I've always heard good things about the Anthems. It was funny, because the one time I heard anything less than positive about them was when someone was demo-ing my system recently and said that it sounded better than the local Anthem dealer's demo room with an AVM-30. It just goes to show that even the best gear needs attention paid to proper setup - based on all the praise that the Anthem processors have received over the years, we had to conclude that the AVM-30 demo setup had some issues.
You could always get one of the 7075's from Outlaw and power three stereo zones with one channel to spare.

Laventura,

I had the 970 at the same time the 2500 and the 990 were in my HT as well. The 970 sounded better IMO than the 2500 with music, but not movies. I did LOVE the way they set the crossover up on the 970/1070 though (other manufacturers should definately take note here). If you want to take it to the next level with 2-channel music, you'll have to give the 990 a try. The 990 does very well with music. I also perfered the appearance of the 970 over the 990...at least when looking at the front of the unit...the back was another story.

Although I feel the AVM30 is definately better than the 990 for both music and movies, I can't argue that the 990 is the better bang for the buck. Just like I'm sure if I heard Meridian or the Lexicon's flagship processors they would best the Anthem, but again, at several times the price.

If it wasn't for these boards and my local hi-fi shops, I probably would have stopped with the Yammy a long time ago. I wouldn't have known there was anything better. Dang all of you!

Enjoy your rig!

Thanks Doug. I pulled the trigger on a D2 today. I must say I am excited to get it.

I envy you wingnut. I would have loved to have the D2, but my budget (or lack there of) simply would not allow it. You'll have to let everyone know what you think of it. Congrats! I think you will be very surprised on the audio and video quality of this unit.

Hi guys,
It has been a while but I did end up trying a Emotiva DMC-1. I like it alot, but after comparing it to the Meridian 861 it was lacking some sound I was used to. My first impressions were the highs were not as clear, not as real. The bass was also less clear, the Meridian had more definition to the bass. I am missing my meridian already. I am still thinking of trying the 990 out. I have read many forums where they say the sherwood is just ok compared to others including the sunfire which the Emotiva is. The emotiva is a great piece of equipment especially for the price but I am just used to the meridian.

The Meridian's a tall order to replace. You might still give the 990 a try - it has a more flexible bass management scheme than the DMC-1, which might help with the clarity of the bass.

I just usually set the crossover to 80 hz for all my speakers since they are all exactly the same. I have read that the 990 has harsh highs. Is this true? My equipment is very neutral and accurate. I lost $100 with shipping the Emotiva so I am hesitate to lose that much again. The goal is to achieve the same sound for less. If this is not possible than I will understand. The Meridian 861 is indeed a very expensive, well built piece. I may have to just try the lesser 568.2 from meridian. that is still more money than I want to spend. That Meridian 861 ruined me.

By the way the Gemstone is better than my ADA amp. Great clarity. It really opens things up. I had the emotiva with the gemstone. My meridian and ada are both sold. What was really dissapointing was when I had my friend come over for a listen(he has the best tested hearing of any of my friends) and he said that with the Emotiva in place it was the worst he heard so far from my theater room(oouch). A major downgrade. His reference point is the Meridian 861 with the Gemstone amp. I would agree with him but not that bad. Hell if you think about it the Meridian is way over priced. The sound out of it though is worth it(used prices, never new).

OK, I just placed my order for the 990. I should have it by Thursday or Friday. If it is not as good sounding as my 861(or good enough) then I will give my honest opinion of the 990 and the Emotiva.