Anthem STR pre-amp

[vddobrev]

In preparation of delivery of Anthem STR combo, I am beginning to plan how to best integrate it into my setup, in particular what cabling to use.
As mentioned in the Audioholics review and measurement, the XLR output measures some 3-4 dB better than RCA.
If I connect the pre to the amp with XLR, then for HT Bypass, I also have to connect my AV receiver via XLR. But the receiver NAD T778 only has RCA pre-outs. This means I will need RCA to XLR cabling. I am well aware of the recommended scheme/connection details here on ASR. I can do the cabling myself DIY with good two strand shielded microphone cable and corresponfing connectors.
But my two subs also have only RCA inputs, and again I have to convert from XLR to RCA.
Will it be worth it to persue the better XLR connection from pre-to-amp, that will mandate all of the above mentioned converting from RCA-to-XLR from AV Receiver, and from XLR-to-RCA to subwoofers?
Or simply use RCA throughout?
Will I be missing those 3-4dB in SINAD?

 

[doorofnight]

I am thinking to combine the Anthem STR pre-amplifier (beause I need to set delays and crossovers for 2 subwoofers) with the Luxman 10-x (second hand, ofcourse). All thougths, also the critical ones, are welcome. Especially because I use the NAD M33 now (withouth DIRAC, but with bacch ORC software). How can amplifiers be any better, objective?

 

[WillBrink]

I am thinking to combine the Anthem STR pre-amplifier (beause I need to set delays and crossovers for 2 subwoofers) with the Luxman 10-x (second hand, ofcourse). All thougths, also the critical ones, are welcome. Especially because I use the NAD M33 now (withouth DIRAC, but with bacch ORC software). How can amplifiers be any better, objective?

A used Luxman 10-x will cost more than the amp designed to go with the pre amp, which is the STR amp/pre amp, which measures very well indeed according to Gene D at Audioholics. I have the STR integrated myself, which has less juice than the amp/pre amp combo, more than I could ever need however.

 

[Neric]

I am thinking to combine the Anthem STR pre-amplifier (beause I need to set delays and crossovers for 2 subwoofers) with the Luxman 10-x (second hand, ofcourse). All thougths, also the critical ones, are welcome. Especially because I use the NAD M33 now (withouth DIRAC, but with bacch ORC software). How can amplifiers be any better, objective?

I use a buckeye NCoreX amp with my STR Preamp. It works stupid well with my Audiovector R3 Arette speakers. I can't see any reason to pay more these days.

If you want more gold and a "fancy" preamp and a fancy case you can get the NCoreX in this for like 10k: https://belcantodesign.com/home/black-ex/ex-amp/

 

[Neric]

Do most subwoofers have LPFs?

I'm sure you can find one that doesn't but most should. It's protect the subwoofer.

 

[Neric]

How many SUBs do people usually use? One of them? Two of them? Or more?

All depends upon your room, many people like 2 subs. Some people have 4. 1 will work well enough if the room is small enough. But a lot of people say 2 is great.

Why Go Dual Subwoofers? | SVS

Benefits of having two or more subwoofers in your home audio system, and placement tips.

www.svsound.com

 

[tree]

How many SUBs do people usually use? One of them? Two of them? Or more?

That is a difficult question. It depends on a lot on where you are in the world. If you look at all the youtube from America you'll think that everyone has a dedicated room for audio. In my country I know of people that have that, usually through face posts or stories from audio stores. But I personally don't know of one person which actually has a dedicated room for audio/movies. It is too expensive. I have 2 subs and I'm not the normal in my country in my opinion. If you have room and money for 2 or even 4 go for it.

 

[doorofnight]

How many SUBs do people usually use? One of them? Two of them? Or more?

I used 2, then 4, and now 2 again. I hear no difference between 2 and 4.

 

[doorofnight]

Does anyone know if with the STR preamp:

1. It's possible to set delays in ms for the fronts? Or is this done by entering the distances for fronts and subs?

2. It's possible to use 2 subwoofers (and fronts) and entering distances, but without setting a crossover? So boths subs and fronts play full-range?

 

[doorofnight]

I would like to try all configurations.. So I need a crossover for the fronts also.

 

[Mattjkilo]

Waiting on STR to arrive following some great feedback on here and love the idea of simplifying my dual music/movie system.

I intend on running an XLR input from my AVR in HT Bypass for the FL and FR

I do however uses RCAs to the subwoofer currently.

For HT Bypass do all inputs and outputs need to be either XLR or RCA? Or could I mix like the below;

Ideally speakers on XLR (input from AVR and output to power amp) and subwoofer on RCA (input from AVR and output to sub)

 

[vddobrev]

Waiting on STR to arrive following some great feedback on here and love the idea of simplifying my dual music/movie system.

I intend on running an XLR input from my AVR in HT Bypass for the FL and FR

I do however uses RCAs to the subwoofer currently.

For HT Bypass do all inputs and outputs need to be either XLR or RCA? Or could I mix like the below;

Ideally speakers on XLR (input from AVR and output to power amp) and subwoofer on RCA (input from AVR and output to sub)

All must be either RCA or XLR.
Like you, I am waiting on delivery of STR combo.

 

[Neric]

Does anyone know if with the STR preamp:

1. It's possible to set delays in ms for the fronts? Or is this done by entering the distances for fronts and subs?

2. It's possible to use 2 subwoofers (and fronts) and entering distances, but without setting a crossover? So boths subs and fronts play full-range?

1. Appears to be set by distance

2. Yes, you can disable the crossover.

 

[doorofnight]

But unfortunately: this is what Anthem answered:

"If you send the full range frequency to the fronts there's no way via the unit to then do an LFE to a subwoofer, and once you cross over the fronts the bass will be sent to the subwoofer."

I would like to set a digital crossover for the subs, and also have the fronts full range. Just to try.. But however, this is not a showstopper.

 

[Neric]

But unfortunately: this is what Anthem answered:

"If you send the full range frequency to the fronts there's no way via the unit to then do an LFE to a subwoofer, and once you cross over the fronts the bass will be sent to the subwoofer."

I would like to set a digital crossover for the subs, and also have the fronts full range. Just to try.. But however, this is not a showstopper.

Well I just took a config that has no sub (in ARC) Enabled the Sub in the menu and set the cross over to off.

I got WAY too much bass but it worked! I set the cross over to 20hz and that killed the bass.

I learned years ago that the support folks at anthem are not the most accurate. I got better answers when I had the place I bought the unit talk to the rep for anthem.

Nothing would stop you from setting up a cross over in the sub...

 

[vddobrev]

Finally my Anthem STR pre and amp arrived.
Configuration was very easy. I set and tested HT Bypass, works as advertised.
Didn't run ARC yet.
Just set speakers and subs distances and volume levels with SPL meter.
I am impressed, very impressed!

Coming from NAD M66 + M27, I like the Anthem STR combo very much! It seems to me that the NAD M27 was underpowered for my Sonus Faber Sonetto speakers.

Next, will be playing with ARC.

 

[vddobrev]

To all owners of Anthem STR Poweramp.
I am finding that the RCA plugs on the STR Amplifer are a little loose. Meaning the RCA cables that I have are way too loose on the conection, they would come of if I breathe on them. While on the the STR Preamp they are snug and fit. And it is not the cable, as reversing it is the same - the RCA female plugs on the STR Amplifier seem to be a little on the small side and they dont hold the RCA plugs.
Anyone had this problem?
Thye are so loose (afraid of the RCA plug coming off and shroting), that I am thinking of ordering a new interconect with locking RCA plugs.