-
Hi Pat
My take on equipment at this point in my "career" is that everything except receivers and some pre/pro's should be purchased with the idea of it being an investment. With that in mind I'd suggest....
Anthem. Why? Sonic Frontiers has been around quite a while and isn't likely to fall off the face of the earth if the economy plops. Now this isn't to say that Outlaw will, but there's something to say for SF's decade of equipment building.
Also Anthem has more of an "audiophile/high-end" reputation, so resale should be better/easier, if necessary.
If you look at specs, Anthem also gives you more power, 165 for Outlaw, 200 for Anthem. You also get balanced input/output with the Anthem. This may not seem important at first but it's nice to have that as an option.
Now one last thing, 5 channel amps are 'Limiting" in their upgrade potential. They're better than a receiver, but..... A better upgrade path is to use a combination of stereo and monoblock amps. This way as you upgrade, the older amps become "hand-me-downs" for sub or effects use. Also the price of admission is spreadout. In addition if you have a channel go down you don't lose all 5 of your amps. So, I'd suggest starting with the Anthem, but starting with the MCA-2 instead of the MCA-5
theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio
IB subwoofer FAQ page
"Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson -
Although Anthem specifies 5x200WPC, I have read that the MCA-5 actually tests at 5x170WPC at 8ohms (5x250WPC at 4ohms), all channels driven simultaneously. Based on what I have read, the Outlaw (similar to the ATI) is more likely to be more bright/forward sounding than the Anthem.
There are reviews on the Anthem and possibly the Outlaw at www.soundstage.com and www.hometheaterhifi.com
I think that someone is selling a used Outlaw 750 at HTF. One good thing about the Anthem is that you can probably audition it at a Paradigm/Sonic Frontiers dealer. Whereas, with the Outlaw, you would have to pay for shipping in order to return it (within 30 days?).
Good luck.
DaveComment
-
What David said (spec. wise) is basically what I have gathered too.
Thomas...once again you have shown me the light...I guess I will just keep saving and get a used Bryston or Aragon.
Thanks for the help.
Pat's PageComment
-
Once you own Aragon's (8008st, or 8008X3) there's no need to ever upgrade!Comment
-
I'm currently using a Marantz 5400 AVR to drive Paradigm Studio 100 fronts and CC-570 center. I've had the Marantz since I started this expensive hobby with a pair of Mini-Monitors. Now that I'm up to the big boys, I feel like I need some more power.
My dealer has recommended both Rotel... -
A friend of mine had a few days left before he had to return his 950 back to Outlaw (he bought the AT Clone and uses an Anthem Pre2L for his 2 channel listening). I thought why not? This is a good chance to try the Outlaw in my system for a couple days. I did a few comparisons the past 2 nights and... -
Hello all,
Can anyone please tell me the differences between Anthem A2, P2 and MCA2.
I understand that P5 has 5 power transformers and it acts like a mono-block amplifier.
The MCA5 which I own has 2 power transformers and I was wondering if the MCA2 and the A2 will also...26 September 2004, 19:23 Sunday -
Hi there. I am looking at HT components and have pretty much decided on the B&W 704 floorstanding speakers for fronts and bookshelves for rears.
However, I am considering the Outlaw 990 receiver or the Anthem AVM (30 or 40) to drive this and wanted to hear back from others who have... -
Hello everyone, Im new to the forum and looking for advice. Im looking for the most features/parameters for the buck and ease of use!!! Good learning remote helps too.
From the 1066/1098 to BK50, Anthem AVM20. So many to choose from and so few to actually hear in the stores. For now I have to settle...
Comment