2. home-theater
  3. 179615-957

AVR Took A Dirt Nap - Looking To Upgrade

Yesterday during a new tv install I discovered the Denon AVR would not power up. It was time for replacing, so moving on. 

I have a 5.1 set-up (center channel, Hales Design T-5 towers with a sensitivity rating around 88 or 89 db, two 15" subwoofers and two surrounds). I'm looking for all the latest software, like Dolby ATMOS etc. and an increase in watt/channel to more effectively drive my Hales Design, which are not that efficient. I'm thinking a minimum of 110W per channel. It will be used to watch movies and play music, so musicality is very important. My budget is $4 - 6K.

Initially I'm looking at Anthem, Arcam and Rotel, but I'm wide open to make & model suggestions in the above price range. It should be noted I don't want to go down the separates path.

Thank you in advance.

128x128dawgbyte
dawgbyte's avatar
dawgbyte OP
325 posts
 

nutty and soix any particular model?

dawgbyte's avatar
dawgbyte OP
325 posts
 

Also, beside Anthem being able to drive the Hales, what do you like about Anthem compared to other manufacturers in the $4K - $6K range? Is it superior musicality, versatility, dependability or other factors?

Thinking about this particular model as an option.

 

soix
8,703 posts
 

This review was of Anthem’s AV Processors.  Are you now thinking of going this direction as opposed to an AVR?  Anthem has its roots in high-end audio as the HT subsidiary of what was Sonic Frontiers and as such has been a cut above the more mass market brands.  Their reliability is also among the best.  For an AVR I’d try to go for at least the MRX 740 as your Hales will appreciate the additional power, and with the 740 the output channels can be reassigned so you could bi-amp your Hales for even more power.  

dawgbyte's avatar
dawgbyte OP
325 posts
 

Honestly I do not know the difference between an AV Processor and and AVR. I assumed they were the same. What’s the difference? Sounds like you’re recommending the MRX 740. Does it have all the home theatre software options too and 8K capable for the future?

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,213 posts
 

I think one contains an amplifier while the processor does not.

ozzy

More to discover