Sound, feel, versatility, factory support!

None

I purchased the AVM-20 late in 2002 after the upgrade with the new processor was available. The unit has performed flawlessly and sounds fantastic. Operation is very straight forward for spousal appeal while it allows tweaking to your heart's content if you desire. Factory technical support is the best I have ever seen. I had no problems with the AVM-20 but had technical questions prior to purchase and interfacing questions afterward. Responses were always rapid and helpful (via email). Software upgrades are easy to install and seemed to come out quite often in the units infancy showing great manufacturer feedback to reported bugs and feature upgrades. I never suffered any heartburn from the pre-fix condition and only learned there was an issue by reading the software upgrade file. Most fixes were so minimal I didn't even bother installing it

SEE above....

SEE above....

When I first heard this piece it was set up with the matching amp and connected to Linn tower speakers at the store. I had also auditioned the Krell Showcase combo with some Jm Lab towers about $12k all in all,and was not impressed with the Anthem pre/pro/amp. I was only interested in the pre/pro as I have a Krell Kav-500 amp and wanted to update the Meridian 565 AC-3 proc I have been using.AT home this is all connected to Snell C-V speakers and Snell HC-500 center and K-III surrounds. I was going to just go with the Krell piece for about $600 more and then someone at the store said to try it with a Krell amp. They set it up with the Showcase/JM Lab combo which is more similar to my setup and it made a world of difference. IT sounded better in 2 and 5-channel and voice material then the Krell which sounded shrill compared. The Anthem was as detailed but smooth with out the shrill highs. I had this with the Meridian proc at home also. I have lived with this set up at home now for almost a month and am very happy. Don't be afraid to mix and match your components. Make sure your store has this kind of service and patience.

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SEE above

Smooth and very dynamic: Very cohesive sound stage with no superficial processing.

none

I use to always confess I've nevered heard a 6.1 system that is anywhere near as good as a good 5.1, but the Anthem has made me a believer. Very smooth, and extremely dynamic, and bass goes that extra mile for a very satisfying listening experience. And the sound stage is very large and cohesive, unlike other high end products that are very analytical and dry and grainy like the Krell, which reviewers just cannot be honest about; they just say don't blame the messenger with the more expensive units because they're buddies with those people. Hear the details with Anthem sound, and enlarge your stage with superb rear center channels, clear and concise for the best dynamic movie, stereo and multi-channel music listening. Unbeatable at any price, reminds me of the Casa Blanca and the EAD at more than half the price, rich smooth sound with all the detail.

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Sony ta-e9000es, Theta Casa Blanca.

I have no idea...

Well, see the review....It is a great paperweight....

Well, Just wanted to put my two cents in here. I have been in the market for a pre/pro for quite a while. I bought an amp to replace the amplifier section of my Denon 3802 (I now use the pre-outs). After many months of saving, I finally had some cash to get my pre-amp and send the 3802 the way of the eBay. I was not really in the market for a $2500.00 + pre/pro, but believe it or not, my wife said "go for it" and told me to buy something I would not worry about upgrading....so, I did the research and narrowed it down to 3 pre/amp processors: Rotel RSP-1066, Anthem AVM-20 and the B&K Reference 50. I decided on the Anthem as it had an A/D converter to put the channels from my DVD-audio player into the digital domain so that I could use the built in bass management. The B&K supposedly does this, but it is not written explicitely in the manual, so I have my doubts. In any case, all the above does not matter as out of the box, the AVM-20 may as well have been a toaster that does not toast bread....it did not work. The Pre-outs to the amp were as dead as Madonna's fan club...there was nothing there at all. I tried everything, and re-read the manual at least 15 times...no dice. Maybe I can download the latest software and that will help, but for $3000.00, I should not have to worry about that the first night I bring the piece home. I will update this to let everyone know how Anthem treats me with the return. After all, some pieces will always be defective. So, it is not the piece of equipment that I am worried about, but rather my treatment after the fact.

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Auditioned the B&K Reference 50 and the Rotel RSP-1066. Liked both, but will most likely go for the Rotel now....

Pretty much everything.

So far NONE.

I was looking for a pre/pro to mate with my Rotel amp and replace my h/k AVR 520 receiver. I thought about getting another receiver and I also looked at a couple of other pre/pro's. After deciding not to get a receiver, to go the "true" separates route, I narrowed my choices to the Outlaw 950, the B&K Ref 50 and the Anthem. The Outlaw I dropped after reading about it's hiss issue and it didn't seem a real upgrade from my (sweet sounding) receiver. So it came down to the B&K vs. the Anthem. What it finally came down to was cold hard cash. I got a better deal on the AVM 20 than I could've got on the Ref 50. Plus, I'd read a couple of people having problems with their Ref 50's and B&K's handling of e-mails. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either piece, but TO ME, the AVM 20's a little better. I hate to sound cliche, but now I hear things I hadn't (or couldn't) before. Music and movies take on a whole new life. I have a v2.0 machine with THX Ultra 2 and a whole bunch of good stuff. I can't see upgrading this pre/pro for a VERY long time. It has everything I need and then some. If you've only seen it in pictures, this a good-looking piece. I have the silver one and it matches my TV, my amp and my DVD player. The remote is a joy to use! I programmed it to control my components in no time flat. But that was before I programmed my universal remote to control the Anthem. Now I use my universal to control "major" things like volume and input selection and the Anthem's remote to control stuff like THX, sleep timers, etc. Bottom line is this a quality piece of audio/video gear. If you're looking for a GREAT-sounding pre/pro with all the latest features, give the Anthem AVM 20 a try.

Easy and well build setup configuration, sound is sensational, clean and precise ! Upgradable firmware

Maybe one more component video input would have been great... only two available (Sat and DVD) and cannot send component video output to other zone exept the main zone... Took two months before having a black unit but my suffering has now endend !!!

This is a review of the AVM-20v.2 which uses the Motorola DSP 56367. Some new features listed are THX Ultra2 cinema and music, DTS-ES Matrix and ES Discrete, DTS Neo 6 music and cinema, DD EX, DPLII music and cinema and new AnthemLogic-Music surround modes. Other great features like Hi Definition video bandwidth switching up to 100 MHz (1080p), DAC of 24 bit X 192 KHz, a lot of audio and video inputs available, stereo downmix capability of 6 ch input or Dolby Digital, analog input to digital output converter, multiple sets of balanced XLR in and out, fully adjustable hi and low pass crossovers, polarity and phase adjustements (0 TO 180 in 5 deg steps) for subwoofer output and there is two sub output if you use more than one sub, great time alignment feature (speaker placement), rename source identification on display, extremely well build casing (27 lbs preamp !!!) and much much much more !!! Is has one of the most powerfull multiroom (3) configuration available with IR repaters and receivers. You can set timers for each room to start or stop different devices at different time dayly, weekly or once. It aslo has three triger output that can be set to activate when some devices are selected. The universal remote control feels really nice (texture) and the keys are lit by a cool blue lighting. The only thing is that you have to change the remote control mode each time you want to acces a different device (exept for main volume of AVM). Besides that, it works well. It include an extensive list of preprogrammed devices or it can learn other remotes. I bought the AVM-20v.2/PVA-7 combo to upgrade from a Denon AVR-4802. It simply does not compare in performance and sound quality. The sound is really incredible. In stereo, the sound is really focus, clean and the AVM can handle dynamics easily regardless if volume is high or not without any distortion or decoloration of the sound. Sound stage is magnificent ! I have sometime the impression that my center channel is on when I hear the signer's voice precisely in the middle of my two front speakers ! I have found that it can also give a really impressive effect that the sound come behind my head always when I use the AVM in stereo with just two speaker. Something I never heard with my Denon receiver... and no, my speakers are not out of phase !!! For cinema sound track, it's simply extraordinary ! 7.1 from 5.1 format is really well reproduced with a warm envelopping sound. Of course, the v.2 give the most recent decoding format with all their refinements. Don't worry, no cathedral, disco or jazz club surround modes !!! Anthem Logic is great if you like to listen music on multiple speaker has it drives all speakers except the center channel. There is also an all stereo mode that can drive all speakers in stereo without any processing. One of the most powerfull feature of the AVM is that it is upgradable. The Motorola DSP 56367 include features that are not yet in the AVM like HDCD decoding, Dolby Headphone and eqing. I am sure that we will see some great feature coming in the future as the processor is one of the most powerfull unit on the market. Well, if you are looking for a great update of your home theatre system and want to be in the big league, think twice before buying an hi end receiver or another AV preamp... This unit is one tough hell competitor for the price... I don't think a lot of company can claim that they have so much features and build quality on their unit for the same price ! Anyway, you can't be disapointed an AVM-20v.2 !!!

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None that can compare (that's why I made that upgrade !!!) but I've used Sony STR-GX900ES, Denon AVR-3801, Denon AVR-4802

Simple appearance with the real important things all under the hood. Hearing is believing!

Absolutely None!

I was previously an owner of an AVM2 and was very happy with it until Sonic Frontiers announced the AVM20 and then I couldn't rest until I upgraded! WOW - I am glad I did! The new unit is a quantum leap on what was already a spectacular piece of stereo equipment. The AVM20 does it all and then some and is now future proof with even a space allocated for firewire. The sonic representation across the board is unbelievable with separation and imaging making every listening experience just that - an experience! I was more interested in the unit for music and whether it is stereo or 6 channel audio the AVM20 reveals nuances in recordings I have never heard before. As a previous reviewer mentioned - the 2 channel imaging is quite extraordinary. I am also a serious movie guy and the unit delivers here as well. With 7.1 channel options the AVM20 can deliver every Dolby and DTS option available along with 2 stellar Anthem proprietary listening modes which are surprisingly efficient. I have absolutely no regrets on stepping up to the AVM20 in less than 1.5 years from the purchase of the AVM2 and would recommend this unit to anyone. It kicks!

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Anthem AVM 2

See above

Version 1.16 software!

I had to be very patient in writing this review as I experienced a serious problem with the unit right out of the box. The input through the Toslink and Digital coax inputs would cut out unannounced and not come back on until you changed the input then switched back to the source you were listening to. I decided to write an e-mail to Sonic Frontiers as my local dealer is 45 minutes away to try to resolve this issue. Luckily over the course of several e-mails the problem was resolved through downloading the new Version 2.0 software. My unit was shipped with the new circuit board, but Version 1.16 software. This software is junk, so if you happen to buy one that has this version, download 2.0 before you hook it up. I have heard version 1.12 works fine and has an older circuit board so to get Dolby Pro Logic 2 and the other new surround modes, you must pay to have the board upgraded, so if you are buying one make sure it has the new software or get a lower price to offset the $300 upgrade you will want to have. Now for the good stuff...this piece blows my old Rotel pre/pro out of the water on every type of processing. The Dolby Digital and DTS processing is fantastic with incredible separation, huge dynamics, and an incredibly clear center channel. Even my wife noticed the difference right away which is saying something since she is very skeptical of my audio addiction. The real beauty of this piece is the analog direct mode for music. You can run 6 channel analog direct for SACD's or DVD Audio, or as I have simply run 2 channels through it. It accepts either balanced or unbalanced inputs and has both outputs as well. People always mention "air" in their reviews, but this piece took away the "air" I had with the Rotel, and replaced it with a tangible space that feels like you have been transported into a new environment. The soundstage depth is so amazing and the imaging had me checking to make sure my center channel wasn't on, the vocals were anchored like a rock right in the middle floating in front of me. The sound is very smooth, and I often find myself listening to my favorite music at a much higher volume than I had before as it is not fatiguing or strained, and seems to open up more and more detail the higher the SPL. My setup is close to high-end, and I have a lot of respect for Rotel components for their value, but this thing absolutely blows my ol

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Best Feature List in it's Catagory High Quality Sound Tons of Inputs & Outputs

No Video Conversion

Version: 2.0 The main reason I bought this pre-amp is for the features. Even the new pre-amp's from Sunfire, Aragon don't match all the features that this unit offers. As for sound, it much improves on my old Technics but since I have not listened to the others I can't really comment. In my system (see below) the Anthem sounds really clear and defined. Music seems to just roll off the speakers, and movies sound extremely well positioned on the soundstage. System Used: Paradigm C-100 (C) Focal Aria 7 (R, L, LR, RR) Focal 15VX (Sub) Adcom GFA-7500 NAD 216THX Toshiba DVD-3750

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Build quality, sound quality, features.

I agree the face plate, while elegant in some respects, is a little flat.

After listening, listening, and more listening to practically every pre/pro out there around this same price range I kept coming back to the Anthem. Amazing performance and features for the money. The reviews and literature on the product describe the features, so I will not go into them here. The bottom line is, 6 months after my purchase I couldn't be more pleased. My AVM 20 is paired with the Anthem MCA 50 and the sound is excellent. Movie sound tracks come alive, and two channel music is crisp, clean and moving. E-mail me questions: JamesRGeib@yahoo.com

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B&K Ref 30, Sunfire, Parasound, numerous integrated receivers (Marantz, Denon, etc)