New Anthem Dolby Atmos/DTS:X AV Receiver range announced

Ticking all the right boxes

by hodg100
MSRP: £3,999.00
Anthem has announced the next generation of its high-end A/V receivers, with new models including the MRX 520, the MRX 720 and the flagship MRX1120.
Enhancements over previous generations include de rigueur Dolby Atmos decoding, DTS Play-Fi and readiness for DTS:X immersive audio decoding. Additional channels of processing and amplification are also supplementary as you move up the line. As the model names suggest, the MRX 520 includes five channels of amplification, the MRX 720 includes seven channels of amplification and the MRX 1120 includes eleven channels of amplification, which keeps things nice and simple.

Other MRX series improvements and additions include support for the latest UHD video formats. The requisite ‘alphabet soup’ of mod cons are all present: HDMI 2.0a with HDR and HDCP 2.2 support, 18.2 Gbps switching, 4:4:4 at 4K60, 10 bits, BT.2020 and more. For hi-res audio enthusiasts there are premium-quality differential-output D/A converters with 32-bit conversion and sampling rate-optimised filters. There are also expanded menu options, a front USB port for software updates, and any source can be downmixed to Zone 2 and fixed-level line outputs. Most of all, Anthem Room Correction, included with each unit, has been improved with better correction algorithms, memory for four speaker configurations for greater flexibility, and an easier to use Targets panel for custom settings.

Anthem is also breaking new ground by being the first A/V receiver company to feature DTS Play-Fi technology (MRX 720 and MRX 1120 only), where you can stream music over a Wi-Fi network to any number of connected speakers once paired with the Play-Fi app.

Anthem MRX 1120

MRX 520
At the entry level, the MRX 520 includes 5 channels of amplification, 5.1-channel processing and a rear panel input complement of seven HDMI inputs (including one with MHL support), three optical, two coaxial, and five stereo analogue inputs. It has two parallel HDMI outputs, (including one with Audio Return Channel), an optical output that passes through optical and coaxial input, pre-outs for all channels including two parallel subwoofer outputs, line output, and Zone 2 output.

MRX 720
Moving up the line, the MRX 720 includes 7 channels of amplification, which is suitable for driving 7.1, 5.1.2, and 5.1 plus zone 2 speaker systems. With external amplification for height speakers the main pre-outs can be used for 7.1.4-channel systems. The input complement is similar to that of the MRX 520, adding a front HDMI input which also supports MHL. Other standout features include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio decoding (DTS:X via a future software update). DTS Play-Fi wireless multiroom-audio technology is also built in. Users can use the wireless network connection to run the Anthem Room Correction system.

MRX 1120
The lineup’s flagship model is the MRX 1120, which includes all of the benefits of the MRX 720 plus more channels than ever before in Anthem’s MRX line-up of A/V receivers - 11.1 channels of processing and a rare 11 channels of amplification, all through a toroidal power supply. The internal amplification can be configured for up to 7.1.4 speakers or 5.1.4/7.1.2 plus zone 2.

Estimated availability of the new generation of MRX A/V receivers is January 2016, we’re chasing UK pricing but it's as follows for the US: MRX 1120 – $3,499 / MRX 720 – $2,499 / MRX 520 –$1,399.
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