Anthem
Anthem AVM90 15.4 Channel 8K Preamp Processor
Best high-end processor for audiophiles building an elite home theater system.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Anthem AVM90, a flagship 8K preamp processor designed for the ultimate home theater. It boasts reference-grade audio circuitry, featuring dual ESS ES9038Pro DACs for exceptional clarity and channel separation. Optimize your bass with four independently calibrated subwoofer outputs. Enjoy powerful room correction via the flexible ARC Genesis technology and seamless streaming with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. Though discontinued, the AVM90 remains a benchmark for sonic performance and system control.
$4500.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
40
/ 563
#40 in Audio & Video Receivers
Price vs Category Average
+71%
Above average
Audio Calibration System
ARC Genesis
/ ARC Genesis
Who it's for
- Critical listeners demanding studio-quality clarity and dynamic range
- Home theater enthusiasts building massive, multi-speaker immersive audio systems
- Audiophiles seeking perfect sound in acoustically challenging living spaces
Who should skip it
- Hardcore gamers requiring full 48Gbps bandwidth for high-end PC rigs
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking high-performance value
- Casual users preferring simple, plug-and-play home theater setups
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
Dual ESS DACs deliver reference-grade clarity for the most demanding listeners.
Room Correction
ARC Genesis provides surgical precision for challenging acoustic environments.
Bass Management
Four independent subwoofer outputs allow for perfectly balanced low-end response.
Video Processing
8K support ensures your home theater remains relevant for years ahead.
Connectivity
Comprehensive streaming options make high-resolution music access effortless and intuitive.
System Control
Deep configuration menus offer professional-level tuning for complex multi-channel setups.
Key Specs
Audio Calibration System
ARC Genesis
Maximum Video Resolution Supported
8K Ultra HD
DACs
Dual ESS ES9038Pro
Subwoofer Outputs
Four independently calibrated
Connectivity Options
AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth
Network Capabilities
Yes
Release Year
2020
Surround Sound Formats Supported
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Features
- Flagship 8K video processing
- Dual ESS ES9038Pro DACs for superior sound
- Four independent subwoofer outputs
- Advanced ARC Genesis room correction
- Integrated streaming capabilities
- Exceptional channel separation
- Reference-grade audio circuitry
What customers say
The Anthem AVM90 is overwhelmingly praised as a flagship home theater processor, primarily for its reference level sound quality. Users consistently highlight the exceptional clarity, dynamics, and bass authority achieved. The integration of Anthem Room Correction, ARC Genesis, is considered essential, effectively creating a cohesive and accurate sound field across all channels. Reviewers also note the robust build quality, confirming its premium status. While the price is substantial, dedicated audiophiles view the AVM90 as a worthwhile investment delivering a truly immersive cinematic experience, despite minor initial software observations regarding full HDMI 2.1 rollout.
Know before you buy
These reference-grade DACs are widely considered the gold standard for high-fidelity audio. By using two of them, the AVM90 achieves superior channel separation and a lower noise floor, resulting in a cleaner, more detailed soundstage than standard processors.
Unlike processors that simply split a single signal, the AVM90 allows you to calibrate each subwoofer individually. This is essential for smoothing out room modes and eliminating 'dead spots' in your bass response across multiple seating positions.
ARC Genesis is highly intuitive, though it requires a bit of patience to get the best results. It uses a calibrated microphone to measure your room's acoustics and automatically adjusts the output to compensate for your specific space, ensuring a balanced sound profile.
Yes, it is fully equipped to handle immersive audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its 15.4 channel processing capability allows for complex speaker configurations, making it an ideal centerpiece for high-end home cinema setups.
Yes, the processor features integrated streaming support for AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. You can stream high-quality audio directly from your smartphone or tablet over your home network without needing additional hardware.
While it is no longer in production, the AVM90 remains a benchmark for audio performance. As long as your source devices and displays are compatible with its 8K video and audio processing standards, it will continue to deliver reference-level performance for years to come.
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$4500