Anthem AVM50 still a good buy?

Greetings

I have been thinking for a while about upgrading from my current Yamaha RX-V1800 AVR to a proper processor/power amp combination to drive my Swans Diva 6.2 speakers.

I have been offered a very slightly used Anthem AVM50/PCA7 combo at a great price.
Is this a good idea - or a bad move considering the AVM50 is a hdmi 1.1 device w/o room correction and only does 5.1 LPCM over hdmi?

I only have 2 input sources: the main one is my HTPC that is my HD and SDTV PVR, plays Blu-ray and HD DVD movies and music. There is also the kids' Wii game console that only outputs composite video (AFAIK) that needs to be routed via the AVM50 to its hdmi out.

I don't think the absence of 7.1 LPCM is a major problem since most discs are just 5.1 anyway. I am bitstreaming DTS-MA and True HD to the Yamaha today but I am probably going to be okay with decoded LPCM from the HTPC since the AVM50 can apply its audio post processing to LPCM anyway.

So: should I go for this or keep the Yamaha?

Yes, it's pretty much used exclusively for TV and HT. There's never any time to sit down and listen to music.

I guess it's probably not worth the money and effort. Even though the offer is really good it's still the equivalent of $3,000 - about 1/3 of what they would have cost new over here.

That amount would buy me a REALLY good AVR upgrade like a DSP-Z7 or an SC-LX82 with cash to spare.

I guess it is time to let IQ rather than EQ prevail.

Well - the price for the Anthem gear just went down 30%. Guess the guy needs the cash.
Is the AVM 50 HDMI implementation free of gremlins - i.e. no handshake issues etc.?

Haha, I meant "IQ" was the rational, cold calculated decision not to capitulate to the "I want it" feelings - meaning stay with the Yamaha and not spend any money on previous generation technology.

"EQ" was the emotional decision - going for the Anthem despite the fact it doesn't have the latest HDMI specs.

I had made up my mind to stay with the Yamaha, but now that the guy is willing to push his price down, I think not picking up the AVM50 at what amounts to less than 1/3 of its original price. If I buy the ARC add-on/upgrade from Anthem I think I will have a killer processor at a really great price as it hasn hardly been used at all.

But I think I will pass on the PVA-7 and instead buy a new UPA-7 from Emotiva - I just found out they will ship one to me here in Sweden and I hear that's a great amp. Any thoughts on how it will fit with the AVM50?

By "not take a step back" I take it you went with an Anthem and are happy with that decision?

Yes, I think this will turn out great. I have ordered the Emotiva today - should reach me by the end of this week.

I am picking up the AVM50 tomorrow. Can't wait.

Absolutely. Even with the shipping cost and tax and duties, it ends up a bargain.

I will. Won't be until after May 10 as I am on vacation next week.

Well there is always something new coming out real soon.

I need to save up for a "V" trade in/upgrade of the AVM50 so I will settle for the upa-7.
Can always upgrade later.

Well, I have my AVM 50 and Emotiva power amp installed now and I am thrilled.



The Anthem/Emotiva combination is an incredible improvement on my old Yamaha AVR. While the Yamaha had to work hard to cope with my Swans the Emotiva is able to deliver enough power at higher music listening levels and movie soundtracks.

And, of course, the Anthem sound quality is amazing compared to what the Yamaha could offer.

And as an extra bonus, the Anthem HDMI implementation is much more stable with my HTPC than the Yamaha was. No more handshake problems.

Now I am just waiting for the ARC upgrade to arrive.