Anthem D1 Pre/Processor in Australia?

[BladeRnR]

Hello all,

Well they say 'many hands make light work' so I'll ask here in addition to doing some leg work myself. Does anyone know of an Anthem dealer in Australia? I'm guessing whoever sells Paradigm will also sell Anthem

At any rate we'll start looking at the Anthem D1 in earnest :T

I hope Aussie Geoff doesn't see this post because I'm betting he'll just start laughing and say 'Those blokes are incorrigable!' :B

Cheers

[Aussie Geoff]

Upgraditis is a severe condition....

Bladerunner,

I hope Aussie Geoff doesn't see this post because I'm betting he'll just start laughing and say 'Those blokes are incorrigible!'

You've said it for me...

I’ve already checked a couple of months ago – there were no dealers then. (Must be as bad as you two!).

Anthem are part of the same family (Sonic Frontiers) as Paradigm, and they do have importers. They were (half) thinking about importing these some time ago so you may want to contact them
Distributor: Duratone Imports
Contact Paul Heffernan
Phone: (02) 6282 1333
Fax: (02) 6282 4011
Email: sales@duratone.com.au
Website: www.duratone.com.au

The main web-site for the Statement range is http://statement.anthemav.com/ However you can try their international sales Email sfisales@sonicfrontiers.com.

You will have course read the rave review in Secrets…

It is worth noting that opinions on how much better the D1 is than the RSP-1098 are mixed. For example Jimmy58 HERE Didn’t find it much better that the RSP-1098 (he was after Audiophile sound) and went for the Byston SP 1.7.

The Byston range including the SP 1.7 is available (make Jummy58 happy) from:
Syntec International Pty
60 Gibbes Street
Chatswood, NSW 2067
Phone: (02) 9417 4700
Fax: (02) 9417 6136
Email: sales@syntec.com.au Website: http://www.syntec.com.au/info-bryston.html
For example the SP 1.7 is Aussie $8,995…. And they have the matching Bryston SPV1 Vision Switcher for $3,995.

PS - I presume you have already considered the new Krell Home Theatre Standard 7.1 to match you Amp HERE

Geoff

[Aussie Geoff]

A strange new path.....

Bladerunner,

Here is another path for you... Strange and with real audiophile potential

Check out this thread HERE

Now I am very close to making this jump. I have all the parts - I just need to put some time aside to get over to Sydney or Perth where someone experienced can do it.

I have dealt with Soundlabs Group http://www.soundlabsgroup.com.au who have offices in Sydney and Melbourne. They were happy to do the update (if booked in) in 1 or 2 days....

I've dealt with their Sydney Person (Leon) but here is the Melbourne Contact:
James Chen
Office: 03 9859 0388
Fax: 03 9859 4054
Mobile: 0411 693 448
Email: james@soundlabsgroup.com.au
PO Box 388
Deepdene Vic 3103
Australia

They don't stock the Burr Brown OPA2604AU Op Amp (I bought mine from America from www.digikey.com) but they do stock the (possibly better) AD8066 dual op amp. For example they modify the Shanling Valve CD player to remove the OPA2604's and put in AD op amps... They also stock the full range of Black Gate Capacitors etc...

The guy I dealt with was keen to look at the unit as was wanting to not just do the upgrades recommended by Mircofast but also look at Power-supply Bypass Caps etc...

$300 worth of parts and a couple of $000 labour and you could have a audiophile level upgrade to die for... Not fur the faint hearted - but this kind of upgrade is done a lot round the world ....

Geoff

[jimmyp58]

Anthem Statement D1 vs. Bryston SP 1.7 vs. Rotel RSP-1098 --- LONG

Let me expound on my experience with both so that you have a better appreciation of what went into the a/b's and how I arrived at my decision. Also, I do want to give the D1 it's due yet explain why I found the 1.7 more to my liking.

First of all, let's discuss the setup and how the a/b's were done. I visited two separate dealers one carrying the D1 and one the 1.7; both also carried the 1098. The dealer carrying the D1 had the same main speakers I have (Def Tech BP7000SC's), center (Def Tech CLR 3000), and sub Def Tech SuperCube Reference. They used a Sony XX999ES as the transport (I have the Denon DVD-5900), an Anthem Statement P5 for their amplifier (I use an assortment --- Bryston 14B SST for mains, Bryston 7B SST for center, and Earthquake CineNova Grande 5 for surrounds), and they had some B&W speakers for surrounds --- didn't catch the model number (I have the Def Tech BP 7001SC's). Okay. We listened to a variety of music (2-channel --- mostly jazz and multi-channel --- only SACD because the Sony can't do DVD-A) and movies (Saving Private Ryan, Eagles - Hell Freezes Over concert, and Star Wars II - Attack of the Clones). The salesperson doing the demo connected and reconnected between the 1098 and D1 when I'd leave the room so that I didn't know which was playing. Lastly, we used the DACs (or so they say because this might be debatable) of the 1098 and D1.

Over and over I listened to the various tracks/segments out of each of the pre/pros. I guessed right a couple of times in picking which pre/pro they were using and failed many others. In music, I did notice the D1 was clearer in certain passages than the 1098 which at the same time sounded muddled. The movies were a push. I used Peter White's 'Glow' SACD and the D1 sounded more spacious than the 1098 but not significantly. In short, while impressive, the D1 didn't blow me away. Perhaps there isn't the synergy between the Anthem gear and my speakers. One could definitely argue that the transport wasn't so hot yet it was the same transport being used for both demos so that cancels that argument. And the DACs, this is the one area the really technical reviewers give the thumbs-up to the D1 yet I didn't hear the differences; it could very well be the dealer didn't know how to properly perform this or that the 1098 has some pretty damn good DACs of their own. This is the biggest uncertainty. Anyhow, after an hour and one-half, I left perplexed and disappointed. I thought I would have been wowed but I wasn't. There should be no doubt though that the D1 is an awesome pre/pro and has some very impressive features on-board (zones 2 and 3, the upsampling, video switching and upsampling, and so forth). Anthem has also made the commitment to do a firmware upgrade in a few months for IIx and within 6 months they should complete a hardware upgrade so that there is a digital to digital connection for multi-channel audio --- this will only be for DVD-A as Denon (probably Marantz too) and Pioneer finally agreed on a standard for this where as Sony won't play so SACD will still have to run analog. This is the reason you can take a Denon DVD-5900 and digitally connect for multi-channel with Pioneer --- while not a partnership, Denon changed (as I understand from Anthem's technical support --- not the dealer) so that this could be accomodated on equipment other than Denon. Perhaps other folks doing this demo will hear differences greater than I did. In ending, while I know I would have been smitten with the D1, I couldn't justify the delta for what I'd get for my 1098 (which isn't holding it's value on the used market) and the price of the D1 (MSRP U.S. $4,999).

For the a/b between the Rotel RSP-1098 and Bryston SP 1.7 here is the setup. I used all the same source material as I did for the previous audition. They had different speakers all around (B&W's) and a Marantz 8400 for the transport (I had my Denon 5900 in the car just in case), and they used a Bryston 9B SST for amplification. So differences yet similarities to my setup just as there were differences and similarities with the a/b between the D1 & 1098. We couldn't orchestrate sending me out of the room to 'change' connections but we really didn't have to. The first thing we did was fire up some jazz on 2-channel. All I can say is WOW!!! I was absolutely blown away by the 1.7. We listened to the cuts using the DACs from the Marantz, which of course were very good, for both the 1098 & 1.7 then switched between the analog bypass the 1.7 has as well as the 1098. When using the DACs from the Marantz the Bryston was much better than the 1098; when using the DACs from the pre/pros, it was outer-limits in how the Bryston buried the 1098. Not even close. The clarity, crispness, life-like sound just left the 1098 by the wayside. I never felt that way with the D1 demo but again, I cannot be 100% certain they were using the DACs from the pre/pros so if you get the chance to do a similar audition, get this nailed down. Anyhow, the next thing we did was fire up the Eagles concert. Whoa....again a huge difference. You know you'll read a lot of very sterling reviews about the 1.7 and many of them gush over and over about how superior the DACs are and how it is the ulitmate machine for 2-channel analog listening yet few talk about what it does digitally for movies and the like. Well for me, it shines there too. Note that I am a 2-channel enthusiast (80-85% of my music listening) and I only watch movies ~ 10-15% of the time (two really active kids keep me from plopping my big a** down for 2 to 3 hours). So the Bryston is really good for me. But I wasn't only going for me as another gent from this forum, ADZ, is making the jump too and he's been interested in both the D1 and Bryston; he's a far more movie watcher and less music listener than me and he owns the same Def Techs as I do and has a Bryston 6B SST for his center and fronts. So I was going for a listen for him too.

Also you'll read over and over that the Bryston has so few features so for the HT enthusiast that needs/wants a lot of features, the 1.7 isn't for them. No true multi-zone, no digital outs, no video switching, etc. It is stripped down in this regard because Bryston wanted to focus soley on audio quality. They nailed this! In my setup I have a CD recorder so not having a digital out is a problem. Not to worry, I huddled up and talked this out among friends and figured out a very, very good workaround. My CD transports have two digital outs --- one coax and one optical. My CD burner only has an optical in; the Bryston has both coax & optical ins. So, I'll send the coax out from my cd transports to the 1.7 and send the opticals to the cd burner. Probably an even better scenario because now I'll be going directly to the unit rather than a pit stop at the processor. For multi-zone, I have speakers on my patio and in my dining room. Could be a problem. Yet, since I've owned my 1098 I have never used the multi-zone feature in it's fullest --- movie in main HT and music in a different room. 100% of the time it is listening to music in the main HT AND patio/dining room or having no sound in the main HT and only music in one of these other rooms. The solution with the 1.7, connect my surround amp to the VCR analog outs --- I have a speaker selector and volume control in each of these other rooms so this will work no problem for me. Again, if this doesn't fit your profile, then this machine isn't for you. ADZ doesn't have either of these dilemmas so the lack of these features on the 1.7 aren't a concern.

ADZ did some homework and found that Bryston will be doing the IIx upgrade and will be having a hardware upgrade within 6 months or so that probably will address the digital-to-digital issue for multi-channel audio as well (again, it appears this will only be for DVD-A).

So, I hope this helps a bit. As always, I can't wait to get the 1.7 in my room and fire it up.

Regards.....

Jim

[David Meek]

Jim, just wanted to compliment you on an excellent post. Good work. :T Best of luck with the 1.7.

[BladeRnR]

Well Sithlord and I just digested both Jimmy and Geoff's awesome responses (And there was a LOT to go through as we went off and read both your other threads on the topic of upgrading). I (personally) was totally unaware of this group of Audiophiles modifying their equipment but I guess it comes as no surprise given I've built both cars and Personal Computers over the years. This is no different but it's really floored me just how far these people are willing to go.

Warranty issues aside an upgrade to the RSP-1098 is totally feasable and excites the 'hacker' in me (I use that term since I'm a Programmer by trade ). Ok so we can see a change of Processor in our future and you blokes have given us much to ponder so I'll pose some questions and I'm sure you'll answer them the best you can (Geoff you astound me with your attention to detail and I love you for it) :T

- The Bryston 1.7 sounds like an impressive unit. Given the price point of both the Processor & Switcher I can only assume Bryston are 'already' using quality parts in this unit.

- I've read (today) everything about the Anthem D1, Firewire, DVI and the digital domain. I have to agree it does seem to be the future of connectivity. I really like the upsampling feature of the D1 but without an apples-to-apples comparison there's no way we can make an informed decision. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact you can't readily access an Anthem D1 in Australia. I'm sure we could sample the Bryston as I know of several dealers in Melbourne that are big on that brand. $12,000 is a lot of money though and Sithlord just spend $11,500 on the Krell Home Theatre Standard (A truely astonishing piece of amplification let me tell you - and she isn't even broken in yet).

- I'm also under the assumption that 'the more you spend on the parts the better the audio return you'll get back in the Audio department'. Obviously there would be a diminishing return clause in there somewhere. So Geoff just how far can we go in upgrading the RSP-1098? Now you know Sithlord and I - we don't do things by halves! Now the move to an Anthem D1 would probably cost us in the region of say $2000-$3000 (I'm only guessing based on what you'd get for a second-hand RSP-1098). The move to the Bryston 1.7 is exorbitant and I don't think we could justify it given Sithlords recent outlay (And the fact we are saving for a house!). We'll get in contact with the Melbourne contact you provided Geoff and go from there. I'm guessing that bang for buck the upgrade path would be the wiser choice. We'd be happy to spend $1000-$1500 'just to see how far we can go' (You're talking to a bloke who seriously considered putting a 351 into a Ford Escort at one stage) :B

- If the upgrade path were chosen we'd pretty much do everything (Op-amps, Capacitors, Power-Stage). How feasable is it to 'add' new hardware features such as Firewire to the RSP-1098. I'm thinking it would require some expert reverse-engineering and a firmware change but you've got me thinking now. Geoff given this option what parts would we need (Just a ballpark but I know you'll tell me everything anyway!) if we were to do 'everything' we read in your other post?

Thanks for the sterling replies fellas. We'll investigate the upgrade path this week and return with some news. Don't be surprised if we return with an upgrade to the RSP-1098 that looks like a Bryston 1.7, smells like an Anthem D1 and sounds like heaven itself LOL!

Cheers & many thanks for this valuable information.

P.S - Pardon my ignorance but in testing how do 'just' select the DAC's in the Transport or the Processor? I'm really quite interested in this.

[jimmyp58]

Thanks David.....

[Aussie Geoff]

Some info for you....

Bladerunner,

I'm also under the assumption that 'the more you spend on the parts the better the audio return you'll get back in the Audio department'. Obviously there would be a diminishing return clause in there somewhere. So Geoff just how far can we go in upgrading the RSP-1098? Now you know Sithlord and I - we don't do things by halves!

Well... The most common processor upgrades seem to be:

• Changing the Op amps - and there are a lot to change in the RSP-1098 - It uses dual op-amps so there is 4 for the 7.1 inputs, 1 for each analogue input, 4 for the DSP board and 4 for the pre-outs....
• Putting in extra audiophile grade capacitors such as the Black Gates as both bypass capacitors and replacing some existing capacitors (Rotel use some Black gates in critical spots already)
• Some special high speed soft recovery diodes in key spots
• Some special resistors in key spots
• A series of bypass capacitors on the Power Supply

If the upgrade path were chosen we'd pretty much do everything (Op-amps, Capacitors, Power-Stage). How feasible is it to 'add' new hardware features such as Fire wire to the RSP-1098. I'm thinking it would require some expert reverse-engineering and a firmware change but you've got me thinking now. Geoff given this option what parts would we need?

You won't be able to get anything that requires a firmware change done... All we have is the object code for the processor and (I have very good inside information that) even Rotel are still pondering how to add it... However this is about sound quality... And you will be able to transform the quality of the parts in the sound path to that of equipment 2-3 times the price of the RSP-1098…

As food for thought (and seeing as how you are now Marantz fans.. ) You may be aware that for many years Marantz have brought out the Ken Ishiwata range of selected equipment where he has upgraded key components with higher quality and magical sound improvements... They also now have the OSE series where for (say) the CD 5400 they also have a CD 5400 OSE which has their own selection of upgraded components. Message: All manufacturers know how to improve their equipment – they have to built to a price point with (in the case of a processor) thousands of parts…

Geoff

[jimmyp58]

Selecting the DACs in the processor is a bypass process. All three have the ability. Normally when you fire up your transport, the processor uses the signal from the DACs to create the sound. By selecting a bypass operation, the processor takes over and it's DACs instead.

I am surprised that the price points between the D1 and 1.7 are so significant given these are both Canadian companies. Here in the U.S., the MSRP for the D1 is $5,000. The MSRP for the Bryston 1.7 (including the external video switcher) is $5,890. We are seeing an erosion of the 1098's value on the used market. A couple of months ago, guys were getting $2,400 ($3,000 MSRP) for it. Now, guys are sometimes only getting $1,800. I think this is due in part (IMO) to the release of the 1068. While I haven't heard it, many a poster states it sounds nearly as good as the 1098 and you don't have to pay all the $$$ for the tft.

Jim

[David Meek]

Also, the dollar has lost some serious ground to the world currencies the last few weeks. That'll account for some of the drop in prices - US prices anyway.

[jimmyp58]

Good point...

[BladeRnR]

Bladerunner,



Well... The most common processor upgrades seem to be:

• Changing the Op amps - and there are a lot to change in the RSP-1098 - It uses dual op-amps so there is 4 for the 7.1 inputs, 1 for each analogue input, 4 for the DSP board and 4 for the pre-outs....
• Putting in extra audiophile grade capacitors such as the Black Gates as both bypass capacitors and replacing some existing capacitors (Rotel use some Black gates in critical spots already)
• Some special high speed soft recovery diodes in key spots
• Some special resistors in key spots
• A series of bypass capacitors on the Power Supply

You won't be able to get anything that requires a firmware change done... All we have is the object code for the processor and (I have very good inside information that) even Rotel are still pondering how to add it... However this is about sound quality... And you will be able to transform the quality of the parts in the sound path to that of equipment 2-3 times the price of the RSP-1098…

As food for thought (and seeing as how you are now Marantz fans.. ) You may be aware that for many years Marantz have brought out the Ken Ishiwata range of selected equipment where he has upgraded key components with higher quality and magical sound improvements... They also now have the OSE series where for (say) the CD 5400 they also have a CD 5400 OSE which has their own selection of upgraded components. Message: All manufacturers know how to improve their equipment – they have to built to a price point with (in the case of a processor) thousands of parts…

Geoff

Again thanks for the response Geoff. Yep we were well aware of the Ken Ishiwata range of Marantz products and they look superb. I think Sithlord said there's another Matantz DVD Player due later this year (9400?) that I'm hoping has Firewire connectivity. You're right - this upgrade would be to improve fideltiy not functionality but I was just curious about 'structural' changes given your intimate knowledge of the RSP-1098. It would be nice to know what Rotel are planning for future upgrades. I am no elecrical engineer but I do have some concerns that upgrading certain aspects of the RSP-1098 could invalidate any 'official' upgrades Rotel might have planned. But then again even the upgraded parts would still have to maintain the overall integrity of the circuit/unit/original functionality of the Processor. In short I'd be worried about the 'compatability' of official Rotel upgrades on a modified device - one couldn't determine the impact of an upgrade and be sure it'll work (I'm thinking out aloud here).

Suffice it to say we'll investigate the upgrade path and go from there. I'm still leaning toward the Anthem D1 (Site unseen) purely from a functionality perspective (It has some room controlling features the Rotel doesn't have). That upsampling really has me intruiged. I'm thinking possibly an Anthem D1/Upgrade Parts route that possibly exceeds even the SP 1.7 (I'm dreaming here and not basing it on on fact) sonically.

I'm sure we'll let the form know which way we go :T

[BladeRnR]

Also, the dollar has lost some serious ground to the world currencies the last few weeks. That'll account for some of the drop in prices - US prices anyway.

You're right there David. Sithlord and I keep an eagle eye on one the Australian Dollar vs the U.S Greenback. It's one of the reasons Sithlord could afford the SVS B4+ as the dollar hit something like 73 cents at the time!

Cheers

[BladeRnR]

Selecting the DACs in the processor is a bypass process. All three have the ability. Normally when you fire up your transport, the processor uses the signal from the DACs to create the sound. By selecting a bypass operation, the processor takes over and it's DACs instead.

I am surprised that the price points between the D1 and 1.7 are so significant given these are both Canadian companies. Here in the U.S., the MSRP for the D1 is $5,000. The MSRP for the Bryston 1.7 (including the external video switcher) is $5,890. We are seeing an erosion of the 1098's value on the used market. A couple of months ago, guys were getting $2,400 ($3,000 MSRP) for it. Now, guys are sometimes only getting $1,800. I think this is due in part (IMO) to the release of the 1068. While I haven't heard it, many a poster states it sounds nearly as good as the 1098 and you don't have to pay all the $$$ for the tft.

Jim

Very interesting. So by default the system would be using the DAC's from the Transport (In our case the Marantz D12 S2). One would have to use a bypass in order to use the DAC's in the Processor. Is there any way a user can find out just what DAC's are used in a component? (I'll check the Marantz manual and Rotel manual first of course if it's that easy). I'm not sure how to initiate this bypass operation in the 1098 but I'm sure Geoff would know

Thanks Jimmy.

[Aussie Geoff]

Cheap D1...

Bladerunner,

Jerry Rappaport is trying to get together 5 people HERE to buy the Anthem D1 at half price (approx US $2500). Levesque knows this dealer....

Given 110V though you would need a 110V Power supply for it (relatively easy to get) Oh - and the warrantee would be more than usually challenging given the distance to Candada...

Minor issues though for someone who is serious about having the latest and best

Geoff

[LEVESQUE]

Really interesting discussion everyone. :T

Sithlord, borther and the rest of the family also! :T (just kidding).

Sorry for the group buy. Can't do it anymore. Some USA dealers were not really happy with this and Anthem did ask my dealer (an authorized Anthem dealer) to do those prices only for my close friends living in Quebec or Ontario. The price was around 3000$ US, so unbeatable by USA dealers...

Let's go back to the D1.

First thing first. Directly from Anthem:

"Scheduled for the end of the year, we're currently working on a hardware upgrade for the AVM 20, AVM 30, and Statement D1 that will include (info is tentative):

- IEEE1394 input for DVD-A and SACD (trying for 2 inputs)
- HDMI inputs (4) and HDMI output (1). HDMI also accepts DVD-A."

That's a MAJOR upgrade in my mind!

The biggest advantage of the D1 over let's say the AVM20, 1098 or even the SP1.7 is the great digital stage, that is second-to-none right now in the industry in this price range. They (intentionnally) didn't put much effort in improving the analog stage of the AVM20 and left it almost unchanged, and did concentrate the efforts in the digital stage.

Why? Because the future is there. Analog stages are like CRT projectors... on the way out.

With the firewire connections and HDMI (and probably HDMI2 also!) by the end of the year, the D1 is meant to last 5 years or more before beeing absolete. Can we say this about the 1098? Huh... :wink:

The Denon 5900 (sorry to bring this back) have some of the best DACs in the industry, and is only outdone by the D1 right now. I'm using the DACs in the D1 now and bypassing the one in the 5900. The difference is not major, but clearly sounding better.

But the big thing is the firewire connection. Digital path from the source to the pre/pro.

For those who were able to use a DVI connection to a digital projector, there is no going back. Leaving the DACs out of the equation can do wonders to the PQ. A pure digital path is awesome with video, and it's exactly the same with audio. If a digital path can yield a cleaner, sharper and better picture and do so much improvement in video, just imagine what it will do for audio...

It's only when comparing a player at 480p with a component connection against 720p with a DVI connection (matching the native resolution of the digital display) that someone can clearly see how those DACs were totally screwing-up the picture before!

The D1 is IMHO ahead of is time for now, and will be totally exploited in a couple of years. So the D1 is TOTALLY futureproof.

The upsampling is simply working wonders on my CD collection. they almost sound like hi-rez recordings. It's really something.

And don't forget that the AVM20 was a favorite among modders, and that the D1 will probably be also.

But modding an analog stage is a moth point in my opinion, with the future beeing digital.

Like a head designer told me at Anthem... Modders are all over and telling everyone their mods are making a whole world of differences... But like he told me... Could they say anything else after spending all those $$$ on caps and op-amps? It's not from me, but from a D1 designer...

I know I have strong opinions, but the future IS digital, not analog. Poeple are welcome to disagree...

[JonMarsh]

Whoooo, boy, I better watch myself here....

I know I have strong opinions, but the future IS digital, not analog. Poeple are welcome to disagree...

And disagree we shall!


:smackbutt:

Why? Because the future is there. Analog stages are like CRT projectors... on the way out.

:rofl:


Yes, welcome to the modern world of mass produced, disposaable unrepairable crap!


Oh well, every one knows I'm just an aging curmudgeon, listening to my old fangled dipole speakers over retro non-feedback analog electronics, through vastly over priced interconnects and speaker cables, while watching movies on my ancient NEC-9PG+, while I wait to hear from Curt whether the 10PG he has will be available, and what he's asking for it.

Now, one of my oldest friends, Charles Hansen, designs some pretty damn good digital front ends for audio, including a new DVD player with SDI outputs as well as all the other modern digital interfaces (DVI). But like me, he'd be listening to tubes if they had the lifetime and stability of solid state devices, so instead he designs non-feedback musically transparent ANALOG electronics. And he's never been able to find a digital projector "worth warm spit", as he puts it, so he uses a well calibrated CRT projector- but in his case, with the money and resources he has, it was calibrated by the original Japanese designer.


Ya know, Levesque, if you ever saw a good CRT setup, you'd probably weep at the silliness of some of the things you've said lately on this board.

But we do encourage freedom of expression, as long as it's not ugly, and of course, everyone is free to like and enjoy the equipment they prefer. This ain't old time relgion, so quit preaching to the choir so often.

Regards,

Jon

[LEVESQUE]

Ya know, Levesque, if you ever saw a good CRT setup, you'd probably weep at the silliness of some of the things you've said lately on this board.

Feeling better by telling me I'm silly?

You don't know anything about me, my background, what I have seen or did, and you call me silly? :E

And a nice day to you also!

BTW, if your such a bigshot, instead of attacking "silly" poeple like me, why don't you go telling that in the AVS digital projector forum?

I don't think so... Because unlike me, those guy would tear you apart and turn you upside down really fast...

Easier to say thing like this in a smaller forum like HTguide, no? Be my guest. Go on AVS told them what you just told me about CRTs and digitals projectors...

:rofl:

BTW, for a moderator, it's really strange to see you tell a forum member he's silly. Did you know I have an e-mail address where we could discuss all this privetaly?

A moderator is suppose to "moderate" the forum don't you think? Not to call names at forum members.

[jimmyp58]

There's been a lot of posts yesterday and today on this topic along with some heated debates about the Denon DVD-5900 vs. the Marantz on another thread. There's obviously strong opinion on both sides and both have merit. Perhaps some methodology is not exact but the bottom line is if a guy loves his DVD-5900, so be it. And if Sith & Blade love their new gem, the Marantz, great as well. If I happen to love my 1.7, great and for those that either have or will purchase the D1, giddyup for you.

I believe its gotten way beyond info sharing and gotten downright nasty with folks picking sides. There's some that aren't real happy with LEVESQUE and his bold statements. Yet if you put emotions aside, he does make some very excellent points. He and I are in different camps in that he is over-the-top regarding his D1 and I am the same about the Bryston 1.7; but I would never rule out going to a D1 if Bryston doesn't keep up with the planned upgrades Anthem is stating they'll do. But in the meantime, I am going to kick back and enjoy my 1.7. Through this all, LEVESQUE and I have exchanged countless e-mails and phone conversations. He is far more well-versed than me on a lot of this stuff so I've become a sponge of sorts. And above all this, we've respected each other's position.

Sith and Blade have enjoyed their new Marantz and that's great. But being an owner myself of a Denon DVD-5900, I wonder, too, how after just a couple of days they've noticed that significant of an improvement over a noted high-end piece of equipment such as the 5900. If so, great, and I am not dissing them for this but I simply question, especially with video, how that bold of a statment can be made. Audio, yes, video --- tough for me to agree. But if they like it, no argument from me and I hope they enjoy it for a long time (well as long as we do in this zany hobby of ours).

I am glad too they are seeing the points and virtue of looking beyond the 1098. It is a very, very good pre/pro. IMO, underestimated a lot of times. But we all like to attain the next level and when we hear of a fellow enthusiast picking up a new piece of gear, I believe we all stop and say, damn!!

I believe the important takeaway is that we are all open-minded about each other's gear and what we have observed/heard. This isn't exact as everyone has different needs audibly and visually. When I went about doing my audition I put all bias aside. I can't tell you how much I vacillated on my decision. Ask ADZ if you don't believe me. One moment it was the D1, the next moment the 1.7. That is why I purposely wanted to do as best a job I could with a quasi-blind audition. I wanted my ears to tell me which to pick, not which looked nicer or had more features. And it is a guarantee that if 10 other guys do exactly what I did, there'd be a split between the D1 and 1.7.

So in all, everyone please enjoy what you have and lets try to respect everyone's opinion; please lets not make this personal even if we disagree about the other guy's stuff. Afterall, we wouldn't rag on someone about the car they drive, the type of home they live in, the sports they enjoy watching/playing, etc. No doubt we are a unique breed and most folks simply scratch their heads because they don't understand us. So lets try to understand each other better and be grateful for all of what we have.

Jim

[Adz]

Amen, my brother.

[BladeRnR]

Amen to that Jimmy.

As for the 5900/A11 vs D12 S2 I think this discussion has had it's day until there are more reviews out there on the Marantz. To my and Sith's eye on our RPTV we consider the D12 S2 superior. That might change given a DVI input. Audio is most definitely superior - my reference SACD Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon has never sounded this good. Clarity in LOTR - ROTK scene where King Theodens troops attack the orcs at Minas Tirith was exceedingly revealing. It sounded muffled on the 5900 and doesn't on the D12 S2 to the point we could HEAR Theoden from the right speaker marshalling his troops and his troops answering him back. We never heard this kind of detail on the A11.

Sith's preference is for Movie sound - mine leans more toward music.

Cheers

[jimmyp58]

Enjoy....

[JonMarsh]

No Levesque, I'm not a big shot here or anywhere else, and I do post over at AVS forum- not surprisingly, in the CRT forum. I've owned digitals, I've owned mutliple CRTs, and I went out looking at the best digitals under $15K before buying my last CRT.

Your statement about CRT's being on the way out is probably true for most people, as CRT's are larger, more expensive (new), and require more time and skill to setup. They're not for most users- but not becuase they have an inferior picture. The very best recent digitals like the Sony Qualia 004 can match the best CRTs in everything except contrast ratio- for which they still fall short. $12 K digitals don't come close, IMO.

You've made a lot of strong statements in various threads which rub some people's fur a bit the wrong way. I don't think you like being on the receiving end of sweeping generalizations that don't agree with your viewpoints. But when you put forth your own sweeping generalizations, expect that some folks will contest them.

I'm a poster here, only a moderator on a couple of the forum sections here- so if Andrew or Lex think I'm out of line (which is there perogative), I'm sure they'll kick my butt on it.

BTW, when's the last time you've seen a Sony G90 or G70 with good source material?

Regards,

Jon

[BladeRnR]

I've seen a few very high-priced CRT Projectors in my day (Mostly Runco) and I can say unequivocally that I was floored by these behemoths. CRT is a very long way from being dead (I refuse to use anything else for my Desktop PC no matter how many LCD's come out). For contrast or brightness a CRT is hard to beat IMHO.

Runco's most expensive and impressive Projectors are still CRT. DLP still has a way to go before it catches the very best CRT's. If Sith and I had the money we'd probably buy an ultra-expensive CRT but with our budget that's just not possible.

Cheers

[David Meek]

Levesque, cool it. I'll even ask nicely - please.

[Lex]

Guys, I can't profess to know what all is going on as a precursor to this thread, but I will say please chill everyone and try and get along. If you disagree with someone, say so but be respectful, and if you do get what you feel is treated rather unfairly, please take the high road and don't go overboard on your response.

Lex

[LEVESQUE]

Thank you Jimmyp58 for you great post. You are a reference to me. I really respect and read everything you post, because I learn alot from everything you say. You own an awesome system, and I wish I could be totally free of bias like you.

Jon. If you think I'm "silly" with my comments on the digital vs CRT debate, then all the HTguide digital projectors owners reading and posting here should be put in the same category...

Do you think all those digital projector owners are "silly"?

BTW, there is 10 or more Qualia owners on AVS that did try the BEST CRTs out there and did choose the Qualia... Some of the most die-hard CRTs lovers in the industry are thinking of going with the Qualia...

And because you did bring the G90 on the subject...

Even Art Sonnenborn on AVS that does stack 3 CRT G90s is really impress with the Qualia.... yes he does stack 3 G90...

So 3 against one... Are you sure the CRTs are still the"best"?

My Qualia is coming soon... And I will gladly try it against my neighbor G90... You see, the "silly" guy did see some of the best CRTs out there already... And the silly guy will soon have a Qualia in his room... :rofl:

You should go on AVS and read about those CRT killers. They are here, now, and they are delivering...

BTW, I'm not a moderator... and don't want to tell you how to do your job... But this thread was about the new Anthem D1, and you did hijack it to express your frustration against my opinions and the digital projectors out there, and those "silly" digital projector owners...

Are you still listening to vinyles?

Why not talk about the subject of this thread? Did you try or heard the new D1? Why not share your "bigshot" opinion with us on the subject of this thread?

I will post a quote from a well known ISF calibrator on AVS that is calibrating ALOT of CRTs and digital projectors every day, about the new 3 chip DLPs projectors:

"As I said in another post this unit is superior to a crt IMHO at everything except absolute resolution and absolute black level. I am not aware of any crt that can give you 40 ft Lambert's off of a 135" diag. 16X9 screen as the SP777 can.
__________
Thanks,
Allen
ISF Certified
Look me up on the calibrators list"

But please Jon, stick to the subject of this thread and enlighten us with your knowledge about the D1.

If you still want to tell me I'm silly, fell free to send me an e-mail to discuss this subject....

And you can always confront this ISF calibrators, and all those Qualia owners on AVS about the supremacy of the CRTs.... They will put you in pieces really fast...

Good luck my friend!

And please stop preaching to the choir with your old technologies... In 5 years CRTs will be totally forgotten...

Who is preaching to the choir? The guy living in the past or the guy looking at the future?

Be my guest. Come "preach" in the AVS digital projector forum... Where all the "bigshot' of the industry are hanging around...

I know it's easier to tell a a little pharmacist like me in here that he is silly...

Try to say that to William Phelps, or all those ISF calibrators, or all those digital projectors owners on AVS...

[LEVESQUE]

Sith and Blade have enjoyed their new Marantz and that's great. But being an owner myself of a Denon DVD-5900, I wonder, too, how after just a couple of days they've noticed that significant of an improvement over a noted high-end piece of equipment such as the 5900. If so, great, and I am not dissing them for this but I simply question, especially with video, how that bold of a statement can be made. Audio, yes, video --- tough for me to agree.

Well said Jim.

Exactly what I was trying to say in my clumsy way of saying things... :B

[Lex]

Ok, this is getting a bit much.

Levesque, stop acting like this is dodgeball at the playground and picking sides. If someone like's analog, let them like it! Stop trying to win!

Jon, just the opposite, if he loves digital, let him love it!

Aside from that fact, this thread is only about the Anthem D1. The next post that contains 1 word not on topic, or 1 antagonistic word will be deleted in full without notice. You have been warned. Do not make me take off the gloves. Please... and that includes everyone. After the next "event" I am locking the thread.

Lex

[BladeRnR]

Thanks Lex.

As for the Anthem D1 we've sent an E-mail to the Paradign Dealer that Geoff suggested. They have considered importing the Anthem D1 but haven't had any firm interest yet from consumers. I guess Geoff and I have been alone in this? The dealer is investigating the cost et all of bringing one into the country. Only time will tell so we'll let you guys know how we get along.

Cheers.

[Aussie Geoff]

Bladerunner,

As per my PM - Unless the dealer can also commit to the Firewire etc upgrade at the end of the year - it could be worth waiting....

However at that point - I could be interested....

Not that I have a problem - I can stop upgrading any time I want...

Geoff

[BladeRnR]

Bladerunner,

As per my PM - Unless the dealer can also commit to the Firewire etc upgrade at the end of the year - it could be worth waiting....

However at that point - I could be interested....

Not that I have a problem - I can stop upgrading any time I want...

Geoff

Most certainly Geoff we wouldn't jump into something as significant as a Processor upgrade without the requisite support. We just want to get a fair idea of what this thing will cost us to import which will certainly interst other Aussie HT fans

I haven't heard back yet from the dealer.