Anthem AVM 90 Processor Review | Audiophile Sound, Quad Subs, Crushes AVM 60

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Part 1 of a 3-part review of the Anthem AVM 90 8K 15.4CH Preamp Processor. In part 1 of this three-part review on Anthem's flagship Preamp-Processor, we'll cover the AVM 90 8K's design, features, streaming technologies, upgraded DACs, quad subwoofer outputs, ARC Genesis, and the differences between Anthem's AVM 70 and AVM 60 preamp processors. We also include direct blind listening test comparisons between the AVM 60 and the new AVM 90 in the same speaker set up with both systems properly level matched and calibrated.
0:00 Introduction
0:39 Overview
1:23 Impact of Global Events
1:52 Design
3:23 Connectivity
6:19 IMAX Enhanced over eARC
8:19 Differences between AVM 90 vs. AVM 70
8:39 AVM 90 DACs
10:09 Four Independent Subwoofer Outputs
11:48 Built for Streaming
13:55 Roon Integration
15:29 ARC Genesis
16:07 Upgraded Microphone
16:50 Automatic Phase Adjustment
17:39 ARC Genesis QuickMeasure
18:46 AVM 90 vs. AVM 60
21:07 AVM 90 vs. AVM 60 Headphone Comparison
22:29 Quirks
24:15 Competition and Comparative Value
Read our Full written review of the Anthem AVM90:
www.audioholics.com/av-preamp...
► Buy the Anthem AVM 90: bit.ly/AnthemAVM90
► Buy the Anthem AVM 70: bit.ly/AnthemAVM90p
Shop Audio Advice: bit.ly/3thUFI1
Recommended Headphones:
JBL Tour One M2: bit.ly/JBLTourOneM2-headphones
Focal Bathys: bit.ly/FocalBathyswireless
Focal Celestee: bit.ly/Focalcelestee
Mark Levinson 5909: bit.ly/MarkLevinson5909
Sony WF-1000XM3: bit.ly/SonyIEMs
Recommended Subwoofers:
SVS SB-1000 Pro: audioadvice.io/36Pea3a
SVS PB-1000 Pro: audioadvice.io/3sreeyk
SVS SB-3000: bit.ly/SVSSB3000Sub
Paradigm Defiance X12: bit.ly/ParadigmX12
Perlisten D15s: bit.ly/PerlistenD15s
Perlisten R212s: bit.ly/PerlistenR212s
Perlisten R210s: bit.ly/PerlistenR210s
Arendal 1961 1S or 1V: bit.ly/Arendal1961sub
Arendal 1723 1S Sub: bit.ly/Arendal17231Ssub
Recommended AV Separates
Trinnov Altitude 32: bit.ly/TrinnovAltitude32
Trinnov Altitude 16: bit.ly/TrinnovAltitude16
Trinnov Amplitude 16: bit.ly/TrinnovAmplitude16
Trinnov Amplitude 8: bit.ly/TrinnovAmplitude8
Recommended AV Receivers:
Onkyo TX-RZ50 ($1,599): bit.ly/OnkyoTXZ50
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.2CH AV Receiver: bit.ly/DenonX3800h
Marantz Cinema 50: bit.ly/MarantzCinema50
Yamaha RX-A2A: audioadvice.io/3ppWFg9
Sony STR-AZ5000ES: bit.ly/SonySTRAZ5000ES
Sony STR-AZ7000ES: bit.ly/SonySTRAZ7000ES
Anthem MRX1140: bit.ly/AnthemMRX1140
Anthem AVM 90 15.4CH Processor: bit.ly/AnthemAVM90
Monolith M8250x 8CH Amp: bit.ly/8CHamp
NAD M23: bit.ly/NADm23amp
Recommended Powered Speakers:
Kanto YU4: bit.ly/Kantoyu4
Kanto YU6: bit.ly/KantoYU6speakers
Kanto TUK: bit.ly/KantoTUK
Kanto Sub8: bit.ly/KantoSub8
Recommended Center Channels:
SVS Prime Center: bit.ly/SVSPrimecenter
Paradigm Premier 500C: bit.ly/Paradigm500C
Revel C208: bit.ly/RevelC208
Recommended Speakers:
SVS Prime 5.1 Speaker / Sub System: audioadvice.io/3JZJOt5
JBL HDI-3800: bit.ly/JBLHDI3800sale
Polk R700 Tower Speakers: audioadvice.io/3C0TK2B
Heco Aurora 700: bit.ly/HecoAurora700spks
Heco Aurora 1000 Tower Speakers: bit.ly/Aurora1000
Arendal 1961 Monitor: bit.ly/Arendal1961Monitor
Klipsch RP-8000F II Tower Speakers: audioadvice.io/3445l4A
Arendal 1723S Tower Speakers: bit.ly/Arendal1723s
Focal Aria K2 936: bit.ly/3zVAxi5
Focal Kanta No2: bit.ly/Focalkantano2
Sony SSCS5 Speakers:audioadvice.io/3td2O0w
SVS Prime Elevation Surround: audioadvice.io/35aZCdR
MartinLogan Motion XT F100: bit.ly/MartinLoganF100
MartinLogan Motion XT F200: bit.ly/MartinLoganF200
MartinLogan Motion F10: bit.ly/MartinLoganF10
MartinLogan Motion XT B100: bit.ly/MartinLoganB100
Perlisten S7t Limited Edition: bit.ly/PerlistenS7tLE
Perlisten S7t: bit.ly/PerlistenS7towers
Perlisten R7t: bit.ly/PerlistenR7t
Perlisten R5t: bit.ly/PerlistenR5t
Perlisten S3ic: bit.ly/PerlistenS3ic
Perlisten R3ic: bit.ly/PerlistenR3ic
Audioholics Recommended Cables:
250ft CL2 12AWG Speaker Cable: amzn.to/2vwS9QH
50ft 10AWG Speaker Cable: amzn.to/3DeMTT5
Locking Banana Plugs: amzn.to/2ZQt15x
9ft 4K HDR HDMI Cables: amzn.to/2WiIXeD
Disclaimer: Audioholics earns commissions from qualifying purchases with the Affiliate Links used in the description of this video. We appreciate your support.
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Пікірлер: 153

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

Please consider purchasing from our channel partner Audio Advice: ► Buy the Anthem AVM 90: bit.ly/AnthemAVM90 ► Buy the Anthem AVM 70: bit.ly/AnthemAVM90p Audio Advice is an authorized Anthem dealer and offers FREE lifetime product support and will even help with remote calibration if you purchase an entire system from them. Disclaimer: Audioholics earns commissions from qualifying purchases with the Affiliate Links used in the description of this video. We appreciate your support.

@joshdekubber3631 8 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for the excellent review!! Looking forward to your follow-up videos including bench test results!

@scottt3566 8 ай бұрын

Great review! I LOVE my AVM90. It just sounds so incredible.

@roccobruno8027 8 ай бұрын

I went with the AVM 70 as I didn't need the four independent subwoofer outputs. I've been extremely happy with the performance in both 2 channel and multichannel and I also appreciate that the ARC Genesis software decodes 96khz • 24bit. Now if only Anthem would get around to finally implementing roon support, I'd be over the moon.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

🙏🏼 for Roon 😊

@flyingjeff1956 5 ай бұрын

What's a roon?

@kujoomd2863 8 ай бұрын

Nice overview! I pre ordered my MRX740 3 years ago this week and while the other MRX and AVM products of this generation have different guts the interface and ARC are the same. It took a little while to get used to vs my old Yamaha but the web interface is really powerful. And the phone app that has been rolled out over the last year or so is now really solid. Really great sound quality on the MRX just makes me wonder how much better would an AVM 70 or even 90 be? Looking forward to seeing Gene's measurements vs the 1140 he looked at a while ago maybe in part 2 of your review.

@DigitalDonAV 8 ай бұрын

Great review my brother!

@dihydrotestosterone 8 ай бұрын

I like your positive energy, straight to the point review, no added fluff. 👌

@frankparisi2433 8 ай бұрын

I own several avm products. I love, love all the buttons vs dealing with a screen. I use a streaming device and it does all I want.

@DigitalDonAV 8 ай бұрын

Great job brother!

@SwirlingDragonMist 8 ай бұрын

Makes me wonder if there is a correlation of elevated performance amongst amplifiers that have dedicated surround channels for each speaker terminal. I love the flexibility of being able to reassign channels, but maybe theres a deliberate audio quality related reason not to??? The coverage here of the Sony core DTSx streaming quality was very nice, it’s much needed, and good reporting to be covering it, thanks! I’m still in a place where I need those details spelled out for me definitively. I’m so glad Sony Core is putting pressure on everyone to up their game.

@pumpituphomeboy 8 ай бұрын

Great review like this format and hope you refine it over time. Well done.

@hdmoviesource 8 ай бұрын

Nice review, thank you.

@kyleo2113 8 ай бұрын

Very nice review - own the avm 70 and it is a great processor. another quirk is ARC doesn’t set polarity automatically - hopefully they resolve in the next release - even with the quirks the 70 has definitely elevated the sound in my setup. Based on forum comments the 90 is next level including those that have made the upgrade from the 70. 🤔…..

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

congrats on purchasing the AVM 70. Seems like a stellar processor. Re: ARC, I echo that. ARC always uploads a positive polarity. There are additional areas of growth for ARC

@kyleo2113 8 ай бұрын

@@TheoNicolakis thanks - early adopter running the akm version - agree on ARC improvements - they should revisit sequencing phase ahead of eq but would need to determine crossover beforehand, also should have as option for sub summing as single virtual after time alignment - I had my setup where peak of one sub was compensating another’s dip(room Mode) but when you eq individually you lose the advantage cutting the peaks and boosting dips - setup specific but I still don’t understand reason for individual sub eq. rather than virtual summed.

@arindamchakraborty5272 8 ай бұрын

Nice review. A minor correction you might consider. There is no hole in the ARC mic as suggested in your review . It’s just a dot but not an actual hole 😄

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

Bingo. Thanks. 👍😁

@DerekBove 8 ай бұрын

Is Anthem going to support DTS:X Pro? I think that and Roon were promised originally.

@drewyoung2102 8 ай бұрын

I love Anthem product but recently sold my AVM 60 from past when it came out. I really find SONY ES series create incredible bubble with only slightly less satisfying amp for FAR less than AV114

@Adream-lf3mw 8 ай бұрын

Theo, three things that jumped out in this review... 1) The video quality is amazing. Reminds me of the video Shane did at your house when he filmed your review of Perlisten. Was this filmed the same day with his camera? In the past, he reviewed many HT pre-pro for the channel, so I was was wondering if he also got to listen to the sound quality of the AVM90 while he was at your house? Anyway, it was a well scripted, high-quality presentation, similar to every video you ever put out on the channel. 2) You said Anthem used the same DAC as the OPPO UDP-205 but OPPO released that player around 2018? We all know about the AKM fire but this is the tech industry. People generally get hesitant to buy 6 year old technology in state of the art products because of FOMO on what's to come. This would have been an awesome pre-pro to buy in early 2021. How many units is Anthem going to sell of the AVM90 before releasing its replacement. We used to get flagships every 3 years. 3) Another thing related to slow tech, I remember Gene making a video with Hugo almost a decade ago, saying he finally found a product (Mini DSP) that solved the bass issues he had in his old home which he was struggling with for almost a decade. IT was a cheap $200-300 product that Marantz and Anthem finally incorporated into their $8,000 pre-pros. These giants in the space should have been able to do this long ago in their flagships pre-pros and receivers. Also, Marantz and Yamaha came out with 8K HDMI years ago. Anthem was a slow follower. Things move quick in the technology space and what makes Marantz and Anthem boat anchors is HDMI boards being outdated, not being able to support the latest surround formats, etc. These guys have to try better to keep up because they aren't making modular products like Trinnov that can be swapped out. Lastly, we are still working on ROON in 2024. C'mon man. This is supposed to be a cutting edge, state-of-the-art flagship. It was released to the public with bugs. Anthem, DO BETTER,

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

DACs have a longer shelf life and remain a stable platform for longer than consumer electronics. Additionally, how a DAC is implemented, and the corresponding audio circuitry associated with the DAC are key variables to the overall system performance. Let’s also remember that manufactures have an R&D implementation window that typically spans several years before new products are launched. Therefore expected to see the 9038 pro as an appropriate flagship choice.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

3a) We’ve mentioned this before and maybe it’s worth a sidenote that when Gene and I went down to New Orleans back in 2015 and we were at the Sound United Show (Marantz, Denon, Classe etc) we met with some engineers and product heads and they asked us what we would like to see in future products, and among those future requests I mentioned support for Roon and Dirac as paramount and fixing Audyssey bass issues. Fast forward to 2023 and you start to see Dirac and it’s still only Roon tested. My point is our consumer perception of cutting edge is a whole different ballgame when it comes to product design, manufacturing, costs, and support.

@ronbates9445 7 ай бұрын

I purchased the AVM 90. When it was calibrated with ARC genesis the person didn't use the microphone stand but held the mic in his hand while setting in the difference listening positions. My speakers are not behind the screen. I am not sure if the black dot on the mic was pointed towards the speakers. Should the calibration be done again using the tripod?

@Audioholics 7 ай бұрын

Absolutely. If the person held the mic close to their own body that could affect the results due to interference. A stable tripod should be used and multiple points should be measured after MLP for better data gathering of the room.

@PeterEidegren 8 ай бұрын

Great review, I myself own a AVM 70 that performes very well for my use case. Shouldn't you get the sum of all the subwoofers in “Quick measure” when you measure for example the left speaker?

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

That’s a missing feature sadly. You need to use REW for that. Anthem will hopefully add.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

I re-read your question and understand it better. I’ll check with Anthem. Though my hunch is that you are seeing the native response of each speaker. My Salon2 go full range all the way down to 18Hz with room gain for their in room response.

@DTA_Crypto 8 ай бұрын

Great video had major HDMI issues on the AVM 70 non 8K version how is your experience?

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

The majority of issues I experienced with HDMI handshake were related to CEC being active. I noticed an elimination of several issues when doing a factory reset and updating firmware. In various forums the TV model and combo with AppleTV 4K may also play a role. HDMI handshake issues are ultimately HDMI network Issues.

@larnak974 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for your work 😊 How would it compare to the new marantz AV10 since they're in the same price range ?

@TheoNicolakis 4 ай бұрын

We just did a head-to-head comparison. Check out the video for the deep dive.

@pnevin98 8 ай бұрын

At 16:07 is the middle mic an omnidirectional mic? I ask because it looks just like the mic that came with my JBL Synthesis SDP-58.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

Yes, all three microphones are omnidirectional and have come with Anthem/Paradigm/Martin Logan products with ARC. The other two mics are from the AVM 50 (ARC2) and a Martin Logan Forte amp (with ARC).

@pnevin98 8 ай бұрын

@@TheoNicolakis thank you for the information! I thought that mic would have been directional because of the open spots below the top going around the mic.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

@@pnevin98the mic with the AVM 90 is directional. What that means is it is able to handle frequencies with greater accuracy above 5kHz. Anthem discouraged calibrations above 5kHz with prior mics because of the directionally of the frequencies and the microphone’s limitations with directional frequencies. That’s another advantage of the AVM 90 if you need to calibrate speakers behind an acoustically transparent screen.

@johnkru1295 8 ай бұрын

I just bought a new 90 and had it installed a few days ago. This replaced my avm 60. The 90 is an improvement but not as much as I hoped. I am still working with it.

@johnkru1295 8 ай бұрын

Also these processors are made in Vietnam, not Canada. That's a bummer.

@kevinv6882 8 ай бұрын

I am also working with ARC Genesis on my AVM 90. Center channel does not sound optimal as I was hoping for, at times it comes across harsh both via eARC as well as on my Oppo 203.

@johnkru1295 8 ай бұрын

Hey Kevin, good luck. The guy who set my 90 up created 3 profiles with ARC and one without. My system is 5.1 with Focal Kanta 3's in front, a Kanta center, 2 Hafler P9505 amps to power the fronts and an Anthem MCA 5 to power the center and surrounds. Also a Paradigm XR 11 sub. I'm hearing an improvement in clarity and size with digital orchestral recordings. My rock recordings mostly from the 70's are sounding clearer but there is some harshness which wasn't as evident with my old 60. So far it seems the 90 improves good recordings and exposes additional issues with recordings which were never great anyway. I am still experimenting and my ears make the final judgement not ARC. Let me know how things go with yours. John.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

Out of curiosity what speakers and amplifiers are you pairing the AVM 90 with?

@drewchewning1784 8 ай бұрын

Excellent work! How did you get 8k60 from the PS5? Ty

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

That specific image is courtesy of Anthem. I have an Xbox myself 🙂

@keithiegee1 5 ай бұрын

Audioholics AVM70 or AVM90 would you still recommend using a miniDSP 2x4HD and using only 1 sub pre-out?

@TheoNicolakis 4 ай бұрын

The AVM 70 and AVM 90 eliminate the need for an external unit like a miniDSP as they calibrate each sub independently and calculate phase for each sub for optimal integration.

@dannykl6883 8 ай бұрын

Does the AVM 90 sound superior to the AVM 70 for multichannel home theatre listening?

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

For sure with the AVM 60. I suggest trying to audition for yourself at your local Anthem dealer or contacting an authorized dealer like an Audio Advice to have that direct comparison. From Folks in forums, that’s a resounding “yes” the AVM 90 is better in both2 and multichannel than the 70. From Part II you’ll see some measurements to back that up.

@HumblePeon2 8 ай бұрын

I have MRX740 and have always wanted AVM 90 but can't afford it 😭

@vincentmilioto5735 8 ай бұрын

What about the Lyngdorf-mp40 as a competition?

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for mentioning. Lyngdorf products are really great. The MP40 is a 12-channel decoder. The MP60 might be the stronger comparison to get 16 channels of decoding. The Anthem’s has the independent sub out for 19 channels and the Lyngdor is double the price.

@erod9088 8 ай бұрын

I used to own an Anthem, and it's a great processor company. However, ARC Genesis is just too finicky and inconsistent. Even when careful, you can get some funky results. It's better than Audyssesy, but I much prefer Dirac. I've had all 3 for extensive periods of time.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

We’re blessed as consumers to have such great options to choose from that meet our use cases best. Dirac is fabulous.

@sals26 5 ай бұрын

I'm really hoping Anthem will implement the new DAC's etc into a 70A or something along that line. I don't mind paying for performance, but paying for things I'll never need or use is something else. There's no way I'll ever be able to expand beyond my current 9.2 configuration and for many others I'm sure the 11.x is the point of no return for many. Please Anthem consider offering this TOTL sonic performance in a pre/pro without a gillion unneeded channels. TIA, Sal1950

@mauriciolguin 6 ай бұрын

Isn't it supposed that once you use ARC the speakers should be perfectly calibrated? Then you shouldn't notice any difference between the AVM-60 and 90 while playing music or whatever. Moreover, since long ago I have tested the sound of different equipments using the ES9038 pro DAC, many chifi products use that DAC and I don't consider it better than top A&K DACs. If I'm not mistaken the AV-70 was using one, not only the AV-60. And the reson to change to Sabre DACs was just due to a problem supply.

@TheoNicolakis 6 ай бұрын

All testing was A/B with ARC off. ARC can help address room issues. The AVM 90 has measurable improvement in the audio circuitry and performance.

@mauriciolguin 6 ай бұрын

@@TheoNicolakisthanks for your reply. I hope one day I could test the AVM-90.

@Skye_the_toller 8 ай бұрын

i was, kind of, sceptic that the AMV 70 should real better than the Yamaha CX 5200 I had... OMG, I was wrong... just another level ... so... I gave a try to the AVM90... may be I will ear a difference? just amazing... and more amazing for music. Big regrets and frustration... no real DSD music support, No balanced inputs to have a DAC that may read my DSD...

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

The more transparent your overall system, the more of a difference I think you'll hear with the AVM 90. I played the AVM 90 on Revel Ultima2 Salons, RBH SVTR Signature, and the Q Acoustics Concept 50. The Concept 50 could not in any way render the full potential of the AVM 90 like the Salon2 could powered by the Benchmark AHB2 power amps.

@davidrivera2165 8 ай бұрын

Theo is by far the best writer and eloquent speaker at Audioholics. He brings great balance to James Larson great technical reviews (but poor speech skills), and Gene's marketing (pitch man) focus. I immediately click on video reviews by Shane and Theo, they seem the most objective. I also love to read James's written reviews on the website. I understand that Audioholics is a business first and foremost, but sometimes it skews toward the Legacy audio magazine where selling advertisement is the driving goal in all reviews.

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

It's called being a successful business. You get to enjoy all of this great free content with no contribution on your end while we continue to get companies to market with us to allow us to continue bringing the content and paying our review staff.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

It's a blessing to be part of the Audioholics family with a rich diversity of expertise and talent!

@stevelivingstone3495 8 ай бұрын

U forgot about audiocontrol and arcam. I would put marantz on the lower part of the list. Avm90 is amazing, but if i had to pick something else to use i would look at audiocontrol, arcam, emotiva before marantz.

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

The Marantz AV 10 is one of the best built, and best measuring AV preamps on the market so your list is skewed. I would never include Emotiva as a top contender on said list due to its buggy firmware nature and past long-term reliability problems I've had with their products over the years of reviewing them.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

Steve thanks for those additional brands, which have 15.4 processor options. I took the perspective that the AVM 90 is for that user who is looking for 2-channel audiophile preamp performance in a. multichannel processor. Therefore the flagship ESS9038 DAC supported by the upgraded audio circuitry - which has measurable improvement as you'll see in part 2- separates it from the larger pack a bit (from my perspective). The Marantz AV 10 makes it a point to highlight its upgraded audio circuitry and we have Gene's bench tests that make it a good comparison and appropriate peer to talk about in comparison to the AVM 90. That's the angle I took when talking about the Marantz and Anthem in Parts 1 and Part 2

@joes3800 8 ай бұрын

24:24 Why do so many Reviewers ignore the Arcam AV41?? DIRAC and all of the same critical features as the Anthem AVM90 and Marantz AV10 but it's under $6000 and lately often under $4500 when on sale.

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

The Arcam was riddled with operational issues up until recently. We haven't had a chance to check out the latest.

@joes3800 8 ай бұрын

@Audioholics I understand the reservations about Arcam given past issues,, but since you and other popular Reviewers haven't checked out Arcam's latest, it seems unfair to Arcam and to the audience to not even mention Arcam in the conversation at all. I'm taking the chance since I got an AV41 for $4200. I am aware of the issues from 2-3 years ago, but the little bit of information available online is all consistent so far: the issues are reportedly fixed or mostly fixed. It would have been better if more Reviewers gave it another chance so that there was more information so that I didn't feel like I was taking a chance. But for almost half of the price of a Marantz or Anthem flagship, I deemed it worth that chance to have a flagship processor that has a good chance of being equal or maybe even a bit better than Marantz' or Anthem's latest!

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

@@joes3800 Arcam is not better than Marantz or Anthrm flagship just based on the hardware architecture but it's still a viable less costly option. I'm currently reviewing an Arcam 2CH Radia piece now.

@joes3800 8 ай бұрын

@Audioholics What aspects of the Arcam AV41's hardware architecture are inferior to the Marantz AV10 and Anthem AVM90? (I'm not trying to be contentious. Rather, I am genuinely curious since I didn't observe anything inferior in my research before I purchased. Did I miss something?)

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

The comparison of the AVM 90 and the Marantz AV10 will make more sense once you see the AVM 90 measurements and compare them to Gene’s of the Marantz AV 10. These two flagships are designed with upgraded audio circuitry and we have the measurements to compare. That’s the differentiator. The Arcam uses a different ESS DAC than the AVM 90. Check me as I think it’s the ESS 9026 vs the AVM 90’s ESS 9038.

@GuiltyRocker 6 ай бұрын

This is nice, but doesn't the Marantz AV 10 blow this away with Dirac?

@Audioholics 6 ай бұрын

Not yet. Dirac isn't fully fleshed out

@GuiltyRocker 6 ай бұрын

Marantz is marketing that this unit is Dirac ready now, what exactly do you mean?@@Audioholics

@Adream-lf3mw 8 ай бұрын

Marantz and Yamaha used to release flagships every 3 years. Where the hell is Yamaha? I haven't seen their home theater Aventage line on the channel in years (Tony did a written review back in May of 2021 on the RX-A8A but that was only 11.2 channels and it was a receiver not a pre-pro). They aren't going to compete with the Marantz AV10 and Anthem AVM90 going forward? For years, Don would highlight if you want reliable you only have two players in the game: Marantz and Yamaha. When one decides not to compete (i.e 15.4 channel flagship), that's not good for consumers. Where is the CX-A3000 Yamaha? You are supposed to be a leader in this market.

@johnkru1295 8 ай бұрын

Anyone know about a 50-60 hour break in/burn in period, for the AVM 90 to reach it's full sonic potential?

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

nonsense. Solid State electronics don't break in.

@johnkru1295 8 ай бұрын

Really? The guy who owns the store where I bought the AVM 90 says different. I buy my stuff from this person and I've known him for years. I also looked up break in/burn in online for solid state stereo equipment and the consensus agrees there is a break in period required and this varies depending on the device. A call to Anthem is in order. Thank you for responding.

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

@@johnkru1295 because he wants to make sure you keep the product longer than the return window. It boggles my mind what people would believe from a salesman.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

@@johnkru1295 a person will lose nothing by running equipment for X or Y number of hours. Nevertheless, the break-in on the AVM 90 were indeed a factor, Anthem certainly would have made a specific notation about performing new ARC sweeps or other such elements related to the unit's performance. The concept of break-in has sometimes been described as more breaking in the listener vs. breaking in the equipment. And as Floyd Tool once pointed out, "It is fascinating to note that “breaking-in” seems always to result in an improvement in performance. Why? Do all mechanical and electrical devices and materials acquire a musical aptitude that is missing in their virgin state? Why is it never reversed, getting worse with use? The reality is that engineers seek out materials, components, and construction methods that do not change with time. Suppose that the sound did improve over time as something broke in. What then? Would it eventually decline, just as wine goes “over the hill”?"

@johnkru1295 8 ай бұрын

Like you? I didn't say I believe it. I'm asking the question.

@nicolasbriand9086 8 ай бұрын

I would like to see comparison / review of the JBL SDP-58, this processor is little bit cheaper than the AVM 90 and might get Dirac ART soon. Also it has Auro 3D. These JBL processors have almost no review.

@rogerwende1458 8 ай бұрын

Interesting when I talk with people on AVM 90 and JBL SDP 58. Two good units. Probably a coin toss for me on sound with the hearing of a 50 year old man. So I went with price and got the JBL unit new which included a 10% discount. Works great. No issues from my side for my environment.

@Adream-lf3mw 8 ай бұрын

Shane reviewed the SDP-58 years ago and said it was crap. He said JBL pooped on its consumers by failing to support the product. He pointed out that many owner's complaints went unanswered and pointed out the many owners issues that were well documented on many AV forums. Obviously, reviewers want to review the best products and want to decline reviewing products that manufacturers dump on the public for beta testing while charging premium pricing. JBLs prime years a long over. Also, that guy guy Garrett from JBL conned Gene into believing that the current Revel flagship tower was superior to the Salon2 even though JBLs legends were released from the company when it was sold. That speaker didn't produce bass and Gene finally admitted on the channel to Theo that the Salon2 is the only Revel flagship tower does not require a sub.

@matthewaugsburger536 8 ай бұрын

I have the arcam av40 ( pretty much the same as the jbl but with lower end dacs) it was a big step up in audio quality from my denon and pioneer elite receivers l have. It's been a trouble free unit also.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

@@Adream-lf3mwI love my Salon2. They play down to -6dB or so at 18Hz in room. True full range.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

@@Adream-lf3mwI can also understand manufacturers who design speakers playing into low 30s or high 20s. Pairing the Salon2 with the Perlisten D212s subs is pure magic. It’s my go to for pure two channel. As you’ll see in my upcoming Focal Review, using a product like a Focal Astral and paired with a full range Focal speaker and playing LFE through both the sub and a capable speaker is super.

@MuenchenBob 8 ай бұрын

The last time I looked at Anthem, they were one of the few AV processors that lacked any sort of dynamic EQ. Is that still the case? When listening at lower levels, that compensates for the change in our ear's frequency response: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-loudness_contour.

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

I don't think they have that but tbh, I never use that feature with Audyssey on my Marantz AV10. I just don't find the need even at lower listening volumes. Dynamic EQ often makes things sound worse in my experience.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

@@Audioholicsthe Anthem has the Dolby Volume implementation. I don’t like it and keep it off.

@MuenchenBob 8 ай бұрын

@@Audioholics Loudness compensation has a pretty horrible history. There used to be just an on/off button that fit an average curve, which usually just made things sound boomy. Yamaha fixed that by having two continuous controls labeled volume and loudness. You'd set volume to be your zero point (i.e. your usual fairly loud listening level) then leave it alone and use the loudness knob to turn the "volume" down. It would then apply a continuously changing frequency adjustment as the volume decreased. They seem to have abandoned that idea now. The Monolith HPT-1 has a similar control where you choose the decibel level at which you want the frequency adjustments to kick in. When done right, you should perceive the frequency response to stay the same as the volume goes down. Of course, if you always listen at a loud level, this is all irrelevant!

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

@MuenchenBob actually Yamaha has thwt control on many of their modern integrated amps. I'm bench testing Two of them now that have it.

@Novilicious 8 ай бұрын

This vs the new Marantz AV 10? Which one and why ??

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

What features are you looking for? 😊 lots is both subjective and the best fit is what your needs/wants are

@Novilicious 8 ай бұрын

@@TheoNicolakis “the best 2 channel sound possible on Apple Music via Apple TV”, and maybe atmos music if I’m feeling like it?

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

@@Noviliciousif you’re looking for the best sound, in my opinion, Anthem AVM 90. You’ll see it’s objectively (measurements) superb and in both my subjective experience and talking with two separate folks who carry Anthem and other brands mentioned, the AVM 90 is the audio winner. I do recommend working closely with a dealer as ARC has some items that require massaging to get peak performance.

@Novilicious 8 ай бұрын

@@TheoNicolakis thank you!

@shinvergil 8 ай бұрын

Thank you. I would like to see a view of the internal setup the top off.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

You'll get a description and video of the associated equipment in the Anthem AVM 90 Part II with some closeups 🙂 Note I did NOT take off the top of the AVM 90. Anthem has photos of the internals on their web site if I'm not mistaken.

@shinvergil 8 ай бұрын

@@TheoNicolakis nice, looking forward to all reviews. it's just that the avm70 is a cramped mess with a fan attached in a strange location. A far cry from other even less priced gear.

@Paranimal86 8 ай бұрын

This is nice but Im still waiting on the Sony ES7000 review!

@stevewithf5847 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for your Video. The Anthem is great Av preamp. But a great issue is missing here . The Canadian engineers should enclude the Auro 3D Function . 😊

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

Anthem has made a conscious decision to forego support for Auro-3D since the AVM 60 given the broader content availability of Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, and DTS:X.

@stevewithf5847 8 ай бұрын

@@TheoNicolakis It sad to read . Sufficient technology for America without a suitable upmixer when there is silence at the top with Atmos. There is now more Auro3D content than with IMAX. Too bad for Anthem as they have a disadvantage in this price range.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

@@stevewithf5847 those who demand Auro-3D as a feature will need to look at competitors to align their feature wants with product offerings. Any model one considers always has some degree of tradeoffs and prioritization of feature values.

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

@@stevewithf5847 The DSU is a very good upmixer for 2CH and 5.1 content. You can't upmix Atmos. All you can do is play the 5.1 bed layer and upmix using Auro or DTS:X upmixers but you could very well do the same by selecting 5.1 soundtrack and upmix with the DSU and get more sound above you if that's what you're after for Atmos mixes with dull height info.

@stevewithf5847 8 ай бұрын

@@Audioholics it sounds like Anthem Avs can not do the Cross upmixing. DD5.1 content can be upmix per DTS-neuralX??? Try this Cross-upmix function with the Marantz Av 10. under Setup/Audio/Surround parameters you can set your Auro3D level when Auro3D is select . The Anthem is a great Soundmachine but these issues should be solved for the Customers .

@xmj6830 7 ай бұрын

The absence of XLR inputs is a bummer at this price level...

@TheoNicolakis 7 ай бұрын

It can be, however one of the primary use cases for XLR input is an external DAC feeding the Anthem. One is far better off feeding the Anthem a digital signal so that the Anthem’s internal DACs handle it. The internal DACs are superior to the overwhelming stand alone DACs on the market. Moreover you avoid ADA conversion by sticking to digital.

@billsmith3439 8 ай бұрын

A couple things. The Audio Control Maestro X7S and X9S also are a MUST for comparison. Also, despite the 90's powerful DACS, it's digital input streaming is limited 24/192. It should have allowed for HDMI U2S-A. And for Nit-picks... the remote is an embarrassment for a product in this price point.

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

192/24 is not "limited". It's the highest resolution in Audio any anything beyond that is nonsensical. The remote is lacking on Anthem but nobody uses factory remotes anymore. Use the App.

@billsmith3439 8 ай бұрын

It's still a huge miss on Anthem's part on the audio bit rates. I don't want to lug my tablet or unlock my phone in the dark every time I want to change the volume. Your comment is silly. Also, no comment on Audio Control?

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

@@billsmith3439 Anyone installing a $7k Processor is NOT using the supplied remote. They either have an automation system or use the App. I have a $24k 24CH Storm ISP in my theater room and it doesn't even come with a remote. LOL. Audio Control had some functional issues with firmware a few years back so we didn't get a chance to review their processors. I've heard they are pretty solid now and we may look at them in 2024.

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

⁠⁠@@billsmith3439the streaming is limited by the protocol (Chromecast or Airplay). Roon RAAT will solve any such limitations (though audible benefits dubious). The physical remote is identical to the AVM 60 and it’s cheap feeling. My biggest beef (and this goes back to AVM 20 remote) is the coating they use wears after 5-7 years and creates a slightly sticky feeling on the remote. I use an IP remote 99% of the time so it’s not an issue for me personally.

@mikelittrell6200 8 ай бұрын

@@Audioholics Not True about the remote. Some people prefer a traditional remote. Screw the app when it comes to changing the volume or inputs, etc.

@kurtm54 8 ай бұрын

Oof that price though

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

That’s why there is the AVM 70. 😁

@albertelazar4069 7 ай бұрын

And it’s “MADE IN TAIWAN”, not in Canada where all their amplifiers are made in, and for a processor that costs a whopping $7,499.00 that’s unacceptable to me, and definitely a deal breaker!🤦🏻‍♂️

@Audioholics 7 ай бұрын

Your $2k iPhone is made in China. Unacceptable.

@TheoNicolakis 7 ай бұрын

All the Anthem pre-pros since the AVM 60 have been made in their factory in Vietnam.

@albertelazar4069 7 ай бұрын

Anthem AVM 90 is “Made in China” and it kinda shows in its build quality, when compared to the MCA 525 Gen 2 amplifiers, which are all “Made in Canada”. So, that’s what makes me not purchase it, unfortunately!

@Audioholics 7 ай бұрын

It's made in Vietnam and you're missing out bc of that reason.

@Moto-ib5qr 8 ай бұрын

Roon integration, really 😂 ?!?

@junior-OG 8 ай бұрын

3 year and still no roon 🤪

@SwirlingDragonMist 8 ай бұрын

😂

@specialformula14 8 ай бұрын

7000. Wtf 😳

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

That’s why there’s the AVM 70 😊

@rhphotocdn 8 ай бұрын

I'm sick of these companies blaming all their failures on COVID. COVID caused us to do this, COVID made us do that.. For a $7500 USD Surround Sound Processor, swallow your mistakes, quit making excuses.

@Snoman00 6 ай бұрын

Overpriced for what you receive, and the fact Anthem refused to design it using a fully discrete differential signal path makes this a failure before it is unboxed.

@Audioholics 6 ай бұрын

That's a strong opinion from someone that likely has no real world experience with this product or has actually ever heard one in a system before. Although Anthem products typically aren't fully diffferential from input to output, they still often produce SOTA measurement results like we've seen in my STR series bench tests and the AVM90 as well.

@googleuser1522 6 ай бұрын

Lol 😆 spoken like a true know-it-all

@brownstone43 8 ай бұрын

I don't like the cheap Chinese box look. They put nothing into design looks. Nothing to do with sound and performance of course. Update; this processor shouldn't be paired with an entry level Amp. I just upgraded to an Anthem MCA 325 and what a difference! Sound is more detailed now and tighter bass.

@dihydrotestosterone 8 ай бұрын

Well don't they all look the same? Either Storm Audio or Trinnov.... 😉

@brownstone43 8 ай бұрын

Marantz looks ok@@dihydrotestosterone

@Audioholics 8 ай бұрын

The Anthem gear does not look cheap actually. It's some of the nicest looking gear in my racks.

@brownstone43 8 ай бұрын

I have the AVM 70. Cheap looking@@Audioholics

@TheoNicolakis 8 ай бұрын

I wonder if everyone agrees with this anecdotal observation: 2-Channel gear is intended to be seen while the home theater gear looks industrial as it is often put away in a rack. I wonder if that has anything to do with the difference of let's say the tendency to showcase a D'Agostino vs. an XYZ pre-pro. The only exception, perhaps is McIntosh who have bling no matter what! I'll say that I find the AVM 90 to be clean and streamlined, I'm proud to show it off in my rack.