Anthem AVM 90 8K – 15.4-Channel A/V Preamplifier

The Anthem AVM 90 8K is a 15.4-channel A/V preamplifier that handles source switching, surround decoding and room correction, leaving all the power to external amplifiers.

It's the flagship of the Anthem processors, and the gap to the smaller AVM 70 8K isn't hidden in the small print: four independent subwoofer outputs instead of two, balanced XLR connections for every single channel, the finer converters, the beefier power supply. Anyone building their home cinema from separate components gets, here, the control centre that no longer allows any excuses.

Why the AVM 90 8K?

Because of the bass, honestly. Four independent subwoofer outputs sound like number games until ARC Genesis has measured the room and dials in each sub individually for level, phase and polarity. Then the foundation sits cleanly even in the seat over on the right, not just in that one armchair traditionally reserved for the host. On top of that come a toroidal power supply, two 32-bit/768 kHz converters and four storable calibration profiles for movies, music, late-night listening and your own curiosity.

What you get

Up to 15.4 channels of processing, so layouts like 9.4.6, 11.4.4 or 13.4.2, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. All 15 main channels and all four subwoofer outputs are duplicated: balanced via XLR and unbalanced via RCA. On the video side, seven HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz, three outputs, two of them in parallel and one for Zone 2, plus eARC, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, VRR and ALLM. An MM phono input is on board, network playback runs via AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and DLNA. You don't need a subscription for that: your own files from a NAS or internet radio are entirely enough.

Who is the AVM 90 8K right for?

Straight talk: the AVM 90 8K is worth it if you're distributing several subwoofers around the room, want to bridge long cable runs balanced, and are choosing your power amps separately anyway. For two subs and short RCA runs, the AVM 70 8K does the job just as well, and with no guilty conscience. Anyone looking for built-in power amps is better served by an AV receiver instead of here. And if your collection leans heavily on Auro-3D: the AVM 90 8K can't do that, and we'd rather tell you that beforehand than after.

Our verdict

The AVM 90 8K isn't a device you buy because you want more channels, but because you want more control: over the bass, over the cabling, over every single stage of the chain. Give it serious power amps, and it stops accepting excuses. Which power amps, which speaker layout, and how many subwoofers your room really needs, we're happy to work through with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil: +41 44 680 22 00 or WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

"Sonically, the Anthem AVM 90 behaves neutral and balanced in the best sense of the word, without ever sounding boring." – LowBeats, review dated 20.10.2023, overall score 4.4/5 ("very good")

Technical data

• Type: 15.4-channel A/V preamplifier / surround processor without power amps
• Channels: up to 15.4 (e.g. 9.4.6, 11.4.4 or 13.4.2)
• Decoding: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, IMAX Enhanced (no Auro-3D)
• Room correction: Anthem Room Correction (ARC) Genesis, 4 storable profiles
• Preamp outputs: 15 main channels + 4 subwoofers, each balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA)
• Subwoofer outputs: 4 independent, level, phase and polarity adjustable per sub via ARC
• Maximum output level: 10.7 V RMS (main channels), 11 V RMS (subwoofer)
• Converters: two 32-bit/768 kHz DACs (ESS Sabre)
• HDMI: 7 inputs, 3 outputs (2 parallel main outputs + 1 × Zone 2), HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3, eARC
• Video: 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, VRR, ALLM
• Further inputs: 4 × stereo RCA, 1 × phono MM, 3 × Toslink, 2 × coaxial
• Network & streaming: LAN, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, DLNA (up to 192 kHz/24-bit)
• Control: web interface, Anthem remote app, IP, RS-232, 12V trigger, IR
• Power supply: toroidal transformer; power consumption 60 W typical, 0.3 W standby
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 43.2 × 15.2 × 36.4 cm (height without feet, depth incl. Wi-Fi antenna)
• Weight: 10.1 kg
• Origin: designed in Canada
• Scope of delivery: A/V preamplifier, RC-MRX 2 remote control with batteries, ARC Genesis measurement microphone with tripod and mount, 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, power cable, USB-C-to-USB-A cable, quick start guide

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the AVM 90 8K and the AVM 70 8K?

Four independent subwoofer outputs instead of two, 15.4 instead of 15.2 channels, and balanced XLR outputs for every channel. On top of that, the higher-grade converters and the more elaborate power supply. The HDMI 2.1 platform with 8K is identical on both. So the extra cost pays off mainly for multi-sub setups and long cable runs.

Do I need power amps as well?

Yes, absolutely. The AVM 90 8K has no power section and delivers preamp-level signals only. You combine it with separate multi-channel power amps, for example from Anthem's MCA series, which matches it in level and looks. That's exactly the point of separate components: the best signal processing, freely chosen power, and upgradable later.

Does the AVM 90 8K support Auro-3D?

No. The AVM 90 8K decodes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D isn't part of that. For the vast majority of movies and series that doesn't matter, since Atmos and DTS:X cover the market. If your collection relies heavily on Auro-3D soundtracks, we'd rather tell you that beforehand.

How many subwoofers can I connect?

Four, each individually controlled. The four outputs come as XLR and as RCA, and ARC Genesis adjusts level, phase and polarity for each subwoofer separately. That smooths the bass across several seats instead of just at the sweet spot. Two subs are an improvement, four are fine-tuning.

Why buy the Anthem AVM 90 8K at HD Zürisee?

Because a flagship processor is only as good as its setup. We plan power amps, speaker layout and subwoofer placement in the room with you, set up ARC Genesis properly and handle the integration, with Mauri as your own on-site technician. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00 or write to shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

A flagship wants muscle: the right power amps are mandatory here, plus speakers for the full surround field, decent cables for the XLR runs, and everything else around home cinema or in the Anthem range.