Club Anthem

[DrJRapp]

The 2 channel stereo using the D2's internal DAC is phenominal. Surround steering is also the best. I'm still working with the HDMI, Vid Processor and sources to get everything working right. Once I do you'll have my full comments.

[mitch57]

Thanks Jerry. I look forward to your review.

[grit]

Jerry, can you comment on the 2-channel stereo bypass?

[DrJRapp]

Garrett

Just give me a few days. I've got a Benchmark DAC1 coming and then I'll give you the rundown on how the D2 does in bypass vs using it's internal DACs.

[EAmin]

I noticed the D2 has balanced outs. Is the D2 a true balanced design? Thanks!

[DrJRapp]

Garrett,

Bypass works just fine. I'm not sure what else to say since most of the sound is being generated by the Benchmark DAC1. Obviously, the bypass mode is very clean since the overall sound of Denon 2900>Benchmark DAC1>Statement D2>Aragon 3005>ML Summit is very clean.

[Elmac]

Just got mine. Huge improvement over the Rotel RSP 1098.

I will second that
The video quality blows me away, with the greatest sound ever

[grit]

Garrett,

Bypass works just fine. I'm not sure what else to say since most of the sound is being generated by the Benchmark DAC1. Obviously, the bypass mode is very clean since the overall sound of Denon 2900>Benchmark DAC1>Statement D2>Aragon 3005>ML Summit is very clean.

I've read and been told that the pre/pro can affect sound dramatically. I'm picky about my 2ch stereo, which I listen to via bypass. I know in some of your other posts, you had a CD player (Shandling maybe?) hooked directly into an amp, thus eliminating the pre-amp/processor stage. I guess what I was wondering was, if you took the D2 and put it in between the CD player and the amp in that setup, how much (if at all) would it affect the sound, and as compared to the 1098 (with which I am familiar)?

[DrJRapp]

Unfortunatly, that's not a physical possibility since the two systems are in different parts of the house.

[mitch57]

Well Jerry? What's the status? What do you think of the D2 so far? Have you run it through it's paces? Give us the low down on what you think so far.

[DrJRapp]

Ok....Since you asked:

The audio capabilities in bypass with balanced connections are second to none. I've even reached a point where I'm using my main system primarily for my 2 channel listening instead of my 2 channel study library.

Surround processing is excellent, especially with THX engaged. Surround steering tops my former Rotel 1098 by a small margin, but the overall "weight" of the presentation is improved to provide the illusion of being in a larger "theater" room.

I like the XLR capabilities of the D2 vs the 1098, especially the balanced 2 channel input. This has allowed me to use these features of some higher digital source devices such as my Benchmark DAC1.

Of course the reason I purchased a D2 is the HDMI capability. First, the massive reduction in cable complexity is greatly appreciated. I now have 3 HDMI 1.1 devices a Toshiba XA1 HD player, a Samsung BDP1000 blu-ray player and an Oppo HD 970 to feed 480i, SACD and DVD audio via HDMI to the D2 Gennum processor. I've had a wild ride getting everything to work as it should which included 5 firmware updtates from Anthem. The Genum video processor does a great job. I have a difficult time decerning the difference between SD DVD upscaled and deinterlaced by the D2 and Blu-ray versions of the same movie. HD DVD is another story.

I haven't had as much luck getting my Dish 811 with it's DVI output and HDMI cable adapter to work consitently with the D2. For the time being I'm using the component analog outputs from the 811 untill Anthem sorts that out.

The D2 is a very complex and capable piece of gear and it takes a bit of work to get it's potential maximized. Yet, it is deceptively simple to set up. I don't even think I've reached 80% of the capability of the D2 yet.....so, hang on for future updates to this post.

[grit]

I have a difficult time decerning the difference between SD DVD upscaled and deinterlaced by the D2 and Blu-ray versions of the same movie. HD DVD is another story.

Jerry, I KNOW it wasn't the topic of the post, but how could you leave us HANGING like that? :W So, Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD? Which looks better??

I've read Toshiba made one HELL of a good player. Any chance you tested it in 2-ch analog yet? I know you have some better stuff for 2-ch, but I was just curious.

[DrJRapp]

Jerry, I KNOW it wasn't the topic of the post, but how could you leave us HANGING like that? :W So, Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD? Which looks better??

I've read Toshiba made one HELL of a good player. Any chance you tested it in 2-ch analog yet? I know you have some better stuff for 2-ch, but I was just curious.

There is no comparison between HD DVD and BluRay, based on current BluRay state of the art both in equipment and software...it just is a total waste of the format.

I haven't tested the Toshiba for 2 channel analog, but I have as a digital source for my DAC, and I'm not impressed...sound is a more than a bit compressed. Pardon the pun....lol

[grit]

Aw, damn. I knew once an audiophile got their hands on that Toshiba, the 2-ch rumors would get squashed. Wishful thinking.

I'll be interested to see what happens with the hi-def DVD format war, but there's NO way I'm buying a player yet. I'd LOVE to get a pre/pro that'll decode the audio formats though.

[mitch57]

Thanks for the update Jerry. Sounds like HD DVD is the winner in the video category at the present time as far as your concerned. I wish the war would end so I can get a new HD player. I'm also hoping that they will come out with a Universal Player that has good DACs that play all my SACDs and DVD Audio disks as well.

[DrJRapp]

I just got a replacement for my original D2, it seems I had about the 9th one ever made and it has it's issues. The replacement is far superior in image stability, brightness and audio soundstage, but still seems to have some HDMI switching issues.

[mitch57]

Jerry,

Sorry to hear that you have already had problems with the new D2. What are they saying/doing about the HDMI issues?

[DrJRapp]

Jerry,

Sorry to hear that you have already had problems with the new D2. What are they saying/doing about the HDMI issues?

They are sending me a 3d D2.

[mitch57]

They are sending me a 3d D2.

OUCH!!! Are you losing confidence in their products or do you think it's just because it's a brand new product?

I'm dealing with a similar situation with a new remote control. It's a new model and they are sending me my 3rd one! The first two have had issues. Kind of disappointing for a $500.00 remote. Hopefully the 3rd time will be a "Charm" for both of us.

Keep us posted.

[Andrew M Ward]

True to date, possibly but...

There is no comparison between HD DVD and BluRay, based on current BluRay state of the art both in equipment and software...it just is a total waste of the format.

I would be careful here, Blu-Ray is not going away as quickly as we all might hope - or as the industry might need it to - it's got some teeth...

we've got 18 more months of serius battle ahead... and both formats totally suck, BTW: based on the original promise...

one minute and 40 second load times for HD-DVD (come on!) and thats after we effed around with it to speed it up...
that box is a piece of crap (sorry, but please..)

this will be a fun 18 months to watch... (popcorn please :Z )

[grit]

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say "fun". Perhaps "interesting". The crappy thing is that *greed* is preventing the end-users from being able to enjoy hi-denfinition DVDs.

[DrJRapp]

I need to add further to my commnets about the Statement D2. Even though many others claim a different experience, from my perspective Anthem's legendary support to date has been mostly a myth and that's being VERY polite. I'm at the end of my 7th week waiting for my 3d D2 to arrive. Anthem seems either reluctant, unable or unwilling to step up to the plate and honor their implied warrantee obligations. I feel the need to warn people that they MAY spend $6700 on a device that won't work as intended and then not have the manufacturer stand behind it while shouting.....it's HDMI...its HDMI! The D2 is not a device that the technically challenged should contemplate purchasing.

For the longest time Anthem denied there was a heat issue with the D2, now they admit there is...and have a fix. They denied a hardware problem with the HDMI connectors, yet now the've changed their sockets in production.

There are people out there, such as Al Levesque that claim to have perfectly working D2s, so I know it's possible. HDMI issues or not, Anthem needs to tighen up it's hardware tolerances and firmware code so that all units work as well as Levesque's.

I'm not Anthem bashing...just telling the truth, as those of you who know me thru the years will agree, I always do. Fortunatly the 2 channel audio is about the best I've ever heard, or the D2 would have been outa here already.

[RebelMan]

I'm not Anthem bashing...just telling the truth, as those of you who know me thru the years will agree, I always do. Fortunatly the 2 channel audio is about the best I've ever heard, or the D2 would have been outa here already.

Hey Jerry, thanks for your candor and your feedback. I hope your troubles are settled soon, seven weeks is a long time, your patience is commendable! Curious, if you had to move on to another processor where would you go?

[DrJRapp]

Hey Jerry, thanks for your candor and your feedback. I hope your troubles are settled soon, seven weeks is a long time, your patience is commendable! Curious, if you had to move on to another processor where would you go?

I haven't really thought about it because I have too much invested in building my system around the D2. Also after having spent the big bucks on the D2 (her quote..."it cost HOW much"?) and having the poor results I have had so far, I think my wife would seriously challenge my sanity (and any further investment in another processor). Till now my credibility has been 100% with her, each and every big buck purchase has yeilded significantly better sound, a bigger picture or somethig tangible. The D2 changed all that, yes 2 channel is better than it was with the RSP 1098, but the video headaches, the embarrasment when we have guests over and I can't get audio and video output on the D2 simultaneously, the aggrivation of having to deal with Anthem's support (or lack thereof) after more than doubling my processor investment, gives one pause.

However, if I did contemplate a change it would be perhaps Halcro or Lexicon with an external vid processor, or perhaps a step backwards to Rotel's HDMI version of the 1098 when it arrives.

[RebelMan]

However, if I did contemplate a change it would be perhaps Halcro or Lexicon with an external vid processor, or perhaps a step backwards to Rotel's HDMI version of the 1098 when it arrives.

Hopefully, it won't have to come to that but if it does you may also want to consider the new Classe' SSP-900 when it hits your dealer's showroom. I think you'll find it to include all the features you are looking for and it's only $25K, 8O . That should give your wife something indefinite to comment about. LOL

[DrJRapp]

A little over three times the cost of the Anthem....I'll definitly consider it....in my dreams!

[mitch57]

Jerry,

Very interesting. I emailed Anthem last week to ask some questions about HDMI on their AVM 50 and D2. Specifically I asked them what version they were currently using and if their were any plans to implement HDMI 1.3 in the future.

After the 3rd volley of emails (him answering my questions) the email conversation ended with me thanking him for his time and that I was not doubting anything he told me. He was quite offensive when I asked questions about HDMI and what I had heard the new version will do that the previous versions won't.

He ended his last email with a very frank and candid "If you still doubt an industry professional and an HDMI Licensee's advice then here's a link you can read...." or something to that effect.

I was just trying to get educated and he took offense to me referencing other information which I had read.

At any rate, I was not impressed with their customer service and sounds like you aren't either.

[DrJRapp]

That's what I've encountered. Nick doesn't treat me like the knowledgable engineering Phd I am, he talks down to me at every encounter. I'm also someone who just bought his company's flagship product, and as such I feel like I should be treated like a VIP. Not that anyone puchasing any lesser product should receive any lesser treatment. As "she" say's "Walmart gives better service".

Interesting what Nick said about being an HDMI liscensee. I did some checking this weekend. Anthem or Sonic Frontiers is not on the official HDMI adopters list. The list was up to date as of this past Friday. Gennum, who makes a component of the D2 (the video scaler) is on the adopter's list. The founders and adopters of the HDMI association are bound to the set of standards that the organization publishes, while others are not. However, they are bound in a very funny way; only the first product they ever produce must be submitted to HDMI for certification, after that they can call their product certified almost at will without having it tested. There is an HDMI logo program, this is perhaps what Nick is referring to as being "licensed". Organizations pay to utilize the HDMI logo, but to my understanding are not bound to comply with the specifications as would that have to with say the THX program. The only requirement to have the HDMI logo is to have one or more HDMI sockets or plugs. Kinda makes ya wonder...doesn't it.

[mitch57]

It sounds like Nick needs to get out of the customer service business. How did you know it was Nick that I had the email conversations with? He must be the only tech support person/customer service rep.

It's really unfortunate. I had Anthem on my very, very, very short list. Now I'm really having second thoughts. Unfortunately I now have to re-group and start considering other manufactures. I really liked the Anthem line because of the built in tuner and the ultimate in tweakability. I wanted the ability to set each speaker (Fronts, Center, Surrounds) at different cross over frequencies and other then the higher end receivers Anthem is the only line I could find that had that feature. Plus I don't want to spend more then $5000.00 on a new processor.

Any ideas where else I should start looking?

Keep us all up to date on how things progress with Anthem and their wonderful and oh so friendly customer service/support rep Nick.

[DrJRapp]

Mitch

I don't think the AVM 50 has had as many problems as the D2 has, at least those that are heat related. Also, the number of problems popping up seems to be subsiding. I would proceed, but proceed with caution. All I know is I've had mine since May, had my first replaced with a second that is more problematical than the first and have been waiting nearly 8 weeks for a replacement.

The sad thing is that I'm not a difficult person to please, one just needs to make an effort to accomodate me and not themselves. I'm hopeing my 3d D2 arrives soon and winds up mostly problem free, if it doesn't, I'll be in the boat with you.

[mitch57]

Jerry,

I think I'll wait and see what happens with your D2. By the way... where was your dealer during all this? Why didn't he just replace the unit for you instead of you having to wait for Anthem to replace the unit?

Other then beefier power supplies what differs between the D2 and AVM 50. My understanding is that they both have the same Genum video scaler. Does Anthem know exactly what is causing the heat problem on the D2?

[DrJRapp]

Jerry,

By the way... where was your dealer during all this? Why didn't he just replace the unit for you instead of you having to wait for Anthem to replace the unit?

Other then beefier power supplies what differs between the D2 and AVM 50. My understanding is that they both have the same Genum video scaler. Does Anthem know exactly what is causing the heat problem on the D2?

Mitch I wish I knew... Perhaps you may want to ask that question yourself...he's a member here....I'll pm you with his name. My dealer is a custom installer not a retail store. As such they don't stock D2s (or anything else for that matter) everything is special order. He claims they have been in short supply. Other people on AVS forum seem to get theirs within a week or two. One individual has been thru 5 while I'm waiting on my 3d!!!!

There are alot of differnces between the D2 and the AVM 50 besides power supply. The D2 has 2 audio processors giving it twice the horsepower to handle surround modes and THX post processing. Anthem's orginal design of the D1 had that feature to prevent obsolecence and it has proven to work. The D2 also upscales all digital audio so that DAC conversion and it's associated filtering can be handled at higher frequencies, thus eliminating some forms of distortion. It's my understanding that Anthem is working on room eq for the D2 but the AVM 50s lack of adequate processing horsepower precludes that feature for the junior unit.

And yes, Anthem was overheard at Cedia claiming they now have a fix for the overheating problem that never existed to start with.....lol

[LEVESQUE]

And yes, Nick was overheard at Cedia claiming they now have a fix for the overheating problem that never existed to start with.....lol

Are you sure? That person's hearing must be very good. Nick was 1500 miles away the whole time... :roll:

BTW, Jerry, are you sure about the "3rd unit?" A little bird told me your dealer still didn't order the third D2 for you... In reality neither you nor your dealer did contacted Anthem to report a problem with your second unit.

Also. Did you knew that the guy that went through 5 D2 did actually broke 3 of those by crunching HDMI connectors with a bad HDMI cable, and that at least now he realizes and admits where the fault was?

Fifth one has some problem he blames on heat, because problem persists in "open air", except the first page in the manual says not to put unit on carpet - if I'm not mistaken, that's where he had it. It affects air flow. :roll:

Also. Did you knew that "Notanewbie" on AVS did broke the D2 himself but did forgot to talk about that little fact... So here's the real story. He bought a D2 of questionable origin insisted on not sending it to factory for repair. He assured Anthem techs that he had experience in electronics and an anti-static workstation and if they sent him a replacement board and power supply he'd repair the unit himself. In reality he didn't even know what "rectifier" meant and he butchered the unit while trying to repair it. He got banned from AVS just after this incident at the request of several other readers due to extreme rudeness.

So Jerry. Now we have the real story behind the 3 most vocals D2 users with "problems" on AVS. And it's only showing that by the time it gets on AVS, all the specifics are missing and the real meaning is lost.

The real failure rate is a single-digit percentage, which is normal. Several hundred people (at last count) own a D2. On AVS you keep reading about the same handful.

[DrJRapp]

BTW, Jerry, are you sure about the "3rd unit?" A little bird told me your dealer still didn't order the third D2 for you...

Anything is possible but I doubt the truth in that. I'll check it out.

[LEVESQUE]

The little birdie is Nick himself at Anthem btw.

[DrJRapp]

I think that's a 'red herring", but............
As I said, anything is possible. I will check it out, and if it is true I owe Nick a big apology wich he will get publically everywhere. If it turns out not to be true, there isn't anywhere he will ever be able to hide from me. I will become his worst nightmare.

[LEVESQUE]

Another "little" detail.

Notanewbie was using 4 diferent alias on AVS after being banned each time, and was back on the master D2 thread to complain about the D2 with 4 different names. So you can remove 3-4 other "persons" with "bad" D2 that were the same person in the end... Incredible. Some people are really strange...

And Notanewbie is well known to be posting on all the major internet AV forums, and always using 3-4 different user names and alias. He was banned from the Lexicon forum also for doing the same thing about Lexicon.

He was banned 4 times form AVS with 4 different alias. And he was posting on the D2 master thread on AVS on 4 different names. Strange guy... :roll:

[DrJRapp]

Interesting, but irrelivant to this thread.

Al
How much DOES Anthem pay you to put positive spin on their BS???? All your posts do nothing but portray the world according to Anthem out of the mouth of Nick. What does Al Levesque think?

You have two very credible people in this post here alone that have encountered his BS and know it for what it is. And why, once finding out about from you about my 2d D2 did he not contact me directly and immediatly? Where was his concern for me as a customer? His only response was to put down someone else...my dealer. That just appears to me to be more of the same of what I have been complaining about , Anthem's style: blame others and do nothing.

[DrJRapp]

Al
I emailed my dealer to tell him of Nicks comments as transmitted thru you.

I just heard back from him via email from his Blackberry:

"This is not exactly the situation. I'll speak to you tomorrow".

This is not exactly the situation...... interesting choice of words. Could it be he was being very tactful?
__________________

[mitch57]

This is getting very interesting. What exactly IS the situation?

[DrJRapp]

Well, I finally heard from Nick, and he is being professional and polite which is a refreshing change, hopefully we can keep it on that footing.

Anyway, He claims my dealer never ordered a 3d D2, I've yet to hear back from my dealer, so the jury is still out on this one. My dealer is a large organization, and it's possible for the ball to be dropped in a variety of places, so I'm not automatically discounting what Nick says.

OBTW, in his lengthly correspondence to me Nick still never mentioned even a hint on how my problem with the D2 is going to be resolved.

[mitch57]

OBTW, in his lengthly correspondence to me Nick still never mentioned even a hint on how my problem with the D2 is going to be resolved.

Now why would he do that? I'm sure in his eyes there is no problem so there is no need for him to mention what the solution is nor any need for him to tell you that he is sending you a new one that has been thourghly tested to ensure there are no defects prior to shipment.

Seriously though... I probably would have been a bit more forward with him and asked him how he was going to ensure me that I wasn't going to have the same problem with the replacement processor. But then again... that's just the Navy Chief in me rising to the surface. No pun intended.

[Andrew M Ward]

This is getting very interesting. What exactly IS the situation?

Interesting is right!
This might be my favorite Forum string of all time... (I'll go back to lurking now) 8O

[grit]

Wow. That's all I got. Wow.

I just deleted all the stuff I wrote. I'm VERY interested to see how this turns out. Jerry, please keep us informed, and I'm sorry that you've got to go through all of this. I'd be far more dispondent than you've been. Not suggesting you change, I'm just impressed.

[LEVESQUE]

I really want to wish you good luck Jerry.

I know what you're going through, and hope everything will be at your satisfaction. Up here, Anthem customer services is nothing short of incredible for me, my dealer and my friends.

I'm really surprised with all this. But keep us updated.