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Anthem D2/D2v/AVM50/AVM50v/ARC1 tweaking guide - Page 947

post #28381 of 40772
6/1/10 at 8:44pm
Thanks, Bob. The information was quite helpful. I'm now using a Proceed PAV/PDSD pre/pro that sounds very good for 2.1 stereo via XLR from the 5400ES and for 5.1 via optical from the Edge with PS3 and HD-DVR sources. If I am to update the pre/pro, I might as well include the lossless codecs, so it looks like a D2V would be my choice.

I have been considering a Cary Cinema 11a for its audio quality, but the bugs are scary, and no one advises using its DRC. An Integra 80.1 and a preamp with HT bypass is another option, but at some point there has to be D to A conversion and I'm not sure about the quality of that.

I've never read anything but praise for Anthem and its DRC, but its audio quality may not match that of the Cinema 11a. Unfortunately, it's not practical to try these various processors in my system.

db
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post #28382 of 40772
6/1/10 at 9:46pm
I currently have a Denon 4308Ci and I am looking to upgrade to the Denon 4311CI when it comes out later this year. You can see by my name that I am blindly loyal once I find a brand I like and more importantly get use to the GUI. I pick up my new Paradigm Studio 100s, CC-690 center and 590 rears tomorrow at 3pm. PB13 Ultra for the sub in the coming weeks.

Question: What would be a good Anthem set up that would properly power my speakers without breaking the bank?

I do not want to blindly keep doing the same thing and everyone keeps telling me to go this direction so I want to take an honest look. Thank you.
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post #28383 of 40772
6/2/10 at 3:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shrike645 View Post

This link shows the MX500 at Munich's high end 2010

http://www.goodsound.com/index.php?o...id=51&Itemid=3

not MX500 but MRX500
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post #28384 of 40772
6/2/10 at 6:12am
We have a winner. Anthem MRX A/V receiver series. Expected to retail for around $2000. This puts them in reach.

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post #28385 of 40772
6/2/10 at 6:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Pariseau View Post

The new board will come with a simple instruction sheet. You won't find the swap out to be any problem. Just as with computer gear, take static electricity precautions so that you don't zap any of the electronics you might touch.

The one thing you can easily forget to do however is that AFTER you install the new board you must re-install the firmware to initialize that board. You can download the firmware installer from Anthem's web site. V1.33 is the "official" version. If you have been using the Beta "test" software, V1.47f is the current "test" version (only found on Anthem's password protected download page). Do the firmware re-install just as if you were installing it for the first time, i.e., don't skip any steps (Reload Factory Defaults and remove wall power from HDMI Source and Display devices prior to the re-install).
--Bob

Is the 1.47f really available for the AVM50? Any reason why I would want to update from 1.33?
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post #28386 of 40772
6/2/10 at 6:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by politby View Post

Is the 1.47f really available for the AVM50? Any reason why I would want to update from 1.33?

It is "test" firmware -- not "official" yet. It does not work on all production runs of the AVM 50. If your video board (the big board at the top right under the top vents) is colored red, OR if you see that your power supply does NOT contain the big toroidal (donut shaped) transformer -- also visible through the top vents -- then your unit is OK for V1.47f.

If your video board is gray or green AND your power supply contains the donut, then your unit might still be OK for V1.47f, but there is no easy way for you to tell.

V1.47f is only on Anthem's password protected download page. The main advantage is that it includes HDMI improvements ported from the D2v firmware. Some folks have also reported audio quality improvements with it, but I know of no logical reason for that. Possibly it was just time for them to redo their ARC setup anyway.
--Bob
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post #28387 of 40772
6/2/10 at 6:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DenonLover View Post

We have a winner. Anthem MRX A/V receiver series. Expected to retail for around $2000. This puts them in reach.

If your budget can stand it, keep in mind that the AVM 50v or D2v prepros will produce better audio and video. For example the ARC solution in the new receivers will have less resources to work with than found in the prepros.

On the other hand, the new receivers include some additional features not found in the prepros yet.
--Bob
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post #28388 of 40772
6/2/10 at 7:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Pariseau View Post

It is "test" firmware -- not "official" yet. It does not work on all production runs of the AVM 50. If your video board (the big board at the top right under the top vents) is colored red, OR if you see that your power supply does NOT contain the big toroidal (donut shaped) transformer -- also visible through the top vents -- then your unit is OK for V1.47f.

If your video board is gray or green AND your power supply contains the donut, then your unit might still be OK for V1.47f, but there is no easy way for you to tell.

V1.47f is only on Anthem's password protected download page. The main advantage is that it includes HDMI improvements ported from the D2v firmware. Some folks have also reported audio quality improvements with it, but I know of no logical reason for that. Possibly it was just time for them to redo their ARC setup anyway.
--Bob

Back in Message 28218 KenSmith48 said he had talked to Andrew at Anthem and that 1.47f was now supposed to work for black and red video boards. Do we have a confirmation of this?
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post #28389 of 40772
6/2/10 at 7:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Pariseau View Post

If your budget can stand it, keep in mind that the AVM 50v or D2v prepros will produce better audio and video. For example the ARC solution in the new receivers will have less resources to work with than found in the prepros.

On the other hand, the new receivers include some additional features not found in the prepros yet.
--Bob

We could afford the 50V or the D2V but I need to stay married and committing to a system that gets me 80% of the way there would be a huge benefit for us and as long as the value proposition is there I really think this could be a great compromise and allow me to get the right amp to power our speakers. I will really be looking forward to reading more about this unit.
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post #28390 of 40772
6/2/10 at 8:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shrike645 View Post

Back in Message 28218 (I need to figure out how to post a link) KenSmith48 said he had talked to Andrew at Anthem and that 1.47f was now supposed to work for black and red video boards. Do we have a confirmation of this?

We do not, and I don't know how that would jibe with the fact that when V1.47 first appeared -- before we knew there might be an issue -- some posters here tried it and found it did not work on their hardware. The caution to only use it with some hardware came after that, and as far as I know there's been no change to the software that would alter that.

Also as far as I know, there is no "black" video board. There are red, green and gray. Red definitely works (regardless of power supply). Green and gray MAY work. If you don't have the donut in your power supply, then whatever video board you have will definitely work. If you have a green or gray video board AND have the donut in your power supply it is still possible your hardware might work, but there is no easy way for you to tell.
--Bob
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post #28391 of 40772
6/2/10 at 8:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DenonLover View Post

We could afford the 50V or the D2V but I need to stay married and committing to a system that gets me 80% of the way there would be a huge benefit for us and as long as the value proposition is there I really think this could be a great compromise and allow me to get the right amp to power our speakers. I will really be looking forward to reading more about this unit.

I had an AVM 50 with ARC, using Studio 100s, CC-690 fronts and a servo 15. This was powered with Anthem A2 and A5 amps. This was a very good sounding combo better than any of my friends who have the latest denons with similar speakers but no ARC, just Audessey. No comparison by mine and their admissions. I have since upgraded to a D2v and Paradigm Sub 25. If you decide you can afford the D2v, I will tell you what it sounds like now
John
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post #28392 of 40772
6/2/10 at 9:00am
Has anyone done an ARC measurment who is using firmware 2.08n May 26? I have noticed, now twice, when doing measurements, that there is a short high freq. burst just before the test tone starts. In past measurements it started with the low freq part of the sweep.
John
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post #28393 of 40772
6/2/10 at 9:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayray View Post

I had an AVM 50 with ARC, using Studio 100s, CC-690 fronts and a servo 15. This was powered with Anthem A2 and A5 amps. This was a very good sounding combo better than any of my friends who have the latest denons with similar speakers but no ARC, just Audessey. No comparison by mine and their admissions. I have since upgraded to a D2v and Paradigm Sub 25. If you decide you can afford the D2v, I will tell you what it sounds like now
John

I wish I could do an ABC test with the Denon and the D2 or AVM50 for that matter. Remember the old Pepsi blind taste tests where you found out if you were a Coke customer or a Pepsi customer? I think there should be places for regular guys like me to hear these side by side so I could decide once and for all if I really need to step up to a better unit.

There is no doubt it sounds better but I wish I could hear for myself and in the same room.
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post #28394 of 40772
6/2/10 at 9:24am
My favorite test story like that is the focus group where the people were herded into a room with a big table holding notepads, pens, and cups, and were then asked to write down their thoughts comparing two unlabeled sodas that were poured into the cups for them.

As it turns out, the two sodas were actually the same soda. Which led to some interesting, but irrelevant responses as the purpose of the focus group was actually to see which style of notepads and pens they chose out of the pile on the table.

-----------------------------------

The problem with comparing sophisticated audio equipment like this is that there's no point in doing the comparison unless you can take the time to make sure both units are set up properly -- including ARC on the Anthems for example. That can take some time.
--Bob
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post #28395 of 40772
6/2/10 at 9:27am
There's another thread in this forum where folks are discussing the upcoming Anthem receivers. Some basic stats and prices are being bandied about. I've got no idea how accurate any of that is.

What we know for sure is that Anthem has said it will launch 2 of the 4 receiver models (MRX 500 and MRX 700) at a show in New York on June 22. At the moment there is nothing new on the Caster Communications site; i.e., the company Anthem and Paradigm use for PR stuff like press releases.
--Bob
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post #28396 of 40772
6/2/10 at 9:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Pariseau View Post

It is "test" firmware -- not "official" yet. It does not work on all production runs of the AVM 50. If your video board (the big board at the top right under the top vents) is colored red, OR if you see that your power supply does NOT contain the big toroidal (donut shaped) transformer -- also visible through the top vents -- then your unit is OK for V1.47f.

If your video board is gray or green AND your power supply contains the donut, then your unit might still be OK for V1.47f, but there is no easy way for you to tell.

V1.47f is only on Anthems password protected download page. The main advantage is that it includes HDMI improvements ported from the D2v firmware. Some folks have also reported audio quality improvements with it, but I know of no logical reason for that. Possibly it was just time for them to redo their ARC setup anyway.
--Bob

Thanks Bob

My unit has the read main board AND the toriodal transformer - so I guess I could try the beta version after I have swapped DSP boards.

I assume I need to Ask Anthem for access to the beta?
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post #28397 of 40772
6/2/10 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DenonLover View Post

I wish I could do an ABC test with the Denon and the D2 or AVM50 for that matter. Remember the old Pepsi blind taste tests where you found out if you were a Coke customer or a Pepsi customer? I think there should be places for regular guys like me to hear these side by side so I could decide once and for all if I really need to step up to a better unit.

There is no doubt it sounds better but I wish I could hear for myself and in the same room.

I also had a denon 3808 with this system, same room, diff speakers. BTW, it isn't just me who says this, my friends with Denons also confirm this, so loyalty wasn't a factor for them
John
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post #28398 of 40772
6/2/10 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by politby View Post

Thanks Bob

My unit has the read main board AND the toriodal transformer - so I guess I could try the beta version after I have swapped DSP boards.

I assume I need to Ask Anthem for access to the beta?

Yes.
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post #28399 of 40772
6/2/10 at 10:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Pariseau View Post

There's another thread in this forum where folks are discussing the upcoming Anthem receivers. Some basic stats and prices are being bandied about. I've got no idea how accurate any of that is.

What we know for sure is that Anthem has said it will launch 2 of the 4 receiver models (MRX 500 and MRX 700) at a show in New York on June 22. At the moment there is nothing new on the Caster Communications site; i.e., the company Anthem and Paradigm use for PR stuff like press releases.
--Bob

Two models will be shown at Cedia in the fall nothing in the spring. They will be the MRX 500 and 700 models.
John
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post #28400 of 40772
6/2/10 at 11:36am
I was on the Widescreen Review website and it looks like in issue 148 the D2v is being reviewed along with the 5 channel amp. I haven't rec'd my issue yet but it should be a good read.
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post #28401 of 40772
6/2/10 at 12:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Pariseau View Post

What we know for sure is that Anthem has said it will launch 2 of the 4 receiver models (MRX 500 and MRX 700) at a show in New York on June 22. At the moment there is nothing new on the Caster Communications site; i.e., the company Anthem and Paradigm use for PR stuff like press releases.
--Bob

Here's the post at Caster Comm. that mentions MRX 500 and 700 debuting at CEA. Nothing more recent on that site. I don't know how official this is. Nothing shows up on Anthem's site.
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post #28402 of 40772
6/2/10 at 1:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayray View Post

I also had a denon 3808 with this system, same room, diff speakers. BTW, it isn't just me who says this, my friends with Denons also confirm this, so loyalty wasn't a factor for them
John

Never ever going back to a receiver. I got my amps out of the integrated box when I had a receiver and never going back now with my current AVM-50. My Aragon amps blow any receiver amps away hands down...
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post #28403 of 40772
6/2/10 at 4:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DenonLover View Post

We could afford the 50V or the D2V but I need to stay married and committing to a system that gets me 80% of the way there would be a huge benefit for us and as long as the value proposition is there I really think this could be a great compromise and allow me to get the right amp to power our speakers. I will really be looking forward to reading more about this unit.

Avm50v and the A2 A5 combo is an amazing value. I currently use the 50v coming from a D2 and the original AVM50 with no regrets. I had an A2 powering 4 passive DIY subs in my room and it never strained or felt hot to the touch at any given time. I had to part with my A2 because I bought 2 Servo 15s.

Most receivers, when driving all channels at the same time cannot meet half of their specified power rating anyway. This I believe is a big compelling reason why separates sound better than receivers.
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post #28404 of 40772
6/2/10 at 5:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by favorini View Post

Here's the post at Caster Comm. that mentions MRX 500 and 700 debuting at CEA. Nothing more recent on that site. I don't know how official this is. Nothing shows up on Anthem's site.

My sources tell me now that they will be early versions but with cosmetics close enough to production spec (September).
John
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post #28405 of 40772
6/2/10 at 7:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayray View Post

I also had a denon 3808 with this system, same room, diff speakers. BTW, it isn't just me who says this, my friends with Denons also confirm this, so loyalty wasn't a factor for them
John


I too had the Denon 3808 before my D2v, what I have noticed is that the Denon had much quicker handshakes but the D2v has much better sound especially from my subs (Parardigm 15" Servo and a 15" Signature Servo).
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post #28406 of 40772
6/2/10 at 7:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by studlygoorite View Post

I too had the Denon 3808 before my D2v, what I have noticed is that the Denon had much quicker handshakes but the D2v has much better sound especially from my subs (Parardigm 15" Servo and a 15" Signature Servo).

I didn't use hdmi with mine but the D2v with ARC is a difficult combo to beat. In fairness to the Denon, the prices are not comparable Do you get enough SPL with those two subs
John
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post #28407 of 40772
6/2/10 at 7:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayray View Post

I didn't use hdmi with mine but the D2v with ARC is a difficult combo to beat. In fairness to the Denon, the prices are not comparable Do you get enough SPL with those two subs
John

You don't compare D2V with Denon receivers, but is in the same league with the AVP.
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post #28408 of 40772
6/2/10 at 7:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeCornika View Post

You don't compare D2V with Denon receivers, but is in the same league with the AVP.

Without ARC No, IMHO. I understand it is an unfair comparison which I believe I did acknowledge
John
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post #28409 of 40772
6/2/10 at 11:36pm
What do most Anthem users consider prior to a purchase? Is there a brand that most people cross shop for HT and music?

See Page 4 of this online review of the D2V. LINK
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post #28410 of 40772
6/3/10 at 5:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayray View Post

I didn't use hdmi with mine but the D2v with ARC is a difficult combo to beat. In fairness to the Denon, the prices are not comparable Do you get enough SPL with those two subs
John

Funny you should ask as I have been after more SPL since the beginning. I do not have enough and will be re-doing my room to try to get more. I am lacking SPL at extremely high levels of music but am sure I will hear a difference when I get my subs into a better position, right now they are in the best position I can get considering how my room is set up now.
John
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