Goodbye Rotel hello Anthem

[mpauline]

Well not totally. I have purchased an Anthem MRX-300 to act as a pre/pro for my 1095 and 1080 amps. I have had Rotel processors for the last 12 years. A 1066, 976, maybe not in that order, and then the awesome 1098. It was a very hard decision to replace the 1098 but technology keeps moving and I feel that Rotel has fallen behind. I don't really care about the lack of hdmi on the 1098 but really wanted the lossless codecs and even more the ARC auto-equalization of the Anthem.

I hope that I don't regret my move. I will list my 1098 on this forum in case someone from the group wants to buy it.

Sonically Rotel produces first class equipment so I will definitely not part with my amps.

[hery19]

Congratulations! Let us know how you like your new toy!

[stuofsci02]

Could you have gone for a Blu-Ray player with the lossless decoders build in and analog outputs (like Oppo BDP-93).

Cheers!

[mpauline]

Could you have gone for a Blu-Ray player with the lossless decoders build in and analog outputs (like Oppo BDP-93).

Cheers!

I could have done that. That was really the debate for me. I definitely felt some buyers remorse when I took my 1098 out of the rack and felt how heavy it was compared to the Anthem receiver which has internal amps. Not sure if I have done the right thing.

[stuofsci02]

I could have done that. That was really the debate for me. I definitely felt some buyers remorse when I took my 1098 out of the rack and felt how heavy it was compared to the Anthem receiver which has internal amps. Not sure if I have done the right thing.

Yeah I can understand that. The 1098 is a nice unit...

Were you completely happy aside from the HD codecs?

[mpauline]

Yes I was very happy with the 1098. Prior to originally buying it the only thing that I thought was slightly...and I say slightly better was a Lexicon processor. I am tempted to take back this Anthem. I usually don't get buyer's remorse especially over home theater equipment as I tend to research and audition in a great deal before buying.

[june]

congratz!!!

please let us know how it sounds compaired to your rotel. i'm from the old school, new isn't necassarly better. but i could be wrong

[Dmantis]

I'm sorry to say but I'm not a big fan of Anthem. I have Installed many D2's and a MRX700 receiver. The D2 is completely over priced especially for how it sounds. The MRX700 on the other hand I felt was pretty damn nice. I think it would compete with Pioneer Elite SC models very well except features.
Rotel has a sound quality like no other. They are warm but not overly , they are clear and clean with a hint of class. They really bring real to the replay world.
I would not choose Anthem anything over Rotel. I hope you like it as much or better then the Rotel pre , I'm surprised you didn't go with a new Rotel pre. The new models are coming or are out , I haven't checked release date for the new models. Current models are very nice.

[stuofsci02]

Yes I was very happy with the 1098. Prior to originally buying it the only thing that I thought was slightly...and I say slightly better was a Lexicon processor. I am tempted to take back this Anthem. I usually don't get buyer's remorse especially over home theater equipment as I tend to research and audition in a great deal before buying.

If you still have the chance to take it back, it would be worth trying your 1098 with a BR player that has the HD codecs built in. For not a lot of money you can get one helluva player from Oppo.

Cheers!

[mpauline]

I may take the Anthem back and just take a credit towards some Klipsch Ultra2 THX speakers. Then I could just buy an OPPO and run it through my Rotel. They keep harping over the amazing results if I run the ARC system on the Anthem however I must say it sounds a little to bright for me right out of the box.

[mpauline]

Welcome back 1098! Decided to return the Anthem. It just did not sound as good as my old Rotel. Now I will order an OPPO and join the world of lossless through my multichannel analog inputs.

[stuofsci02]

Welcome back 1098! Decided to return the Anthem. It just did not sound as good as my old Rotel. Now I will order an OPPO and join the world of lossless through my multichannel analog inputs.

Sounds like a good plan.. Go for the 95 over the 93 since you will use the analog outputs.

*EDIT*.. Also an option would be to go for a used Oppo 83SE, unless there is specific features you want that the 93/95 have that the 83SE doesn't.

Cheers!

[mpauline]

It is very hard to find a used 83SE. Price wise I would like to stick at around $600 so I think I may not find one and will have to go with a new Oppo 93.

[stuofsci02]

It is very hard to find a used 83SE. Price wise I would like to stick at around $600 so I think I may not find one and will have to go with a new Oppo 93.

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/648954892-oppo__bdp83se/

Does not indicate *sold*....

$650 might be a bit much, but maybe negatioable...

[pixphipau]

I love what arc has done to my system...maybe i am in the minority?

Anyhoo just got a 1575 to go with it, will let you know how i get on....if interested?

Oh i was a member years ago lost all my details... Have had 1066,1075,1068,1075 haha.....

[Sackrat]

Welcome back 1098! Decided to return the Anthem. It just did not sound as good as my old Rotel. Now I will order an OPPO and join the world of lossless through my multichannel analog inputs.

mpauline - Have you considered the new Rotel RSP-1572? It has six HDMI inputs and two HDMI 1.4 outputs plus will decode all the latest lossless codecs. Two good reasons to look at. I eliminated a snakes nest of cables in preperation for my Rotel 1572 to replace my 2003 B&K Ref 30 prepro. Loved the Ref 30 without HDMI for awhile but kept waiting for the next BIG thing like HDMI, or Lossless codecs, or HDMI 1.4 for 3D. Tired of waiting. I am looking forward to installing my new unit.

[mpauline]

mpauline - Have you considered the new Rotel RSP-1572? It has six HDMI inputs and two HDMI 1.4 outputs plus will decode all the latest lossless codecs. Two good reasons to look at. I eliminated a snakes nest of cables in preperation for my Rotel 1572 to replace my 2003 B&K Ref 30 prepro. Loved the Ref 30 without HDMI for awhile but kept waiting for the next BIG thing like HDMI, or Lossless codecs, or HDMI 1.4 for 3D. Tired of waiting. I am looking forward to installing my new unit.

Went ahead and bought the OPPO 95. Everything is now audio nirvana..oh yeah my subwoofer needs replacing and so does my LCR. Arghhh...I love home theater

[stuofsci02]

Went ahead and bought the OPPO 95. Everything is now audio nirvana..oh yeah my subwoofer needs replacing and so does my LCR. Arghhh...I love home theater

Did you solve your issue with the rear 7.1 channels?

[mpauline]

Did you solve your issue with the rear 7.1 channels?

I did. The new firmware downloaded the first time that I hooked up the OPPO to the network. When I spoke with OPPO tech support they suggested that I do a system default reboot. I did this and it fixed the issue. You have to like it when a tech suggestion actually works :T