Processor Anthem AVM 40
Appearance Anthem AVM 40 leaves a strong impression. This device is taken out of the hardware if any studio or from a secret military bunker. This metaphor, by the way, not so exaggerated. Development Team Sonic Frontiers once fulfilled orders for broadcasters, and even NASA. So brutal techno style - it can be said of their business card.
Some incredible number of buttons of unknown purpose initially deterred - how do you manage with all this? But quite fluently browse manual and everything falls into place. And the closer you get acquainted with the AVM 40, the more it is this administration is considered comfortable. Canadians have thought of everything. Some functions, such as are included in general and one-touch regulated for the moment. We are having problems only with the remote control, which is very similar to the attached processor Arcam and McIntosh. But because the buttons on it have another appointment had to relearn.
AVM 40 has a very broad multi-zone capabilities. It can distributirovat AV-signal into three zones, and thus has a triple-independent interface, and a selector to arrange triple control. Another interesting detail: two timer with independent settings on and off zones on weekdays and weekends. You program the system to your schedule and generally forget about the need to control anything. Anthem morning wake vigorous program on the radio, turn on the weekend before the start of your favorite TV shows, the evening itself out after a screening of the film.
These "features" as configuring each input level setting of the input signal and things like that, even not worth mentioning. This all in excess. But on the audio capabilities of the processor FreeScale DSP 56367 should talk more. In the setting of type systems considered by the nature of the radiation - can be set, for example, dipole rears. Also, set the frequency filtering for each channel in the settings prescribed diagonal display or screen, it is possible to smoothly adjust the phase of your subwoofer, set the parameters of the limiter to avoid overloading of the LFE channel and even blanker standing waves - from the reproduced sound cut narrow strips of those frequencies at which the room starts to buzz. All the settings are fixed password - the hapless user can not spoil the result of careless actions of a professional.
AV-processor Anthem sounds better when connected through a digital source and performs the role of a high-DAC. In his company even player Denon, connected as transport, capable to compete with the standard. Processor provides a thorough, detailed and supported from the depths of bass (though he did some monotonous) and pleasant audiophile top. No hint of mist or veil. All playable range captivates incredibly high detail. Immaculately assigned atmosphere. Scene remains clear even to the most remote plans. Every apparent source focused very sharply. However, the images still lack a little bit of flesh - flesh is poor. Sound picture is incredibly detailed, but more schematic than other vehicles. I just described the average competitor band reproduced, for example, less meticulous and informative, but a bit livelier.
Analog inputs AVM 40 sounds very comfortable, not bulging middle, remains a bit aloof. Dynamics has a killer character, but some special playback realism it does not add. Connected the turntable and was surprised at how ruthlessly processor reacted to this source. He just skillfully beat it - analog and musicality left-overs, but showed in detail all the imperfections of turntables and phono RIAA-corrector. There is concern that with vinyl top-class player, he will do the same.
But analytical playback AVM 40 is well suited for programs recorded on supernositeli DVD-Audio or SA-CD, even if they were originally analog! Listening to these recordings, you pay attention to a lot of new details that had not even kept. Modern records are extraordinarily sterile. And most importantly - oddly enough, it is such a phonogram sound most natural and alive. Therefore, the class Anthem doubt is not necessarily better. This device is intended for the future - he sharpened by leading carriers, under good studio equipment, cool under serious. If the music was recorded well, Anthem takes the listener a real pleasure.
