Anthem vs Arcam


I am trying to upgrade my receiver. I currently have the Marantz 5015. A lot of folks recommend the Anthem and the Arcam. I have owned Emotiva products in the past and don’t want to own another at the moment. I need something that supports 4K. Do not need 8K. Do not need >7 channels. I am currently only running 3 and will only ever go up to 7 maybe...
I do not need the processor to have any amps as I have an external amp.

I like the look of the Anthem AVM70 but cant find a used one in my budget. The AVM60 looks decent but I saw a poor reviews of its SINAD performance on this thread (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/anthem-avm60-review-av-processor.20155/)

I then started looking at Arcam receivers but don’t know much yet about them.

I want something that will last a few years. Doesn’t struggle with HDMI issues. Has a clean interface and is relatively easy to setup. Offers the OSD overlaid on 4K content. Has decent room correction. I don’t need XLR outs RCA is fine. Dont need any second zone stuff or multiple monitor outs. I do want Doly Vision support and HDR support. 

 

Any pointers on what to start hunting for would be much appreciated and any feedback on the two brands.

128x128chris_lansman

btw... the "review" you added (link) is useless.

The dude is using a used unit and never listened to it. Maybe he had a defective unit or had a faulty connection for his measurements, dunno.

Dude didn’t read correctly what Athem literature says and then gripes about it at the end of his measurements post (there is no review 🤨).

Looks like you've already gotten plenty of good advice, but I'll chip my 2¢ in nonetheless.  I've had both brands albeit in two different systems.  I had an Arcam SA20 integrated amp driving a pair of Vandersteen 1Ci speakers.  I bought the SA20 because it has the G class amp, which is reputed for being nice and warm sounding.  That is not what I heard at home at all.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  The upper midrange was very edgy and shouty; i.e., super fatiguing.  So I sold it.  Obviously, this is anectodal, so take it with plenty of salt.  For the record, I didn't replace it with anything.  Instead I re-did that whole system altogether.  In my main system, I was using a Marantz AV7705.  I liked it just fine, but upgraditis is a real disease.  I upgraded to an Anthem AVM70.  I like it a lot for surround.  ARC is the real deal.  I was never really impressed with Atmos until I swapped the Marantz for the Anthem.  However, I agree with the other comment elsewhere in this thread saying that the person's Marantz is more musical than the Anthem.  Couldn't agree more.  It comes down to personal taste, but the Anthem sounds quite a bit more analytical than the Marantz in my system.  I liked how warm and forgiving the Marantz was.  But this is really a non-issue when using either processor's EQ.  My only complaint with the Anthem is with CEC control via HDMI.  I don't experience any handshake issues or switching issues.  It's just that none of my HDMI devices can cycle the Anthem's power on and off or vice versa.  Small niggle - I just have to sort through the stack of remotes next to me when powering up and powering down.  Best of luck to you and happy listening!

Thank you for all the help and recommendations everyone. I ended up finding a really good deal on a Anthem MRX540. It arrives tomorrow. :)

Good luck Chris,

I think you will happy with the Anthem, plenty of power and you can still hook up external amps with the preouts, and also 2 subs if needed.

I also have a separate tube amp hooked up to zone 2 for my headphones, you just have to mute the speakers in the main system if you do this type of hook up so you don't have the speakers playing in the main system while trying to listen to the headphones in zone 2.

Congrats on the Anthem. Use the preouts for atmos height channels instead of surround back when you get around to it. You will like ARC room correction.