Anthem avm 60, Marantz 8802a, Emotiva XMC-2 processors

[Manic1]

Looking to upgrade a Marantz 7702 MKll, in a at most 7.2.4 setup. Have Audiocontrol amps running diy 1099's and Volt 8's. 2 PSA XS15se's for low end. Soon to be JTR 210rt and 210rm. Open to other suggestions but the 3 are in the price range. Thanks

Steve

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I’m working on a basic video overview of my new Anthem AVM60, which replaced an Emotiva XMC1.

I’m very pleased with the Anthem, and impressed with ARC Genesis, which is proving to be every bit as powerful as Dirac, both of which (IMO) best Audessey hands down.

The biggest advantage with the Anthem over Emo, however, is that it’s bug-free. The XMC2, while seemingly less troublesome than the RMC-1 and 1L, is still far from being bug-free, and relies on Emotiva’s engineers to admit to and solve any problems. Recent claims from their engineering department have included the statement “we’re not a software development firm”, which, if you’re selling processors, you’re a software development firm or you’re hiring one. That denial is always accompanied by lots of finger pointing at other companies for not playing by the rules.

Marantz makes solid stuff. They’re on top of fixing problems. The main drawback, in my opinion, is Audessey

 

[Manic1]

I’m working on a basic video overview of my new Anthem AVM60, which replaced an Emotiva XMC1.

I’m very pleased with the Anthem, and impressed with ARC Genesis, which is proving to be every bit as powerful as Dirac, both of which (IMO) best Audessey hands down.

The biggest advantage with the Anthem over Emo, however, is that it’s bug-free. The XMC2, while seemingly less troublesome than the RMC-1 and 1L, is still far from being bug-free, and relies on Emotiva’s engineers to admit to and solve any problems. Recent claims from their engineering department have included the statement “we’re not a software development firm”, which, if you’re selling processors, you’re a software development firm or you’re hiring one. That denial is always accompanied by lots of finger pointing at other companies for not playing by the rules.

Marantz makes solid stuff. They’re on top of fixing problems. The main drawback, in my opinion, is Audessey

Leaning more and more to the Anthem, was ARC easy to setup?

 

[Manic1]

What you are saying is what I have been hearing and reading about the .XMC-2 and 1.they are just to buggy to hang your hat on. Have a chance to buy a avm 60 B Stock for 2250 or a used avm 60 for 1800. What to do?

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Let’s put it this way. Without giving away too much of my video before I’m finished with it ...

I spent 2 years with the XMC1 fiddling with Dirac. I got it to a place where I was happy with the sound. I enjoyed it, but there were too many little quirks, still, with the XMC1, which they basically called “good enough”.

When I switched them out, I ran ARC once, with very little tweaking, and it sonically matched the XMC1 in 5 minutes. I didn’t mess with it any more, because I’ve now, just this morning, swapped out my speakers, so I’ll dig into the various options of ARC now that I have new hardware in place. But it was dead simple. What took a year and a half on the XMC took 10 minutes on the Anthem.

I’m excited to hear what I can make it do now, getting into all the options.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Oh, and I’d go B-Stock. I’m all about warranty and support whenever possible, though I’ve never used it. It’s a nice safety blanket, especially when you’re making a hefty investment in a hobby.

 

[philip vasseur]

I have had an AVM60 for about 2 years. No bugs or problems, unlike Emo, and the latest ARC Genesis is truly impressive. The AVM 60 will output mono to two subs and ARC will measure them as one. The audioholics folks stated that this is better than individual correction and I agree, esp for HT. The AVM60 also has PlayFi which has matured and now works well, giving you built in native streaming if you use any of the streaming services for music.

 

[Manic1]

I have had an AVM60 for about 2 years. No bugs or problems, unlike Emo, and the latest ARC Genesis is truly impressive. The AVM 60 will output mono to two subs and ARC will measure them as one. The audioholics folks stated that this is better than individual correction and I agree, esp for HT. The AVM60 also has PlayFi which has matured and now works well, giving you built in native streaming if you use any of the streaming services for music.

I am 99% sure I will go with the Anthem but am going to wait a week until CES is over. Would not want to buy one this week and next week find out they are coming out with the AVM 70.

 

[NBPK402]

If you can wait... I would see what the reviewers say about the new Monolith.

 

[philip vasseur]

I am 99% sure I will go with the Anthem but am going to wait a week until CES is over. Would not want to buy one this week and next week find out they are coming out with the AVM 70.

Thanks for the heads up re a new model, if u get a chance let us know if learn anything about a new model. All the best for 2020.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

A week is an easy wait, but I wouldn’t expect an announcement at CES. Anthem is probably more of a CEDIA announcement. CES has become more soundbar and Bluetooth focused than high-end home theater.

 

[Manic1]

If you can wait... I would see what the reviewers say about the new Monolith.

Have to say looks interesting, I probably do not need more than a 7.2.4 setup so 16 channels is overkill but the smaller one might be a good choice of it not to buggy. We will see when theyn begin shipping.

 

[David.Kvirikadze]

looking for AVM60 let me know if you want to sell , thanks.

 

[Manic1]

I ended up with the 8805 which is a reliable performer the only drawback being Audyssey which is old in the tooth eq. Software. Again looking at the AVM70 and Audiocontrol amps to drive these JTR speakers. Went with 2 210RTs and a 210RM for center, 110HT for surrounds and 2 RS1s for subs, if I Can get these dialed in with a Mini DSP hd I am set for a good while! Really would like to hear what ARC has over Audyssey.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Thrillcat, how is the AVM 60 working out? I see the AVM70 coming out and I am thinking of getting it instead of the Marantz 8805. I like Audyssey and I like ARC so that is not a deciding factor. I already have enough speakers to accommodate 15.1 channels vs the 13.1 of the Marantz. . The Marantz has balanced inputs which is a plus since I my streaming device has balanced outs. The thing pulling me toward the Anthem is all of my speakers are Paradigm Active so this would give me a system of Paradigm/Anthem speakers and amps. Thoughts?

The AVM60 has been fantastic. Rock solid. Sounds incredible. I haven’t had to touch or tweak anything since I stopped swapping speakers. I’m a huge fan.