just saw the thread now but I've been an anthem AVM owner since the AVM 50 (circa ~2006). I've had personal experience with the AVM 50, 50V, MRX 700 and currently have an AVM 70 8K (well 4k purchase and I installed the 8K board upgrade myself once they started shipping them) and MRX 540 8K in active service.

FYI, since you're commenting on your Maranntz dying, all of the those units listed are still working (or were last I tried. I boxed up the old AVM 50 last XMas in a gear shuffle).

What is it you would like to know? Perhaps I can answer it.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It looks to me as if Masimo are running down Sound United stock and preparing to shutter the outfit.

It’s NOT the first time nor the last time they are out of stock. It happens A LOT OF TIMES in the past.

People buy a lot (both dealers and consumers) and they can’t keep up with DEMANDS.

As long as the demand is high, Masimo will continue to produce more and sell more. And then they go out of stock again. And then they get more in.

But hey, it seems like you need a change of scenery. Buy yourself an Anthem and tell us all about it.

 

[TLS Guy]

I haven't read through all the messages yet as I just saw the thread now but I've been an anthem AVM owner since the AVM 50 (circa ~2006). I've had personal experience with the AVM 50, 50V, MRX 700 and currently have an AVM 70 8K (well 4k purchase and I installed the 8K board upgrade myself once they started shipping them) and MRX 540 8K in active service.

FYI, since you're commenting on your Maranntz dying, all of the those units listed are still working (or were last I tried. I boxed up the old AVM 50 last XMas in a gear shuffle).

What is it you would like to know? Perhaps I can answer it.

I have seen complaints that the software is slow and can be buggy. Have you had any problems like that?

 

[TLS Guy]

Well sounds like you are getting a full refund right? So maybe you can get an AV10 for cheaper now? Not sure

I will meet with my dealer on Tuesday. He hopes Sound United will refund him or repair it so he can sell it again.

However modern digital gear is fickle and impossible to get a good handle on problems.

We had the grandchildren over today and I was busy cooking etc. today, so did not use the AV room until this evening. The unit had been plugged in, but not turned on or used until this evening.

So I switched it on this evening but only the porthole lit up and not anything in the lower panel. The unit immediately shut down, but no red error light came on. I assumed the unit had died, but I restarted it anyway from the remote. The unit came back on normally and functioned normally and now the buzz is gone, at least for now. I doubt this period of normal function will last. The buzz was present since it started Thursday afternoon two days ago, despite a couple of soft resets.

This is the sort of saga that you get with modern software controlled digital hardware, that is virtually impossible to fathom. I doubt this unit is permanently fixed. So as of right now a service center likely would find no issue with it. I am not sure a dealer could ethically sell in on, and I can be certain mine won't.

 

[lovinthehd]

I will meet with my dealer on Tuesday. He hopes Sound United will refund him or repair it so he can sell it again.

However modern digital gear is fickle and impossible to get a good handle on problems.

We had the grandchildren over today and I was busy cooking etc. today, so did not use the AV room until this evening. The unit had been plugged in, but not turned on or used until this evening.

So I switched it on this evening but only the porthole lit up and not anything in the lower panel. The unit immediately shut down, but no red error light came on. I assumed the unit had died, but I restarted it anyway from the remote. The unit came back on normally and functioned normally and now the buzz is gone, at least for now. I doubt this period of normal function will last. The buzz was present since it started Thursday afternoon two days ago, despite a couple of soft resets.

This is the sort of saga that you get with modern software controlled digital hardware, that is virtually impossible to fathom. I doubt this unit is permanently fixed. So as of right now a service center likely would find no issue with it. I am not sure a dealer could ethically sell in on, and I can be certain mine won't.

Would be interesting to see if the dealer can replicate your issue, tho

 

[ryanosaur]

I will meet with my dealer on Tuesday. He hopes Sound United will refund him or repair it so he can sell it again.

However modern digital gear is fickle and impossible to get a good handle on problems.

We had the grandchildren over today and I was busy cooking etc. today, so did not use the AV room until this evening. The unit had been plugged in, but not turned on or used until this evening.

So I switched it on this evening but only the porthole lit up and not anything in the lower panel. The unit immediately shut down, but no red error light came on. I assumed the unit had died, but I restarted it anyway from the remote. The unit came back on normally and functioned normally and now the buzz is gone, at least for now. I doubt this period of normal function will last. The buzz was present since it started Thursday afternoon two days ago, despite a couple of soft resets.

This is the sort of saga that you get with modern software controlled digital hardware, that is virtually impossible to fathom. I doubt this unit is permanently fixed. So as of right now a service center likely would find no issue with it. I am not sure a dealer could ethically sell in on, and I can be certain mine won't.

This reminds me a little of the experience I had with my SR6012 right after receiving it. There were intermittent audio drop outs that couldn't be explained. First warranty trip to a repair shop resulted in no replication of the problem and it was returned to me. I set it up and put my phone camera aimed at it and stated video recording, capturing the fault in action. Went through all the steps again and sent it back out under warranty to the same repair center. The Tech and I even talked about few times and she was getting ready to box it up and send it back to me because again she couldn't replicate the error a holidays were fast approaching.

The next day I got an email saying she was able to replicate the dropout and traced the problem to a failing cold solder on the digital board. Somehow a small vibration is all it would take to trigger the problem.

Since replacing the board, I have had no problems with that device. *knocks on wood

I won't even begin trying to speculate what gremlin has your device by the socket. I do hope your solution comes to pass soon and you are fully back up and running quickly.

 

[Cos]

This will b

I have seen complaints that the software is slow and can be buggy. Have you had any problems like that?

The software is really not slow IMO and was more buggy early on than now. They do a decent job with updates. I think Gene said it best in his review on Athem ARC. It is more idiot proof (I am paraphrasing it lol) which is good for me. Easier learning curve, harder to really mess up the sound. I think it is very user friendly to set up, once you have played with it a bit. You will definitly get more customization and features with DIREC. The AVM70 did have noisy fan issues, but fortunately mine has been whisper silent, though I don't think it has ever come on to my knowledge lol. I bought it when it was the 4K version and had it upgraded to 8K. TBH a complete waste of $$ as I don't even use my Xbox or PS5 on it.

 

[dolynick]

I have seen complaints that the software is slow and can be buggy. Have you had any problems like that?

I have seen complaints that the software is slow and can be buggy. Have you had any problems like that?

Switching between HDMI input is certainly not the fastest out there I'm sure. It takes a few seconds. If that's really that big of an issue to you, so be it. As far as the setup pages or ARC goes, it all works fairly snappy and without much issue. There are a few things that may not work quite how you expect them at first, but there isn't a bunch of random bizarreness or whatnot in the menues/pages if that's what you mean.

Config changes in both my 8k units is generally via the internally hosted web-based interface is generally considerably more enjoyable to go through than any of the older devices I have used. Although I will grant you that the initial IP connection/config is not the smoothest it could be, depending on how you are initially tyring to connect.

Do you get the occassional bit of oddness or a bad sync with certain devices? Yes. Occassionally. My 540 8k does not really like the shitty old Motorolla cable DVR connected to it and occassionally needs a quick power cycle after switching away from it (weird, but really only an issue with that specific device). There are some other various foibbles, usually revolving around 4k signals (I am running full 120Hz & 30bit color as well), but modern Anthems are basically pass-through devices on the HDMI front and a lot of that has to do with devices on either end of those connections as well I think. Getting my Samsung TV and PC into 4k 120 30bit color can sometimes be a bit frustrating if something has caused it to drop out for example, but I don't think that actually has a lot to do with the Anthem just passing through the signal.

I did have a fairly long ordeal getting both my 4k 120Hz projector and TV working through my AVM 70 8K via the dual HDMI outs. But I am fairly certain that that is due more to the way the projector puts out its HDMI EDID compared to the TV that simply doesn't play well with a simple passthrough system like almost all modern AVR/AVMs use today.

But no, they're not perfect. There are a few things that would be nice if they were different, or worked a little more smoothly, or a feature that could be better or would be nice to have. I haven't checked or an update lately, but I don't think they have delivered on a couple more advanced features yet (like full DTS-X support).

As for ARC... Yes, there's a slightly learning curve and some things or functions are not apparent until you move over to advanced mode. Once you learn all that stuff though, it's generally fairly smooth sailing. It would be nice to have some finer control with precise PEQ settings, but the system is intended for the average home user and to automate things for simplicity so I do understand some of the ommissions. I do actually really love that after I do the measurements and save the data, I can sit down at my PC upstairs and spend as much time fiddling in ARC with keyboard, mouse, full monitor screen, etc and then upload it direcly via IP to either of the units once I'm done. It makes it fairly simply to try tweaks without having to do the full process every time. Usually I'll just do a simple before and after REW sweep to see the effect and then tweak more or go back or whatever I want to do. So much easier than doing room correction tuning in the past. Is there a better system yet out there? Maybe... But these new Anthems and ARC Genesis have been like a brave new world just the way they are.

Tech support has generally been fairly good when I have had to ask them something. I've both called and emailed over the years. Email seems to be the primary contact these days and they're usually fairly good at getting back to you within a business day or two.

Will any of this be a deal breaker for you? I don't know. Based on your posting history and some of the comments you've already made, possibly. I'd consider them a little more pro-sumer tech rather than mass market appliance. I am generally happy with the looks, sound quality and capabilities of my modern units though. The old ones were also very solid and still work quite well, but of course have aged out on connectivy and format support now.

Edit: Cos is correct about the fans though. Both my units do spin up their fans sometimes. I never hear it over content, but it's there when you stop things. I could change out the fans to something quieter if I really wanted to but haven't felt that strongly about it yet to go through the hassle of pulling the units out of the mass cabling at the back (which would honestly be the hardest part of the fan swap).

 

[TLS Guy]

Switching between HDMI input is certainly not the fastest out there I'm sure. It takes a few seconds. If that's really that big of an issue to you, so be it. As far as the setup pages or ARC goes, it all works fairly snappy and without much issue. There are a few things that may not work quite how you expect them at first, but there isn't a bunch of random bizarreness or whatnot in the menues/pages if that's what you mean.

Config changes in both my 8k units is generally via the internally hosted web-based interface is generally considerably more enjoyable to go through than any of the older devices I have used. Although I will grant you that the initial IP connection/config is not the smoothest it could be, depending on how you are initially tyring to connect.

Do you get the occassional bit of oddness or a bad sync with certain devices? Yes. Occassionally. My 540 8k does not really like the shitty old Motorolla cable DVR connected to it and occassionally needs a quick power cycle after switching away from it (weird, but really only an issue with that specific device). There are some other various foibbles, usually revolving around 4k signals (I am running full 120Hz & 30bit color as well), but modern Anthems are basically pass-through devices on the HDMI front and a lot of that has to do with devices on either end of those connections as well I think. Getting my Samsung TV and PC into 4k 120 30bit color can sometimes be a bit frustrating if something has caused it to drop out for example, but I don't think that actually has a lot to do with the Anthem just passing through the signal.

I did have a fairly long ordeal getting both my 4k 120Hz projector and TV working through my AVM 70 8K via the dual HDMI outs. But I am fairly certain that that is due more to the way the projector puts out its HDMI EDID compared to the TV that simply doesn't play well with a simple passthrough system like almost all modern AVR/AVMs use today.

But no, they're not perfect. There are a few things that would be nice if they were different, or worked a little more smoothly, or a feature that could be better or would be nice to have. I haven't checked or an update lately, but I don't think they have delivered on a couple more advanced features yet (like full DTS-X support).

As for ARC... Yes, there's a slightly learning curve and some things or functions are not apparent until you move over to advanced mode. Once you learn all that stuff though, it's generally fairly smooth sailing. It would be nice to have some finer control with precise PEQ settings, but the system is intended for the average home user and to automate things for simplicity so I do understand some of the ommissions. I do actually really love that after I do the measurements and save the data, I can sit down at my PC upstairs and spend as much time fiddling in ARC with keyboard, mouse, full monitor screen, etc and then upload it direcly via IP to either of the units once I'm done. It makes it fairly simply to try tweaks without having to do the full process every time. Usually I'll just do a simple before and after REW sweep to see the effect and then tweak more or go back or whatever I want to do. So much easier than doing room correction tuning in the past. Is there a better system yet out there? Maybe... But these new Anthems and ARC Genesis have been like a brave new world just the way they are.

Tech support has generally been fairly good when I have had to ask them something. I've both called and emailed over the years. Email seems to be the primary contact these days and they're usually fairly good at getting back to you within a business day or two.

Will any of this be a deal breaker for you? I don't know. Based on your posting history and some of the comments you've already made, possibly. I'd consider them a little more pro-sumer tech rather than mass market appliance. I am generally happy with the looks, sound quality and capabilities of my modern units though. The old ones were also very solid and still work quite well, but of course have aged out on connectivy and format support now.

Edit: Cos is correct about the fans though. Both my units do spin up their fans sometimes. I never hear it over content, but it's there when you stop things. I could change out the fans to something quieter if I really wanted to but haven't felt that strongly about it yet to go through the hassle of pulling the units out of the mass cabling at the back (which would honestly be the hardest part of the fan swap).

Thank you for that review. That is consistent with other reports I have read. It does seem that communications are a little slower. Probably not a deal breaker, but functionality not as smooth as it should be. So called room correction is not an issue for me as I don't need it on any of my systems. It always makes matters worse what ever you do. So basically once I'm set up I just switch on and change inputs and volume as desired.

So start up is switch on the five active crossovers, and then manually starting the 9 two channel power amps in sequence so as not to blow breakers. Then I start the AVP.

Shut down is the reverse.

Last night the 7706 worked fine after an almost immediate shut down after switch on. No idea what it will do today.

 

[highfigh]

Order placed for Marantz AVP10.

This looks like a well thought out neat build.

Above is the AV10, and below a Quad 33 pre-amp.

The approach is strikingly similar. I would bet the designer of that AV10 was well aware of Peter Walker's design approach. Rule one, DON'T THROW IT TOGETHER!

The designer(s) of the AV10 may be aware of walker WRT component placement, but the wire routing doesn't show it. The Quad really shows attention to detail.

I think the AV10 shows the first piece I have seen where the power supply is at the front, rather than the rear- That should make loading it into the rack much easier.

 

[highfigh]

I know that is what I'm worried about. It looks to me as if Masimo are running down Sound United stock and preparing to shutter the outfit. So I might have to settle for Anthem after all.

Masimo's acquisition of Sound United was an ill considered vanity purchase by the former CEO. Masimo had no business buying Sound United, let alone running it.

My faint hope is that the Japanese builders of their high end electronics may be able to buy just that portion of the company and just make the top end gear, which seems to be the market right now.

Unfortunately we are headed for exquisite high end and junk with not much of anything in between. I'm pushing 80 and I don't remember a time when the outlook has seemed so dismal.

While I don't like corporations gobbling up brands as if they're going on a charm bracelet, I think that one conglomerate that could afford to buy Marantz or Denon (or both, if there are no other takers) is Resideo, which owns ADI Global, Snap One, Control4 and many other brands.

 

[TLS Guy]

The 7706 worked perfectly yesterday. When I switched on today everything was fine, but the buzz came back this afternoon. I will discuss with my dealer tomorrow. This unit is a dud.