I went backwards and re-read all the posts and stumbled again, (as is my knowledge level and “expertise” in comprehending measurements) through Amirm’s very thorough assessment of the AVM 60. The whole time, my biggest issue was why? Lots of reasons of course, many I don’t follow...but inadequate shielding with simply too much in one box and poor DAC implementation are obvious flaws in almost all AVRs. But AVP’s should be a simpler animal without having to deal with the integrated amps. A few mentioned the possibility, but Francis Vaughan went right to the point:
Why is it worse than the 1120? By all rights, it should not be.
and another referral to a defective unit...
Aside from the “conspiracy theory” aspect of Upgradeitus’s post, obviously the unit does have issues. There is obviously no nefarious plot here, but both toslink and coaxial outputs are definitely not functioning.
When I call myself an Anthem “Semi Fan Boy”...it’s because I do like my MRX 510 (not 710 as I previously incorrectly stated) especially because of the success I have had with ARC’s implementation. But it was a long road getting there, with repeated back and forth’s with Anthem and finally a replacement receiver to fix an oscillating low level (not 60Hz) hum and a jittery screen display. The second one was not perfect, but better and I kept it.
I absolutely trust Amirm’s measurements. Even a novice like me can see the quality and scrutiny that goes into his reports. But, given my QC issues...and the experiences that others have had with Anthem and other “boutique” AVR/ AVP products, I can’t help but feel that this particular unit may not be representative of a properly functioning AVM60. There’s a lot of shade being thrown at Anthem here. Certainly for QC issues that’s fair. For not living up to the quality dedicated DAC’s that’s fair...but again...it’s a different animal with a lot more going with different requirements and expectations. But to call it a “stinking mass of garbage” (my paraphrase) when it’s likely we have a sick unit to start with seems a bit much.
Like I said...”semi fan boy” but my concerns here would apply to any and all reviews if I felt the tested unit in question was suffering from some defect that might affect the numbers.
Thoughts? Have I missed, misinterpreted something? My tech understanding is pretty miserable, so it’s likely...but that’s why I’m here.