Review: Anthem Statement D2v Pre/Pro

The upgrade in sound the Anthem D2v pre/pro delivers when running the Anthem
Room Correction (ARC) processing is undeniable.

Anthem Electronics' Statement D2v preamplifier/processor ($7,500) is the company's marquee component.

It's not hyperbole to tell installers the D2v incorporates every feature you'll ever need to address for just about every client you encounter.

Features
The D2v includes eight HDMI inputs, broadcast-grade video scaling to 1080p with Deep Color support, aspect ratio control, noise reduction and Gamma correction.

Its audio features are just as impressive with 24-bit/192-kHz upsampling, 128x oversampling and dual digital signal processing engines (DSPs).

For audiophiles, it also includes digital bypass analog direct and tone bypass options, as well as 7.1 24-bit/192kHz PCM audio inputs.

The D2v employs Anthem's proprietary Anthem Room Correction (ARC) room calibration technologies that require the use of the company's PC-based software and USB calibration microphone. The microphone and software are included with each pre/pro.

Setup
Setting the D2v up in our office, we mated the pre/pro to Anthem's P5 five-channel amplifier via balanced WireWorld interconnects. From there the rest of our system was pretty simple to button up from a connection standpoint: a Tributaries Series 9 HDMI cable from a Toshiba HD DVD player into HDMI 1 and a Key Digital HDMI cable from the pre/pro's output into a Runco plasma.

With everything connected I was able to perform a standard setup before getting into the advanced ARC functions. I was able to select the speaker sizes, the crossover points, speaker distances and speaker levels. The menu, which is accessible from the remote, was easy to operate for setup purposes.

After installing the companion ARC software onto my Dell laptop, I connected the supplied USB cable to the system's microphone, which was sitting in a mic stand that was situated in the money seat position. After getting several error messages, I tried to correct the problem by replacing USB cables and reinstalling the software.

Eventually after consulting Anthem and doing some of my own research, I updated the software to the latest version and moved some setup files into the download file to fix the problem.

Running both the standard and custom options, I measured five seating positions and found it executes all of its measurements in just under 30 minutes.

Performance
I prefer an un-EQ'ed system in a room with minor treatments because music is a human art with mistakes. The upgrade in sound the D2v delivers when it's running the ARC processing, however, is undeniable. Running the Anthem D2v without the processing with the P5, I found the combo to be punchy in dynamic with some air in its top end.

Value
It's in line with other manufacturers that use proprietary and other licensed room correction programs.

I think it would grade better with some more experience installing it and an up-to-date computer running the software. Anthem should think about writing a Mac version to eliminate the question of computer quality. Still, the D2v and companion P5 amp represent all the traits installers should talk about with their premium home theater clients.