Anthem Statement D1

[netarc]

Curious whether anyone's had a chance to listen to, demo or otherwise view up-close the Anthem Statement D1? The Secrets' review lavishes praise-upon-praise on it, and although I'm not quite ready to trade in my Halo for it, it does look intriguing.

[Chris D]

Uh, oh... better not let Levesque read this, or he'll come in here spouting every line that Anthem and Bryston paid him to repeat in every A/V forum he could find.

Yeah, Netarc, there's a few here in the Club that have done some Halo and Anthem comparing. Do a search here in Club Parasound and the rest of the Guide, as I think it's been discussed in the rest of the forum, too. I know for sure that Brent Huskins has compared the two lines.

[goldear]

I just got done demoing at a D1...and while I was impressed with its feature offerings, I still prefer the Halo for ease of use and SQ. Granted, I couldn't compare them side by side in my system, but I've had this system so long that I can detect differences in my preferences.

In fact, after having lived with a Lexicon MC12B for several months now, I am seriously considering coming back to the Halo...as I have just sold my Lex. The Halo has one of the best mid and low ranges I have heard...and its smooth, yet detailed, top end was a perfect match for my system. I actually talked to Brent about getting the D1 since he sells that as well. But he too, prefers the Halo.

My recent discussions with Esa at Vincilabs have also made me a little more comfortable with coming back to the Halo. The new Titan Gen-7 board was designed to accept the new High-Rez formats via an additional add-on board, which may be available later this year. Whether Parasound adopts this full platform has yet to be seen...but at least the platform exists from their provider.

[Chris D]

Uhhhh... can you shed more light, Chris? I'm not aware of the equipment you're talking about and how it's connected to Parasound.

[goldear]

Chris,

The Generation-7 board is the updated Titan platform that is running the latest codes for the Motorola...along with other features. This upgraded platform is what will be seen in the Halcro SSPs...and will include the HDMI switching, video transcoding, scaling/deinterlacing, Lipsync, possible Room EQ, Digital/Analog BM, etc. Just looking at the specs for the Halcro will give you an idea of what this new Titan platform can do.

While the Parasound is still running on the original Titan/Moto Platform, the Gen-7 platform was designed so that it can replace any existing Titan platforms. I am hoping that Parasound's long awaited "Hardware" upgrade will include this entire Gen-7 board...and if it does, that means that the Halo can be made to accept the new add-on board that Vinci will add later this year to integrate the new DD+/DTSHD formats.

As I said, it appears that technology will exist for the Parasound to move foward; the only question is, will Parasound want to make the investment. And unfortunately, Esa could not go into any specifics about Parasounds plans since these manufacturers sign strict confidentiallity agreements. In fact, when I inquired about what other companies were using their platforms (that I could look at), they could not even tell me that...except that Naim, Myryad and Halcro were among a couple of the many high-end brands they service.

[nicholtl]

All I know is if Parasound offers this hardware upgrade, I'll be first up on the list, regardless of price! (Unless the price exceeds the unit's original cost, of course!)

[goldear]

Netarc,

There is also one important point (ommission) to consider when looking at the Anthem. While no one knows for sure which way the DD+/DTSHD formats will turn out, or the fact, any future 7.1 formats...the Anthems only have a 5.1 bypass. While Anthem has done a wonderful job of keeping current, this is important because I have heard that all players that adopt the new high-res formats will be required to at least do internal processing...ala SACD and DVD-A. Before I buy again, a 7.1 bypass is the minumum I expect.

[Chris D]

Great, Chris, very interesting and good poop to know. Thanks!

Personally, I'd be VERY interested in this approach to a hardware upgrade in Halo.

[netarc]

Netarc,

There is also one important point (ommission) to consider when looking at the Anthem. While no one knows for sure which way the DD+/DTSHD formats will turn out, or the fact, any future 7.1 formats...the Anthems only have a 5.1 bypass. While Anthem has done a wonderful job of keeping current, this is important because I have heard that all players that adopt the new high-res formats will be required to at least do internal processing...ala SACD and DVD-A. Before I buy again, a 7.1 bypass is the minumum I expect.

Good point ... the 7.1 analogue is one of the things about the Halo controllers that helps make them future-proof!