Thank you my friend. I’m happy with my AVM 70. No regrets. Great sound and saved a lot of money not waiting for the 90. Not sure my old ears would hear a difference. My best Dan
Anthem makes a nice product Jon. Love the 4 independent subwoofer outputs and the quality workmanship. No Auro3D would keep our family from looking at this product since we enjoy Auromatic upmixing quite a bit with our Mac MX123 as you know. Other than that the AVM90 (your slide needs corrected as it says AMV90) is a heck of a machine and priced well for what you get.
nice video, presentation was much smoother, VERY informative Would love to hear how these processors actually sound, I know that is difficult to do but would take things to the next level. maybe buy some used models and do some AB comparisons.
Hello Ricky, Anthem do mention on their website: The critical conversion from digital to analog utilizes the highest performance ESS Sabre DACs for all 19 channels of processing.
Great video and invaluable information. I love this channel. Thanks so much about the dual voltage capabilities. That helps so much. So where I might have considered the AVM 90, Trinnov Attitude 16+4 here I come!
Thanks for reporting. It has been a long wait. It seems that we can expect a proven solution as they have been shipping the AVM 90 with HDMI 2.1 capability since the beginning of the year. I may need to refresh my video on Anthem processors soon.-Jon
If I have a minidsp 2x4hd to calibrate 4 subs independently, what does AVM90 give me over the AVM70? The claims of "better circuitry" are incredibly vague.
Good question and I agree - they need to provide more justification for the premium price then a promise of better circuits - at least provide details to contrast with the AVM70. I would stay with the miniDSP for multi sub. -Jon
What amplifier do you use with your AVM 70? ...I am thinking of the Anthem AVM 70 or MRX 1140 8K 2.1...for now only going to need a 2 channel amplifier...2 Dali Rubicon 2 speakers and Rel T7x maybe I should use 2....please tell me what direction I should go and what model and if it's the AVM 70 what amp for 2 channel...I'll turn off the other channels
Brian, I think the amp selection should be focused on the speaker. The Dali Rubicon require an amp that can handle 4 ohm loads well. So avoid amps that don't specify for 4 ohm loads. While other amps may still work, there is the comfort factor that you have a product that was designed for that type of speaker. The Anthem amplifiers separates are all rating for 4 ohm - so they are safe, but have a high cost/channel. The MRX 1140 8K specification state that the amps can handle loads down to 4 ohm, but they do not specify output ratings with that load. That doesn't give me a full confidence. Jon
Ricky - I heard something to that affect as well, but the updated Anthem material is still referring to the AKM chips. It could be that they changed without correcting. If you or others can find good evidence of the change we can post an amendment.-Jon
@@ripewave I thought Anthem left out the 8k for their new receivers ? Are they using the same faulty chip as the rest like Denon and Marantz and such ?
I want to buy the AMV90 from K&W audio in Calgary, great store. But sadly found out that the AVM90 doesn’t support DSD? Hey Anthem, add DSD and you have a sale in Calgary from me via K&W Audio.
Yes - that is an issue with me as well. If you only care about 2-channel, then you could go with an external DSD capable DAC. However, the AVM90 also lacks balanced inputs, so you will have to settle for unbalanced cables between DAC and AVM90. That work-around doesn't work for me as I want multi-channel DSD support and the AVM90 also lacks multi-channel inputs. I wish they would add DSD. We may have more luck with lossless streaming services providing the multi-channel masters. Emotiva and others have native DSD support for multi-channel. -Jon
That is a fair question and the right one to ask. I believe that the cost difference has two components- 1) to account for higher quality DACS and other circuitry resulting in better performance in the processor only models. 2) profits - my guess is many brands seek higher margins for models they sell less of - such as processors. So lower value with separates, but improved sound quality. Jon
You are right the voltage output is an important specification I should add to my analysis. I didn’t collect that data for this model and not all brands post that value - but they should.-Jon
Yes - there are differences on both sides. The AVM90 has four independent subwoofer outputs and higher quality DACS then the AV8805a. The AV8805a supports Auro3D, DTS:X pro and wide support for streaming services and the AVM90 does not. -Jon
Stephen - Anthem has an FAQ page which addresses: www.anthemav.com/support/faq.php. Here is a shortened copy from that page: Are the XLR connections on the amps and preamps truly balanced? Yes. All three pins of the XLR connection are part of the circuit, which means it's a real balanced connection. What about the whole circuit from front to back - is it fully balanced? No. At some point the signal must become single-ended, or interference can't be cancelled. This is better done sooner rather than later in the signal chain. I give Anthem credit for addressing these questions publicly - I don't see these details on other sites except Emotiva which is truly and fully balanced on the RMC-1 and RMC-1L and for the front stage on the XMC-2 - Jon
@@ripewave thank you for the help on that Jon. I think all manufacturer's should state how there balanced outputs are wired up. I like the channel very helpful and informative. 👍
While I think Auro Technologies will survive bankruptcy to continue, their long term outlook is certainly at risk and was at risk independent of bankruptcy. -Jon
Jim - I certainly agree for Auro 3D and DTS:x Pro. These are features that can only be delivered on the processor. The Phono Pre-Amp is more debatable as the quality of those included in processors can be bettered by spending $200-$500 for a separate device and include options for MC cartridges. The Tuner is certainly a nice convenience item especially since there aren't a lot of separate tuners out there is to choose from. -Jon
@@ripewave yes agree but back in the late 70s I had A Yamaha integrated amp and it came with a Moving coil amp built in along with the standard MM amp I had. MC 20 fromOrtofon and it was the best music I had heard …even today with my oppo 205 can not beat the sound quality from imaging ,sound stage and depth So again for that kind of money they can do it Yamaha did it no problem They just don’t want to put the money in it and figure if you are into records you will have a separate amp Anyways If I was going to spend that kind of money I would just get it over and buy the McIntosh x 123
Jim - true some of the equipment from the 70s was far superior in its build quality. All analog then so they didn’t need to build a computer and pay third-parties for chips and licensing fees or bulk up a receiver with 11 amplifiers.-Jon
Thanks - Harman only seems to support multi sub on the JBL processors. Good thing they support up to four. Of course it is a trade off with other channels. -Jon
@@ripewave so when upgrade boards are made available, do you believe will be able to buy the receivers ready with the upgrade already implemented? Me being on Africa, I rather buy it ready than having to upgrade
My avm 90 keeps dropping audio when gaming on my PC any thoughts on when this can get fixed via firmware update? All of my hardware is less than a year old latest models.
Marlon - thanks for that confirmation. There has been rumors of Anthem changing chips. With AKMs production problems resulting from their factory fire such changes make sense. Extra points for identifying the ESS mode used.-Jon
Eric, I believe you are correct by stating that SuperAudio have dropped out of favor. I haven’t heard of widespread use of DSD in pro studios at any time in DSD history. Native DSD masters appear to be uncommon. Perhaps you have additional knowledge. Jon
Thank you my friend. I’m happy with my AVM 70. No regrets. Great sound and saved a lot of money not waiting for the 90. Not sure my old ears would hear a difference. My best Dan
So glad the AVM 70 has worked out well for you. There is a lot I like about that model.-Jon
Very good and detailed presentation regarding the Anthem AV Processors and Receivers - FANTASTIC and I love it. Thank you!
Your getting a lot better presenting bud, thought i’d let you know, my second video watching on your channel…
I appreciate your kind words. Glad the content has value for you.-Jon
Anthem makes a nice product Jon. Love the 4 independent subwoofer outputs and the quality workmanship. No Auro3D would keep our family from looking at this product since we enjoy Auromatic upmixing quite a bit with our Mac MX123 as you know. Other than that the AVM90 (your slide needs corrected as it says AMV90) is a heck of a machine and priced well for what you get.
I believe the lack of Auro 3D support with Anthem (no announced roadmap for it either) keeps a lot of perspective buyers from considering).-Jon
Excellent overview - love the tables.
nice video, presentation was much smoother, VERY informative
Would love to hear how these processors actually sound, I know that is difficult to do but would take things to the next level.
maybe buy some used models and do some AB comparisons.
Hello Ricky, Anthem do mention on their website: The critical conversion from digital to analog utilizes the highest performance ESS Sabre DACs for all 19 channels of processing.
Great video and invaluable information. I love this channel. Thanks so much about the dual voltage capabilities. That helps so much. So where I might have considered the AVM 90, Trinnov Attitude 16+4 here I come!
That is a big jump up from Anthem to Trinnov. Very powerful processor with lots or flexibility.-Jon
Anthems website is now advertising the mrx line of receivers and the avm 70 will be available in 8k by the end of August.
Thanks for reporting. It has been a long wait. It seems that we can expect a proven solution as they have been shipping the AVM 90 with HDMI 2.1 capability since the beginning of the year. I may need to refresh my video on Anthem processors soon.-Jon
Great Information
I thought in the beginning they gonna use AKM 4499EQ Dac, since AKM Dac warehouse burn down now they gonna use ESS ES9038PRO Dac for AVM90.
I hadn’t seen that as either an announcement or rumor - I will keep a lookout for confirmation.-Jon
Really wish Anthems had Auro3d been enjoying that lately on my Denon X4700H. It's a great upmixer adds a lot more sound to the height layer.
The lack of Auro 3D with Anthem is certainly a gap we wish Anthem would address.-Jo
If I have a minidsp 2x4hd to calibrate 4 subs independently, what does AVM90 give me over the AVM70? The claims of "better circuitry" are incredibly vague.
Good question and I agree - they need to provide more justification for the premium price then a promise of better circuits - at least provide details to contrast with the AVM70. I would stay with the miniDSP for multi sub. -Jon
What amplifier do you use with your AVM 70? ...I am thinking of the Anthem AVM 70 or MRX 1140 8K 2.1...for now only going to need a 2 channel amplifier...2 Dali Rubicon 2 speakers and Rel T7x maybe I should use 2....please tell me what direction I should go and what model and if it's the AVM 70 what amp for 2 channel...I'll turn off the other channels
Brian,
I think the amp selection should be focused on the speaker. The Dali Rubicon require an amp that can handle 4 ohm loads well. So avoid amps that don't specify for 4 ohm loads. While other amps may still work, there is the comfort factor that you have a product that was designed for that type of speaker.
The Anthem amplifiers separates are all rating for 4 ohm - so they are safe, but have a high cost/channel. The MRX 1140 8K specification state that the amps can handle loads down to 4 ohm, but they do not specify output ratings with that load. That doesn't give me a full confidence.
Jon
I thought the AVM 90 started to source their DAC chip from a different manufacturer, like ESS Sabre or something?
Ricky - I heard something to that affect as well, but the updated Anthem material is still referring to the AKM chips. It could be that they changed without correcting. If you or others can find good evidence of the change we can post an amendment.-Jon
@@ripewave I thought Anthem left out the 8k for their new receivers ? Are they using the same faulty chip as the rest like Denon and Marantz and such ?
Good information...
I want to buy the AMV90 from K&W audio in Calgary, great store. But sadly found out that the AVM90 doesn’t support DSD?
Hey Anthem, add DSD and you have a sale in Calgary from me via K&W Audio.
Yes - that is an issue with me as well. If you only care about 2-channel, then you could go with an external DSD capable DAC. However, the AVM90 also lacks balanced inputs, so you will have to settle for unbalanced cables between DAC and AVM90. That work-around doesn't work for me as I want multi-channel DSD support and the AVM90 also lacks multi-channel inputs. I wish they would add DSD. We may have more luck with lossless streaming services providing the multi-channel masters. Emotiva and others have native DSD support for multi-channel. -Jon
Why does the reciever cost the same as the processor? Free amplification? No down sides? (Same channel support)
That is a fair question and the right one to ask. I believe that the cost difference has two components-
1) to account for higher quality DACS and other circuitry resulting in better performance in the processor only models.
2) profits - my guess is many brands seek higher margins for models they sell less of - such as processors.
So lower value with separates, but improved sound quality.
Jon
DO you KNOw which OEM they use for their HDMIboards?
I do not know the who makes or designs the HDMI board s for Anthem. -Jon
How many volt rated for the pre outputs. 1 volt or 4 volts, which is better for clipping rangeheadroom ?
You are right the voltage output is an important specification I should add to my analysis. I didn’t collect that data for this model and not all brands post that value - but they should.-Jon
Is there a big difference between marantz av 8805A and Anthem avm 90?
Yes - there are differences on both sides. The AVM90 has four independent subwoofer outputs and higher quality DACS then the AV8805a. The AV8805a supports Auro3D, DTS:X pro and wide support for streaming services and the AVM90 does not. -Jon
Do they have centralized, 8 channel or each channel DAC???
Are the balanced outputs, true balanced. I don't think they are on the Marantz AV8805A.
Stephen - Anthem has an FAQ page which addresses: www.anthemav.com/support/faq.php. Here is a shortened copy from that page:
Are the XLR connections on the amps and preamps truly balanced?
Yes. All three pins of the XLR connection are part of the circuit, which means it's a real balanced connection.
What about the whole circuit from front to back - is it fully balanced?
No. At some point the signal must become single-ended, or interference can't be cancelled. This is better done sooner rather than later in the signal chain.
I give Anthem credit for addressing these questions publicly - I don't see these details on other sites except Emotiva which is truly and fully balanced on the RMC-1 and RMC-1L and for the front stage on the XMC-2 - Jon
@@ripewave thank you for the help on that Jon. I think all manufacturer's should state how there balanced outputs are wired up. I like the channel very helpful and informative. 👍
I agree - they should provide that detail. Of course if they don’t support full balanced it is not to their advantage.-Jon
Auro 3D is ☠️
While I think Auro Technologies will survive bankruptcy to continue, their long term outlook is certainly at risk and was at risk independent of bankruptcy. -Jon
For that kind of money I hope you get a A/M F/M tuner and a phono input with Auro 3D...
Jim - I certainly agree for Auro 3D and DTS:x Pro. These are features that can only be delivered on the processor. The Phono Pre-Amp is more debatable as the quality of those included in processors can be bettered by spending $200-$500 for a separate device and include options for MC cartridges. The Tuner is certainly a nice convenience item especially since there aren't a lot of separate tuners out there is to choose from. -Jon
@@ripewave yes agree but back in the late 70s I had A Yamaha integrated amp and it came with a Moving coil amp built in along with the standard MM amp I had. MC 20 fromOrtofon and it was the best music I had heard …even today with my oppo 205 can not beat the sound quality from imaging ,sound stage and depth So again for that kind of money they can do it Yamaha did it no problem They just don’t want to put the money in it and figure if you are into records you will have a separate amp Anyways If I was going to spend that kind of money I would just get it over and buy the McIntosh x 123
Jim - true some of the equipment from the 70s was far superior in its build quality. All analog then so they didn’t need to build a computer and pay third-parties for chips and licensing fees or bulk up a receiver with 11 amplifiers.-Jon
Jbl sdp-55 does 4 independent subs also
Thanks - Harman only seems to support multi sub on the JBL processors. Good thing they support up to four. Of course it is a trade off with other channels. -Jon
@@ripewave love your channel BTW. Do you know what Dac is in the JBL SDP 55 and in the NAD M17 processors ? Trying to choose between the 2
any of the MRX or the AVM 70 will have HDMI 2.1?
No currently but I believe an HDMI upgrade board will be made available this year for AVM 70 and MRX receivers.-Jon
@@ripewave so when upgrade boards are made available, do you believe will be able to buy the receivers ready with the upgrade already implemented? Me being on Africa, I rather buy it ready than having to upgrade
Yes - they should update the models to incorporate so you don’t have to upgrade as a separate step.-Jon
My avm 90 keeps dropping audio when gaming on my PC any thoughts on when this can get fixed via firmware update? All of my hardware is less than a year old latest models.
I noticed they change the DAC chipset in it. It was the AKM 4499, now its the ESS 9038 Pro.
Marlon - thanks for that confirmation. There has been rumors of Anthem changing chips. With AKMs production problems resulting from their factory fire such changes make sense. Extra points for identifying the ESS mode used.-Jon
@@ripewave czcams.com/video/JXl02k2CEdA/video.html (6:35) also confirms it. Great video.
DSD is mainstream at pro studios ... you mean Super Audio CDs are going out of favor.
Eric, I believe you are correct by stating that SuperAudio have dropped out of favor. I haven’t heard of widespread use of DSD in pro studios at any time in DSD history. Native DSD masters appear to be uncommon. Perhaps you have additional knowledge.
Jon