The only question I have is when you compared the 2 units on CD's, what were you using for DAC's: the player or the processor? (digital or analog input to the processor?)

I use a dedicated DAC, so all I need from a processor is transparency of the analog signal. Asking a HT processor to do a great job converting CD bits to music is a difficult task and one that most HT units do not stress in their design.

If the differences with CD's was significant using analog inputs, to me THAT means something. If it was with digital inputs, for the $2200 extra it costs to buy the Anthem, you could buy a great CD player or DAC.