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SQ : Anthem receiver vs. processor

Hi everyone,
I’m on a quest to simplify my life and get rid of my separates. In terms of a range of options, I’m probably settling on Anthem. My choices are:

  • MXR 720 - 7 Channel receiver ($2,500) and use external amps for L and R
  • AVM 60 a pure processor ($3k)
  • Classe SSP used (~ $3k)

I’m wondering if any of you have direct experience comparing the sound quality of each? I have an external DAC I’ll be using for music sources.

The processor total cost of ownership is significantly higher, not to mention space and wiring required.
erik_squires
erik_squires OP
16,123 posts
 
Thanks soix!
erik_squires OP
16,123 posts
 
The reason I’m going through all this trouble is that in the past I’ve had 3 HT processors:
  • Emotiva
  • Onkyo
  • Theta Casanova
And the Emotiva and Onkyo were really terrible. Practically jokes compared to the much older Casanova. Of course, the Casanova had no HDMI, or advanced decoding past DTS, but for music and movies it was in a completely different league.
I finally ended up getting an Oppo, Parasound P7 and Class D amps along with a MiniDSP to do Center and subwoofer integration duties, along with a Mytek DAC.

I’m not looking to get a Theta Casablanca IV ($25K) for cheap, but I’d like to not be disappointed in the way I was with the Emotiva and Onkyo again.

Many recommended the Classe SSP, but the idea of an all-in-one receiver is really appealing to my space situation right now. If the DAC is decent, this may replace everything I've cobbled together.

I’ll go have a listen to the Anthem line this weekend.

Best,
E
geek101
284 posts
 
@erik_squires why go with anthem when Dirac Live seems to be cornering the Hifi/ht room correction market ?.
mrfungi
10 posts
 

difference between the 720 and the AVM60 is the AVM has a toroidal transformer.
erik_squires OP
16,123 posts
 
I care more about signal quality than room correction. 
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