Anthem AVM 70 & AVM 90 Processors Review & Comparison

[@Novilicious]

If someone has the Yamaha 5200, marantz 8805, Arcam, or this one, please start sharing your experiences! I ❤️ comparisons!

[@paulcarroll627]

Thanks so much. It was Leon Shaw’s review of the MRX 720, 3 Years ago that made me buy one (and I’m in Canberra, Australia) love your channel and excellent reviews and advice. Cheers

[@leonshaw3362]

Paul-thanks very much!

[@axkicker8]

I love the prior generation so I can’t wait to hear the new ones in person. Thanks for a great review.

[@scottnewnam6976]

Yes. These are terrific. The amount of features and capabilities included are pretty darn impressive. They did an incredible job working with Audio Advice and a few other experts to get product input and then included us in the development process which has led to a killer product.

[@heathermcmillen]

Love the updated look of the new processors!

[@erictheblue7256]

Me too: But I do regret Anthem not offering them with a silver finish like the STR line.

[@craiglamb9029]

I pre-ordered an mrx740. Anxiously awaiting it's debut.😬😬😬 Super excited to see an actual hands on video from anyone on this great new processor/ reciever family. Looking forward to more videos on these! Might hold me over until they start shipping in March!

[@nick18223]

The AVM90's DACs are amazing. If the tone is anything like the STR, this processor will perform as well for 2-channel as it does home theater.

[@dan_hitchman007]

Yes, on paper. However, there is a caveat. If Anthem did not bolster the DSP power and internal processing capabilities, then you are actually maxed out at 24/48 PCM like every hard coded DSP based receiver and pre-amp on the market at this price range and below. The better DAC's mean basically nothing at that point.

[@bric7244]

I ve never owned a anthem . Now that I have all amps for hometheater I want a pre pro. What I love about this ,you said you can run your front L/R in full range and still use your subs they way they should be ran. Which is huge . I have klipsch rp280 and felt like I was cutting them off at the knee. Running as small crossoverd at 80hz ! I should of just bought another pair of klipsch rp 600m then. An the fact we get to set this up side by side with you showing how to do everything correctly is a HUGE plus. I think an anthem is my near future!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for your comments, when you are ready, we are a fully authorized online dealer www.audioadvice.com/anthem-avm70-15-2-av-pre-amplifier-processor

[@erictheblue7256]

Thank you so much for the concise, yet detailed review. I'm in the market for one of Anthem's new AVRs or PrePros. Given your explanation combined with my budget, I think I'll go with the AVM70 for now, and purchase the AVM90 down the road. PS: Because I owned the Theta Casablanca previously, I appreciate the value of what I call virtual inputs (the ability to store multiple configurations to a single, physical input). Most AVRs and PrePros don't offer this feature, and the ones that do cost quite a bit more than even the AVM90. Assuming the supply is there, I expect to own the AVM70 within 60 days. Once again, great review!

[@pf5658]

Great info. I had the AVM50V which was an amazing piece so I’m very excited and curious to see what this new model is capable of delivering.

[@tazbahahisrael3190]

One feature that was missed, was to be able to play music using usb through the pre amp. Everyone doesn’t want to use streaming services to listen to music and don’t want do so with music they own. It would have been a nice feature to be able to play music from a usb. Besides that, I’m sure the units are excellent.

[@michaelz6870]

Incorrect - everyone does actually.

[@tazbahahisrael3190]

@@michaelz6870 , I now own the AVM70 and I’m very happy with it. I purchased a Bryston BDP-2 as my music server and no, everyone doesn’t want to stream music. Maybe most of the younger generation because they are more used to it. Some of us older than 35 like to hook the cables up, press play and it works. Also, I like to physically own what I listen to. One reason is that companies go out of business all the time. Especially lately and if you have everything in a cloud and they go out of business, so has your content.

[@JoshCarterWeb]

Any reason not to use optical or coax for that?

[@tazbahahisrael3190]

@@JoshCarterWeb , actually for my Bryston, I do use a coaxial cable.

[@hta4615]

Anthem has made some of the best products for the money. It will be interesting to see if they are able to continue that standard

[@ldenny8694]

I think you may have meant to say the DAC in the AVM-90 is the AK4499EQ, which has a S/N of 134db rather than the AVM-70's AK4490EQ DAC which has a S/N or 120db.

[@traemyers6847]

Exciting New Product with amazing room correction. Cant Wait to test Drive!

[@ubacow7109]

In the headphone game they've been using these chips for a while, it's strange how it's taken HT so long to get into modern DACs ~

[@dlcphoto]

I have an older AVR in my Theater, which is getting somewhat out of date. My room isn't optimal for sound, and I'm pretty interested in the Anthem's Room Correction potential to really improve things. I think there may be one of these Anthems in my future.

[@TB-wc5bm]

The only negative thing about this processor is its lack of Auro-3D . There is a lot of pre-pros out there that either support Auro-3D or they support IMAX Enhance . Why can’t all these companies just support all the audio codecs out there. I know there are companies out there that support all the audio codecs. I personally feel companies would be better served if they included every Audio codec available in their pre-pros.

[@gamecock2465]

I read about a fire at the factory in Japan that makes the chips for the AKM dacs used in these. Supposedly production of the chips is being outsourced to two different manufacturers, I hope that doesn’t affect the quality and consistency or even the supply. I am needing a new receiver now and have been waiting for the new line of Anthem receivers to become available, now a MRX 740 is in my near future.

[@scottnewnam6976]

There was a fire last year that completely disrupted the chipsets going to virtually every major receiver in the world. For a short period the manufacturers did not know what was available. However, for many of the high-performance companies like Anthem, they had already produced the higher-end chips. The cost of the DACs that were in the market went up. This is one reason that the Anthems came out later than we all wanted and also why you will find incredibly tight supply in the market for quite a while as manufacturing catches back up. However, the great news is that the chips they are using are fabulous and everyone is in catch up mode right now.

[@karlamarx2547]

Is this a joke? No 8k, but upgrade later? Not buying the eARC work-around. No Auro-3D either? For $7k I expect this to be included. I would love to upgrade my 7.2.6+2 current set-up to 9.4.8, but I guess I'll have to wait some more. Does anyone know when the Marantz AV 8805A or 8806 is due?

[@suspectdevice7397]

There's no current solution for 8K that exists, it's still a good year away. How they plan to execute the upgrade will be interesting to know. As I have already taken the HDMI board out of the AVM 90, I'm confident with being able to do it but I wouldn't expect that many installers would want to be doing it. I'm curious to see if they are wanting the unit to be removed from site and returned to the dealer (not sure how this gets implemented in different countries) and the dealer/distributor is meant to do the upgrade ? No idea, we will see.

[@shanejohnson495]

Thanks for the review. Can’t wait to hear these!

[@grandviewlodge3731]

4 subs! Yes! Great comparison!

[@ImportLenz]

I had my Avm 70 delivered a couple of days ago. I went from an older denon avr that was paired with the mca 525 amplifier. It’s a night and day difference without me even setting up ARC with all my speakers. John Wick 3 had me hearing sounds and details I never did before. I was told Anthem has to release a 2nd firmware update before I can calibrate using ARC( Have you heard this?). I am using my theater room for gaming and movies, my screen is the LGCX with HDMI 2.1 and Earc. I’m having an issue getting the internal apps to play off the tv or any hdmi connected to the TV. Can you help or suggest which setting I’m missing from the Anthem to enable sound from the tv?

[@johnf517]

Curious to know how the AVM70 compares with Yamaha CX5200....

[@JamboLinnman]

Any idea if these are capable of processing and playing multi-channel SACD from a player with a DSD digital output (like the Sony UBP-X1000es)?

[@jimhamlin6551]

2.1 hdmi support ? Hardware upgrade? What is the cost of the upgrade?

[@scottnewnam6976]

The timing and cost of the future 8k upgrade are not yet known. They will wait till the new 8k boards are locked down and then choose the right board to go with.

[@ThePaulromi]

Can you please explain the need for antenna's if the anthem is wired to ethernet?

[@adrianvaughn3170]

Anthem's ARC Genesis is great but Lyngdorf's Room Perfect is superior in comparison! The character of your speakers is preserved in ways no other room correction software is able to do that I've experienced to date. I wish ARC Genesis was a bit closer to that kind of result.

[@Samzep]

Why no talk on the 1140

[@davemccague222]

Hi Scott great review.. I have a dedicated home theater approx 25 x 12. Due to the depth I’d like to run 6 heights. I’m presently running 4 heights with a marantz 7010 receiver. What kind of sonic improvements can I expect to see if I purchase the Anthem 1140. Would love to get your opinion on this. I love your content keep it up.

[@Icelandlover]

ARC (Anthem Room Calibration) is not working on the AVM70 at launch. Maybe by March 2020. Unforgivable. Also, you need GOOGLE HOME to have access to the settings!!

[@eubikedude]

How does it "know where every speaker is"? Does it have more than one mic capsule inside, e.g. like Trinnov? Or even an angle measurment template to use like Yamaha's YPAO?

[@chrisgargiulo304]

These are BEASTS!

[@Roof_Pizza]

I've never found that radio and a tv broadcast sync.

[@erod9088]

Word is circulating that the AVM90 will not be available until Oct 2021 at the earliest.

[@zatara5299]

can you please do a video like this for Anthem MCA gen 2 power amp?

[@maximilianadair3237]

Great review. I have 4 subs in a full Golden ear Triton reference (front and back) 11 channel setup. I am wondering, are the extra 2 sub controls really worth the 2x price tag? That's a pricey jump for minimal extra manufacturing cost

[@scottnewnam6976]

The AVM90 won't be publicly available for some time. This is really a very subjective decision on AVM70 vs AVM90. You can honestly get really close by running two sets of subs in pairs on the AVM70. So ARC will calibrate each pair as if they were one sub. Most people will do this particularly since the 90 is a ways out. If you want us to look at your own exact situation, give us a call at audioadvice.com and we can give you more personalized advice related to your exact room and situation.

[@GracieKal]

I recently purchased the Anthem MRX 1140 (Not Installed yet) to go with a 7.4.2 Martin Logan (1 Edge 2 Axis on fronts) ElectroMotion IW in surrounds, and R's in Ceilings (2 Dynamo 12" for Subs) Would you recommend the need for an processor to power these? or would the MRX 1140 Suffice? Thanks

[@leonshaw3362]

Gracie- I think you will be fine, the MRX 1140 and older 1120 drive most speakers well and it has preamp outs should you decide to add more power

[@GracieKal]

@@leonshaw3362 Thanks!

[@scottnewnam6976]

Yes. Leon is exactly right. You will be happy. One day you may add a stereo amp to that setup but first enjoy the 1140. I am releasing a video next week of my review on the receivers with details on the 1140. We are also sending out my video on how to get the most out of the 1140 from a setup perspective.

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

Hows the on screen menu / navigation ?

[@leonshaw3362]

Kanga- the on screen is good, but the best part is the new web interface. It is so much faster to set things up this way, especially typing in custom input names.

[@priyankprakash6035]

Hey, can we directly connect two/one powered ceiling speakers to pre-out zone 2 in any avr? Or we still have to buy power amplifier to connect to pre-out zone-2?? Kindly note all self amp speakers of my receiver are equipped.

[@frankgyure3154]

In the Anthem website they mention (Native) DSD and the processors accept DSD. Exactly how and details. Do they accept bitstream which would be DSD. Does it work with 2 channel and/or multichannel?

[@Kiloptero]

hi! any recomendation for amp? im trying to consolidate in 1 system my ht and stereo? will be enough the mca new line? im looking to adquire a persona 3f for stereo . thanks!!

[@deepanmurugan467]

Quick question. Is it possible to use only 11 of the 15 channels for speakers & have 4 subwoofers in total with the balance 3 (plus 2 subwoofer outputs ?) Is that possible ? Can we reassign unused channel for subwoofer & control 4 subwoofers independently in the AvM 70 ?

[@noyavargel]

i have important question.. what is the advantage of avm 70 over the avr lines? avm 70 cost more than avr line here. . and its a processor without power supply.. basically lose power supply and pay more? or am i missing something? are they using the same processor? same quality parts/sound? what really is the benefit of using the avm 70 over lets say mrx 1140? thanks !

[@AudioAdvice]

Reach out to our team of experts at audioadvice.com and they can help you out!

[@Cerim112]

Hi audio advisor what would you recommend the Arcam AV41 or the anthem AVM90.

[@AudioAdvice]

Please reach out to our team at www.audio advice.com to go over which model would be the better fit for your system. Thanks for watching

[@dan_hitchman007]

First point... this video is not a "review." It is an "overview." Second point... yes, the AVM 90 has "even better" DAC's... but if the processor (like many in this price range) only pegs at 24/48 PCM DSP support and downconverts 24/96, 24/192, and DSD signals to 24/48 PCM, especially when the calibration software is turned on, then the prettier DAC's are basically wasted and are only talking points (and the AVM 90 is then waaaaaay overpriced for two more sub outs). Now, if Anthem pumped up the processing power and allowed for audiophile bitstreams of 24/96 and above while the calibration software is turned on with no signal downconversion, then that is a game-changer. Even the mighty Trinnov Altitude and JBL Synthesis clone only allow 24/96 internal processing.

[@adrianvaughn3170]

Anthem must implement TIDAL CONNECT streaming or it's a no-go!

[@SteveBot5000]

So the display looks very blue from here. Is that a trick of the camera or are they blue? On the site everything is white. I ask because I was going to upgrade based on the fact that the display was white this time. I know its odd but I find blue lights very hard to look at for some stupid reason.

[@RickyG512]

Does it have double bass for 2ch listening? I can't find this feature in the Anthem AVM60

[@theo610]

@Scott Newnam Hi Scott do you know if they plan to add High Fedility Music Internet streaming services like Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz? Cheers for the great review. I have just purchased the AVM90 here in the UK to go with my Wisdom Audio L8i speaker home audio system.

[@nickrich6968]

These actually have Chromecast and will add Roon support soon. You can use Chromecast for Qobuz and Tidal through their apps on both IOS and android. Both Roon and Chromecast will allow you to stream at 24/96.

[@theo610]

@@nickrich6968 fantastic that's great thank you for the info. I wish they would also support Plexamp. Cant wait to test this processor.

[@scottnewnam6976]

Nick beat me to it, but he is exactly right. Spotify Connect and Roon are in certification now.

[@Kiloptero]

No more Dts Playfi? :( the interface was not so great.. but the quality of the sound was great!!

[@leonshaw3362]

Andres- that is right, they did away with DTS Playfi- we liked the sound too, but we were not crazy about the interface and urged them to make the changes they did. If you are really into great streaming sound, the fact it will be Roon ready soon is fantastic

[@Kiloptero]

@@leonshaw3362 Yes!! roon is amazing.. the issue for me is im only using streaming services not a personal local collections.. so , DTS PLAY FI was enough... :( so saaad!!!

[@leonshaw3362]

@@Kiloptero Andres- Roon does do both Qobuz and Tidal- but yes, there is a one time cost for Roon, I love the interface though compared to everything else

[@Kiloptero]

@@leonshaw3362 thanka leon!!:)

[@NikolaEngineering]

Just bought this. I don't see any access to parametric eq.

[@AudioAdvice]

Great question! If you purchased from audioadvice.com, please come chat with one of our surround sound experts in chat at audioadvice.io/aa-chat so we can help you sort this out. Thanks for watching!

[@jadan2000]

I'm definitely interested in the anthem AVN70. I currently own a JVCNX9. Do I need to choose an 8k processor to see the 8k upscaled signal from the NX9?

[@AudioAdvice]

Jhayden, thanks for your question. The answer is no, you do not. Please feel free to chat with us at www.audioadvice.com

[@sn4k3t56]

question about connecting subwoofer to avm 70 processor i have a svs pb16 ultra that has both an rca and xlr connection the RCA connection does have an LFE indication, but the XLR connections do not would also like to connect this via XLR but will I not lose the LFE functions?

[@AudioAdvice]

Please reach out on www.audioadvice.com to chat with one of our experts. Thanks for watching.

[@richlight9901]

I own the anthem D2 V2 processor with I run ATI amps that are bi wired and bi amp to the focal 937 BE and paradigm signature series monster center channel. My question is how does the new AVM 70 compare to my D2.

[@leonshaw3362]

Rich- the D2 V2 was great sounding. The AVM70 has much better DAC's in it as technology in that category has improved a lot over time. I think for the very best sound, the AVM90 will be the way to go though.

[@andycombs343]

Hi there - Does anyone know if on AVM90 - can all 4 subs’ levels be changed as a group on the Fly with Level Button on remote? Thanks!

[@AudioAdvice]

That is a good question, it does appear you can adjust the level of groups of speakers with the level trim or you could do another mode to have all the subs up 3dB or whatever and switch to that mode on the fly Thanks for watching

[@taylorrasmus1905]

Fantastic!

[@3095Alex]

Anthem AVM90 Dac is ak4499eq not ak4490eq Dac like AVM70.

[@gabrielegelfofx]

please test it with Roon

[@darrylfleet3773]

👍 Amazing I ❤ Love It This Sound's Amazing Even When I Listen With My ( Bower's & Wilkins PX7 Carbon ) 🎧 Headphones On 👍 😆 Ha Ha Ha Love It. Enjoy Darryl from Baltimore Md

[@3095Alex]

I'm I hearing this wrong because I heard he said AVM70 vs AVM90 used the same ak4490eq Dac?

[@tyroneakins5921]

I think that was a mistake. AVM90 uses ak4499EQ

[@pachimuro9677]

Hi, regards from Spain.... If you had to buy a good processor, Anthem avm70 or Marantz av8805? Thank you in advantage

[@AudioAdvice]

Both are great choices, if it is purely audio performance, we prefer the Anthem AVM70. Thanks for watching

[@wilfredkioko2669]

How many bands of equalization do the AVM 70 & AVM 90 have respectively?

[@AudioAdvice]

Wilfred- they have bass and treble, but there are lots of adjustments in the Pro mode of ARC Genesis. We go over it in this video-kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHKsiKmni92gnpY Thanks for watching

[@chadl1142]

Anthem is great stuff.

[@scottwrezenski2356]

So how about all the bugs I have heard about with the 70. Have they been fixed.

[@AudioAdvice]

There have been some bugs. Anthem says there is a release of the firmware coming in 3 weeks that takes care of the very last one that related to settings. Thanks for watching!

[@tazoriginal]

If you had a choice of Arcam and Anthem processors which would you choose?

[@AudioAdvice]

Taz, thanks for watching. Please hop over to www.Audioadvice.com and chat with one of our home theater experts. Both are great options. They are online Mon-Sat

[@theoracleprodigy]

Would love to hear that comparison. I have an arcam now and it's pretty buggy. Would love to know how the sound compares though because it's very good in that aspect.

[@mell9380]

Can't wait.

[@nickvaillancourt3622]

Based on how vague the "Roon" section is on the website, I'm assuming Roon Tested and not Roon Ready?

[@BUZDRIFT]

Yeah but the price jump is insane, literally a PLUS $5k over the 70!

[@adrianbarac3063]

Agreed. That is RIDICULOUS. Hard to justify that sort of price hike.

[@Adream-lf3mw]

Are they ISF certified?

[@deepanmurugan467]

Do they support voice control for Google Assistant/Alexa ? If they don't right now.....is it possible they could add it via future firmware update ?

[@theo610]

They do support voice control

[@deepanmurugan467]

@@theo610 you sure ? May i ask how do you know ?

[@theo610]

@@deepanmurugan467 hey mate, I am receiving this processor soon and asked the dealer and he said yes although I haven't tested it myself I must say

[@leonshaw3362]

Deepan- great question- There is no voice control at this time. Anything is possible through updates, but I would be surprised to see it offered. I guess you could technically say it has voice control if you use it coupled with a home automation system that had voice control, but you can not set it up with an Amazon or Google device directly for voice control. The Anthem products do support all the major home automation brands and some have the ability to do voice control- although it's pretty limited at this time and not 100% in our opinion

[@scottnewnam6976]

Leon is correct. I show in my setup video that goes out to purchasers how to connect Google Home. You can tell your Google Home app on your phone to stream music to the Anthem. That does work and you can do the same with Siri to stream to the Anthem. However, there is no voice control from the perspective of using Alexa or Google to perform functions like changing inputs, etc.

[@astuteness]

This AVM70 has too many problems. Threads in every forum talk about the short comings of this processor. Production has been stopped on the AVM 90 cause of problems , this will follow suit shortly. Tell us about other alternatives for stand alone processors now. You have other options Scott.

[@AudioAdvice]

It is true that Anthem launched the AVM70 with an early version of the software. They have now upgraded that software several times. Pretty much all good processors these days are like computers where they get launched once they hit a certain level of capability and then other upgrades and bug fixes come after time. We sell all of the major processors and can tell you that they pretty much all go through the same process. From a perspective of seeing the pros and cons of all of the current processors, we can tell you that the AVM70 is actually terrific and has good software where the vast majority of people are using it with no issues at all. That's not to say that there will not be bugs here and there, but 99% of the buyers of these are not in the forums and forums tend to have the most vocal people be those that have an issue. If you give us a call and talk through your setup, we can tell you if we think you may have an issue and also what processor would be best for you. Your point is a good one that we can way better help people with if we know the exact setup and which brand and processor would work best

[@astuteness]

I just picked mine up 2 hours ago. I will find out in a few days.@@AudioAdvice

[@doyleshafer]

So which sounds better before calibration; AVM70 or Arcam AV40? Wondering if the 1,000 price difference is worth it.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for your question, it might be best if you popped in to chat at www.audioadvice.com with one of our experts. They can learn more about your system to help you make the best selection.

[@we8463]

When will the AVM 90 be available?

[@AudioAdvice]

We have not heard yet but it is in the works. You can sign up on our site to be notified when it is available. www.audioadvice.com/anthem-avm90-15-4--av-pre-amplifier-processor

[@rissymazz7463]

How do you connect av70 to internet?

[@leonshaw3362]

There is an ethernet jack on the rear and it can do WiFi as well. Thank you for watching!

[@mdjak3686]

This is now available, correct?

[@AudioAdvice]

The AVM70 is shipping in small batches, we are still back ordered on several orders for customers. The AVM90 was delayed due to the chip fire last year that destroyed the AKM factory where the chips they were going to use are made. You can get on our wait list here www.audioadvice.com/anthem-avm70-15-2-av-pre-amplifier-processor. Thanks for watching

[@gcs8]

Great, it's everything I want, but I only want 2.1 with XLR out, who do I need to blow to get that idea in front of someone at Anthem? Blame LTT for me being here.

[@AudioAdvice]

Anthem actually has exactly what you are looking for. Their 2 channel stereo preamp has ARC with dual sub bass management and XLR outs for all channels. The only problem is due to worldwide chip shortages, they are out of them right now. www.audioadvice.com/anthem-str-preamplifier Thanks for watching

[@gcs8]

@@AudioAdvice Nice, but why does it cost more than the AVM 70? You would think with less connectivity and less licensing for surround formats that it would be sub $1,999.

[@AudioAdvice]

@@gcs8 Great point. We suspect it is mostly economies of scale. Anthem will produce probably 10-20 times the number of AVM70's as the STR Preamp

[@RickyG512]

I wish it had XLR inputs

[@tazbahahisrael3190]

It does have them.

[@RickyG512]

@@tazbahahisrael3190 I don't see it, only RCA in for analogue. Only XLRs i see are outputs

[@tazbahahisrael3190]

Ricky G , my fault. That’s what I thought you were talking about. The outputs.

[@blueflame0003]

Oh its 4499eq on the 90....big difference

[@nicost7866]

Really a Big différence ?

[@nebtheweb8885]

Big difference in the noise floor but I doubt that any human could hear the difference between the two. Only measuring it would actually show any difference, but soundwise. no. The AVM-90 is the AK4499EQ, which has a S/N of 134db rather than the AVM-70's AK4490EQ DAC which has a S/N or 120db

[@Corvetto1991]

no Auro3D ???? :(

[@nebtheweb8885]

Nope

[@blueflame0003]

This video is misinformation the dac on the 70,90 are not 4490eq....i think the 90 use 4493eq...i think....

[@ebarbie5016]

They're full of bugs!

[@googoo-gjoob]

am i the only person to notice these guys are incapable of enunciating all the syllables in their name? this guy (the ceo, yet) says Audi Advice

[@nebtheweb8885]

What's your excuse?

[@grigoreciobanu7777]

$12k??????????? Seriously??????????? :)

[@nebtheweb8885]

Seriously!

[@andysummersthxcinemaandmyc7748]

dolby atmos and dolby dsu Rubbish