Anyone have experience with this integrated receiver? They go for around $1500 - $1800 CDN (new) and seem to provide bang for the buck. I don't have much experience with Anthem sound but have been told that it's honest (transparent), flat with a slight roll-off at the highest frequencies / polite. I'm just wondering how Anthem would compare to Bryston - say a B60 or B100.
My dealer has this integrated amp in store for demo and its very good. Punchy sound, well built. Different sound than Bryston. Depends on system/room/personal tastes for which you prefer.
To be honest, I've been giving some consideration to an integrated from a simplicity and cost perspective. Nick - can you be more specific on the key differences in the sound of Anthem with Bryston? (I'm taking Bryston ST/SST vs the Anthem 225, not the SST/2 which I know is a significant evolution of the Byrston house sound) Dave - I may seek an audition but first wanted to get some feedback on whether it would be worth my while. Would I be taking a noticeable and clear step back in sound quality in moving from a Bryston 3B-ST with Grant Fidelity DAC/pre to the Anthem 225 integrated?
The one I was looking on CAM and called the guy about on Monday is SOLD - did Nuck buy it???? LOL.
When I spoke to the guy who was selling it, he was very upfront and honest. He told me that he has moved to a Bryston 4B-ST, with an Emotiva pre-amp powering Paradigm Studio 60's and found this was a clear improvement in clarity - especially in the midrange. He actually lives near by me in Ajax (15 minute or so drive), so we agreed to keep in touch and possibly get together. Hence, my questions about integrateds and specifically the Anthem 225.
I personally don't feel Anthem is quit the class of Bryston in terms of sound and build quality, but thats just my personal opinion George. Bryston I find brings out more detail, has more slam, and has better timing. What Anthem brings is almost a dark, yet level sound with overall good dynamics. Almost like a higher quality NAD without the grain. Then again, you may like the Anthem sound better. The thing with a Bryston amp is that you have to have a good pre amp paired with it to get the most out of it. And of course this all depends on your system, and room. Giving that you might the Anthem sound better, or not.
A dark sound is not my preference. I'm a detail fanatic and will sacrifice liquidity for detail to a point, hence my love for Bryston sound. The more and more I consider it, the more I'm convinced I may need to penny up for a BP25 to get to where I want to get. Thanks Nick for the comments.
The BP-20 is a fantastic pre amp. For the small performance difference the Bp25 brings I say buy a BP20 as even used it can be had for quite a bit less.
The BP-20 doesn't have a remote while the BP-25 does. I wouldn't buy something without a remote again.
I don't think the BP-20 had the external power supply either. While it's not a huge improvement, the MPS1 external power supply makes a decent difference for the BP-25 IMO.
I think I may just have to bite the bullet and get the BP-25 and be set for a long time. I would not step up to a BP26 unless I went SST with my amp - which will be a few years out - for sure. The remote is a feature worth the extra cost.
I wouldn't personally need the remote as I use the volume control on the Media Center with my touch screen Logitech Harmony. So if anybody knows of a BP-20 around for a good price let me know.
The BP-25 should offer up a tad better quality as well George. Can't go wrong either way. I think I saw a BP-25 a few weeks ago on CAM for 800 with external PSU.
More recent experience with the Anthem225 yesterday. Pigman is running the 225 with Gallo 3.1 speaker set, and I had an hour with it. The Anthem gives great space and stage. Power is more than adequate. It is a smooth delivery with very little coloration, and doesn't seem like it will kill a lesser recording, although I didn't try a questionable one.