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Anthem vs. Marantz for Focal speakers

I recently moved to a new home which was prewired for a 5.1 system. I bought a focal flax 5.1 system for 2k. Now I Need an amp or a receiver to complement my speakers. I've been into high end audio for a while but never really ventured into home theater. I know focals can be quite forward with their titanium tweeter, so would like to take that into consideration. I also would like to use these speakers for streaming tidal into 5 channels. I have oppo 205, which could do this very well. I also have a separate preamp (krell KRC3) which I could use to bypass the Receiver/ processor.  I also have an old Mcintosh MX-136 paired with krell 5 channel amp which I'm currently using as a preamp for a separate 5.1 system in basement.

I'm not looking for a reference system. I have a decent stereo system for music in my dedicated listening room. I'm looking for a processor/amp/reciever that would take full advantage of what focals have to offer. I would prefer not to spend more than 2k, new or used. I don't need any latest atmos etc, just a simple 5.1 system. I heard that anthem and marantz are quite capable receivers. Any other ideas? Anthem mrx520 looks decent, how does it sound?
ei001h
nagel
56 posts
 
I prefer Anthem to Marantz, a little cleaner and hits a little harder I think. Best of all is ARC is better sounding than Audessy. Anthem is brighter and I like that, but keep in mind that you're going to use room correction anyway. That should take care of it unless you plan to listen to 2 channel without correction. In that case, Marantz may well be better if you're concerned about too much treble.
I just upgraded from MRX-710 to 720. A little more power than 520 and has atmos. Good luck! Dan

auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I'm not sure either option would be best for Focal.  The Anthem is very clean and high resolution, but this type of match with Focal is generally not a good thing.  The focal can be very bright/harsh with equipment that is too "solid state" sounding.  On the other hand, the Marantz would be a better match but it could turn out being too slow/warm with rolled off highs. 

I would actually pull that McIntosh MX-136 and Krell amp out and hook them up to the Focal.  That might be the best solution, unless you wanted to spend some good money.  For an alternative "new" receiver, maybe Pioneer Elite VSX-503 or even an Arcam HT receiver if you can find one in your budget.
cbrents73's avatar
cbrents73
151 posts
 
I’m biased because I work for Anthem, but our new ARC Genesis Software will alleviate any issues you have in your room. Genesis will actually allow you to roll off your hi frequencies if the speakers are to aggressive for you.  Anyone without experience with ARC Genesis would not know that...

Just listening to the amp on its own without Room Correction is still incredibly good.  The idea with movies is to make things more intelligible so that you’re not going up and down on the volume 82 times over the duration of a two hour movie.  No two films are recorded the same and no two budgets for any movies are the same.  You can’t make the movies better than what they are, they’ve already been mixed, mastered, engineered, EQ’d, and produced.  Our products are just not trying to get in the way of what you hear.

the MRX520 is great performing Receiver for $1399.  The ARC Kit comes with it and you download the Genesis Software from our homepage.  It walks you through the setup.  Please don’t hesitate to direct message me if you have further questions.

Thanks,
Chris
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