SQ : Anthem receiver vs. processor

The Anthem AVM60 pre pro is the same as the preamp processor/DAC section of the Anthem MRX1120 av receiver, not the MRX720. The MRX1120 is Anthem’s flagship av receiver, which retails for $3500 new. The MRX720 is a step down from the MRX1120. 

@erik_squires

The idea of an all-in-one AV receiver will not satisfy your two-channel needs for music playbacks. It compromises your stereo performance. The higher end and better build AV receivers will of course sound better than the entry level ones but they will not perform on the same level as good stereo integrated amps or separates.

@erik_squires  

If you don't care about room correction or 4k HDR Dolby Atmos etc etc then you should highly consider a used discontinued Classe Sigma SSP (early version) that can be had pretty cheap in used markets nowaday. Its stereo performance is better than any HT processors for under $10k. The Anthem AVM60 is great for surround movies and is equipped with spectacular ARC2 (Anthem Room Correction), 4k HDR Dolby Atmos etc. 

@erik_squires  

The Classe Sigma SSP Mk2 version supports latest formats and codecs eg Dolby Atmos DTS-X 4K etc. It retails for $6k new but not sure if it's still being in production. You can probably find a used one in used markets at discounts. 

Most powered subs such as JL Audio have their own built-in EQ and crossover. 
It shouldn't be an issue. 

Cause the Anthem AVM60 stereo performance is lacking imo. 

@erik_squires

I know the fact that you are into class D amps. Classe Sigma Amp5 five-channel amp (class D) will compliment the Sigma SSP preamp processor really good and is very compact in size exactly the same size as the Sigma SSP. And the two stacks combined (Sigma SSP + Sigma Amp5) are very compact and about the same size as a big AV receiver but the Classe Sigma combo will perform and sound way better than any AV receivers. From time to time I spotted a used Classe Sigma Amp5 here on Audiogon or TMR or ebay or Audiomart etc as well as the Sigma SSP (both Mk2 & early version).

I personally am not a class D amp guy so I personally wouldn’t buy the Classe Sigma Amp5 but the Sigma Amp5 is a very good class D amplifier. It has smooth highs, sounding very resolved clean fast highly detailed sound very transparent and excels in PRAT.
I’m sure you would like the Sigma combo.

@erik_squires

Re : Classe Sigma class D amps, I’m not so sure if the incoming analog signals are converted to digital upon input but I know that Classe uses DSP to regulate the amp. It is Classe’s proprietary class D design.

I don’t use Classe Sigma Amp (class D) to power my front and surround speakers in my dedicated HT room but instead I use the Classe Sigma Amp (class D) only to power my overhead ceiling Atmos speakers for Atmos setup in my dedicated theater room.
I use all Classe Delta series class AB analog amps to power my front LCR speakers and surround speakers. I’m using 3 Classe Delta CAM-600 monoblock amps (class AB) to power my B&W 800 D3 front speakers and the matching B&W HTML1 D3 center speaker. Using 2 Classe Delta CA-2300 stereo amps (class AB) to power my surround and surround back speakers. And using 2 Classe Sigma Amp2 stereo amps (class D) only to power my overhead ceiling Atmos speakers for Atmos setup.

You can email Classe technical support group and ask them and confirm the info with them.

However, I’ve heard the Classe Sigma SSP paired with the Classe Sigma Amp5 class D amp before at the store and they sounded great together especially if you like class D design amps. But when I heard the Sigma SSP paired with the Classe Delta series class AB amps they sounded better for sure. The Delta series class AB amps had more body volume and fuller sound than the Sigma series class D amps. Had more mid-bass and bass power too and sounding more punchier and much quieter design than the Sigma series class D amps. The Delta series class AB amps, especially the CAM-600 monoblocks, are indeed better amplifiers overall than the entry level Sigma series class D amps for sure but cost much more than the Sigma series class D amps. They aren't in the same league.
That’s all I can say.

@erik_squires

Not sure if the Sigma Amp5 class D amps would digitize its inputs upon entry. You should email Classe Audio technical support group and find out. Wouldn’t think it converts its inputs to digital. When I first listened to the Classe Sigma SSP + Sigma Amp5 combo at the store we used different source components to listen to music using both high end ARC Reference CD player as a source going analog into the Sigma SSP with the Sigma SSP set in bypass mode and streaming directly via USB input on the Sigma SSP, and they each sounded very different.
My friend who happens to own a hifi store said that he also tried using different HT preamp processors with the Sigma Amp5 class D amp and each sounded different. So it made me think that if the Sigma Amp5 amp converts the input to digital regardless of which preamp and front end components used they would all have sounded the same, right? 

I knew you like class D amps but I would pair the Sigma SSP with Classe Delta series class AB amps or Parasound Halo amps (class A/AB) or any good quality class AB amps if I were you but you said earlier that space is an issue for you and the Classe Delta series class AB amps and the Paradound Halo A21/31/51 are huge and very heavy, and the Classe Delta series class AB amps cost much more than the Sigma class D amps.

However,