John, on the MRX 1140 only channels 1-5 are Class A/B. Channels 6-11 are Class D. Also the MRX 1140 has 2 independent subwoofer channels whereas the 540 and 740 are both parallell. I recently upgraded from a Denon X3600H with a BasX A3 driving the L/C/R for my 5.2.4 home theater and I could not be happier.
I had processor more expansive than the Anthem avm 90, they where all using Dirac Live room correction. I decided to try Anthem product, wend with the AVM 90, and I have no regrets. ARC Genesis deos an amazing job of multi subwoofer calibration. The next step would be a Trinnov altitude processor, but at more than double the price. And marginal improvement....
2016 had Marantz AV8801 2021 hdmi board went out-was not able to replace because Marantz did not make enough boards to replace.AV8801 went to garbage .2021 bought Emotiva EMC-2-terrible experience because suspend all time and very slow and dirac was so complicated to set up. 2024 bought AVM90 and love it.
Bought a Yamaha years ago and didn’t like it. Ended up with a MRX 510 and loved it. Years later I bought a Marantz (Audyssey higher version) for Atmos, it was ok but wasn’t satisfied. Took it back and bought a MRX540 and it didn’t disappoint. ARC keeps bringing me back to Anthem. I’m sure Marantz with Dirac would be great too
I very often hear people say that Anthem doesn't support DSD. As an AVM70 owner and a diehard SACD fan, I can say that DSD is definitely supported! The Anthem accepts both 2-channel and multi-channel DSD over HDMI. I'm happy to discuss this further if anyone is interested. (P.S. Thanks for the hard work Jon. I think Anthem is mostly to blame for misunderstandings like this. I've been consistently impressed with their processor and disappointed in their communication.)
I am looking for details to confirm Anthem supports native DSD playback. I may need to call them as details are not clear. I have experienced cases where a SACD plays back through a processor or receiver, but does so as a PCM signal, not as a native DSD stream. Via HDMI, the disc player will sense that it is not streaming to a device that supports native DSD so it will convert the signal to PCM before sending. Does your AVM 70 indicate as a PCM or DSD stream when playing back that content? -Jon
I seriously considered the AVM90 when I was searching for a processor. I ultimately decided against it because it was missing too many features that I really wanted - Auro 3D, DTS:X Pro, and DSD. Now that I've tried the Auro upmixer, I highly doubt I'd buy anything that doesn't have it so I hope Anthem decides to offer it at some point down the road.
It’s funny as I prefer my Anthem AVM 60 pre pro looks wise . It basically looks like a solid chunk of solid aluminum, and the new receivers look more plasticy to me and remind me of my old Yamaha . I bet it grows on you though
Had an Arcam and got tired of the app not working, sound modes not select-able unless I went into the app. Direct sound not able to be selected unless I had analog in connected. Also felt like it was out of phase, the right speaker was always hot. It also didn't seem to have an optical input that was working. I sent it into the shop to get fixed and they didn't change anything. Purchased a anthem avm 70 and it cleaned up the sound right away. It's not as warm as the Arcam, but none of the issues. The Arcam felt like a beta product and shortly after my purchase they updated the models.
It's a shame there's currently no DTS-X Pro support. Especially if it's possible to run more than a 7.1.4 setup. That's why I'll be patient at the moment and wait for the next generation. Thx for the review Jon.
The quality difference between a 4000 series Denon and any of the anthem receivers is noticeable immediately even to the untrained ear. You will hear a clarity of dialogue such as you of never heard before so if you really wanted to have a Krell but you just don’t have $10,000 then anthem is the answer
Nope. Don’t care about DTS:X Pro but no DSD or Auro 3D for Auromatic upmixiing of hi rez audio makes this product a no go for our fam. Thx for the review Jon.
I saw that coming from you. This series "WHY TO BUY" is aimed to match the right product to the right house. My goal is to avoid surprises - you know what you are getting when it arrives, or you avoid the hassle altogether and focus an something that is a better fit. That for your continued views. -Jon
Did they solve all the issues that you encountered previously with the Anthem AVM70? I've watched all 3 videos you posted before. I'm just scared to blow up my new Kef R11 meta speakers . Please reply because I'm still considering Anthem AVM70 especially they are on sale now on Crutchfield. Please reply. Thank you in advance.
What about the mrx slim? When will that be released. We have small rooms in the UK. This would be perfect. I need the anthem sound quality in my life. Make it available in the UK please 🥺
Thanks John. Competition is always a good thing to keep the quality high and get down with price. For home cinema, I wouldn't buy a device without AURO and 9 channels. AURO 3D is my daily driver for move watching and playing PS5 video games. I totally agree, is very hard to hear the difference between products within the same tier so I take the product with the best price point. UA-cam reviewer say take a Onkyo/Denon for cinema, Marantz for music but I can't the difference in sound. Do you?
I ended up getting an Arcam-avr11 a couple of weeks ago for $1980. I thought it was too good of deal to pass up. It will replace my XMC 1. I will be running the AVR 11 in preout mode.
@@ripewave yes it was. I was shocked when I saw it. I just happened to go online looking for processors and it came up in my search feed. Audio Advice and Crutchfield had it on sale and I went ahead and got it from Audio Advice. Now I need to get some in ceiling speakers. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks again.
While ARC Genesis can perform multi-subwoofer calibration (and does a good job), it does not provide the same level of control as Dirac Live Bass Management. -Jon
I believe Anthem is still in business but is not likely coming out with a new line near term. They typically will run models longer than the larger companies. You may be seeing the original 4k models either discontinued, no longer available or on sale. Search for the same model with “8K” afterwards. MRX 540 8K. These are the same model with an upgraded video card. -Jon
@@ripewave the sales over unfortunately, I pondered it too long . I have the amv 60 and love it . I especially like anthems remote , as they have quick access to base and subwoofer gains . I ended up getting a Denon x1800h instead of a pre pro , and their access to change levels quickly is poor compared to Anthems
The currently have the MRX 740 which is 11.2 and the MRX 540, 7.2. As they didn't have a 9.2 in their prior generation, I was not expecting with the current lineup introduced in 2020. -Jon
@@ripewave When is the Next Gen Anthem? I would love to see I2S input and Output. such as I2S-2 (HDMI) - improved ultra high performance 4way custom circuit (NOT traditional LVDS chip anymore) backwards compatible. Great Feature as found in hi end Dac's. Thank you for all your great work!
ive heard most of them and they didnt sound any better than a onkyo RZ70 IMO, i bought the RZ 70, i feel the anthem range are way overpriced compared to others that have far better specs--- nice review mate
I think we are aligned. If you refer to the sound quality chart we have been updating as with test each unit, the Onkyo TX-RZ70 is positioned only slightly lower then the Anthem AVM 70 8K. As mentioned in the last Denon vs Marantz video, the conclusion was that it is very hard to hear the difference between products within the same tier. It will likely be more influenced by how well the room calibration process worked, then the internals of the unit. They just need to work out Dirac implementation issues (slow, and a little buggy) on the Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer models that support. Jon
John, on the MRX 1140 only channels 1-5 are Class A/B. Channels 6-11 are Class D. Also the MRX 1140 has 2 independent subwoofer channels whereas the 540 and 740 are both parallell. I recently upgraded from a Denon X3600H with a BasX A3 driving the L/C/R for my 5.2.4 home theater and I could not be happier.
I had processor more expansive than the Anthem avm 90, they where all using Dirac Live room correction. I decided to try Anthem product, wend with the AVM 90, and I have no regrets. ARC Genesis deos an amazing job of multi subwoofer calibration. The next step would be a Trinnov altitude processor, but at more than double the price. And marginal improvement....
2016 had Marantz AV8801 2021 hdmi board went out-was not able to replace because Marantz did not make enough boards to replace.AV8801 went to garbage .2021 bought Emotiva EMC-2-terrible experience because suspend all time and very slow and dirac was so complicated to set up. 2024 bought AVM90 and love it.
Bought a Yamaha years ago and didn’t like it. Ended up with a MRX 510 and loved it. Years later I bought a Marantz (Audyssey higher version) for Atmos, it was ok but wasn’t satisfied. Took it back and bought a MRX540 and it didn’t disappoint. ARC keeps bringing me back to Anthem. I’m sure Marantz with Dirac would be great too
Anthem must be the right fit for you. Let me know if I captured the key reasons why someone should select Anthem correctly. Did I miss anything? - Jon
I very often hear people say that Anthem doesn't support DSD. As an AVM70 owner and a diehard SACD fan, I can say that DSD is definitely supported! The Anthem accepts both 2-channel and multi-channel DSD over HDMI. I'm happy to discuss this further if anyone is interested. (P.S. Thanks for the hard work Jon. I think Anthem is mostly to blame for misunderstandings like this. I've been consistently impressed with their processor and disappointed in their communication.)
I am looking for details to confirm Anthem supports native DSD playback. I may need to call them as details are not clear. I have experienced cases where a SACD plays back through a processor or receiver, but does so as a PCM signal, not as a native DSD stream. Via HDMI, the disc player will sense that it is not streaming to a device that supports native DSD so it will convert the signal to PCM before sending. Does your AVM 70 indicate as a PCM or DSD stream when playing back that content? -Jon
I seriously considered the AVM90 when I was searching for a processor. I ultimately decided against it because it was missing too many features that I really wanted - Auro 3D, DTS:X Pro, and DSD. Now that I've tried the Auro upmixer, I highly doubt I'd buy anything that doesn't have it so I hope Anthem decides to offer it at some point down the road.
It’s funny as I prefer my Anthem AVM 60 pre pro looks wise . It basically looks like a solid chunk of solid aluminum, and the new receivers look more plasticy to me and remind me of my old Yamaha .
I bet it grows on you though
You make a great point. Premium components should have premium finishes. They could have delivered the new style with higher quality materials. -Jon
You continue to impress with your content! Happy supporter on Patreon
It is support like yours that is growing this channel. Thanks for the feedback and support. -Jon
Had an Arcam and got tired of the app not working, sound modes not select-able unless I went into the app. Direct sound not able to be selected unless I had analog in connected. Also felt like it was out of phase, the right speaker was always hot. It also didn't seem to have an optical input that was working. I sent it into the shop to get fixed and they didn't change anything. Purchased a anthem avm 70 and it cleaned up the sound right away. It's not as warm as the Arcam, but none of the issues. The Arcam felt like a beta product and shortly after my purchase they updated the models.
It's a shame there's currently no DTS-X Pro support. Especially if it's possible to run more than a 7.1.4 setup. That's why I'll be patient at the moment and wait for the next generation. Thx for the review Jon.
Anthem MRX 740 8k and MRX 540 8k have no toroidal transformer. They also don't have two independent subwoofer outputs. SW outputs are parallel.
The quality difference between a 4000 series Denon and any of the anthem receivers is noticeable immediately even to the untrained ear. You will hear a clarity of dialogue such as you of never heard before so if you really wanted to have a Krell but you just don’t have $10,000 then anthem is the answer
Always good to get the perspective from those who have direct experience. Thanks for sharing. -Jon
Nope. Don’t care about DTS:X Pro but no DSD or Auro 3D for Auromatic upmixiing of hi rez audio makes this product a no go for our fam. Thx for the review Jon.
I saw that coming from you. This series "WHY TO BUY" is aimed to match the right product to the right house. My goal is to avoid surprises - you know what you are getting when it arrives, or you avoid the hassle altogether and focus an something that is a better fit. That for your continued views. -Jon
Did they solve all the issues that you encountered previously with the Anthem AVM70? I've watched all 3 videos you posted before. I'm just scared to blow up my new Kef R11 meta speakers . Please reply because I'm still considering Anthem AVM70 especially they are on sale now on Crutchfield. Please reply. Thank you in advance.
What about the mrx slim?
When will that be released.
We have small rooms in the UK.
This would be perfect.
I need the anthem sound quality in my life. Make it available in the UK please 🥺
Makes sense. Likely would have less power. -Jon
Yes - that would be nice. They may lower the output to accomodate the size. -Jon
Thanks John. Competition is always a good thing to keep the quality high and get down with price. For home cinema, I wouldn't buy a device without AURO and 9 channels. AURO 3D is my daily driver for move watching and playing PS5 video games. I totally agree, is very hard to hear the difference between products within the same tier so I take the product with the best price point. UA-cam reviewer say take a Onkyo/Denon for cinema, Marantz for music but I can't the difference in sound. Do you?
I ended up getting an Arcam-avr11 a couple of weeks ago for $1980. I thought it was too good of deal to pass up. It will replace my XMC 1. I will be running the AVR 11 in preout mode.
Always nice to get a deal - that one was a considerable discount. Congratulations! - Jon
@@ripewave yes it was. I was shocked when I saw it. I just happened to go online looking for processors and it came up in my search feed. Audio Advice and Crutchfield had it on sale and I went ahead and got it from Audio Advice. Now I need to get some in ceiling speakers. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks again.
How does ARC Genesis handle subwoofers compared to the Dirac Bass Management add-on for Marantz?
While ARC Genesis can perform multi-subwoofer calibration (and does a good job), it does not provide the same level of control as Dirac Live Bass Management. -Jon
Thanks again for a great indepth video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Is Anthem coming out with a new line? I see the MRX 540 is being discontinued, and the line is all on sale. I hope there not going out of business
I believe Anthem is still in business but is not likely coming out with a new line near term. They typically will run models longer than the larger companies. You may be seeing the original 4k models either discontinued, no longer available or on sale. Search for the same model with “8K” afterwards. MRX 540 8K. These are the same model with an upgraded video card. -Jon
@@ripewave the sales over unfortunately, I pondered it too long . I have the amv 60 and love it . I especially like anthems remote , as they have quick access to base and subwoofer gains . I ended up getting a Denon x1800h instead of a pre pro , and their access to change levels quickly is poor compared to Anthems
Any insight if Anthem is coming out with a 9.2 AVR
The currently have the MRX 740 which is 11.2 and the MRX 540, 7.2. As they didn't have a 9.2 in their prior generation, I was not expecting with the current lineup introduced in 2020. -Jon
An AVM 90 or the next generation is in my future
You shouldn't have any sound quality issues with that one. -Jon
@@ripewave When is the Next Gen Anthem? I would love to see I2S input and Output. such as I2S-2 (HDMI) - improved ultra high performance 4way custom circuit (NOT traditional LVDS chip anymore) backwards compatible. Great Feature as found in hi end Dac's. Thank you for all your great work!
ive heard most of them and they didnt sound any better than a onkyo RZ70 IMO, i bought the RZ 70, i feel the anthem range are way overpriced compared to others that have far better specs--- nice review mate
I think we are aligned. If you refer to the sound quality chart we have been updating as with test each unit, the Onkyo TX-RZ70 is positioned only slightly lower then the Anthem AVM 70 8K. As mentioned in the last Denon vs Marantz video, the conclusion was that it is very hard to hear the difference between products within the same tier. It will likely be more influenced by how well the room calibration process worked, then the internals of the unit.
They just need to work out Dirac implementation issues (slow, and a little buggy) on the Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer models that support.
Jon