Arcam AV888 vs Anthem AVM 50v

gtx · 21-10-2009, 2:14 PM

Hi,
I'm new to AVForums but have used it several times in the past for useful advice and now I'd like some more!

I currently have an Arcam AV9 processor and P7 power amp. I'm seriously considering replacing the AV9 with either an Arcam AV888 or Anthem AVM 50v, but keeping the P7. I'm doing this for the extra decoding (for Blue-ray) and I'm hoping they will sound better than the AV9 (although that is excellent).

Disregarding all the 'common' aspects, e.g. they both decode DTS HD, my current thinking is:-

Arcam AV888

pros-
Will go well with P7
Support has always been good for me
Established in the UK
Has a network port for software upgrades
5 year warranty

cons-
Specification not easily upgradable (I thought I would be able to upgrade the AV9)
Have not heard great things about their room equalisation and this is something I'm really interested in.

AVM 50v
pros-
Specification seems to be easily upgradable with software downloads and 'add-on' hardware.
Built upon previous processors.
Heard great things about ARC
Anthem support seems to be fantastic

cons-
Costs £1k more than Arcam
Anthem is new in the UK (is this an issue?)
Not the most attractive unit around
No network port so need a laptop to run ARC. This is my biggest issue as I have a desktop in another room.

I'm going to have a demo of both and intend to let my ears make the final judgement but would appreciate any comments from people who either own these units or have compared them before.

Thanks

[FONT=Calibri] [/FONT]

monkeyboy69 · 21-10-2009, 3:03 PM

Or and it depends on what you want the processor for

as im in a similar boat myself

another option would be to be for a blu ray player that offer analogue out and use your AV9 . This way you get all the decoding of the new formats and save yourself a small fortune

Mark.Yudkin · 21-10-2009, 3:09 PM

I have compared Arcam with Anthem, but my Anthem preference was for the Statement D2v and I have not considered the AVM50v. The D2v, like the D2 is an ugly mess of buttons and it doesn't have LAN connectivity.

At the time I bought my AV9, it was a shoot-out with the D2, the AV9 won on phono support (MM and MC) and looks, with sound quality (D2's built-in tuner ignored and LP not testable) a tie. You can find my comparison on the Anthem owner's forum. The AV888 dropped MC support

.

Although Anthem is new in UK, it's not new in Europe, let alone in Canada. The biggest problem with Anthem in UK is the fantasy price - it is way over what it costs elsewhere. Over here the D2v is a little more expensive than the AV888, but the Arcam also costs more than a UK - UK VAT x exchange rate + CH VAT. so the comparison is easier and if I had the cash, I'd buy the D2v rather than AV888 (MC needing external support either way). Whether the difference is worth what the UK wants is another question.

BTW, the Anthem P2+P5 is rather more powerful than the P7/P777, although whether you need that power is another question - I didn't. It's also better at horrible loads, which may become important if I replace the front Quads with Martin Logans.

I would recommend your carrying out an A/B comparison.

gtx · 21-10-2009, 3:30 PM

Many thanks for the comments.

I have thought about about keeping the AV9 and using the analogue inputs for Blu-ray but I think I'll need to upgrade sometime and now's as good as time as ever before the VAT goes up in January.

The main reasons for upgrading, apart from the HD decoding, is to get better DACs, as I now have a Sonos system and use the processor DAC, and also to get room equalisation (but do I really need it?).

I'm leaning towards the AV888 but the ARC on the AVM 50v is keeping me open minded.

I'll have a listen to both and go from there I guess. Who knows I may even stick with the AV9!

Thanks

Gary

fuzzybk · 21-10-2009, 7:52 PM

Hi gtx. I just recently purchased an Anthem AVM 50v and love it. The video processing in the AVM 50v is fantastic. I feed my Denon 3930CI into the AVM 50v and the picture that it produces is almost Blu Ray calibre. Smooth and detailed come to mind.

With regards to audio, ARC is the real deal. I was skeptical at first but when I listened to the results it opened up my ears. The soudstage got bigger, bass was tighter and every detail was coming through my Tannoys. It sounded good before but after ARC it went to a new level.

Support from Anthem is top notch as previously mentioned.

You should absolutely demo both pieces and let your ears and eyes decide. Both are great units.

indus · 21-10-2009, 8:22 PM

May I ask why you are not considering one of the Denon flagship models?

gtx · 22-10-2009, 8:25 AM

There's no special reason I haven't considered Denon. I'm a big Arcam fan and intended to just audition the AV888. I asked my dealer if they could recommend any comparable processors and they mentioned Anthem.

In the past I've generally stuck with British makes for amps, (Arcam & Tag) as I believed they were better with music. Perhaps that is no longer the case and I need to broaden my options. I guess it would be great if you could line up 10 different processors for a comparison but I don't think that's really practical.

Mark.Yudkin · 22-10-2009, 9:10 AM

Quote:

In the past I've generally stuck with British makes for amps, (Arcam & Tag) as I believed they were better with music. Perhaps that is no longer the case and I need to broaden my options.

Whilst I would tend to agree as far as speakers are concerned, this is not really the case for amplification or A/V in general.

BTW, a major difference between the AVM50v and the D2v is stereo performance, as Russell posted here.

gtx · 22-10-2009, 10:51 AM

Thanks for pointing me to that. I would estimate that actually sitting down and listening to the system is about 70% for TV/DVD and 30% music, but I have music on virtually all the time when I'm just around the house. So music is a very important aspect of the system but I think AV is perhaps slightly more so.

In the past I've had demo's where the AV sounded better on one component and music better on another. I've always gone with the one that was better for music. I'm not sure I will do that now as I seem to be using the AV aspect a lot more, although I still want great music. I guess I want it all

As advised above I'll listen to both systems and go from there.

My next purchase will be bigger TV but that's a completely different topic.

Mr_Orange · 22-10-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark.Yudkin

Over here the D2v is a little more expensive than the AV888,

I wouldn't call £4,000 "a little more expensive". The D2v is nearly twice the price of the AV888, £8,500 vs £4,500.

Mark.Yudkin · 22-10-2009, 3:45 PM

Quote:

I wouldn't call £4,000 "a little more expensive". The D2v is nearly twice the price of the AV888, £8,500 vs £4,500.

I clearly stated over here and my country is identified both in my avatar and the post itself. I also said that UK had fantasy pricing for the Anthem, whereas the CH price of Arcam is rather higher than the UK's price. OTOH, Germany's list price for the D2v is EUR 8750, which, whilst lower than £8,500, does put it closer to UK's price than CH's.

BTW, here's a D2V+P5 rave (e.g. "a dream come true") review (in German): AREA DVD Hardware Test: Anthem Statement D2 / K5 Surround Vor-/Endstufenkombination High-End + HDMI = perfekter Klang ?.

Ashmanuk · 23-10-2009, 1:17 AM

I have the AV888 and now i have sorted out my poor sounding room i absolutely love my 888 i run Bryston amps and i have never heard so much detail before in my room than i do now.
As for the EQ system on the 888 it takes a bit of getting used to you can not tweak the settings it,s on or off that's it, but if you just let it do its thing and sit back and listen it is very good the bass seems very tight and there is so much detail but i put that down to the overall sound quality of the 888

I wish i could comment on the Anthem looks like a good bit of kit too.

I am very pleased i took the plunge and brought the 888

gtx · 04-12-2009, 6:14 PM

I went to my dealer for a demo of the Anthem AVM 50v and Arcam AV888. As Anthem was new to the dealer a guy from Anthem had come along to give the demo and he spent time going though all the AVM50's functions with me.

After a good listen to the Anthem I was really impressed but still wanted to hear the AV888. Unfortunately it didn't work! The sound for the centre channel came from the sub and visa versa. Two guys from the shop disconnected all the cables and tried again but still the same problem, even the Anthem chap had a look to see if he could find the problem

I decided there and then to buy the Anthem and have no regrets. Anthem came to the house to install it and set-up ARC and it's fantastic. The picture from DVD and Sky is better and the sound is like i'd bought new speakers.

I'd highly recommend the AVM 50v to anyone.

fuzzybk · 05-12-2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtx

I went to my dealer for a demo of the Anthem AVM 50v and Arcam AV888. As Anthem was new to the dealer a guy from Anthem had come along to give the demo and he spent time going though all the AVM50's functions with me.

After a good listen to the Anthem I was really impressed but still wanted to hear the AV888. Unfortunately it didn't work! The sound for the centre channel came from the sub and visa versa. Two guys from the shop disconnected all the cables and tried again but still the same problem, even the Anthem chap had a look to see if he could find the problem

I decided there and then to buy the Anthem and have no regrets. Anthem came to the house to install it and set-up ARC and it's fantastic. The picture from DVD and Sky is better and the sound is like i'd bought new speakers.

I'd highly recommend the AVM 50v to anyone.

Congrats on the new purchase GTX.

What firmware are you running on your AVM 50v? Over here in North America the AVM 50v/D2v is at firmware 2.08 available from Anthem's website.

Just curious as to which remote control you got? Did you get the one pictured within the manual or the new slim version? When I got my AVM 50v I thought Anthem had made a mistake since I had the new slim remote. It was only after reading up at another A/V forum was I aware there was a new remote.

gtx · 05-12-2009, 3:48 PM

I'm running 2.08 too, it came installed in the unit.

I got the new remote. It confused the chap from Anthem slightly as it was the first time he'd seen one! I use a universal remote anyway so it makes little difference to me.

The only thing i've not been able to find is the software to set-up the AVM via PC. It's not important but I saw the installer use it and it just looks easier to use than using the remote, and it enables you to save the AVM settings on the PC.

rfield · 05-12-2009, 9:40 PM

gtx,
there's a whole suite of software you can download from Anthem's website, including a new version of ARC which now works with windows 7 apparently.
Anthem® Downloads

If you have a look in that downloaded archive, there's a directory called 'Utilities'.

In there is all sorts of fun stuff - a setup editor (which is probably the software you saw), backup software and live video timings editor - along with a few other useful reference docs.

fuzzybk · 05-12-2009, 9:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtx

I'm running 2.08 too, it came installed in the unit.

I got the new remote. It confused the chap from Anthem slightly as it was the first time he'd seen one! I use a universal remote anyway so it makes little difference to me.

The only thing i've not been able to find is the software to set-up the AVM via PC. It's not important but I saw the installer use it and it just looks easier to use than using the remote, and it enables you to save the AVM settings on the PC.

If your talking about the settings editor, go to the Anthem website and go to downloads. Then go to 'archives' and look under the AVM 30 and you will see 'upgrades, utilities and serial commands'. The settings editor is there. It should work fine for your AVM 50v.

Have you had a chance to listen to some Blu Rays in DTS HD MA yet? I listened to Terminator Salvation the other night and was blown away by that soundtrack.

gtx · 07-12-2009, 4:46 PM

Many thanks for the advice, I'll download the software from Anthems site and have a play

I've had a listen to Wolverine and Transformers 2 in DTS HD MA and they sounded terrific. They certainly made the floor shake a bit!

fuzzybk · 16-01-2010, 6:00 PM

Hi Gtx. How is life with your AVM 50v? Any good/bad comments?

rags · 17-01-2010, 11:17 AM

Guys - what are the pitfalls of importing one of these or a D2V from the US directly? Are they multivoltage out of the box or will I need a step down converter?

They seem to be hugely cheaper in the US and a dealer friend of mine will give me a substantial discount (25%+) off the US list price making it much more economical even after adding on VAT/Duty and shipping.

Mark.Yudkin · 17-01-2010, 12:49 PM

You may wish to consider that Anthem are readily available at sensible prices in other parts of Europe (yes, UK's pricing is "odd"). UK and Europe use the same standards for electrical appliances and broadcasting, and you won't get caught for duties and VAT if you purchase from within the EU. This makes purchasing from the continent safe and easy.

IWC Dopplel · 17-01-2010, 1:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark.Yudkin

You may wish to consider that Anthem are readily available at sensible prices in other parts of Europe (yes, UK's pricing is "odd"). UK and Europe use the same standards for electrical appliances and broadcasting, and you won't get caught for duties and VAT if you purchase from within the EU. This makes purchasing from the continent safe and easy.

Thanks, any links for prices ?

rags · 17-01-2010, 1:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark.Yudkin

I clearly stated over here and my country is identified both in my avatar and the post itself. I also said that UK had fantasy pricing for the Anthem, whereas the CH price of Arcam is rather higher than the UK's price. OTOH, Germany's list price for the D2v is EUR 8750, which, whilst lower than £8,500, does put it closer to UK's price than CH's.

BTW, here's a D2V+P5 rave (e.g. "a dream come true") review (in German): AREA DVD Hardware Test: Anthem Statement D2 / K5 Surround Vor-/Endstufenkombination High-End + HDMI = perfekter Klang ?.

Mark - earlier in the thread you gave the German price for the D2V as €8,750 which isnt much different to the UK price of £8,000 at current exchange rates. If you factor in the additional shipping costs there is probably zero in it. Not worth the hassle imho.

I am talking about getting one from the US - I am hopeful of securing a D2V for less than $6,000 which will translate to about £4,500 landed here including all taxes.

IWC Dopplel · 17-01-2010, 1:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rags

Mark - earlier in the thread you gave the German price for the D2V as €8,750 which isnt much different to the UK price of £8,000 at current exchange rates. If you factor in the additional shipping costs there is probably zero in it. Not worth the hassle imho.

I am talking about getting one from the US - I am hopeful of securing a D2V for less than $6,000 which will translate to about £4,500 landed here including all taxes.

Is the power switchable ? I can't find a big enough rear shot !

rags · 17-01-2010, 1:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWC Dopplel

Is the power switchable ? I can't find a big enough rear shot !

That's what I am trying to find out! If it is, I am buying one!

IWC Dopplel · 17-01-2010, 1:47 PM

I would only buy if you can alter on the unit, I wouldn't use a transformer

Mr_Orange · 17-01-2010, 1:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rags

Mark - earlier in the thread you gave the German price for the D2V as €8,750 which isnt much different to the UK price of £8,000 at current exchange rates.

It's actually £8,500 in the UK, so it's definitely no cheaper.

rags · 17-01-2010, 2:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWC Dopplel

I would only buy if you can alter on the unit, I wouldn't use a transformer

Agreed and same here. I dont think its multivoltage straight out of the box per the manual and the back cover says 120V. Trying to find out if I can get it modified from the factory directly. Price will be significantly lower than $6,000.

rags · 17-01-2010, 2:16 PM

Also does anyone have a link to a comparison between the 50V and D2V? Not sure what the extra money gets you.

rags · 17-01-2010, 2:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_Orange

It's actually £8,500 in the UK, so it's definitely no cheaper.

Ok understand but €8,750 @ a 1.10 exchange rate still comes to a touch under £8,000. You could probably make up more of the difference by wangling a discount through a dealer here via a face to face conversation (much more than you would get by ordering over the phone from Germany).