Anthem Statement D2 VS Anthem AVM 50

wingnut4772

One of the things I plan to do when I go back to my happy place is upgrade my pre. I am ready for the next step and really want HDMI audio mostly for HD DVD. I am considering the Anthem Statement D2 and the Anthem AVM 50 .

Thay both have similar spec but the D2 is supposed to have dual chipset something or other and a higher resolution processing for sound. The D2 also commands that I sell my dogs and one kidney to own it. The AVM 50, on the other hand, lets me keep my dogs.

I am just wondering if the D2 would be so much better that I would really notice or appreciate it . If anyone has any experience with these or opinions I would love to hear it. I will be replacing a Sherwood Newcastle P-965.

unc2701

Hehe... I was just looking at the exact same ones. Having heard the D1, I can say that it is an awesome pre amp and very musical, but I don't know if the statement series is worth it for a primarily HT rig. I'm thinking that I'm going to get decent processor (not a Statement D2) for the LSi system, then leave well enough alone there and focus on the 2 channel for my upgrades.

Or plan B: I'll just fight you for whichever shows up first, used, on audiogon.

ohskigod

other side of the sword is, you got those Von Schwekarts (or whatever ) and they might just reward you for getting the statement. as Unc said, it might just come down to how much Music listening you do.

I never heard either piece, wish I could help ya better.

unc2701

I forgot to mention- I heard that D1 against a AVM-30 and I couldn't tell much of a difference. It was in a showroom with Paradigm's so it was a little harder to get past hearing the differences vs what I'm used to... also the D1 was the step up from the AVM-20, so comparing it to the newer AVM-30 might not be fair.

wingnut4772

I am doing an A/B tomorrow with an AVM 30 and D2.

unc2701

That'll probably give you a good idea, I think the only major changes from the AVM-30 to the AVM-50 is the video processing.

Midnite Mick

The only thing that you should A/B is your Sherwood vs. the D2 for multichannel movies. Then you can decide if that money is worth it or not. If you are doing it to improve your 2 channel you are wasting a whole lot of money. Spend that money on a 2 channel preamp and it will smoke the D2 in 2 channel mode.

I now of somebody that had the same pre as me and preferred it over the D2 in 2 channel. I paid 1600 for it as a demo from Response Audio. I could only imagine what you could get if you spent the D2 budget on a 2 channel pre.

Mike

wingnut4772

Midnite Mick wrote:

The only thing that you should A/B is your Sherwood vs. the D2 for multichannel movies. Then you can decide if that money is worth it or not. If you are doing it to improve your 2 channel you are wasting a whole lot of money. Spend that money on a 2 channel preamp and it will smoke the D2 in 2 channel mode.

I now of somebody that had the same pre as me and preferred it over the D2 in 2 channel. I paid 1600 for it as a demo from Response Audio. I could only imagine what you could get if you spent the D2 budget on a 2 channel pre.

Mike

I am not really interested in getting anything separate for music.To me, the Sherwood sounds great for music so if the D2 is a step up-great. I only want one pre but you are right. It will be hard to tell....I guess I could take my Sherwood? Why not?

Midnite Mick

The D2 definately will be a step up for 2 channel audio. I believe that it actually has a seperate 2 channel pre built in it away from all the other stuff.

Also, if it is to justice to the hi res audio with HD and all that good stuff it may be better to wait a little bit for the other manufacturers to catch up. The capability will definately be cheaper in 6 months to a year.

I don't know if doing all that is simply a firmware upgrade or it is actually an electronic issue. If it just firmware then that may happen as well. Unsure about that though.

Mike

faster100

did you win the lottery, isnt that pre over 6k ? :eek:

wingnut4772

faster100 wrote:

did you win the lottery, isnt that pre over 6k ? :eek:

I got a price under that but yes it's close. I will have to wait until this house things settles and work some OT..but yeah..it just might be too much. That's why I am looking at the AVM 50 also.

wingnut4772

Well I went today and after a week of waiting they did not have it set up like they said they would. Only a D1 and in stereo , with a tube amp and Thiel speakers. It sounded nice but how can I compare like that? they did give me an ok price on a D2 though.;)

wingnut4772

edit

wingnut4772

edit again

wingnut4772

But Wait!! iF YOU ORDER NOW, THERE IS MORE EDITING!

faster100

what's with all this editing we know ya really picked it up for demo and decided n0t to tell us

halo

Re: editing - insert dumb blonde joke here:___________ J/K Darla

wingnut4772

faster100 wrote:

what's with all this editing we know ya really picked it up for demo and decided n0t to tell us

Maybe.;) I think I am going nuts here.

Sherardp

those components look awesome, how much does those pre/pro's go for? WOW they are elegant.

wingnut4772

Sherardp wrote:

those components look awesome, how much does those pre/pro's go for? WOW they are elegant.

I got a loaner Statement D1 hooked up only in 2 channel. I am not even sure how to work this thing and it sounds freakin' incredible. I don't even have a TV right now to do the set up!:D

I can't believe how nice it sounds. I loved my Sherwood P-965 ( and it is a very nice unit) but this Anthem is just heaven. I can't wait until I get everything hooked up...correctly.:p

When I do, I will give a full wingnut review.

wingnut4772

Sarah Brightman has never sounded better!

sickicw

So how did the AVM 30 sound compared to the D1 or the Sherwood?

wingnut4772

I can't say as to the 30 because they did not have it but It is an improvement over the Sherwood so far...I don't really have it set up properly but the soundstage is really nice and everything just seems clearer and more distinct. I heard some stuff on recordings I never heard before.