tyler durdan Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Hi All, I am really struggling to come up with a definitive answer to this as I cannot easily audition either one of these. I currently have an Integra 9.9 pre pro with a Rotel 200w per channel amp attached. Based on what I have read, the sound quality of both the Anthem and the Cambridge Audio is superior to the Integra. Has anyone get an opinion on whether me adding the Anthem unit to my Rotel amp would be a better solution to the Cambridge unit on its own? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quark Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 For music the Anthem and Cambridge might have a slight edge over the Integra, but doubtful for HT. It may depend on your speakers and how they match. Anthem and CA HDMI issues are not exactly unknown. The Integra isn't that bad and is used as a pre in many decent two channel systems. Is the Rotel an earlier Class AB or one of their Class D amps? I like the sound of the earlier amps, not so keen on the Class D stuff, but YMMV. What speakers are you running? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyler durdan Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share Posted June 5, 2014 I am running Jamo THX speakers. I am using the older 1095 Rotel Amp I am purely using this setup for home theatre purposes only. Maybe I have got it wrong. I could be underestimating my Integra and falling for upgradeitis? Do you think I would not really hear any significant difference for movies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy8 Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 A few things to note: CA 651R is 7.1, Anthem MRX 310 is 5.1 (MRX 510 is 7.1) CA uses Audyssey 2EQ (which is most basic), Anthem ARC is one of the best audio room correction CA has 6 channel analog inputs, Anthem has 2 channel analog inputs I own the MRX 710, and have not used the Integra nor Cambridge Audio equipment that you have mentioned. I suspect that Anthem ARC (same capability on 310, 510, 710) can make a significant difference to your set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quark Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Sounds like a decent setup at present. What's it missing performance wise at present? If you've got the Sub 660 it would probably be working hard to get loud in a decent size room. The D600 sub would have more in reserve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyler durdan Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share Posted June 5, 2014 I've actually got a submersive sub so I am covered in the bass dept. Just not sure if there would be a noticeable improvement by switching receivers at this point. Maybe you get to a point where any sonic differences between this level of receivers are not significant enough to worry about Any thoughts on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy8 Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I've actually got a submersive sub so I am covered in the bass dept. Just not sure if there would be a noticeable improvement by switching receivers at this point. Maybe you get to a point where any sonic differences between this level of receivers are not significant enough to worry about Any thoughts on this? I believe audio room correction will give you the next level of improvement... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quark Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Agree better room correction is probably the place to start, particularly when you're running a Submersive (Audyssey XT as fitted to your Integra doesn't have anywhere near the same Sub correction filters as Audyssey XT32). As a lower cost option, you might want to consider a stand alone sub room correction solution e.g. see here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyler durdan Posted June 6, 2014 Author Share Posted June 6, 2014 I have a standalone SVS Audyssey kit that I have recently disconnected. I suppose I was not that keen on the whole automatic thing without being able to manually intervene. Not sure where things are being cut and boosted The sound from the system without it is pretty good. I came from the Velodyne SMS-1 which was highly adjustable. Do you think the ARC in the MRX models is worth pursuing? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy8 Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 I have a standalone SVS Audyssey kit that I have recently disconnected. I suppose I was not that keen on the whole automatic thing without being able to manually intervene. Not sure where things are being cut and boosted The sound from the system without it is pretty good. I came from the Velodyne SMS-1 which was highly adjustable. Do you think the ARC in the MRX models is worth pursuing? Thanks Have a look at the Anthem owners thread where a number of us have posted our thoughts. Anthem ARC manages more than the sub - it manages all the speakers (as does Audyssey but you need to get XT32 or XT32 Pro). There is an ability to fine tune things by putting manual overrides, but generally speaking, ARC does a very good job of balancing the speakers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugPowderDust Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 I back up CCS and his perspective on ARC. It's truly revelatory and highly customisable. Night and day is the difference it will make to your system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quark Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 I back up CCS and his perspective on ARC. It's truly revelatory and highly customisable. Night and day is the difference it will make to your system. Recur, I see you have a D2V, which is very highly regarded, including its version of ARC. For the OP, just be aware that the lower level Anthem gear has a version of ARC with fewer filters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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