2. amps-preamps
  3. 142759-120474

Down to 2 preamps

I have narrowed it down to 2 preamps.  I have demoed an anthem str preamp at home and happy with it, I had demoed it because the store did not have the avm 60 or mrx 720 in stock and I wanted something close to them with arc, yes I know the str is better.
My question is I am doing 2 ch and HT in the same room. I will never go to 11.1 but I will do 5 ch and atmos. I have a 2 ch bat amp and a 3 ch b&k amp. Does the avm 60 really have any benefit over the mrx 720. I could do either one, but if I could save the extra $$$ I could put it towards something else. The audio store carries both marantz 8805 and anthem. He suggested to stay will anthem. Plus the 8805 is pricey and I think anthem is a easier setup for me. So it's the 60 or 720.  Thanks for the help, Pete.
pcc67
erik_squires
16,245 posts
 
The AVM has a mix of balanced and rca outs. I think it also has a pair of balanced inputs.

I was a little wrong. Only the D2 has balanced inputs.

The AVM also has a dedicated headphone output stage.
pcc67 OP
226 posts
 
I do know the connections and yes, avm does have balanced. Just wondering if anyone demoed side by side and noticed a difference in 2 channel.  I agree my bat preform better than the 720 internal amp. I dont really need internal amps since I have my own. But 720 has them and is $500 less. My only concern was 2 channel music. As I said before I only listened to the str. Thanks Pete 

pcc67 OP
226 posts
 
Erik, avm 60 has balanced outs. My bat is balanced,  but I don't know if it's worth extra 500 to use balance. Plus new cables.  My cables are rca to xlr nordost.  I think when I used the balanced outs on the str I only heard a few more db. 
toddcowles
140 posts
 
I own the AVM 60.  I have a dedicated 2-channel setup in the same room, so I don’t often use the AVM for listening, but periodically have, via iTunes/AppleTV.  It does not sound bad, at all.  I use a Marantz 7-channel and B&K 5-channel.  For HT purposes, I really do like the AVM, it’s not “peaky” during various passages while watching BluRay’s or 4K content, nor do I strain to hear center channel content at low volumes.  The ARC is pretty slick and easy to setup, as well as manipulate post process.  All in all, I enjoy it and felt it was money well spent.  
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