Anthem Statement D2v A/V Controller & P5 Amplifier, Part 1 (TPV 97)

Transcendental Performance

D2v Video:

• Provides memory for storing up to four separate Video configurations.

• Supports independent source settings and adjustments.

• Provides extensive support for custom installer/calibrators, with the ability to generate sophisticated video test patterns.

• Sigma Designs “broadcast grade” VXP digital video processor is said to provide “professional-grade, fully adaptive deinterlacing, adaptive 3D noise reduction, mosquito noise reduction, block artifact reductions, adaptive detail enhancement featuring sharpness and texture enhancement with overshoot control, and adaptive contrast enhancement.”

• The D2v offers extensive transcoding options, and can convert any resolution level or format of input into the target resolution/format of your choice (for example, 480i component video input signals could be converted to 1080p/24fps HDMI outputs, and so on).

D2v Convenience:

• Comes with two full featured, backlit remote controls—one for the main room, the other for a second zone. A “learning” function helps each remote to control other components.

• Extensive programming support and options for custom installers.

P5 Audio:

• Given the P5 massive power output capabilities, the amplifier requires two power cords, each (ideally) fed by a separate household power circuit.

• Internally, the P5 is configured as five separate monoblock amplifiers, each featuring “two separate and autonomous power supplies fed from separate transformer windings.”

• Uses massive “low-impedance toroidal power supplies—one per amplifier channel.”

• Each channel features its own “oversize aluminum heatsink” with over 1125 square inches/channel of radiating area to ensure cool, quiet operation.

• A whopping fourteen bipolar output devices per channel.

• Offers user selectable single-ended or balanced analog audio inputs.

USER INTERFACE

The D2v’s user interface is clear and reasonably straightforward, though it is important to bear in mind that this controller provides a much broader range of setup and configuration options than most other A/V controllers and AVRs do. Frankly, the D2v offer layers of setup options in places where other A/V controllers don’t even have places. For this reason it is vitally important to read the manual and—where necessary—to seek expert help/advice during the setup process. I suspect that many prospective owners will need or want to have their D2v’s set up by a dealer or custom installer.

The D2v gives users the ability to make on-the-fly audio adjustments and thus to hear the effects of setting changes in real time. When adjustments are made, an HD onscreen display shows exactly what changes have been made (though this feature can be disabled should you find the display distracting).

REMOTE CONTROL

The D2V provides two backlit remotes, that can be programmed to control other component and that provide a “learning” function. The unit is fairly easy to master, though it does—as a matter of practical necessity—provide a number of context-sensitive buttons that have multiple possible functions, which can be a potential source of confusion and/or user errors. Again, it is essential to read the manual, since this is not one of those remotes you can learn purely through trial and error.

The remote does make it easy to make on-the-fly adjustments channel trim adjustments, with separate trims for front, center, and surround channels, and for the subwoofer (a feature I think many audiophiles will appreciate and use often).
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This is Part 1 of a two-part review. To read Part 2, click here.

Part 2 covers the following topics:

• ARC ROOM CORRECTION
• VIDEO PERFORMANCE
• SONIC CHARACTER
• MOVIE/SOUNDTRACK PERFORMANCE
• MUSIC PERFORMANCE
• BOTTOM LINE (Summary)
• SPECS & PRICING
• MANUFACTURER’S CONTACT INFORMATION