Anthem AVM 70 8K – 15.2-Channel A/V Preamplifier

The Anthem AVM 70 8K is a 15.2-channel A/V preamplifier that handles source selection, surround decoding and room correction, leaving the actual amplification to separate power amps. It's Anthem's entry point into the world of surround separates – though "entry point" here refers to its position in the lineup, not the level of its room correction.

Why the AVM 70 8K?

Anthem's reputation stands or falls with its room correction, and ARC Genesis is the trump card: the system measures your room with a microphone and smooths out exactly the level peaks that every living room adds to the bass. That one step is often more audible than your next speaker upgrade – and yes, it's fine to think about it in that order for once. Four measurement profiles can be stored; decoding covers up to 15.2 channels including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro and IMAX Enhanced, with two independently calibratable subwoofer outputs.

What you get

On the video side, the AVM 70 8K passes through seven dedicated HDMI 2.1 inputs (8K/60 Hz or 4K/120 Hz), plus three outputs with eARC, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and – relevant for gamers – VRR and ALLM. The preamp outputs come fully duplicated: balanced via XLR and unbalanced via RCA, so you choose depending on your power amp. Control runs through the Anthem Web User Interface in a browser, on tablet or phone; an MM phono input for the turntable camp is also on board. Streaming runs via AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth – you can use that, but you don't have to: every physical source, from 4K player to record, plays just as well through the inputs, with no subscription required.

Who is the AVM 70 8K right for?

Straight talk: the AVM 70 8K is for anyone who's serious about separates – processor and power amps kept apart, instead of stuffed into one box. Separate power amps are mandatory here, because the unit itself brings no power of its own; overlook that and you end up with a very elaborate, very quiet home cinema. If you're after a ready-made complete package with built-in amplification, an AV receiver – say, from Anthem's MRX series – is the simpler route. And if you absolutely need Auro-3D decoding, look elsewhere: the AVM 70 8K doesn't do that.

Our verdict

The AVM 70 8K is the brain for a serious separates-based home cinema: strong on room correction, up to date with 8K and HDMI 2.1, honest about the division of labour. Give it good power amps, and it gives you cinema. Which power amp and speaker combination suits your room is something we're happy to work out with you, unhurried – HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, phone +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: 15.2-channel A/V preamplifier / processor (no power amps)
• Room correction: Anthem Room Correction (ARC) Genesis, four storable profiles
• Decoding: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X Pro, DTS-HD Master Audio, IMAX Enhanced (no Auro-3D)
• Preamp outputs: 15.2 channels balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA), 17 jacks each
• Subwoofer outputs: 2, independently calibratable
• Zone 2: stereo preamp output (RCA)
• HDMI: 2.1 / HDCP 2.3 – 7 inputs, 3 outputs, eARC
• Video: 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, VRR, ALLM
• Digital inputs: 3 × Toslink optical, 2 × coaxial
• Analogue inputs: 4 × stereo RCA, 1 × phono MM
• D/A conversion: 32-bit / 768 kHz
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 35 kHz (±0.2 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
• Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth
• Network & control: LAN, Wi-Fi, Anthem Web User Interface, IP control, RS-232, IR input, 12V trigger
• Power supply: toroidal transformer
• Power consumption: approx. 60 W (operation), 0.3 W (standby), 1.8 W (standby with IP control)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 43.2 × 15.2 × 36.4 cm
• Weight: 10.1 kg
• Rack mounting: 4U possible
• Origin: designed in Canada
• Scope of delivery: AVM 70 8K, ARC Genesis measurement microphone with stand, illuminated remote control

Frequently asked questions

Does the Anthem AVM 70 8K have built-in power amps?

No. The AVM 70 8K is a pure A/V preamplifier with no power amplification – you need separate power amps, for example from Anthem's MCA series. That separation is exactly the advantage: clean signal processing, freely chosen amplifier power, and the ability to add individual channels later without replacing the processor.

What does ARC Genesis do on the AVM 70 8K?

ARC Genesis measures your room with the included microphone and corrects its acoustic weaknesses, especially in the bass. The result is a more even, more precise sound – often the biggest audible improvement in the whole setup, because an untreated room otherwise holds back even the best system. Four profiles can be stored.

Is the AVM 70 8K really 8K-capable?

Yes. Seven HDMI 2.1 inputs pass through 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz, plus HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG. VRR and ALLM are on board for consoles, and three HDMI outputs with eARC connect projector and TV in parallel. That means you're also equipped for sources that aren't even in your rack yet.

Does the AVM 70 8K support Auro-3D?

No. The AVM 70 8K decodes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X including DTS:X Pro and IMAX Enhanced – Auro-3D isn't part of that. For the vast majority of home cinemas that's no real loss, since hardly any content exists in Auro-3D. If you absolutely need it, we'll tell you honestly which alternative suits you better.

Why buy the Anthem AVM 70 8K at HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just sell separates, we match them to each other. We work out with you which power amps and speakers suit your room, how to run the calibration properly, and how the whole thing fits into your control system. With Mauri, you have your own technician for installation and service.

Goes well with

A processor wants muscle: the right power amps aren't an accessory for the AVM 70 8K, they're mandatory. Add speakers for the full surround field, decent cables for the seven HDMI inputs, a look at our home cinema range – or straight into the Anthem range.