Anthem STR preamp vs Integrated amp preamp section

dtximages = you are correct!

Hi erik - obviously, as a manufacturer, we are always working on future and next gen product, but due to this virus, we’ve had many things put on hold. I have to assume once we achieve some kind of normalcy, whatever that’s going to look like, we’ll resume with our R&D. HDMI 2.1 has also been a major hold up in development and all the major Receiver companies along with us and few other higher end brands who will have access to those new chipsets, have all been waiting for the standards to get approved.

I posted a thread in the Tech Talk forum here about HDMI 2.1 that have some good links to some brief YouTube videos from Metra with Jeff Boccaccio from DPL Labs who works on certifying HDMI Cables and Standards:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/hdmi-2-1-8k-great-explanation-of-where-things-are-right-now

Even If I had a solid timeline Erik, I wouldn’t be at liberty to comment - especially in an open forum such as this about any new products, so I hope you can appreciate and understand that. Typically, once our products are ready to launch, that’s when they get announced.

Some CE Industry Trade Publications that are good to follow where you can keep up with what manufacturers have going on are:
CEPro
Residential Systems
TWICE
Dealerscope

These publications report on more mainstream products - like when AudioQuest acquired Golden Ear Speakers - most of these publications were first to report that acquisition.

Thanks,
Chris

I was pointed to this thread while asking the same question but I have another;

I've ordered the Anthem STR Preamp and I have searched but not found if the STR Preamp supports iPod/iPhone playback or not. One feature I take advantage of with my Oppo HA-1 Headphone Amp/Preamp is iPod/iPhone support via USB.

Made for iPod®, iPhone® and iPad®
The HA-1 passes Apple's "MFi" certification and is compatible with the latest iPod, iPhone and iPad to be used as the digital audio output accessory of these devices. By tapping directly into the digital audio signal of these devices and converting the audio to analog using the high performance SABRE 32 Reference DAC, music from your favorite portable device will sound its best.

https://www.oppodigital.com/headphone-amplifier-ha-1/

I have all my CD's saved as Apple Lossless in iTunes and just plugging my apple device allows me to use the HA-1 DAC and bypass the iPhone or iPod DAC. Does the STR Preamp support this? I understand I would need an iPhone lightning to USB-B male or A to B adapter. The Oppo HA-1 works direct, if the Anthem doesn't work with a direct connection, would it work with an Apple CCK Lightning to USB Camera Adapter?

If not, or even if it does, how about using a USB stick with FLAC? Would this allow playlists, albums, etc? I am a bit surprised there isn't a Type A USB connection on the front.

@george_r

It does have a USB input if that's what you're looking for. But it does not support streaming airplay.  Not sure if this is the response you're looking for.

@dtximages
I understand it has a USB input but does it accept a direct digital feed as a music source from an iPod/iPhone/iPad that bypasses the i device DAC and uses the STR DAC? Not all do but some that don't support the direct connection will work with the Apple CCK Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. 

I'm not concerned with streaming airplay.

Thanks

@george_r  Gotcha, I'm not sure.  I don't see why it wouldn't but there are many more knowledgeable than I.  I do know that if you connect via USB then you're using the Anthem's DAC so there's no need for an "i device" dac.