If i wanted to replace my Anthem STR with Class D or Topping?

[WillBrink]

More one of those upgrade-itis threads vs real plans. I'm not unhappy with the STR and measurements suggest it's good to excellent all around performer. But, it's always fun to see what the alternatives are, and (likely inaudible...) upgrades in performances, class D based. I'd want at least the same/similar power output, and I would want room correction and DSP. The ARC Genesis is easy to use, helpful with my less than optimal room and set up, base management works well with two subs. My thought was the new Topping B200 Mono Amps and MiniDSP SHD as preamp with Dirac Live, Roon ready, etc. I don't have any experience with Direc Live myself.

That amp has yet to be third party tested far as I know, but Topping seems to have proved themselves as solid in their designs. I like the specs and looks of that amp.

What's another set up that meets or exceeds that set up? I'd stay under 10k all in, the above is closer to 5k and approx same $ as the STR, which is the target costs give or take.

 

[GXAlan]

Don’t upgrade your electronics. Upgrade your speakers.

If you are in the U.S., consider sending the unit into Amir for testing.

 

[Matias]

Topping B200 monos are not class D though.
What is the rest of your system? Where do you live?

 

[WillBrink]

Don’t upgrade your electronics. Upgrade your speakers.

If you are in the U.S., consider sending the unit into Amir for testing.

Actually, just went to some Ryan R610 speakers, and they are the best I have heard in my space. Not living without the STR for Amir to test it at this juncture as I'd have no music. Just thinking allowed as to possible future options should I make the Class D leap.

 

[WillBrink]

Topping B200 monos are not class D though.
What is the rest of your system? Where do you live?

Edited Op to reflect. Rest of system is the anthem, Ryan R610 speakers (new and very happy with those), 2x rythmik fm8 subs, Mano ULTRA mkII Music Streamer, Marantz CD player that's rarely used as streamer is 99% of the time for music. Overall an excellent system, and my room is the weak sport for sure, wanted to do a seperate post on that at some point. But, I like to look ahead also as like most, can never leave well enough alone, cuz that's the fun part. I don't know much about the topping NFCA designs vs other A/B designs.

 

[Matias]

Assuming you are in the US, you may want to try a Buckeye NCx500 for 1k usd. Worst case ship it back within 30 days with a 10% restocking fee + shipping.

Buckeye Amps

Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!

www.buckeyeamp.com

You can even use RCA-XLR cables from the Anthem outputs to test it.

 

[WillBrink]

Assuming you are in the US, you may want to try a Buckeye NCx500 for 1k usd. Worst case ship it back within 30 days with a 10% restocking fee + shipping.

Buckeye Amps

Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!

www.buckeyeamp.com

You can even use RCA-XLR cables from the Anthem outputs to test it.

That brand was on the short list for class D. Then Hypex vs Purifi. Is there a consensus on that?

 

[Matias]

Different flavours of excellent.

 

[GXAlan]

I know the Ryan R610’s are just over $1k used, so it doesn’t make sense to me to put $10k system budget allocated to $1k speakers?

If you like the R610, even if you have nice subwoofers, going to the floor standing models will decrease distortion more and allow you to hit higher dynamics.

Look at my signature on a desktop browser. I went through a phase of testing all sorts of amplifiers and if I had a time machine, it would be to tell myself: hey, even though these differences are real between electronics, bite the bullet, take the loss on selling speakers and consolidate everything on the most expensive speakers you can buy and skimp on everything else.

 

[Matias]

Agreed. In the US I would also test drive a pair of LXs.

SIERRA-LX PAIR

Our Latest And Greatest Bookshelf Monitor Class-leading bass extension, massive dynamics and midbass punch, high power handling, exceptionally wide and linear dispersion combined with some of the best measurements in the industry, our new LX is truly something quite unique and special. This is...

ascendacoustics.com

 

[WillBrink]

I know the Ryan R610’s are just over $1k used, so it doesn’t make sense to me to put $10k system budget allocated to $1k speakers?

They're 2k new, and so under priced it blows my mind. I have had speakers costing far more, and I'm floored by the Ryans. If they were 2-3x the cost, I would not blink and eye when hearing them. Not seen any formal measurements on them, can't say I care in this case. I wish the Ryans were a better known name. Truly a sleeper brand that needs to be heard.

If you like the R610, even if you have nice subwoofers, going to the floor standing models will decrease distortion more and allow you to hit higher dynamics.

Would that not vary dependent on a number of variables? My issue right now is room. I'd have to sell the standmounts and subs and replace that space they took up up with floor standers. The Ryans set to 80Hz for mid base and up and the subs are quite a nice combination with more clean SPL ability than me ears can handle. If/when I go to a biger space, maybe a dedicated space, floor standers plus subs will be on the target for sure.

Look at my signature on a desktop browser. I went through a phase of testing all sorts of amplifiers and if I had a time machine, it would be to tell myself: hey, even though these differences are real between electronics, bite the bullet, take the loss on selling speakers and consolidate everything on the most expensive speakers you can buy and skimp on everything else.

I tell people the same, focus on the speakers first and formost as that's where 90% of the audio happens. To my ears, Ryan sets the standard for value for audio to date. But, speakers are always worth trying as they will always make the biggest difference to the sound.

 

[WillBrink]

Agreed. In the US I would also test drive a pair of LXs.

SIERRA-LX PAIR

Our Latest And Greatest Bookshelf Monitor Class-leading bass extension, massive dynamics and midbass punch, high power handling, exceptionally wide and linear dispersion combined with some of the best measurements in the industry, our new LX is truly something quite unique and special. This is...

ascendacoustics.com

They were on my short list until the Ryans. I had ATC SCM 19s V2 (a contentious brand here ...) which I liked a lot, but decided to move on, tried some Quad Revela Ones (good, not for me long term), finally on a whim after so many raves about the brand, the Ryans. The raves were all correct. But, can't go wrong trying new speakers. Always more fun than any other piece of gear. I do reviews on my YT channel as a side topic for fun, don't post them here as they're of the subjective type and for fun.

Brands I have had over the decades, Paradigm, B&W, Epicure (way back!) and others.

 

[Waxx]

If you're happy with your anthem, don't change. I don't know the device so i can't judge it. Audioholics did measure it their way and it should have an Sinad of 106dB, what is more or less what the first gen Ncore had and beyond our hearing limit. I don't know how well that measurment is made, but this amps should be in the inhearable or almost inhearable noise section of the spectrum, just like Hypex, Purifi and a few others. So no real upgrade i think.

Where the amp fall short is to deliver the 800w that is rated, half that power is the real usable power it has i think.

The measurements of audioholics: https://www.audioholics.com/av-preamp-processor-reviews/anthem-str-preamp-power-amplifier

 

[earik]

I don't think you'll be able to hear the difference between your STR and even the very best class D. As long as you're not clipping, most amps are for all practical purposes transparent. I've have average amps, and now have a combination of Purifi and Hypex, and I honestly don't think I'd be able to tell the difference between any of them blindfolded.

 

[bloodshoteyed]

i went in the opposite direction a couple months ago, from an overcomplicated build (ffs, i had a universal remote programmed with macros to turn the damn thing on and i didn't even get to Dirac yet) centered around purifi/minidsp for the STR integrated

i simply got annoyed with trying settings almost every weekend, screwing it up or just not liking something enough, meanwhile not achieving the one thing i wanted to in the first place, enjoying music

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

STR built like a tank and will last forever. My MRX 520 is most reliable AVR I've ever owned. I have a Marantz, Denon and Sony gathering dust in the basement.

 

[ThatSoundsGood]

I second the vote for Buckeye Amplifiers. I own 3 of them. One Hypex NC250, one Hypex NC500 and one Purifi. All excellent amplifiers well worth their cost.