I've been using the Anthem STR Preamp for a couple of years now. If there's any chance you will want to integrate subs, it does that exceptionally well. The room correction also helps smooth things out, either bass-only or full-range. This product has the most transparent DSP I have used in over 15 yrs of using it. I would rate it on par with the Weiss EQ1 Mk2 mastering equalizer. It is noticeably more transparent than the DSP in the Classé CP-800, my former main preamp. When I use the tone controls, for example, I can't detect *any* side effects.
The outstanding aspect of the Anthem is its DSP features, so if you are going to have a mainly analog system, it might not be the one for you (though you still might enjoy it). The model is in short supply right now, probably because of the AKM fire last October.
I haven't used the others, so can't comment on them.
The outstanding aspect of the Anthem is its DSP features, so if you are going to have a mainly analog system, it might not be the one for you (though you still might enjoy it). The model is in short supply right now, probably because of the AKM fire last October.
I haven't used the others, so can't comment on them.