Anthem avm 60, Marantz 8802a, Emotiva XMC-2 processors

Manic1

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Marantz 7702 MKII
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Audiocontrol Pangea3
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Audiocontrol Savoy
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 203 uhd, Panasonic 900
Front Speakers
1099's
Center Channel Speaker
1099
Surround Speakers
Von Schweikert TS350
Surround Back Speakers
VOLT 8
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AT DA-44
Rear Height Speakers
At DA-44
Subwoofers
PSA XS15se's-2
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Samsung KS-8000, Panny 4000u
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Elite 100" Acousticpro
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Harmony
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Orbit Turntable, Dish Hopper 3 dvr,
Looking to upgrade a Marantz 7702 MKll, in a at most 7.2.4 setup. Have Audiocontrol amps running diy 1099's and Volt 8's. 2 PSA XS15se's for low end. Soon to be JTR 210rt and 210rm. Open to other suggestions but the 3 are in the price range. Thanks

Steve
 

Travis Ballstadt

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Anthem AVM60
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Sony UBP-X800
Front Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Center Channel Speaker
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Surround Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
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NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
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NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
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SVS PB2000
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JVC DLA X790R, Lumagen Radiance Pro 4240
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SeymourAV Proscenium 124” diagonal 2.40:1
Remote Control
Harmony Elite - Moving to Unfolded Circle Remote 2
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Kaleidescape Strato C/Terra 48TB/Compact Terra 6TB, PLEX Server, AppleTV4K, Bluesound Node2i
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Satellite System
They still have those?
Other Equipment
Rega Planar 6, Rega Exact2 cart, Rega Aria Mk3 Phono Stage, Jolida JD202BRC, Rega RS-5 Speakers (2-channel system)
I’m working on a basic video overview of my new Anthem AVM60, which replaced an Emotiva XMC1.

I’m very pleased with the Anthem, and impressed with ARC Genesis, which is proving to be every bit as powerful as Dirac, both of which (IMO) best Audessey hands down.

The biggest advantage with the Anthem over Emo, however, is that it’s bug-free. The XMC2, while seemingly less troublesome than the RMC-1 and 1L, is still far from being bug-free, and relies on Emotiva’s engineers to admit to and solve any problems. Recent claims from their engineering department have included the statement “we’re not a software development firm”, which, if you’re selling processors, you’re a software development firm or you’re hiring one. That denial is always accompanied by lots of finger pointing at other companies for not playing by the rules.

Marantz makes solid stuff. They’re on top of fixing problems. The main drawback, in my opinion, is Audessey
 

Manic1

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Marantz 7702 MKII
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Audiocontrol Pangea3
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Audiocontrol Savoy
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Oppo 203 uhd, Panasonic 900
Front Speakers
1099's
Center Channel Speaker
1099
Surround Speakers
Von Schweikert TS350
Surround Back Speakers
VOLT 8
Front Height Speakers
AT DA-44
Rear Height Speakers
At DA-44
Subwoofers
PSA XS15se's-2
Video Display Device
Samsung KS-8000, Panny 4000u
Screen
Elite 100" Acousticpro
Remote Control
Harmony
Streaming Subscriptions
Orbit Turntable, Dish Hopper 3 dvr,
I’m working on a basic video overview of my new Anthem AVM60, which replaced an Emotiva XMC1.

I’m very pleased with the Anthem, and impressed with ARC Genesis, which is proving to be every bit as powerful as Dirac, both of which (IMO) best Audessey hands down.

The biggest advantage with the Anthem over Emo, however, is that it’s bug-free. The XMC2, while seemingly less troublesome than the RMC-1 and 1L, is still far from being bug-free, and relies on Emotiva’s engineers to admit to and solve any problems. Recent claims from their engineering department have included the statement “we’re not a software development firm”, which, if you’re selling processors, you’re a software development firm or you’re hiring one. That denial is always accompanied by lots of finger pointing at other companies for not playing by the rules.

Marantz makes solid stuff. They’re on top of fixing problems. The main drawback, in my opinion, is Audessey
Leaning more and more to the Anthem, was ARC easy to setup?
 

Manic1

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Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Marantz 7702 MKII
Main Amp
Audiocontrol Pangea3
Additional Amp
Audiocontrol Savoy
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 203 uhd, Panasonic 900
Front Speakers
1099's
Center Channel Speaker
1099
Surround Speakers
Von Schweikert TS350
Surround Back Speakers
VOLT 8
Front Height Speakers
AT DA-44
Rear Height Speakers
At DA-44
Subwoofers
PSA XS15se's-2
Video Display Device
Samsung KS-8000, Panny 4000u
Screen
Elite 100" Acousticpro
Remote Control
Harmony
Streaming Subscriptions
Orbit Turntable, Dish Hopper 3 dvr,
What you are saying is what I have been hearing and reading about the .XMC-2 and 1.they are just to buggy to hang your hat on. Have a chance to buy a avm 60 B Stock for 2250 or a used avm 60 for 1800. What to do?
 

Travis Ballstadt

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Anthem AVM60
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Emotiva BasX 5
Additional Amp
Emotiva UPA-500
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony UBP-X800
Front Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Center Channel Speaker
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Surround Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Front Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Rear Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Subwoofers
SVS PB2000
Video Display Device
JVC DLA X790R, Lumagen Radiance Pro 4240
Screen
SeymourAV Proscenium 124” diagonal 2.40:1
Remote Control
Harmony Elite - Moving to Unfolded Circle Remote 2
Streaming Equipment
Kaleidescape Strato C/Terra 48TB/Compact Terra 6TB, PLEX Server, AppleTV4K, Bluesound Node2i
Streaming Subscriptions
AppleTV+, Amazon Prime, HBO Max
Satellite System
They still have those?
Other Equipment
Rega Planar 6, Rega Exact2 cart, Rega Aria Mk3 Phono Stage, Jolida JD202BRC, Rega RS-5 Speakers (2-channel system)
Let’s put it this way. Without giving away too much of my video before I’m finished with it ...

I spent 2 years with the XMC1 fiddling with Dirac. I got it to a place where I was happy with the sound. I enjoyed it, but there were too many little quirks, still, with the XMC1, which they basically called “good enough”.

When I switched them out, I ran ARC once, with very little tweaking, and it sonically matched the XMC1 in 5 minutes. I didn’t mess with it any more, because I’ve now, just this morning, swapped out my speakers, so I’ll dig into the various options of ARC now that I have new hardware in place. But it was dead simple. What took a year and a half on the XMC took 10 minutes on the Anthem.

I’m excited to hear what I can make it do now, getting into all the options.
 

Travis Ballstadt

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Anthem AVM60
Main Amp
Emotiva BasX 5
Additional Amp
Emotiva UPA-500
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony UBP-X800
Front Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Center Channel Speaker
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Surround Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Front Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Rear Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Subwoofers
SVS PB2000
Video Display Device
JVC DLA X790R, Lumagen Radiance Pro 4240
Screen
SeymourAV Proscenium 124” diagonal 2.40:1
Remote Control
Harmony Elite - Moving to Unfolded Circle Remote 2
Streaming Equipment
Kaleidescape Strato C/Terra 48TB/Compact Terra 6TB, PLEX Server, AppleTV4K, Bluesound Node2i
Streaming Subscriptions
AppleTV+, Amazon Prime, HBO Max
Satellite System
They still have those?
Other Equipment
Rega Planar 6, Rega Exact2 cart, Rega Aria Mk3 Phono Stage, Jolida JD202BRC, Rega RS-5 Speakers (2-channel system)
Oh, and I’d go B-Stock. I’m all about warranty and support whenever possible, though I’ve never used it. It’s a nice safety blanket, especially when you’re making a hefty investment in a hobby.
 

philip vasseur

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I have had an AVM60 for about 2 years. No bugs or problems, unlike Emo, and the latest ARC Genesis is truly impressive. The AVM 60 will output mono to two subs and ARC will measure them as one. The audioholics folks stated that this is better than individual correction and I agree, esp for HT. The AVM60 also has PlayFi which has matured and now works well, giving you built in native streaming if you use any of the streaming services for music.
 

Manic1

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Thread Starter
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May 1, 2017
Messages
37
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Marantz 7702 MKII
Main Amp
Audiocontrol Pangea3
Additional Amp
Audiocontrol Savoy
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 203 uhd, Panasonic 900
Front Speakers
1099's
Center Channel Speaker
1099
Surround Speakers
Von Schweikert TS350
Surround Back Speakers
VOLT 8
Front Height Speakers
AT DA-44
Rear Height Speakers
At DA-44
Subwoofers
PSA XS15se's-2
Video Display Device
Samsung KS-8000, Panny 4000u
Screen
Elite 100" Acousticpro
Remote Control
Harmony
Streaming Subscriptions
Orbit Turntable, Dish Hopper 3 dvr,
I have had an AVM60 for about 2 years. No bugs or problems, unlike Emo, and the latest ARC Genesis is truly impressive. The AVM 60 will output mono to two subs and ARC will measure them as one. The audioholics folks stated that this is better than individual correction and I agree, esp for HT. The AVM60 also has PlayFi which has matured and now works well, giving you built in native streaming if you use any of the streaming services for music.
I am 99% sure I will go with the Anthem but am going to wait a week until CES is over. Would not want to buy one this week and next week find out they are coming out with the AVM 70.
 

philip vasseur

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Preamp, Processor or Receiver
AVM60; STR preamp
Main Amp
MCA525
Additional Amp
Mac MC312 MCA 225
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 103
Front Speakers
Revel 228be
Center Channel Speaker
Revel
Surround Speakers
Def Tech
Subwoofers
SVS SB16 (2); GE XXL (2); SVS SB2000
Other Speakers or Equipment
Sonos Port
Streaming Subscriptions
Parasound Halo P6 2.1
I am 99% sure I will go with the Anthem but am going to wait a week until CES is over. Would not want to buy one this week and next week find out they are coming out with the AVM 70.
Thanks for the heads up re a new model, if u get a chance let us know if learn anything about a new model. All the best for 2020.
 

Travis Ballstadt

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Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Anthem AVM60
Main Amp
Emotiva BasX 5
Additional Amp
Emotiva UPA-500
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony UBP-X800
Front Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Center Channel Speaker
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Surround Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Front Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Rear Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Subwoofers
SVS PB2000
Video Display Device
JVC DLA X790R, Lumagen Radiance Pro 4240
Screen
SeymourAV Proscenium 124” diagonal 2.40:1
Remote Control
Harmony Elite - Moving to Unfolded Circle Remote 2
Streaming Equipment
Kaleidescape Strato C/Terra 48TB/Compact Terra 6TB, PLEX Server, AppleTV4K, Bluesound Node2i
Streaming Subscriptions
AppleTV+, Amazon Prime, HBO Max
Satellite System
They still have those?
Other Equipment
Rega Planar 6, Rega Exact2 cart, Rega Aria Mk3 Phono Stage, Jolida JD202BRC, Rega RS-5 Speakers (2-channel system)
A week is an easy wait, but I wouldn’t expect an announcement at CES. Anthem is probably more of a CEDIA announcement. CES has become more soundbar and Bluetooth focused than high-end home theater.
 

Manic1

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Joined
May 1, 2017
Messages
37
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Marantz 7702 MKII
Main Amp
Audiocontrol Pangea3
Additional Amp
Audiocontrol Savoy
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 203 uhd, Panasonic 900
Front Speakers
1099's
Center Channel Speaker
1099
Surround Speakers
Von Schweikert TS350
Surround Back Speakers
VOLT 8
Front Height Speakers
AT DA-44
Rear Height Speakers
At DA-44
Subwoofers
PSA XS15se's-2
Video Display Device
Samsung KS-8000, Panny 4000u
Screen
Elite 100" Acousticpro
Remote Control
Harmony
Streaming Subscriptions
Orbit Turntable, Dish Hopper 3 dvr,
If you can wait... I would see what the reviewers say about the new Monolith.
Have to say looks interesting, I probably do not need more than a 7.2.4 setup so 16 channels is overkill but the smaller one might be a good choice of it not to buggy. We will see when theyn begin shipping.
 
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Manic1

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Thread Starter
Joined
May 1, 2017
Messages
37
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Marantz 7702 MKII
Main Amp
Audiocontrol Pangea3
Additional Amp
Audiocontrol Savoy
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 203 uhd, Panasonic 900
Front Speakers
1099's
Center Channel Speaker
1099
Surround Speakers
Von Schweikert TS350
Surround Back Speakers
VOLT 8
Front Height Speakers
AT DA-44
Rear Height Speakers
At DA-44
Subwoofers
PSA XS15se's-2
Video Display Device
Samsung KS-8000, Panny 4000u
Screen
Elite 100" Acousticpro
Remote Control
Harmony
Streaming Subscriptions
Orbit Turntable, Dish Hopper 3 dvr,
I ended up with the 8805 which is a reliable performer the only drawback being Audyssey which is old in the tooth eq. Software. Again looking at the AVM70 and Audiocontrol amps to drive these JTR speakers. Went with 2 210RTs and a 210RM for center, 110HT for surrounds and 2 RS1s for subs, if I Can get these dialed in with a Mini DSP hd I am set for a good while! Really would like to hear what ARC has over Audyssey.
 
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Travis Ballstadt

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Messages
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Seattle, WA
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Anthem AVM60
Main Amp
Emotiva BasX 5
Additional Amp
Emotiva UPA-500
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony UBP-X800
Front Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Center Channel Speaker
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Surround Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Front Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Rear Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Subwoofers
SVS PB2000
Video Display Device
JVC DLA X790R, Lumagen Radiance Pro 4240
Screen
SeymourAV Proscenium 124” diagonal 2.40:1
Remote Control
Harmony Elite - Moving to Unfolded Circle Remote 2
Streaming Equipment
Kaleidescape Strato C/Terra 48TB/Compact Terra 6TB, PLEX Server, AppleTV4K, Bluesound Node2i
Streaming Subscriptions
AppleTV+, Amazon Prime, HBO Max
Satellite System
They still have those?
Other Equipment
Rega Planar 6, Rega Exact2 cart, Rega Aria Mk3 Phono Stage, Jolida JD202BRC, Rega RS-5 Speakers (2-channel system)
Thrillcat, how is the AVM 60 working out? I see the AVM70 coming out and I am thinking of getting it instead of the Marantz 8805. I like Audyssey and I like ARC so that is not a deciding factor. I already have enough speakers to accommodate 15.1 channels vs the 13.1 of the Marantz. . The Marantz has balanced inputs which is a plus since I my streaming device has balanced outs. The thing pulling me toward the Anthem is all of my speakers are Paradigm Active so this would give me a system of Paradigm/Anthem speakers and amps. Thoughts?
The AVM60 has been fantastic. Rock solid. Sounds incredible. I haven’t had to touch or tweak anything since I stopped swapping speakers. I’m a huge fan.
 
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