Music & Movie Conundrum

[goodhevans79]

In 2017 I wanted to create an easy to use system for enjoying blu-ray, TV and both streamed and CD format music. The result was Sonos and Panasonic DSP-900 (I think) through an Anthem MRX 520 receiver, powering Dali Zensor 5 fronts and Vokal centre, a BK Electronics Sub and little KEF egg surround speakers. The blur-ray is long gone but the rest remain and I can't help but feel a little short-changed on sound quality for the 2 Channel on music.
I will be looking to upgrade soon, my initial thoughts is to improve the source - I now exclusively stream on Apple Music Lossless/Hi-Res and I think the Sonos needs to go - considering the new CXN100 from Cambridge Audio. But does something need to be done with the Anthem amp? I need my front speakers to drive the 2 channel for music but also need them as fronts for the TM/film through SkyQ (Netflix/Disney/Prime Video). How can I improve overall quality whilst retaining the same set up with the amplifier receiver at the centre of things? Ideally I'd love a solution that provides excellent streaming capability for music but can easily be used to deliver room-filling sound. for movies and TV.

 

[jjbomber]

But does something need to be done with the Anthem amp?

Nope. An AV amp doesn't know if it is amplifying a film soundtrack or CD soundtrack. It amplifies it to the same standard. It's the number of channels that differ, not the quality. So ignore the snake oil, sit back and relax. You have a great player in the Anthem.

 

[Ethics Gradient]

You haven't got any real choice but to stick with an AV amp, and Anthem has great reviews. A stereo amp at the same price should have an advantage as the budget is not spread over many channels, there's no AV processing etc to pay for - that's inevitable - but a stereo amp won't do any of the other things that you need.

Sounds like the best option is to demo some other sources maybe? At least you'll then know if that's where the issue lies.

 

[twinkletoes]

Out of interest have you run pbk kit on the 520?

Av amps are designed from the ground up to use there on board room correction and can sound very dull and uninteresting with out it

 

[Fandango Andy]

In 2017 I wanted to create an easy to use system for enjoying blu-ray, TV and both streamed and CD format music. The result was Sonos and Panasonic DSP-900 (I think) through an Anthem MRX 520 receiver, powering Dali Zensor 5 fronts and Vokal centre, a BK Electronics Sub and little KEF egg surround speakers. The blur-ray is long gone but the rest remain and I can't help but feel a little short-changed on sound quality for the 2 Channel on music.
I will be looking to upgrade soon, my initial thoughts is to improve the source - I now exclusively stream on Apple Music Lossless/Hi-Res and I think the Sonos needs to go - considering the new CXN100 from Cambridge Audio. But does something need to be done with the Anthem amp? I need my front speakers to drive the 2 channel for music but also need them as fronts for the TM/film through SkyQ (Netflix/Disney/Prime Video). How can I improve overall quality whilst retaining the same set up with the amplifier receiver at the centre of things? Ideally I'd love a solution that provides excellent streaming capability for music but can easily be used to deliver room-filling sound. for movies and TV.

The amp and speakers are all good products, there is probably room for improvement in the setup. Do you have the main speakers well positioned? The amp probably has lots of settings for room correction and/or effects. Worth checking you are getting the best out of it before trading it in.