Arcam or Anthem?
Discussion
Anyone have an opinion on the Arcam AVR380/AVR450 versus the Anthem MRX310/510?
Currently I have an Arcam AVR280, which I like the sound of. I am, however looking to improve the sound quality further and to add more modern connectivity and access newer sound formats. I have Acoustic Energy Radiance 1's (front and centre) and other AE's for surround duties. I also have a BK Gemini II sub.
The Arcam is well liked and I know the "Arcam sound". The Anthem is reported to have excellent room correction (which I'm sure would be of benefit in my room) but I am concerned about the musical sound quality.
I probably listen to Music (60%) Movies (40%) although many of my movies are old, so good analogue surround is needed.
I'm trying to arrange to hear both, but that is proving difficult right now.
Currently I have an Arcam AVR280, which I like the sound of. I am, however looking to improve the sound quality further and to add more modern connectivity and access newer sound formats. I have Acoustic Energy Radiance 1's (front and centre) and other AE's for surround duties. I also have a BK Gemini II sub.
The Arcam is well liked and I know the "Arcam sound". The Anthem is reported to have excellent room correction (which I'm sure would be of benefit in my room) but I am concerned about the musical sound quality.
I probably listen to Music (60%) Movies (40%) although many of my movies are old, so good analogue surround is needed.
I'm trying to arrange to hear both, but that is proving difficult right now.
My music/movies split is similar to you and I picked an MRX700 (which is the previous model that has now been replaced with the 710.)
Before buying the Anthem, I previously had a Linn system which I used pretty much exclusively for music.
I am using my Anthem with Spendor A6 floor standing speakers, Speakercraft Aim 5 Three for the rears, and a Monolith Sub.
The Anthem takes careful setup to sound its best. In my opinion, stereo playback on certain types of music wasn't as good as my previous Aktiv Linn system. In fact I know the Anthem is not using the full capabilities of the Spendor A6's.
However, you can have a different audio configuration for movie and music, and the room correction is very effective at bringing all of the speakers together in a balanced way.
For music, I now always use the Anthem Music Logic setting, which sounds like it is giving a stereo output but it is actually also using the other speakers in the system to add some sparkle.
It isn't a purist way of listening to stereo music, but to my ears actually sounds superb.
Also, I know the MRX510 seems a fairly powerful amp, having tried the 700, I personally wouldn't go any less powerful as it needs what it has to drive the system properly at higher volumes.
I know quite a few use the MRX510 with a Anthem A5 power amp. From my experience with Anthem, that would be ideal.
Movie audio with the Anthem is superb. It does have the usual modes to process an audio stereo signal into a surround sound, which I rarely use unless I am watching BBC (where they don't send proper 5.1 audio). Seems to sound ok to me, but not close to a proper 5.1.
Before buying the Anthem, I previously had a Linn system which I used pretty much exclusively for music.
I am using my Anthem with Spendor A6 floor standing speakers, Speakercraft Aim 5 Three for the rears, and a Monolith Sub.
The Anthem takes careful setup to sound its best. In my opinion, stereo playback on certain types of music wasn't as good as my previous Aktiv Linn system. In fact I know the Anthem is not using the full capabilities of the Spendor A6's.
However, you can have a different audio configuration for movie and music, and the room correction is very effective at bringing all of the speakers together in a balanced way.
For music, I now always use the Anthem Music Logic setting, which sounds like it is giving a stereo output but it is actually also using the other speakers in the system to add some sparkle.
It isn't a purist way of listening to stereo music, but to my ears actually sounds superb.
Also, I know the MRX510 seems a fairly powerful amp, having tried the 700, I personally wouldn't go any less powerful as it needs what it has to drive the system properly at higher volumes.
I know quite a few use the MRX510 with a Anthem A5 power amp. From my experience with Anthem, that would be ideal.
Movie audio with the Anthem is superb. It does have the usual modes to process an audio stereo signal into a surround sound, which I rarely use unless I am watching BBC (where they don't send proper 5.1 audio). Seems to sound ok to me, but not close to a proper 5.1.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 20th February 08:15
Interesting - thanks.
I seem to be swaying back to the Anthem 310/510 with the possibility of adding a power amp at a later stage. The price difference between the arcam and anthem will go some way towards the power amp. I'm even thinking the anthem 310 would suffice as I only want 5.1 and a power amp as mentioned could be added later if necessary.
My room has a wood floor and I'm sure the anthem would help tune this significantly.
Much as a love my current Arcam, I believe the Anthem could add the extra dynamic the arcam sometimes misses with movies, and the slightly too warm sound with music.
Hmmm.
Anyone here own a hifi shop and want to tempt me with a discount?!
I seem to be swaying back to the Anthem 310/510 with the possibility of adding a power amp at a later stage. The price difference between the arcam and anthem will go some way towards the power amp. I'm even thinking the anthem 310 would suffice as I only want 5.1 and a power amp as mentioned could be added later if necessary.
My room has a wood floor and I'm sure the anthem would help tune this significantly.
Much as a love my current Arcam, I believe the Anthem could add the extra dynamic the arcam sometimes misses with movies, and the slightly too warm sound with music.
Hmmm.
Anyone here own a hifi shop and want to tempt me with a discount?!
I love Anthem kit, the room correction and customer support is great as an installer.
We have fitted a few systems using the MRX as the processor and Anthem power amps for the drive.
We used to mod the old MRX slightly when running power amps
Great combination and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Andy
We have fitted a few systems using the MRX as the processor and Anthem power amps for the drive.
We used to mod the old MRX slightly when running power amps
Great combination and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Andy
andy.blue.mini said:
I love Anthem kit, the room correction and customer support is great as an installer.
We have fitted a few systems using the MRX as the processor and Anthem power amps for the drive.
We used to mod the old MRX slightly when running power amps
Great combination and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Andy
Agreed - it's all about the support for me. Great products with superb backup.We have fitted a few systems using the MRX as the processor and Anthem power amps for the drive.
We used to mod the old MRX slightly when running power amps
Great combination and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Andy
The recent offerings from Anthem have been possibly the best AVR's available, regardless of budget. The ARC software (and ARC2 now), does a brilliant job of assisting in setting up the sound field for your listening environment. In the real world, an MRX 510 is all most folks would need, though the extra grunt from the 710 is useful in a bigger room. Unlike other AVR's, Anthems are also very musical (many, including my current Onkyo - are very film bias).
Until yesterday, I'd no real experience of Arcam kit, but popped along to the Bristol S&V show where they had a demo lined up. It's been a while since I last listened to music on a system that really brings the performance to your room. Very impressive kit, I didn't get a chance to check for model numbers though sadly.
Until yesterday, I'd no real experience of Arcam kit, but popped along to the Bristol S&V show where they had a demo lined up. It's been a while since I last listened to music on a system that really brings the performance to your room. Very impressive kit, I didn't get a chance to check for model numbers though sadly.
I've always liked the sound of Arcam, but their kit has gone way up in price the last few years and they are also now Canadian, not British 
I'm wondering if the Anthem 310 would do for me over the 510, as my room isn't huge, I don't watch at reference levels and have no intention of ever going 7.1? The £500 saving could then go towards a power amp later on, if I feel the need.
I'm wondering if the Anthem 310 would do for me over the 510, as my room isn't huge, I don't watch at reference levels and have no intention of ever going 7.1? The £500 saving could then go towards a power amp later on, if I feel the need.
Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff