Anthem STR pre-amp

[tree]

I wonder if a 3.5mm mono y splitter would work? Single male end into amp and trigger wire from AVR and STR into female ends. If both were accidently turned on at same time would it cause a problem?

View attachment 400510

I had a similar dilemma and I reached out to Anthem support about this. They claim there is no protection on the trigger outlet, so Y splitter isn't a good idea. I wasn't able to get an answer for that from my AVR manufacturer. I also reached out to a known audio equipment repair man in my area and he wanted to charge from me a very pricey solution. This was baffling to me because I thought that all I needed was a couple of diods, but he claimed I need more than that. I know people from my previous work which design electronics components, just didn't got around to ask them about this. In the end I gave up on this and the AVR is on when I listen to Music & TV.
I think that diod will reduce the voltage passing by around 0.7v (depends on the diod) but I don't think that the trigger is that sensitive as to care if he sees 12v or 10v. But if the trigger in does care, than a diod by itself won't work.

 

[Meep]

I had a similar dilemma and I reached out to Anthem support about this. They claim there is no protection on the trigger outlet, so Y splitter isn't a good idea. I wasn't able to get an answer for that from my AVR manufacturer. I also reached out to a known audio equipment repair man in my area and he wanted to charge from me a very pricey solution. This was baffling to me because I thought that all I needed was a couple of diods, but he claimed I need more than that. I know people from my previous work which design electronics components, just didn't got around to ask them about this. In the end I gave up on this and the AVR is on when I listen to Music & TV.
I think that diod will reduce the voltage passing by around 0.7v (depends on the diod) but I don't think that the trigger is that sensitive as to care if he sees 12v or 10v. But if the trigger in does care, than a diod by itself won't work.

Thanks for that detailed update.

I think that I too will live with both devices being powered up all the time. Feels like it's the path of least resistance.

 

[tree]

Thanks for that detailed update.

I think that I too will live with both devices being powered up all the time. Feels like it's the path of least resistance.

Just one thing. They both are on when listening to music not the tv/movies due to the bypass.

 

[Meep]

Just one thing. They both are on when listening to music not the tv/movies due to the bypass.

Well, that's the point.

If I'm sharing a power amp, either the AV Processor or the PRE have to trigger it. One or the other will be on unnecessarily in some cases.

If the PRE is the trigger, it needs to be on for movies. Unless there's a way to enable trigger in bypass mode?

I've got the PRE up and running but am waiting for some cables to do the integration. I'll have a play about with it when they arrive.

 

[Meep]

So this is worse than expected

As a reminder, I'm trying to set up my STR Pre in HT Bypass mode with a Marantz Processor in order to share L/R speakers and the amp that drives them.

The dilemma is, how do I trigger the amp ON when either one or the other pre amps is in use

So, having played about a bit, it turns out that HT Bypass mode seems to only engage when the STR Pre is in standby. It's not possible to select HT Bypass when the STR is powered on (the XLR input disappears from the menu when HT Bypass is enabled).

As the STR is in standby, no trigger voltage is output. Therefore, the STR cannot trigger the amp in HT Bypass, and I"ll need to trigger it from the AV Processor

That's fine until I want to listen to some stereo through the STR alone - there's no way to trigger the PA in this case and I'd need to redundantly power up the AV or, sacrilege, manually power on the power amp by pressing a button.

Unless I'm missing something fundamental here, this looks like a very half-arsed design on the Anthem for shared power amp management which is kind of the main point of HT Bypass

 

[tree]

So this is worse than expected

As a reminder, I'm trying to set up my STR Pre in HT Bypass mode with a Marantz Processor I. Order to share L/R speakers and the am that drives them.

The dilemma is, how do I trigger the amp ON when either on or the other pre amps is in use

So, having played about a bit, it turns out that HT Bypass mode seems to only engage when the STR Pre is in standby. It's not possible to select HT Bypass when the STR is powered on (the XLR input disappears from the menu when HT Bypass is enabled).

As the STR is in standby, no trigger voltage is output. Therefore, the STR cannot trigger the amp in HT Bypass, and I"ll need to trigger it from the AV Processor

That's fine until I want to listen to some stereo through the STR alone - there's no way to trigger the PA in this case and I'd need to redundantly power up the AV or, sacrilege, manually power on the power amp

Unless I'm missing something fundamental here, this looks like a very half-arsed design on the Anthem for shared power amp management which is kind of the main point of HT Bypass

You haven't missed anything. The only thing that makes the setup manageable is the macros on the smart remote.

 

[Meep]

I believe I've found a solution;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D482JZZG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This will generate 12V on a signal sense over XLR. If I place this between my STR and Power Amp, it should trigger the amp in all cases. Plus it has the added benefit of allows the addition of another source in future.

I'll report back on efficacy.

 

[vddobrev]

Question to owners of Anthem STR Preamp - is the front plate made of plastic or metal/aluminum?

 

[Neric]

Question to owners of Anthem STR Preamp - is the front plate made of plastic or metal/aluminum?

Feels like metal to me.

 

[ex audiophile]

Metal. Anthem usually has a spring sale in case you're interested.

 

[vddobrev]

Metal. Anthem usually has a spring sale in case you're interested.

Thanks, I have contacted the local dealer.
I am late to the STR party (I wish I knew about this sooner), and I am a bit afraid to pull the trigger as the model is quite old. However, the specs are outstanding, and exactly what I am looking for, i.e. HT Bypass with two subwoofers.
What are the chances of Anthem updating this soon? I am looking at the pre-amp and amp combo, I have no doubt about the amp, just the pre-amp.

 

[ex audiophile]

Thanks, I have contacted the local dealer.
I am late to the STR party (I wish I knew about this sooner), and I am a bit afraid to pull the trigger as the model is quite old. However, the specs are outstanding, and exactly what I am looking for, i.e. HT Bypass with two subwoofers.
What are the chances of Anthem updating this soon? I am looking at the pre-amp and amp combo, I have no doubt about the amp, just the pre-amp.

Gene did a detailed review of the preamp and amp; you may have seen it but if not:

Anthem STR Preamp and Power Amplifier Review

The Anthem STR preamp and power amplifier emphasize fidelity first armed with the latest in 32 bit DSP, ARC room correction, and oodles of power reserves on tap. More details in our review so read on.

www.audioholics.com

Not sure what an update of the preamp would offer, maybe a built in streamer, 4 sub outs, better spec DAC perhaps. I like having an external streamer so i can choose the interface I prefer and I'm not sure how many folks need 4 sub outs in a stereo setup. A better DAC would be a marketing advantage but I'm sure not audible. Keep an eye out on AudioMart etc for a used one, there have been several in the past few months. I don't want to sound like an Anthem salesman but in all seriousness the easy to use features (like knowing what the volume will be at start up and the option to choose profiles like subs on vs off, ARC on vs off) are wonderful. ARC is not only easy to use but the ability to quickly get a frequency response on a particular speaker or sub is huge, esp when you're trying to choose an optimal location or compare the effect of ARC on that particular speaker. Of all the electronics I've owned it's by far my favorite.

 

[vddobrev]

Gene did a detailed review of the preamp and amp; you may have seen it but if not:

Anthem STR Preamp and Power Amplifier Review

The Anthem STR preamp and power amplifier emphasize fidelity first armed with the latest in 32 bit DSP, ARC room correction, and oodles of power reserves on tap. More details in our review so read on.

www.audioholics.com

Not sure what an update of the preamp would offer, maybe a built in streamer, 4 sub outs, better spec DAC perhaps. I like having an external streamer so i can choose the interface I prefer and I'm not sure how many folks need 4 sub outs in a stereo setup. A better DAC would be a marketing advantage but I'm sure not audible. Keep an eye out on AudioMart etc for a used one, there have been several in the past few months. I don't want to sound like an Anthem salesman but in all seriousness the easy to use features (like knowing what the volume will be at start up and the option to choose profiles like subs on vs off, ARC on vs off) are wonderful. ARC is not only easy to use but the ability to quickly get a frequency response on a particular speaker or sub is huge, esp when you're trying to choose an optimal location or compare the effect of ARC on that particular speaker. Of all the electronics I've owned it's by far my favorite.

Yes I have read this review, it is great detail. And thanks for the re-confirmation, as I personally need a stellar preamp for 2 channels and 2 subs, and this one seems to tick all my checklist items. No plans to do 4 subs. About DACs, I believe it is all in the implementaition, and this one has been reviewed as transparent. For one, the NAD M66 has ESS9038PRO, and I don't like the sound of their implementation with minimum-phase filter.
BTW, I only buy new gear, to get the most life-span out of it.
Thanks for stating this is your favourite electronics, by reading the user manual and reviews, I can easily see how it will become my favourite too.

Edit: Forgot to mention I do not want a built in streamer.
One more Q: can this Anthem STR Preamp detect audio signal on input and switch on automatically, like a trigger-in? And is there a delay setting in the trigger out, like 2-3 seconds before it powers on the amp?

 

[ex audiophile]

Yes I have read this review, it is great detail. And thanks for the re-confirmation, as I personally need a stellar preamp for 2 channels and 2 subs, and this one seems to tick all my checklist items. No plans to do 4 subs. About DACs, I believe it is all in the implementaition, and this one has been reviewed as transparent. For one, the NAD M66 has ESS9038PRO, and I don't like the sound of their implementation with minimum-phase filter.
BTW, I only buy new gear, to get the most life-span out of it.
Thanks for stating this is your favourite electronics, by reading the user manual and reviews, I can easily see how it will become my favourite too.

Edit: Forgot to mention I do not want a built in streamer.
One more Q: can this Anthem STR Preamp detect audio signal on input and switch on automatically, like a trigger-in? And is there a delay setting in the trigger out, like 2-3 seconds before it powers on the amp?

You’re most welcome. My only input is the coax output from a WiiM Pro streamer. The STR does not auto detect that signal, I have to turn on the unit from the front panel button or remote.
I don’t know if there’s a specific delay to the amps. I have a trigger cable from the STR out to one AHB2 and a second trigger cable from that amp to a second AHB2. There’s maybe a second or so delay before the amps put on their little light show and become active.
Others here may have more detail re trigger delay or an email to Anthem should clear it up.

 

[vddobrev]

You’re most welcome. My only input is the coax output from a WiiM Pro streamer. The STR does not auto detect that signal, I have to turn on the unit from the front panel button or remote.
I don’t know if there’s a specific delay to the amps. I have a trigger cable from the STR out to one AHB2 and a second trigger cable from that amp to a second AHB2. There’s maybe a second or so delay before the amps put on their little light show and become active.
Others here may have more detail re trigger delay or an email to Anthem should clear it up.

Thanks for replying. Now I am having a dilemma and need to decide what to get.

1. Anthem STR Pream alone and integrate it within my setup. Using NAD T778 for movies, and STR for 2 channel. All powered by NAD M27. This option will replace my M66, and the rest of the system will remain.
2. Anthem STR Pream + STR Amp. T778 and M27 for movie duties only. This option will not only replace my M66, but also upgrade my 2 channel amplification. I have always felt that M27 is kind of lean for my Sonus Faber speakers.

And another thought that I am having since last night - forget about STR and get AVM90 to replace both T778 and M66.

Edit: Ultimately, this will be my own choice. But I am curious what others think, without considering the price.

 

[Treblehead]

Thanks for replying. Now I am having a dilemma and need to decide what to get.

1. Anthem STR Pream alone and integrate it within my setup. Using NAD T778 for movies, and STR for 2 channel. All powered by NAD M27. This option will replace my M66, and the rest of the system will remain.
2. Anthem STR Pream + STR Amp. T778 and M27 for movie duties only. This option will not only replace my M66, but also upgrade my 2 channel amplification. I have always felt that M27 is kind of lean for my Sonus Faber speakers.

And another thought that I am having since last night - forget about STR and get AVM90 to replace both T778 and M66.

Edit: Ultimately, this will be my own choice. But I am curious what others think, without considering the price.

Since you need both movie and music, there is no doubt that AVM90 is the best solution.
Of course, STR and AVM90 both outperform NAD M66, and AVM90 can do a lot more, especially the 4 sub ch.

​

 

[vddobrev]

Since you need both movie and music, there is no doubt that AVM90 is the best solution.
Of course, STR and AVM90 both outperform NAD M66, and AVM90 can do a lot more, especially the 4 sub ch.

​

Thanks for your reply. This is certainly true, and the most expensive one. I inquired with my local dealer, and they have a good promotion now for STR Pre + STR Amp and also on AVM 90. Converted to USD, STR combo is $9940, and AVM90 is $7180.
I am thinking hard about this now. STR combo will get me superb 2-channel pre+amp, while AVM90 will get me superb processor for stereo and movies, and I will have to continue using my NAD M27 7channel amp. This is hard to decide...

 

[vddobrev]

I am leaning towards STR Pre + STR Amp to complete my separates stereo setup, and leave the movies setup as is. But before pulling the trigger, I have a couple more questions for owners:

1. Out of the box, can you start playing without setting up ARC?
Just hookup CD Player, L/R speakers and two subwoofers, set the crossover and slope, and start playing, or do you need to go through ARC setup and calibration? I will be anxious to hear it immediately and do ARC a bit later, as I have read it has a steep learning curve.

2. Is there any hiss (or noise) coming from the tweeters of the speakers when on idle, i.e. not playing? Digital and/or analogue input?
Asking because I read the review on SoundStage site, and both reviewers Doug Schneider and Diego Estan found it to have some hiss heard at the listening position. But they had the volume at maximum +7.5dB without a source playing on a digital input source. When they reduced it to normal about -35dB, they could still hear some hiss from a foot away from the tweeter.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[Treblehead]

1. Out of the box, can you start playing without setting up ARC?

You must use the ARC Genesis to connect your subs with the main L/R speakers.

as I have read it has a steep learning curve.

That is the last thing you need to worry about. The auto mode in ARC Genesis is the easiest room correction software I've used. You only need to connect your PC to your STR, download the software from https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/type=pre-amp/model=str-pre-amplifier/page=reviews, and plug the ARC MIC into your PC. Open the software and follow the guide, and things will go smoothly. Click and click and it's done.

I've used DIRAC before, and it's way more inconvenient compared to ARC Genesis.

Is there any hiss (or noise) coming from the tweeters of the speakers when on idle, i.e. not playing? Digital and/or analogue input?

Do not use the analogue input, it's noisy. I can't hear the hiss until I lean my ear almost touching the tweeters when using digital input on idle.

AVM 90 could also do the 2.2 mode in your listening room, and it was fully tested here https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/anthem-avm90-av-processor-review.50661/

 

[vddobrev]

You must use the ARC Genesis to connect your subs with the main L/R speakers.

That is the last thing you need to worry about. The auto mode in ARC Genesis is the easiest room correction software I've used. You only need to connect your PC to your STR, download the software from https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/type=pre-amp/model=str-pre-amplifier/page=reviews, and plug the ARC MIC into your PC. Open the software and follow the guide, and things will go smoothly. Click and click and it's done.

I've used DIRAC before, and it's way more inconvenient compared to ARC Genesis.

Do not use the analogue input, it's noisy. I can't hear the hiss until I lean my ear almost touching the tweeters when using digital input on idle.

AVM 90 could also do the 2.2 mode in your listening room, and it was fully tested here https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/anthem-avm90-av-processor-review.50661/

Thanks for the reply.
I will use ARC Genesis to set it up. But after that, I read that ARC corrections can be turned on/off (if only for comparison). Will turning ARC off also nullify the sub setup and result in no subs?

With my current NAD M66 I also tried using Dirac Live and Dirac Bass Control. In fact did about 3 or 4 measurements sessions, but never got a satisfactory results, even with different/custom target curves - Dirac default, NAD Curve, Harman Curve. In all trials, the sound stage was altered and shifted towards the left speaker. I was only correcting below 500Hz, and tried even lower at 350Hz. Anyway, I am really hoping ARC will be better.

I have to use analogue in for my SACD player, since it only outputs analogue when playing SACDs. For regular CDs I will use digital. My other source is a Blusound Node X which streams my local ripped CDs from NAS - this will also be digital. I don't stream from online services.

Lastly, I researched also AVM90 and read the impressive review here, as well as at audioholics. It measures better than STR. I only have a 5.2 setup and no plans for more speakers because the better half will not have it, and because the house is brick and hiding cables is a big PITA. So, my dealer thinks AVM90 is big overkill for my setup, and tells me to not make more mistakes (i.e. NAD T778, M66) and separate stereo system altogether from the surround system. Also, if I go the AVM90 route, I will have to continue using 2 channels from the 7 channel NAD M27 amp for stereo. Not that I am not pleased with it, in fact it is the only NAD peace that I like. But I think my Sonus Faber speakers are a bit starved, sometimes I play at 90dB, and the space is huge. Living room is open to the kitchen and the second floor with 7m high ceilings, approximately 80 square meters.

As you can imagine, I am having hard to decide and posting here for opinions. But I feel I will be most satisfied with the STR pre+amp to complete the stereo system and worry about immersive sound later, as it is not a priority.