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Anthem AV receiver better than Denon as a preamp

I asked this question in a previous thread and it turned into a bit of a gongshow, so I am going to try it again, but ask a very specific question this time.

Once again, I NEED to utilize an AV receiver in my setup. I have a 3 channel Bryston 5Bst amp utilized through the preamp outs on my Denon 2808ci to power my front L front R and center. The AVR powers the rears and a second zone (my patio).
I am not in love with how my Denon performs as a pre for music ( but a separate 2 channel pre is not an option for many reasons..respectfully, please don't suggest). I am currently looking at the Anthem MRX line of AV receivers.
Does anyone have any experience using these ? Would this provide me a significant enough improvement over my Denon when using as a preamp (and powering my rears and 2nd zone)?
dallyd31
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,024 posts
 
Paraneer - it sounds like you used both the amp and pre-amp sections of the AVR's you tested. The OP has Bryson amps for his mains, which means he is only using the pre-amp section of the AVR and that might be in a Pure Direct mode for stereo. My experience is that the amps can be as important to the sound as the preamp, depending on how they mate with your speakers.

So my suggestion remains, time for the OP to listen to some options in his own setup.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Of course, I had to use the internal amps in the AVRs Dtc. I also know the OP has a very nice Bryston. Try and find and dealer willing to rewire units and hook AVR's into a power amp for an audition. They would show you a 2 channel preamp instead and advise this is what you should really be using!

I am now beyond my personal 3 post limit per thread. Again, good luck to all contemplating the Anthems as a preamp. I hope it works out for you.
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,024 posts
 
Paraneer - Your observations were very useful and appreciated. I was not trying to be critical, just trying to point out the difference between you auditions and the OP's setup.
dancewithethan
8 posts
 
Hi

I used to have one of the higher end of Denon AVR that I pay well over 1k (this is when I was in college). When the HDMI came out, I than upgraded to the Rotel AVR. Wow, I can't believe how much better Rotel sound, and it was rated at lower power than the Denon. However, I recently upgraded to the Anthem pre/pro mated with Proceed 3ch amp. I must say, Anthem really out perform my old Denon and Rotel AVR in every ways. I don't really enjoy listening to music on a HT system much, but now I do. Their are many better system out there, but for me, Anthem is a keeper. My next upgrade would most likely be their D1, D2 Statement line. Have fun shopping.
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