I don't think there was any tension... at least not on my end. Hopefully I'm not CAUSING any. I hate when I go on forums and people just pick every sentence out of each other's posts back and forth so I'll try to avoid that. I'm very fact based and when people gloss over things or generalize I like to dig in to those statements. Hopefully it doesn't come across as challenging or picking on people.

Wayne, regarding the AV7005, that was released in 2010. That's ancient by processor standards. It's beyond unfair to judge Audyssey in 2016 by that. It was also $1500. That's less than even the 7702 mkII. While I'm also not enamored with Audyssey, my experience is also on a mass market, 4 year old AVR. The 8xxx series is consistently viewed as a big step up from the 7xxx series. Yes its more expensive but there are a few places where you can get the 8802a for $3000 rather than $4000 which puts it on par cost wise with the Anthem. I guess when it comes to DIRAC vs. Audyssey vs. ARC you have to ask if room correction is the most important feature. That's just one feature of a pre/pro. Do you have links to reviews where you've read about ARC vs. DIRAC?

Future proof to some extent is important to me. Yes things change but they change in cycles. I get when people say they want to wait 2 years for some potential vaporware to appear that that is kind of silly. But HDCP 2.2 and Atmos (and other new surround formats) are out NOW. In fact, Marantz and Yamaha are on their second generation Atmos pre/pros. To date the MOST I've spent on a processor is $1000 for an AVR. I'm not paying $2500 for a pre/pro lacking current, already out, copy protection and surround modes. Period. And I'm not paying $2500 and then paying more again later for new features. Also I read the upgrade board is 1 in 1 out for 4k and I have both a TV and a projector. This is MY view. I'm not implying you are wrong but this is an absolute 100% deal breaker for me.

T Cobe, thanks for the write up on the AVM 60. Did your dealer have the 8802a on hand? I think that's a better comparison. While the 8802a is more than the AVM 60, you compared the Anthem to a Marantz that is $1000 cheaper. I'd be curious how that stacks up. Of course, I've read very positive things about the benefits of only EQing below say 500hz or 250hz which ARC supports but I don't believe the Marantz units do. Maybe the Audyssey PRO part does but I think you need a licensed installer system to access that portion.

Right now my thoughts are:
Emotiva XMC-1: I see the reviews and owner testimonials are great on the sound quality and I'm not a huge bells and whistles guy but the lack of the most up to date processing features is a deal breaker for me at this price point.

Marantz AV7702 mkII: I have seen some good comments but I probably would not buy this model and would opt for the AV8802a if I go with Marantz.

Marantz AV8802a: I've seen both professional and owner reviews that speak VERY highly of the processing, features, and analog audio section of this unit. It's not just a 7702 with more bells and whistles. They've stolen technology from some of their higher end audio-only gear. Also if you are comfortable with it, Accessories4less has factory refurbs with warranties for $3000. I know multiple people who have bought Marantz receivers through A4L.

Anthem AVM 60: Seems to tick both the features and sound quality boxes but I don't think there are any professional reviews. Slotted at an "in between" price. Has the advantages of being able to tweak the ARC settings, set target curves like DIRAC, etc. One downside is the ARC software is Windows only. I own 4 computers, all Macs.

Yamaha CX-A5100: Seems to be on par with the Marantz AV7702 mkII in the sense of it feeling a LITTLE bit like an AVR with the amps removed. Not sure how good YPAO is compared to Audyssey, ARC, DIRAC etc.

Not sure what else there is in the $3000 price range if anything.

Well Done T. Cobe!!!!!
I am happy for you that you found what you want, what you like and what fits your hearing/listening preferences!!!!!
I trust that you will enjoy the Anthem and I too cannot wait to hear your first report from home listening sessions.
I wish you nothing but the best !!!!
There are definitely different strokes and different ways of getting to where we want to go; and we don't all want to go to the same place either.
Glad you found yours Bro!!!!!

---

I hate to even do this, and this is my last comment on some of the above. I only make these comments for those who might be considering the XMC-1. I know full well it is not for everyone, heck, I wouldn't want it if it was!!!!
I only paid $1500 for mine, so I think I got a good deal.
Also, when I bought a BMW some smart acre was trying to sell people on "Run Flat" tires. When you had a flat (in Thailand it is WHEN, not IF) they would still drive, but when you got to the dealer, you had to buy a whole new tire. I did NOT buy the car with them even though they were the latest technology.
IF someone came up with a gadget that made it where you could only run your car on Exxon/Mobile gas, I would NOT buy it. You can say my car is out-of-date because it does not have the latest gadgets on it, why should I give a flying flip????? I don't want them.
Marketing, smarketing...... When people walk into my home theater and see the pic on my 65 inch Plasma they are blown away. I am too!!!!I am happy, oops it is not the latest thing!!!!!
God Bless, Wayne

Wayne,

I strongly considered the XMC-1. I have no doubt it is awesome! By all accounts, it is a 7-channel version of my XSP-1, which sounds amazing. Emotiva fans that had the XSP-1 got rid of it when they purchased the XMC-1 saying that they sounded so similar that the XSP was no longer needed. That speaks volumes to me!

I love my pre-amp and have no intention of getting rid of it. The AVM 60 was not as detailed and clear as my XSP-1. That tells me the XMC-1 is flat out better in terms of sonics for 7 channels. If you have no interest in the latest formats, then you have, in my opinion, the best surround processor money can buy under $3k. Heck, maybe under $5k. The fact that you got it for $1,500 is the icing on the cake and I bet your whole setup sounds amazing. I'd love to hear the pairing of the T2s, Vincent hybrid monoblocks, and the XMC-1!

Cheers,

T Cobe

Imahawki,

If I didn't have a separate 2-channel system, the 8802 or Yamaha 5100 would have been higher on my list. One of the reviewers at AVS has the AVM 60 in their reference system and stated he had recently used the Marantz 8802, Yamaha 5100, and the AVM 60 in his system and rated them in order: Anthem, Yamaha, and Marantz. He stated the Yamaha was a real sleeper. It has the Sabre DACs and balanced analog inputs. My guess is it is better than the 7702 and on par with the 8802. The room correction is the big question for me.

If you have no interest in Atmos, supposedly Emotiva will be upgrading the XMC-1 to be HDMI 2.0 compliant and with the latest copyright protection. If I were sticking with a 7 channel system, this would be my choice; hands down! It's hard to fault DIRAC for room correction.

Cheers,

T Cobe

Great Stuff Bro T. Cobe,
I finally found a pic of your new toy, and was happy for you to see so many balanced connections.
I think for you and I they are a must.
Should sound great.
Again, looking forward to hearing more from you on the subject.
Er, I mean, the sound.
Happy listening,
God Bless,
Wayne

T Cobe wrote: Wayne,

....I bet your whole setup sounds amazing. I'd love to hear the pairing of the T2s, Vincent hybrid monoblocks, and the XMC-1!

Cheers,

T Cobe

Amen to that, T Cobe! I can picture Bro Wayne cranking some gorgeous music on his system, his new BBQ happily cooking up some creation....

Happy listening, all. We're all so blessed we can create what works for us...


Rick