Anthem AVM90 AV Processor Review

[peng]

I tried Dirac several years ago on a NAD processor….also used Audyssey and Krell room correction for several years. For me, ARC is easy to run and gives the best results in my 5.2 system. What really makes ARC so effective is help from an expert: many of us send our files to David (he is on another forum) who can make refinements and send it back (usually the next day): with his help my system has never sounded so good: he has done about 4000 files (usually at no charge) for Anthem users.

For those interested in "comparison" such as what @Descartes may be referring to, I have compared the two extensively. Based on measurements using REW and Umik-1, Dirac Live (versions from several years ago may not be as good as there has been many updates) is by far the best for those who don't bother tweaking post calibration, followed by Audyssey, and ARC G, to my disappointment don't even come close, though the recent update has fixed the bass neutering issue and is now almost as good as Audyssey based on just run calibration without tweaking.

With tweaking, Audyssey could come close to Dirac Live, though with bass control, Dirac Live still does significantly better, even if using just a single subwoofer. ARC G has potential, but in its current form, it is very hard to tweak for the best (in terms of smoothness, accuracy etc.) measured response because the options are more limite/restricted, as Gene had alluded to his recent comments (forgot which thread, but it is on Audioholics, or one of his YT videos), so even for experience users, it can be very time consuming, and its bass optimization (same principle as Dirac's bass control) does not work well, though again, I am confident they will get there eventually, may take a couple of years, as they do seem to support, and continue updating the software. That's unlike Audyssey, that seemed to only update the apps often enough, but not the core of the software/algorithm..). The best part about ARC G is, it is build in, no license fees, and again, you get updates even after a few years, potentially.. So, it feels like free lol...

My findings are just based on my two rooms, two setups so ommv applies, and it is based on measurements only, for subjective measurements/by ears/brains, all bets are off, obviously.

 

[markrubin]

I also had experience with REW and Mini DSP system which I added to a Krell Foundation 4K processor (my favorite processor but I did not like Krell RC). Due to an error on my part, while setting up the Mini DSP, I managed to blow both Focal Be tweeters: that is when I realized you need a single box solution….

 

[Descartes]

For those interested in "comparison" such as what @Descartes may be referring to, I have compared the two extensively. Based on measurements using REW and Umik-1, Dirac Live (versions from several years ago may not be as good as there has been many updates) is by far the best for those who don't bother tweaking post calibration, followed by Audyssey, and ARC G, to my disappointment don't even come close, though the recent update has fixed the bass neutering issue and is now almost as good as Audyssey based on just run calibration without tweaking.

With tweaking, Audyssey could come close to Dirac Live, though with bass control, Dirac Live still does significantly better, even if using just a single subwoofer. ARC G has potential, but in its current form, it is very hard to tweak for the best (in terms of smoothness, accuracy etc.) measured response because the options are more limite/restricted, as Gene had alluded to his recent comments (forgot which thread, but it is on Audioholics, or one of his YT videos), so even for experience users, it can be very time consuming, and its bass optimization (same principle as Dirac's bass control) does not work well, though again, I am confident they will get there eventually, may take a couple of years, as they do seem to support, and continue updating the software. That's unlike Audyssey, that seemed to only update the apps often enough, but not the core of the software/algorithm..). The best part about ARC G is, it is build in, no license fees, and again, you get updates even after a few years, potentially.. So, it feels like free lol...

My findings are just based on my two rooms, two setups so ommv applies, and it is based on measurements only, for subjective measurements/by ears/brains, all bets are off, obviously.

That’s unfortunate that ARC Genesis is not that good according to your experience, hopefully Anthem will update their software as many do not tweak their calibrations!

 

[peng]

That’s unfortunate that ARC Genesis is not that good according to your experience, hopefully Anthem will update their software as many do not tweak their calibrations!

As mentioned, the last update has already fixed the bass neutering that not only me, but many had experienced, even those loyal fans on AVSforum, that's one of the reasons why so many, including markrubin send their files to that gentleman who someone would tweaked their files to their liking, sight unseen.

 

[Descartes]

As mentioned, the last update has already fixed the bass neutering that not only me, but many had experienced, even those loyal fans on AVSforum, that's one of the reasons why so many, including markrubin send their files to that gentleman who someone would tweaked their files to their liking, sight unseen.

When was the 1.9.5 released?

What gentleman?

 

[madrac]

1.9.5 was released around May of this year.

I am assuming the gentleman on AVS forum that he's referring to is @Yonettes.

 

[markrubin]

As mentioned, the last update has already fixed the bass neutering that not only me, but many had experienced, even those loyal fans on AVSforum, that's one of the reasons why so many, including markrubin send their files to that gentleman who someone would tweaked their files to their liking, sight unseen.

My point is the tweaks are important: not just for ARC G: some RC systems require/ recommend a pro to come to your HT to run the program…and apply some tuning/tweaks as may be desirable…many of us do not have that luxury, and do not know how good their system could sound…..I think most any RC could benefit from tweaks, but you need the expertise and experience to do it

 

[Descartes]

My point is the tweaks are important: not just for ARC G: some RC systems require/ recommend a pro to come to your HT to run the program…and apply some tuning/tweaks as may be desirable…many of us do not have that luxury, and do not know how good their system could sound…..I think most any RC could benefit from tweaks, but you need the expertise and experience to do it

I spent $400 several years ago to have my system calibrated by a so call THX Certified calibrator and I was not very impressed! It felt like a big waist of $$

 

[markrubin]

I spent $400 several years ago to have my system calibrated by a so call THX Certified calibrator and I was not very impressed! It felt like a big waist of $$

Same here when I paid ISF experts to come to my HT to calibrate my displays: I was disappointed and realized my wife has a better eye for correct display settings…..

 

[peng]

Same here when I paid ISF experts to come to my HT to calibrate my displays: I was disappointed and realized my wife has a better eye for correct display settings…..

Yep, I wouldn't use that kind of service, and would never believe anyone to tune my files as good as I can even if my skill might not be as good, simply because I go by measurements so after each tweak, no matter how minor, I would run REW and see if the results improve and so ommv, such as those who go by ears. That way, it is sort of having a feedback loop for "error" correction. It could be a lengthy process, but in the end I know I got the best possible results based on the flattest/smoothest possible frequency response without increased distortions and worsen impulse response, save that file for reference, and then tweak in some bass tilt as required. It is through such process that I know ARC G's bass control in its current form is not that good, but hopefully it will improve over time via updates. it is also through such process/exercise that I know my minidsp 2X4 HD is completely useless for devices that comes with ARCG, DL, or even Audyssey XT32 with app, and I thought such minidsp (specifically the lower models such as the 2X4HD) are super overrated by forum people, who seem to just grab one because others got them lol... It can eve make things worse in some cases but people don't realize that even when that happens.

 

[madrac]

Agree that a minidsp can make things worse, but there is some use even if one has one of the RC programs mentioned. I use a miniDSP Flex in my system (AVM90) - not to correct/integrate subs but primarily to load ezBEQ filters and integrate my Crowson transducers.

 

[peng]

Agree that a minidsp can make things worse, but there is some use even if one has one of the RC programs mentioned. I use a miniDSP Flex in my system (AVM90) - not to correct/integrate subs but primarily to load ezBEQ filters and integrate my Crowson transducers.

I refer to its 2V max output, that is about half that of most Denon/Marantz avrs. Enough for most applications, but..

 

[hwest]

Interested to know why!
The Marantz has so many additional features and tested slightly better than the Anthem per Amir review.

I saw the test results but the sound coming out of the Anthem units is better hands down regardless of what the measured results are. It's just reality, we all know a perfect curve never equates to perfect sound.

 

[madrac]

Several others on a different forum have also preferred the 90 vs av10

 

[Descartes]

Several others on a different forum have also preferred the 90 vs av10

Links please

 

[madrac]

multiple threads on AVS...I don't have links to specific posts, just the overall threads which you can search

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/marantz-av10-vs-anthem-av90.3264422/#replies

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/jbl-synthesis-sdp-58-vs-anthem-avm-90.3293810/page-8?post_id=63370105#post-63370105

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/official-anthem-avm-70-90-owners-thread.3181385/page-1272?post_id=63442829#post-63442829

and maybe in these two, as well...

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/owners-thread-for-mrx-540-740-1140-receivers.3180183/page-454?post_id=63441281#post-63441281

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/dedicated-arc-genesis-thread.3068892/page-530?post_id=63441653#post-63441653

 

[Deleted member 58670]

I refer to its 2V max output, that is about half that of most Denon/Marantz avrs. Enough for most applications, but..

The Flex balanced version gives you 4V....

 

[peng]

The Flex balanced version gives you 4V....

Thanks, that's why every time I mentioned the 2 V limit, I would specifically refer to the 2X4HD, except this time I actually missed that he said "Flex".

 

[Descartes]

Had anyone tried 4 subs and how does it sound?

 

[peng]

When was the 1.9.5 released?

What gentleman?

I didn't see this post. The firmware update I mentioned was not the ARC G software 1.9.5, but the firmware for the unit itself.

You can see that publicly they did not mention the bass response issue, but they probably go it covered other the last item, i.e. "other......improvements"

The bass fix I referred to was originally directly from Anthem's customer support. I typically don't want to copy/paste such responses on forums but if you are interested in seeing it, PM me.

It is hard to believe FW update for the unit would affect ARC G performance, never seen that happened in my experience with Denon and Marantz, but we are talking about Anthem.

Regardless, if you have not updated to FW 80, please do, you may be (or may be not) nicely surprised. For me, it does improve the results based on my REW measurements, but I am sure the improvements/effects would depend on the individual set up, i.e. speakers/subwoofers and their placements. I still have to do a fair bit of post calibration tweaking because I want pretty graphs, but with FW 80, the untweaked results are much closer to my minimum requirements.

From Anthem website:

Network Module Version: 2.3.213
Host firmware 80
- Improved Dolby Vision compatibility with some devices
- Fixed issue that could lead to audible distortion
- Other minor bug fixes and improvements