The Best Way to Get Into Audio Separates for Home Theater

I'm talking all about migrating into external amplifiers and audio separates for home theater in a smart and effective manner. Do you need amps? What might it do for your system? How to go about it? Here you go!
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#hometheater #homecinema #amplifier

[@JLRJ]

I totally agree with you. The AVM70 is my 1st introduction to separates. I’ve only had receivers and the 3050 Yamaha was my last one. The Yamaha makes great Receivers and honestly the Anthem wasn’t that much better sounding to me but I’ve grown to appreciate it more! Having separates is a status symbol showing that you’ve finally made it. You can be just as happy with a Receiver now that I’ve had both. I also agree that you should spend the bulk of your budget on your front stage. That’s the most important part of your Audio system. You definitely come up with some interesting and thought provoking subjects! Love Them!❤👴🏽

[@Techthusiasm]

Thanks! Pragmatic home theater here! :)

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

The anthem MRX1140 is what I ordered. I like the flexibility with not having to use amps if I don’t want to.

[@Techthusiasm]

Congrats! Hopefully you ordered from Audio Advice with my link? If you need some help setting it up or learning ARC Genesis, I offer consulting sessions for this.

[@mikedelcomyn1091]

Good video. I went down the path you described without planning it. Added an external amp for LCR. Then when my Marantz AVR died I decided to move up to separated (Anthem AVM 70). For me, far more than the smaller improvements I got from better amps, the biggest difference was in overall sound quality. The separation and clarity was noticeably improved. So amplification aside, I think the main benefits to separates is that the boxes are higher quality and that comes through in the performance. You get what you pay for!

[@Techthusiasm]

Nice!

[@bigdogaxis]

Added amps to a MRX-1120 and immediately realized better speaker performance as all speakers are 4 ohm. From that point, I decided to go full separates. Currently saving up for the AVM90 as I want the better dacs as well as the four sub bass management would allow me to repurpose the miniDSP in a 2.2 setup in my office.

[@Techthusiasm]

Nice!

[@johngonzalez3502]

My surround setup is a Denon AVR-X3700H with a Marantz MM7502 powering my L/R fronts. I have a Marantz MM7055 powering my Center,Side Surrounds,& rear surrounds. Also an Emotiva Bas x4 powering my heights. Runs my Klipsch reference speakers well

[@Techthusiasm]

Nice!

[@eldondoucet2847]

Totally agree with you. I used to use separates, such as Lexicon LX-7, Bryston SP-3, Wyred 4 Sound DAC. But a few years ago I discovered the Anthem line and bought a MRX-1140 running 7.2.4 and then upgraded with the MCA-325 Rev. 2. Absolutely wonderful sound. Anthem's built-in DAC (using HDMI from a Roon Nucelus) is as good or better then the W4S DAC I used to use. Got rid of all my previous separates. The MRX-1140 can handle all the other channels really well. The only upgrade path now might be to go to the AVM-90 and 2 more Anthem MCA-525's, but that's a lot of investment and not sure I can get there. Quite pleased with this setup!

[@Techthusiasm]

Ha, nice! You're basically on the perfect progression I mentioned in the video (1140 + MCA 3 channel). Absolutely, the next step would be AVM 90 and full separates, but it is certainly a choice, not a need. You could be happily end game where you are now.

[@totalplonker824]

I'm all about getting my room as quiet as possible! Maybe I'm just a little sensitive to the background signal noise (noise floor) but for me, even though I'm running an arcam avr20 with a couple of matching high-performance 4 channel power amps (front stage/Atmos) which are driving my Sonus Faber speakers in a 5.2.4 configuration, which also includes a stereo pair of Rel subwoofers. I have to say it was only when I purchased quality shielded speaker & RCA cables did my room finally become exceptionally quiet! Last group of cables I shielded were my HDMIs and lo and behold the room became slightly quieter yet again. My room is now so quiet without me opening my eyes, there are occasions I'm actually unable to differentiate whether the system is switched off or if it's switched on. If one is looking to get an exceptionally quiet room, IMO shielded cables are the only way to go about it and BTW this is coming from someone who's changed his setup and cables multiple times.

[@P-LOWN1997]

I’m using a denon x6700h and a emotiva xpa-3 gen 3 and really happy with the results for my 7,2,4 setup. No need for seperates for me sounds really good as it is. Really nice video keep up the great work 👍

[@Techthusiasm]

Awesome! Receiver plus LCR on external amp is excellent!

[@fezzle81]

I recently upgraded my Denon x3400H to use a OSD xa3200 3-channel amp connected via Monolith RCA cables. I was excited to hear the difference in my LCR Klipsch RP8000F and 504C's up front but what I was greeted with was a nasty buzz/hum in the speakers, it was a ground loop. I determined it was coming from the Projector and PC through the HDMI connection and because the Denon is only a 2 prong without ground where as the OSD has a 3 prong ground plug. After many hours and combinations I was able to solve the ground loop by connecting some speaker wire to the port of the HDMI out going to the projector and crossing it over to connect to a loose screw on the OSD amp. Voila, the buzzing disappeaerd, there are many people out there that suggest using a HumX power plug or a 3 prong to 2 prong ground lift plug (which is dangerous). So it wasn't a great first impression, but now when I crank the system, I can hear more clarity and just headroom in the sound! Part of it is placebo i'm sure but I can tell a subtle difference more at higher volume's closer to reference, plus it's just bad ass hearing the amp click on through the trigger lol

[@Techthusiasm]

I've found that HDMI can very easily propagate electrical noise. I get it from my PC over HDMI.

[@steve_fleming]

Good content, great video.

[@Techthusiasm]

Thanks!

[@stevelivingstone3495]

anthem is amazing. But the new Integra drx 8.4 has xlr output and input. i have this and anthem love them both.

[@erod9088]

Sounds quality is rarely noticeable unless you listen really loud, but it keeps the heat away from your internal computer boards, DACs, etc. That's why I use them, plus the cool factor. MRX amps are overkill (I have one, too). Outlaws are great and very inexpensive.

[@Techthusiasm]

Thanks!

[@gregbartley2475]

Another thing to consider is how much of a load you are putting on a (typical) power supply in a multi channel receiver. They run out of steam at higher volume. I have a JBL Synthesis processor, monoblocks for my front l/r, a five channel for my cc and 2 pairs of sides, a 2 channel for rears and a class d 8 channel for in ceiling. A friend of mine recently picked up a used Rotel RMB-1095 (200x5) for a great price and connected it to his Onkyo. Even his wife who could care less about audio commented on how much better it sounds

[@Techthusiasm]

Yep, take that strain off the unit to help improve performance.

[@gregbartley2475]

You are in the Detroit area, correct Jeremy? I’m west of Cleveland if you ever want to check my system out.

[@Techthusiasm]

Yep, southeast Michigan. I'll keep ya in mind. :)

[@victorpulos823]

Good video

[@Techthusiasm]

Thanks!

[@abefroman.]

Digging your channel and your topics! I'm currently demoing a MRX-1140 and already have a Monolith 7x amp. I'm really enjoying the Anthem sound after coming from a Marantz 8012 AVR. Now I'm trying to decide how much more I might get by going true prepro with a AVM 70 instead of the 1140? The alternative would be to hold onto the 1140 until Anthem's next product refresh and see what has change, notably if they have DTS-X Pro or other DSP offerings since I have a 9.2.6 config in our theater.

[@Techthusiasm]

I think it might be a bit before we see any new models from them. Hopefully we have a good run ahead of the current MRX and AVM being supported with new features and firmware vs. whole new numbered models. We'll see. I wonder about an 1140 vs. AVM face off too. If or how much "better" the AVM line is. I think the 1140 is a heckuva unit. After making this video in fact, I was thinking I probably should have gone 1140 plus 3 channel amp and called it a day. My gut tells me any difference between the 1140 and 70, at least, is probably marginal at best.

[@abefroman.]

@@Techthusiasm yeah part of what's getting to me is I've also heard similar, that the 1140 and 70 are really close to each other, esp if you are adding a amp to the 1140. Unfortunately there is only one way to confirm this. I'm also curious as to your take, and maybe I missed it if you mentioned this in another video, but how do you think the Anthem compares to the Trinnov since you've had both in your room? Is the Trinnov night/day like people make it out to be, or is it more about the config/software options they offer, and the Anthem gets you 80-90% of the sound of the Trinnov?

[@Techthusiasm]

I would have to do another round with the Trinnov to really be able to answer that. To me, I think I'd be perfectly happy capping out with an AVM 90 for the price.

[@rayjackson6808]

Great Channel. Need your opinion. I have a Marantz 7013 receiver. I also have an Outlaw 5ch 125 per that drives the main . Front, center, and surround, I also have a Bass X a6 for 4 atmos, and 2 surround backs. Is the Marantz good enough to act as a stand alone processor?, or should plan on getting a Pre Pro? Thanks in advance.

[@Techthusiasm]

I used Marantz gear for a long time and was very happy with it. I do feel that Anthem is next level though and felt I noticed right away on the switch. I don't think you need to be a rush, but I'm sure you'll up with a more premium preamp at some point.

[@lesterd6480]

Hi nice video. I have an Anthem Mrx 1120 with Emotiva amps. I’m thinking of upgrading to the Mrx 1140 or the avm 70. My question is for separates why would I go with the avm 70 over 1140 being they cost almost the same? Is there any sound quality difference?

[@Techthusiasm]

If you already have enough external amps for all your speakers and like them, then get the AVM 70. If you'd need some amp channels in the receiver, then happily take the 1140.

[@viswad4u]

Very informative video! I purchased Marantz SR8015 for my 7.2.4 HT room, do I need to add a separates for it or just Marantz alone can do the splits for individual channel? My subs are SVS SB-2000 pro and Front L/R & C are B&W CI700 Series 3 way and SR L/R & SRB L/R are B&W CWM664 and Sonance MAG8R for atmos, Thanks!

[@Techthusiasm]

That is a receiver, so it has amps built in. You wouldn't need to add separate amps unless you wanted to push fidelity or needed more channels.

[@stevieg3078]

What would you recommend to someone who is starting from scratch and wants to go with separates? I'm building a nice 5.1 surround with Focal Theva or maybe the Arendals. Thanks.

[@Techthusiasm]

If you want all separates? Anthem AVM 70 or 90 if you want 4 subs and can swing the cost. Then fill in with amps of your choice. I'm really into my current class D NAD models. Buckey is a great value alternative. Anthem makes nice amps themselves. Lots of options. I do calls with folks if you're interested to discuss your system and plans. Reach out at [e-mail].

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

How can I hook my bass shakes up to my mrx 1140

[@Techthusiasm]

The 1140 will send two discrete subwoofer outputs. Depending how many subs and shakers you have then you may need to add a miniDSP or something extra to discretely tune each element.

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

great video i have 2 crown ce1000 power amps they are older . do u think it would be worth getting them fixed or buy new ..?..

[@Techthusiasm]

How old? If they are broken and not working right, I'd probably look to something new if they are very old.

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

@@Techthusiasm i think they are in the 90s i was told they came from a movie theater....but i think it may be cheaper to buy new ones....

[@Techthusiasm]

Yes, retire them, IMO.

[@nicholasstevenson6684]

Solid analysis. Thank you. Where are affordable modern AV receivers with basic pre-outs: left and right and subs? Manufacturers know how to put pre-outs on receivers and pre-amplifiers. They've done it for decades. However, they have recently conspired to exclude them on receivers under a thousand dollars. The average Joe wants a receiver that is compatible with all his devices and video/surround formats for years to come, regardless of changing speaker configurations needing separate amplifiers, etc. It would be the easiest thing in the world for one manufacturer to make a receiver (or processor) like this once every five years that would destroy the competition. I would thank anyone to recommend models that prove me wrong. I just want A/V processing comparable to modern receivers and pre-outs for 5.2 channels. I'll never use more than two surround channels. I want to spend on matched speakers and amplifiers. Should I just go with computers and pro-audio? That seems silly when all I want to do is play movies and music, occasionally 175 watts going left and right.

[@Techthusiasm]

Receivers/audio preamps is an area that has gone more expensive. Check all the offerings from Anthem, Sony, Denon, Marantz, and the other usual suspects.

[@EricArnsbarger]

Love the video and your channel. Im newish to the hobby and just got an Anthem MRX1140, and lice it. Thank you for the great content. Quick question.....why dont we see your intro anymore? I realky liked it.

[@Techthusiasm]

Thanks! I think that 1140 is one of the best buys in receivers, nice! I dropped using the intro a while ago in conjunction with trying to learn to make "better" videos that are shorter, tighter, on point, and get right in without any extended additions at the beginning. Most people leave videos literally within the first seconds. I still like the feel of having an intro, but I think the concept is sound to not use them.

[@jeremiahulishney5322]

With front 3 speakers rated at 75rms and 300 peak watts are separates needed (7.2.4)

[@Techthusiasm]

What is the sensitivity of those speakers? Per the video, front 3 LCR amp plus receiver is a really nice way to go.

[@jeremiahulishney5322]

Speaker is 93db using anthem MRX 1140

[@Techthusiasm]

That's pretty high, so easier to drive and the 1140 is a favorite, excellent receiver of mine. I wouldn't feel any super need to add an amp to your setup, but it's definitely something you could try out or progress into in the long run if you felt you wanted to. There are other factors too like room size, distance, how loud you usually listen, and is this a dedicated room or a living room?

[@jeremiahulishney5322]

speakers that only have a RMS of 75 watts and the 3ch amp putting out 200 RMS is the amp to powerful for these speakers?