AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: divisionbell77 on 5 Jan 2010, 12:25 am

Title: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 5 Jan 2010, 12:25 am
Very soon I will be upgrading my speakers to a pair of song towers, song center and surround 1's.

I will be selling my current speakers, though keeping my HSU STF-2 for a bit until I order a rythmik sub(or 2).

In the mean time i have been looking to upgrade my Denon 3808, sometime this summer.

I am very much a 50/50 movie/music guy.  The Denon is a nice unit and all, but I got it far before I got my OPPO BluRay player and it was just a place holder for the future.  i no longer need the Denon to do the decoding of the highres movie audio, and can have the OPPO do it and send it via analog.

This has brought me to look at older, much higher end, sperates than looking to newer, 'bang for the buck' seperates, since I am looking at the same price anyways.  I would rather pay for better sound, especially for music.

Has anyone used the HTS 7.1, the Anthem D1, or the Arcam FMJ AV9 with Song Towers, or even any Salk speakers at all?  I list these as all can be had at under $2k used, and have been rated highly as a combo for music and movie lovers.

I would be using the digital out from a Squeezebox Duet receiver to the digital in of the processor to do the digital to analog converting. SACD/DVD-A and CD would be in the OPPO(CD via digital out).  How about the Krell, Arcam or Anthem in general?

I really like the Anthem for how it is easy to upgrade, and have read some impressive results from ARC(cheap feature that can easily be added) from people and journalists that swear they have never liked any room or speaker correction before using ARC.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Nuance on 5 Jan 2010, 02:20 am
I really don't think you can go wrong with any of those.  I'd  buy based on features and connections and what not.  If any have Home Theater bypass you can still leave your Denon in the mix.  Or you could just go 2-channel with HT bypass and again leave the Denon in for surround sound, maybe running the Squeezebox through an external DAC. 

Whichever you go with I am sure you'll love it.

P.S.  ARC is quite cool, for what its worth.  I've seen and heard it in action in my buddy's D2v.

Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: satfrat on 5 Jan 2010, 02:29 am
I heard the Anthem with the HT-3's and I really really liked what I heard. The Salks played both loud and clear as a bell. I haven't had the opportunity to hear the other 2 preamps with anything.
 
Cheers,
Robin
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Nuance on 5 Jan 2010, 04:43 am
I heard the Anthem with the HT-3's and I really really liked what I heard. The Salks played both loud and clear as a bell. I haven't had the opportunity to hear the other 2 preamps with anything.
 
Cheers,
Robin

:D
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: satfrat on 5 Jan 2010, 05:02 am
:D

Thank Nuance.  :thumb:  It was actually a few years ago when I auditioned this system and it was a matching Anthem amp/preamp system. It was quite the experience, that much I remember really well.  :D
 
Cheers,
Robin
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 5 Jan 2010, 01:10 pm
Without hearing any of them, the Anthem was the one I was most interested in.  I really like how it is upgradeable to the newest version for a fraction of the MSRP of the newest version.  I do not like the fact I would be dealing with US to Canada customs for any possibly warranty/upgrade work with them, though.  The Krell HTS series was supposed to be upgradable, but they stopped any new upgrades after the 7.1 version from what I have scene online.

I also figured that any of these units bought blindly used could easily be sold for the same price within 30 days if I am not pleased with the sound.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: zybar on 5 Jan 2010, 02:22 pm
This might come across as 2 channel snobbery, but I have yet to hear a pre/pro that sounds as good as a decent dedicated preamp, let alone a good one.

I think the better path (as suggested by Nuance) is to get a dedicated 2 channel preamp with HT bypass capabilities and continue using your 3808 (which is a very nice unit).

This will provide better sonics than going with any of the pre/pro options.

George
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: jtwrace on 5 Jan 2010, 02:23 pm
This might come across as 2 channel snobbery, but I have yet to hear a pre/pro that sounds as good as a decent dedicated preamp, let alone a good one.

I think the better path (as suggested by Nuance) is to get a dedicated 2 channel preamp with HT bypass capabilities and continue using your 3808 (which is a very nice unit).

This will provide better sonics than going with any of the pre/pro options.

George

I couldn't agree more.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: targa02 on 5 Jan 2010, 02:36 pm
You might want to consider the McCormack Audio MAP-1.  This is a very nice multi-channel pre amp with no processing capability, which you do not need, since the decoding will be handled by your Oppo.  Spearit Sound (I have no connection) has a demo for sale at $1595. 
http://www.spearitsound.com/mccormack/map1.asp

Gary
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Woolz on 5 Jan 2010, 02:38 pm
I too fully agree with George.  The preamp is extremely important for high quality music reproduction.

Steve
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 5 Jan 2010, 02:41 pm
But there lies the problem, I do not find the Denon to be up to snuff for movies, either.  It is good, but not good enough for what I expect.  I want to upgrade both music and movie sound, not just one or the other.

An external amp will be ordered before the preamp, and this could bring the home theater side of the Denon up to snuff, however I am guessing it will not.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: zybar on 5 Jan 2010, 02:50 pm
But there lies the problem, I do not find the Denon to be up to snuff for movies, either.  It is good, but not good enough for what I expect.  I want to upgrade both music and movie sound, not just one or the other.

An external amp will be ordered before the preamp, and this could bring the home theater side of the Denon up to snuff, however I am guessing it will not.

Hmmm...what don't you find up to snuff?

I use a 3808 (as do a few of my friends with very nice HT's) in my HT with five SongTowers and think it performs quite well.  While I am not as picky about the performance of my HT as my 2 channel setup, I still wanted to have a very pleasurable experience and the Denon delivers.

Now, I do use external amplification to drive the SongTowers, so I am not using the internal amps of the Denon.  Personally, I think the weakest part of pretty much all mid-level AVR's is the amplification.  With relatively cheap amplification options out there (ATI, Emotiva, Parasound, Rotel, etc...), I strongly urge you to try an external amp before changing out the 3808.

George
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: prpixel on 5 Jan 2010, 02:55 pm
There's no issue with Canadian Custom when shipping to Anthem.  All product gets shipped to Buffalo, NY.  Then Anthem puts it on it's own truck and drives it across the border.  The return trip is the same, but in reverse.  I've shipped from NJ on Monday and had my unit back on Friday.  Pierro and Nick at Anthem Tech Support are a pleasure to deal with.  I've had many a long conversation with them and they've always gone the extra mile.  In fact, there support is on par with Jim's.

I've owned the AVM2, AVM20 and AVM20-HD.  I currently own a D2 and AVM50v.  I would caution against the upgrade root because you will loose resale value.  I would pick up a used D2 instead.  While a used D2 is going for about $1000 more, you get the excellent broadcast quality video board/scaler and HDMI switching. 
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Woolz on 5 Jan 2010, 02:57 pm
That is a good move.  Perhaps a good three channel amp for the front and center.  This frees the Denon from having to produce those channels and sound better on the rears.  Or if you choose a stereo amp the Denon will have an easier job supplying the center.  I think you will be surprised at the improvement.  I have done this with a couple of receivers (Onkyo and Outlaw) to great benefit.  The decoding parts of these receivers is better than the amps. And the preamp sections compared to something like an AVA preamp don't cut it for music.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 5 Jan 2010, 03:00 pm
Hmmm...what don't you find up to snuff?

I use a 3808 (as do a few of my friends with very nice HT's) in my HT with five SongTowers and think it performs quite well.  While I am not as picky about the performance of my HT as my 2 channel setup, I still wanted to have a very pleasurable experience and the Denon delivers.

Now, I do use external amplification to drive the SongTowers, so I am not using the internal amps of the Denon.  Personally, I think the weakest part of pretty much all mid-level AVR's is the amplification.  With relatively cheap amplification options out there (ATI, Emotiva, Parasound, Rotel, etc...), I strongly urge you to try an external amp before changing out the 3808.

George

What external amps are you using?

I actually had won an ATI 1806 off of ebay for $560.  Of course, after winning it that cheap, the seller found out that it is 'not working anymore' and refunded me my money, which in reality means for $560 he will just keep it an use it.

My biggest gripe is center channel voice with the Denon.  Many times it becomes too low for me with music/sound effects drowning out spoken word, and I have to turn the volume up to hear what is being said, down when large explosions start happens, etc.

Again, before replacing the Denon, I will be ordering an external amp, and I do not mind buying used.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: zybar on 5 Jan 2010, 03:00 pm
What external amps are you using?

I actually had won an ATI 1806 off of ebay for $560.  Of course, after winning it that cheap, the seller found out that it is 'not working anymore' and refunded me my money, which in reality means for $560 he will just keep it an use it.

ATI 1506
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 5 Jan 2010, 03:04 pm
You might want to consider the McCormack Audio MAP-1.  This is a very nice multi-channel pre amp with no processing capability, which you do not need, since the decoding will be handled by your Oppo.  Spearit Sound (I have no connection) has a demo for sale at $1595. 
http://www.spearitsound.com/mccormack/map1.asp

Gary

Damn, I really like this except for one thing: Directv HD DVR surround sound.  i did not realize someone made a multi-channel pre.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: mclsound on 5 Jan 2010, 03:30 pm
hi
I have used the Anthem AVM 30,D1,D2,Classe SSP-600 and currently use the Krell HTS 7.1(ver 3.4) and will say that you cant go wrong with any of these(although the Krell has a nice bottem end in direct pre).I to have tried several preamps(Bryston BP-25,VAC Auricle,Audio Research reference 2MK2,Mcintosh C-46) and have settled on the Krell for now,with the HD wars going on any new processor is money lost.We actully put the D2 head to head with the AR MK2  and preferred(D2) its flexability,because in HT bypass the tubes are on(mk2).We thought the EQ on the C-46 was a joke(a pair of tone controls were just as good).The all in one box is hard to find but the Krell's are cheap right now and worth even $2000.Anthem does have a good product but found at HUGE SPL's in 2ch,you can hear the digital realm alot.Classe is also nice.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Big Red Machine on 5 Jan 2010, 03:36 pm
ATI 1506

They keeping up okay?  I'm considering a pair of 1504's.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: zybar on 5 Jan 2010, 03:52 pm
They keeping up okay?  I'm considering a pair of 1504's.

Yep.

George
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Nuance on 5 Jan 2010, 05:00 pm
The issue with the center channel is probably not the Denon's preamp functionality, but perhaps a level matching issue, a power issue or a problem with the center or room itself.  Have you ruled any of that stuff out, and if so, how?

In all honesty, I don't think you will hear much difference when watching movies using a multi-channel preamp/processor over a receiver.  In my experience movies just don't have enough micro-dynamics, intricacies and subtle nuances to allow an obvious audible difference when watching/listening through a preamp/processor.  In other words, for me its a waste of money, but YMMV.  I am with Zybar: keep the Denon but pair it with an external amp.  If you find a 2-channel preamp with HT bypass you can use the amp with both the preamp and receiver, not having to worry about swapping cables or anything.  And again, as Zybar said, I too have not heard a multi-channel processor than can compete with a dedicated 2-channel preamp in the musical sound quality department. 

Best of luck to you, divisionbell.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Big Red Machine on 5 Jan 2010, 05:12 pm
I'm temporarily using a Hafler bridged to mono for the center and even if I boost it, the sound is terrible from a clarity and level perspective.  Having the same brand of amplification across the front is recommended at a minimum.

This temporary setup is pressing my patience as the sound is so muffled and recessed as compared to using the Emo amp I had.  But I want the same amps across all 7 speakers, so am in the hunt on the cheap.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 5 Jan 2010, 05:18 pm
I have most likely spent enough hours to equal a month's worth of time trying to get the issue resolved, even breaking down and using the room EQ to try to resolve.  Issue has been persistent in two different rooms(hell, two different houses!) using the same speakers(Onix Rockets), trying different placements, flip cables around, etc, etc, etc.  It has basically driven me nuts and I at times wonder just how much it has contributed to my receding hair line.  I'd blame it on my love of whiskey, but that is the Irish half of me.

I never had the issue with the HK receiver I was using before the Denon.  I also do find the amps in the Denon to not be all that great, IMO.  The old HK, with half the 'rated power,' always seemed to have plenty of reserves, where I find the Denon does not.  I have always been a fan of the HK amps when it comes to their receivers, just not all the glitches that come with the rest of the it.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: targa02 on 5 Jan 2010, 07:29 pm
Damn, I really like this except for one thing: Directv HD DVR surround sound.  i did not realize someone made a multi-channel pre.

Call Jack Tozzi at Spearit.  They sell a Midiland digital control station that solves that problem.

The ADS-2000 is a multifunction audio digital control station. Comes with a remote control and dolby decoder. It has AC-3/PCM input auto-detection. It is 7.10"x2.40"x5.30". Comes with a LCD Display/Graphic Equalizer.

The McCormack pre amp and maybe the McCormack 5 channel amp, or AVA Van Alstine amps should make for a great 50/50 (music/HT) system.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Sonix on 5 Jan 2010, 11:49 pm
You might want to consider the McCormack Audio MAP-1.  This is a very nice multi-channel pre amp with no processing capability, which you do not need, since the decoding will be handled by your Oppo.  Spearit Sound (I have no connection) has a demo for sale at $1595. 
http://www.spearitsound.com/mccormack/map1.asp

Gary

The MAP-1 looks impressive from the review at Home Theater & Sound. :thumb:

Would anyone know how this unit stacks up to the Parasound P7?

Thank You Very Much!

Ken
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: targa02 on 6 Jan 2010, 12:28 am
Sorry, I have not had the pleasure of hearing either one the McCormack or Parasound.  I am getting the CJ Met 1 (should arrive tomorrow  :dance:), which is a hybrid multichannel preamp and will report back after some quality listening time!
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: TooManyToys on 9 Jan 2010, 12:57 pm
The Arcam AV9 is a very nice unit, one that I haven't considered to upgrade so far.  In either 7.1 direct or 2 channel direct it does not alter anything in the path.  And it's cheap in the reselling market right now since it does not do any HDMI processing, just switching.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 10 Feb 2010, 04:40 pm
Well, along with the Denon 3808 I have, I will also be trying out an Anthem Statement with ARC(at my house now) and an Arcam AVR600(arriving tomorrow).  I have a Rotel 5 channel amp I will be using, for the Denon and Arcam I will test with built in amps and the Rotel.

So far, using my current set up, I am not sold on the 2 channel performance of the Anthem.  I think the Denon actually sounds much better.

While many thought the Denon is enough for movie/tv I have found it very lacking, and my importance is both 2 channel and multichannel(surround sound) performance.  So killing two birds with one stone, then later upgrading the 2 channel was my priority.

I will be using both the internal DACs of each unit, and those of the source devices(Squeezebox Duet and Oppo BDP-83).  I am figuring my first upgrade for 2 channel will be an external DAC(AVA Ultra/DacMagic/Benchmark Dac 1 are ones I want to demo) so I want to not only compare the different DAC's, but also the analog of the Denon, Arcam and Anthem.

Really interested in hearing the AVR600 and seeing what all the hubbub is about(not just performance, but also the bugs/glitches I see it has with HDMI handshakes with specific equipment).

Now the wait for my Salks, which have an ETA of mid to end of this week!
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Nuance on 10 Feb 2010, 05:00 pm
Which Anthem Statement did you get?

I am surprised you prefer the sound of the Denon over the Anthem.  Have you tried listening to the Anthem with and without ARC engaged?  If using ARC, how did you calibrate?  Also, when making the comparison, were you using digital or analog connections?

I don't recall - did you ever pick up a level meter and ensure the center channel and rear speakers were the same dB volume of main speakers? 

Might I add the Music Hall tube DAC and PS Audio Digital Link III DAC to your list?  They are much less analytical than the Benchmark. 

When comparing the Denon and AVR600, again, be sure to use a level meter to set the volume level of channel to the same level at the listening position.  To do this, just hold the level meter at ear level at the listening position (set to C weighted and Slow) and rotate through each channel, setting each to the same volume (75 decibels, for example).  If you already know how to do this and have been doing this, forgive me; my bad.  Finally, be sure to set each receiver up the same way (speaker distances, crossover or lack of, Direct or Pure audio mode, listening with or without a sub, etc).  This will ensure an apples to apples comparison.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to do this, especially the part about setting the channels levels to the same dB volume.  Try to listen at the same volume level as well, as even 1dB difference can be perceived as "better" or "clearer" sounding.

Anyway, you get the idea.  :)  I hope everything goes well for you and that the decision is an easy one.  Enjoy, and good luck.

Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 10 Feb 2010, 05:34 pm
Yes, still have my Radio Shack level meter(analog version) and use it to level match at all times, also to check that any of the auto set ups I have run(like ARC and Audyssey or however they spell their name).

It is the Statement D1, which is sonically the same as the D2.  The only difference between them is the addition of HDMI, high resolution formats like DTS-MA and the video section.  Audio wise it is the same.  Use both ARC and no ARC.  ARC is a HUGE improvement, especially in the low ranges. 

The key in comparing the Anthem to the Denon is 'so far.'

The Anthem is better, right up until you start to crank up the volume.  It is not the Rotel not keeping up either, as I have used the Denon with the Rotel and do not have the break up at high volumes.  It is really disappointing.  At 'normal' listening levels it sounds fine.  When i crank it up to 'reference' i get displeased quickly as it sounds like it is breaking up.  Separation, sound stage, etc are all better on the Anthem, but if it breaks apart at high levels it is not worth it.

Now, I did not fool around with it much after doing basic set up(level matched all channels) and running ARC.  The only reason I have not done any tweaking boils down to the fact the Salks are about ready and I have been playing around more with the set up of the unit(renaming inputs, running ARC over and over in different listening positions, getting used to the menu system, etc).  I even had to trouble shoot a very sensitive remote colume control(both the anthem remote and my harmony all in one).  turns out inside the Anthem there are the IR repeaters and they were also picking up the IR signal.  Turning them off fixed the issue. 

i figured it was pointless to try to 'dial it in' when the entire speaker system is being replaced in a week(minus the sub).

For movies/TV it completely squashes the Denon and gives no indication of any break up at high volumes.  Switching ARC on and off also shows what a fantastic job it does with blending in all 5 speakers together.

I can tell you that I never used Audyssey with music, just with movies/tv.  With the Anthem, I use ARC with both.  The difference on and off is amazing.  I am surprised they are not trying to market it as a stand alone product like Audyssey does.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: fsimms on 11 Feb 2010, 04:51 am
Quote
I will be using both the internal DACs of each unit, and those of the source devices(Squeezebox Duet and Oppo BDP-83).  I am figuring my first upgrade for 2 channel will be an external DAC(AVA Ultra/DacMagic/Benchmark Dac 1 are ones I want to demo) so I want to not only compare the different DAC's, but also the analog of the Denon, Arcam and Anthem.

You may or may not know this, but one thing to look out for is that most, if not all, AVR's route all of the inputs through their internal DAC's.  They do this because all the tone and room controls are done in software. For the analog signals to have tone controls and bass management they have to go through an internal ADC to convert the signals into digital to be processed.  To test the DAC's of the Duet and Oppo, they need to be run directly into your amp (Rotel?) unless you have a 2 channel preamp.


Bob
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: writeface on 11 Feb 2010, 05:40 am
I am using Marantz SR8002 AVR. Wyred 4 Sound STP preamp (with HT bypass) and mono block amps are used to power the L-Rs for 2 channel music (PerfectwaveDac/Transport) and the center speaker was powered (I sold the center to make room for the new SALK Speaks) by Marantz. I had no problems at all with the center speaker. I am waiting for my HT-3s and HT-center to arrive, I hope, this set-up will work nicely with the new speakers as well. I don't plan on changing the AVR anytime soon.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Sonix on 11 Feb 2010, 07:49 am
writeface, you have a PM :)
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: bryede on 11 Feb 2010, 10:10 am
You may or may not know this, but one thing to look out for is that most, if not all, AVR's route all of the inputs through their internal DAC's.

One feature I require in an AVR is a direct or bypass feature for 2-channel audio.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 11 Feb 2010, 11:33 am
You may or may not know this, but one thing to look out for is that most, if not all, AVR's route all of the inputs through their internal DAC's.  They do this because all the tone and room controls are done in software. For the analog signals to have tone controls and bass management they have to go through an internal ADC to convert the signals into digital to be processed.  To test the DAC's of the Duet and Oppo, they need to be run directly into your amp (Rotel?) unless you have a 2 channel preamp.


Bob

All three have direct stereo.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 11 Feb 2010, 02:05 pm
Arcam AVR600 just got delivered to my work.  I had to get the cart I use for moving servers and rack mount UPS's around!!!
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 12 Feb 2010, 01:04 pm
Early results with my old speakers are very good for the AVR600.  It excels at both music and movies, though there is much more tweaking I need to do, especially with integrating my sub. 

After manual set up, ran the auto EQ for giggles, it was way off in distances and made the sub either boomy or non existent, depending on what was playing.  ARC for the Anthem was dead on. 

Arcam has been tight lipped on what exactly the 'Room EQ' does, and I would not be surprised to find out not much at all.  It is by far the worst of the three, but I will run it a few more times just to see.  While I do not depend on Room EQ, I do try it and in the case of ARC found it to be amazing for both music and movies, Audyssey was great for movies but not music, and this Arcam EQ doesn't seem to be much good for anything.

I am also experiencing one of the issues others have reported, which is the popping sound when switching sources(more like a 'thud' from the sub woofer).  So far no handshake issues, but I never did watch a bluray, just TV and music. 

There is a new 2.3 firmware coming out in a week or so, hopefully that will smooth out the popping.  With lock in to the signal can be annoying.  like when skipping over commercials with the DVR, when the show starts there is a long delay in audio as it syncs on the signal/reads the audio flags.  Annoying, but I have had other units in the past with that issue.

It is worrisome(the issues with the unit), hope it doesn't become a deal breaker as so far this Arcam really sounds like a winner.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 12 Feb 2010, 01:30 pm
For anyone interested, the music I used for my demo after initial set up:

Band: Koop
Albums: Koop Islands, Waltz for Koop

Band: Les Hommes
Albums: Less Hommes, The Mood is Modal

Band: Morcheeba
Albums: Who Can You Trust

Band: Thievery Corporation
Albums: The Mirror Conspiracy

Band: Phoenix
Albums: Wolfgang Amadeus

Band: Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Album: It's Blitz

Band: The Decemberists
Album: The Crane Wife

Band: Beck
Albums: The Information, Guero, Modern Guilt, Mutations
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Nuance on 12 Feb 2010, 03:58 pm
Sorry to hear some new issues have been introduced with the Arcam.  For the price of that receiver that is just unacceptable in my book, but I hope it works out for you.

So did the center channel volume/clarity issue get resolved?

I too have had no luck with any room EQ systems except ARC; ARC was at a buddy's home, though. 

Best wishes to you.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 12 Feb 2010, 04:34 pm
Center cleared up a lot once I got the Rotel in.

I knew of the issues with the Arcam, like the pop/thud.  However, numerous other brands have that issue(even priced much higher than the Arcam).  The person i bought it from disclosed they have the issues that are with 'all' the units, and none of the ones that 'a few' people have had.  They did not have an Oppo BR player, and there have been reports of handshake issues, so that will be something i need to test ASAP.

I removed the Rotel and was using the amps built into the Arcam as I have never heard class g amps.  I must say, i was very impressed.  Very robust, with plenty of reserves when needed.  My current speakers are not very efficient(Onix Rockets) and the Arcam drove them perfectly.  Seemed(all subjective of course) to have more 'power' than the Rotel despite the Rotel being rated at over 100 watts per channel higer(in measured tests, not manufacturer press releases).

As of now it is the early 'champ' even though my SongTowers are on hold.  There was an issue on inspection with one of the cabinets and Jim is working on the finish and if need be to build a whole new one.  This gives me plenty of time to continue to fool around with the Arcam and get used to it's menu system.  I feel I know the Anthem like the back of my hand now.

I only threw the Denon in the mix as I have it so why not.  It will be interesting to see if the Anthem or the Arcam is the 'winner' since it is a pre/pro vs receiver.  Arcam hands down right now for music, have a lot of tweaking to go on the movie side of it(and further tweaking of the Anthem's music side).

Oh, and everytime I see one of those Cambridge 840C CD players/DAC pop up on audiogon for under a grand I get this itch on my finger that keeps wanting me to pull the trigger to give one a try.

Besides the Denon(owned since new), the Anthem, Rotel and Arcam are all used and purchased just below going rates of Audiogon and all have warranty left(Arcam 4.5 years, Anthem full manufacturer warranty).
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Kwebb on 20 Feb 2010, 08:31 pm
I have the Anthem Statement D2 processor, the Anthem Statement P5 amp, and an Arcam FMJ DV139.  The Anthem processor and powerful P5 amp (325w/channel @ 8 ohms) are truely awesome.  I love these components for sure and never had any remorse about the money I payed for them.  The sound quality and digital features of the D2 exceeded my expectations (room set up and equaization, etc...).  My system's weakest link are my speakers (Onix Reference 3's (qty 4) and Reference 100 center channel).  I plan on upgrading to the HT2-TL's.  I hope I find that the HT2-TL's meet my high expectations.  I have a big room 22" wide by 28" long by 19" tall.  I sometimes drive my system very hard (loud).  I hope that the HT2-TL's can handle the hard driving that I have an affinity toward.  Any personal expirence regarding driving these HT2-TL's long and hard would be greatly appreciated.

Kyle Webb
San Diego, CA
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: ctouhey on 20 Feb 2010, 09:18 pm
Welcome to the forums, Kyle.  I'm surprised at the San Diego location; with room dimensions in inches I would have guessed Lilliput...  :eyebrows:
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Kwebb on 20 Feb 2010, 09:23 pm
Thanks for the correction.  Room dimensions are feet (') not inches (").

Kyle
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: oneinthepipe on 20 Feb 2010, 09:48 pm
The HT2-TL have 7" woofers.   :wink:

While they play deep and loud, the woofers can be driven to their excursion limits with music with extremely deep bass that is played extremely loud.  Perhaps the HT3 would be a better choice for you, particularly since you have a large room, if you play music with bass in the 20s.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: divisionbell77 on 21 Feb 2010, 01:51 pm
I have the Anthem Statement D2 processor, the Anthem Statement P5 amp, and an Arcam FMJ DV139.  The Anthem processor and powerful P5 amp (325w/channel @ 8 ohms) are truely awesome.  I love these components for sure and never had any remorse about the money I payed for them.  The sound quality and digital features of the D2 exceeded my expectations (room set up and equaization, etc...).  My system's weakest link are my speakers (Onix Reference 3's (qty 4) and Reference 100 center channel).  I plan on upgrading to the HT2-TL's.  I hope I find that the HT2-TL's meet my high expectations.  I have a big room 22" wide by 28" long by 19" tall.  I sometimes drive my system very hard (loud).  I hope that the HT2-TL's can handle the hard driving that I have an affinity toward.  Any personal expirence regarding driving these HT2-TL's long and hard would be greatly appreciated.

Kyle Webb
San Diego, CA

Thanks for the post!  I am currently replacing Onix Rockets myself.

As I am waiting for my Salks, I have been screw around with the Statement with ARC and the Arcam AVR600.  Since I got the AVR600 in I have been running with that, until yesterday.  yesterday I put the Statement back in and re-ran ARC after tweaking the placement on my front right speaker(the one that always measures bad as it is not in an ideal placement because of the room) and set the mic up according to someone at Anthem that gave me some tips. 

All I have to say is WOW.  I got these Rockets dialed in better than i ever have for 2 channel.  It is the only time i have ever owned equipment with a room correction and found it sounds not only better for 2 channel with it on, but VASTLY better.  i do still have a few dips on that right channel, so will continue to tweak the placement of that speaker and rerun ARC.
Title: Re: Krell HTS 7.1/Anthem D1/Arcam AV9
Post by: Kwebb on 21 Feb 2010, 10:40 pm
divisionbell77,

I am ording the ARC sytem upgrade for my D2 processor from Anthem, can't wait to get it.  Regarding driving the HT2-TL's hard.  I am not too worried about low frequency clipping because I will be using the HT2's with a subwoffer and crossover around 80hz.  Therefore, I can most probably assume that the 7" drivers and ribbon tweeter can handle all the good clean power that the Statement P5 can dish out.  I will use good judgement and moderation as i approach high SPL's.

Kyle