CDizz
Standard Member
Hi all,
First time posting here, I'm brand new. I'm putting together a new system and I'm set on just about everything but am struggling deciding on a receiver. I've narrowed it down to a few models from Arcam and Anthem. Any input would be welcome as I'm having a really hard time splitting these hairs.
Note that i'm in Australia so Arcam gets marked up really badly here, Anthem not so much. I've been reading a lot of UK posts on here about the units and it's interesting to see some of you guys deciding to paying a lot more for the Anthems than the Arcams, here Arcam is the premium product and the situation is reversed. Trying to gauge the superior unit $ for $
Options and prices here are:
Arcam AVR390 - $3000 (1838 GBP) *normally $4000 / 2450 GBP
Anthem MRX720 - $3200 (1960 GBP)
Arcam AVR550 - $4500 (2756 GBP) *normally $6000 / 3675 GBP
Anthem MRX1120 - $4500 (2756 GBP)
They'll be running a pair of B&W CM8 S2s, CM centre or centre 2, and 4 in ceiling B&W surrounds alongside either the CM sub or an SVS SB13 in a 5.1.2 atmos setup. May move to 5.1.4 in the future. The room is small, 3.5m x 4.5m, and is in an apartment complex so can't really push to reference level.
AVR390 thoughts
My friendly local AV store which stocks both is pushing me towards the 390. My concern with the 390 is the low power output and technical glitch issues. A lot of complaints online of the unit going into shut down mode because it can't handle much output, and a lot of general issue complaints, including on here aswell. could solve power issue with a power amp but I don't really want to add boxes.
MRX720 thoughts
Basically the same money. Well regarded online and a decent power upgrade over the 390. No dirac though. Arc looks good too but I think dirac is where its at.
AVR550 thoughts
an extra 50% cost over the 390. Has more power than the 390. Still has dirac. Still has reliability issues. power output may be inline with the 720 so is the extra money worth it just for dirac?
MRX1120 thoughts
kinda nice to have 11 amps even if 6 of them are low power surround only amps. I like the idea of a one box future proofed solution. downside is it's essentially the same unit as the 720 minus the extra channels. in a 5.1.2 setup I could grab the 720 and use the money saved towards something else like the oppo205 or a second sub.
Sorry, I kinda rambled on there. Basically i'm having trouble finding people that have experience with the 390. Particularly when it comes to using its own internal amps. Any feedback about that units power and reliability, good or bad, will help me decide if I need to increase my spend to the 550 or switch teams and go with an Anthem. With Anthem my main questions are about ARC and how the end result compares to Dirac.
Thanks in advance
First time posting here, I'm brand new. I'm putting together a new system and I'm set on just about everything but am struggling deciding on a receiver. I've narrowed it down to a few models from Arcam and Anthem. Any input would be welcome as I'm having a really hard time splitting these hairs.
Note that i'm in Australia so Arcam gets marked up really badly here, Anthem not so much. I've been reading a lot of UK posts on here about the units and it's interesting to see some of you guys deciding to paying a lot more for the Anthems than the Arcams, here Arcam is the premium product and the situation is reversed. Trying to gauge the superior unit $ for $
Options and prices here are:
Arcam AVR390 - $3000 (1838 GBP) *normally $4000 / 2450 GBP
Anthem MRX720 - $3200 (1960 GBP)
Arcam AVR550 - $4500 (2756 GBP) *normally $6000 / 3675 GBP
Anthem MRX1120 - $4500 (2756 GBP)
They'll be running a pair of B&W CM8 S2s, CM centre or centre 2, and 4 in ceiling B&W surrounds alongside either the CM sub or an SVS SB13 in a 5.1.2 atmos setup. May move to 5.1.4 in the future. The room is small, 3.5m x 4.5m, and is in an apartment complex so can't really push to reference level.
AVR390 thoughts
My friendly local AV store which stocks both is pushing me towards the 390. My concern with the 390 is the low power output and technical glitch issues. A lot of complaints online of the unit going into shut down mode because it can't handle much output, and a lot of general issue complaints, including on here aswell. could solve power issue with a power amp but I don't really want to add boxes.
MRX720 thoughts
Basically the same money. Well regarded online and a decent power upgrade over the 390. No dirac though. Arc looks good too but I think dirac is where its at.
AVR550 thoughts
an extra 50% cost over the 390. Has more power than the 390. Still has dirac. Still has reliability issues. power output may be inline with the 720 so is the extra money worth it just for dirac?
MRX1120 thoughts
kinda nice to have 11 amps even if 6 of them are low power surround only amps. I like the idea of a one box future proofed solution. downside is it's essentially the same unit as the 720 minus the extra channels. in a 5.1.2 setup I could grab the 720 and use the money saved towards something else like the oppo205 or a second sub.
Sorry, I kinda rambled on there. Basically i'm having trouble finding people that have experience with the 390. Particularly when it comes to using its own internal amps. Any feedback about that units power and reliability, good or bad, will help me decide if I need to increase my spend to the 550 or switch teams and go with an Anthem. With Anthem my main questions are about ARC and how the end result compares to Dirac.
Thanks in advance