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#1 ·




Link to Anthem MRX Page

MRX Series .pdf Literature Download
  • Anthem Quality!
  • Anthem Performance!
  • Exclusive Anthem Technology like the award-winning Anthem Room Correction included.
  • Price! Extraordinary for everything you get!
  • Power to spare! Every model offers 7 channels of power more continuous power than anything in their price range: MRX 700: 120 watts per channel, MRX 500: 100 watts per channel, MRX 300: 80 watts per channel

3D ready receivers with optional iPod dock
Anthem just announced their brand new line of 3D ready A/V receivers. The MRX series features four receivers: the MRX 300, MRX 500, MRX 700, and MRX 900, all featuring 7 channels of amplification (MRX 900 will have 9 channels of amplification) and 4 HDMI in/1 out (MRX 900 will have 7 HDMI in/1 out). Bringing the company's award winning technology to its newest line, Anthem's MRX receivers are all equipped with the critically acclaimed Anthem Room Correction (ARC) system.


A highly anticipated release, the Anthem MRX receivers include all the latest audio formats inc luding Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, and DTS-HD Master Audio and support internet radio (except MRX 300) and HD Radio (MRX 700 and MRX 900). In addition, the MRX series will process 3D movies and television when paired with a 3DTV and a 3D capable source component making them the perfect addition for 3D enabled home theaters. The MRX receivers boast amplifier sections embodying Anthem's design focus on low noise, low distortion and "real" power. Standard on all Anthem products, the receivers come with the company's hallmark of user-friendly menus and easy operation.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Anthem Room Correction (ARC)
  • A very beefy amp - more real' power than the competition!
  • Dual-processor audio DSP
  • Video Conversion from Composite Video and Component Video to HDMI
  • Scaling up to 1080p60
  • 1080p24 mode
  • Dolby Volume
  • AM/FM Tuner
  • 3D Support via software upgrade

DECODING
  • Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus
  • Dolby Digital EX
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
  • DTS-ES (Matrix, Discrete)
  • DTS 96/24

LISTENING MODES
  • AnthemLogic-Music
  • AnthemLogic-Cinema
  • Dolby Pro Logic IIx (Movie, Music, Game)
  • Dolby Pro Logic IIz
  • DTS Neo:6 (Music, Cinema)
  • Dolby Virtual Speaker (Wide, Reference)
  • All Channel Stereo
  • Dolby Digital EX

INPUTS
  • 4 HDMI Inputs
  • Analog Video Inputs: 4 Composite + 3 Component
  • Digital Audio Inputs: 2 Coaxial + 3 Optical
  • 7 Stereo Analog RCA Inputs
  • 2 USB Inputs (MRX 700/500)
  • HDMI On-Screen Display - setup, video adjustments, status, song navigation

CUSTOM INSTALLATION
  • IR Input
  • IR Emitter Output
  • Trigger Output
  • Second Zone
  • RS-232 Control

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
  • Video Configuration Memorized by Source
  • Dolby Headphone
  • Backlit Remote Control
  • Sidemount Rack Kit (sold separately)
  • Separate Zone 2 remote (non-backlit)

WARRANTY
  • 3 years
  • 1 year on Remote Control


Dimensions
  • MRX 300/500/700 : 6.5" H x 17.25" W x 15.25" D (16.4 cm x 43.9 cm x 39.0 cm)

ModelFMV(US)FMV(CAN)AvailabilityChannelsPower 2 chPower 5 chTransformerHDMI in/outUSB front/backEthernetInternet RadioHD RadioRDSVideo ProcessorMade inWeight
MRX 300$999$1099Early 20117.180W60WE-I4/10/0nonononoGenesis TorinoChina33.4 lb (15.2 kg)
MRX 500$1499$1649Now7.1100W75WE-I4/11/1yesyesnonoGenesis TorinoChina34.3 lb (15.6 kg)
MRX 700$1999$2199Now7.1120W90WToroidal4/11/1yesyesyesyesGenesis TorinoChina35.4 lb (16.1 kg)


ARC Details


WHAT IS ANTHEM ROOM CORRECTION AND WHY IS IT THE BEST ON THE MARKET?

Latest ARC download link


Even when the finest speakers are perfectly positioned, the room itself can have a dramatic negative impact on sound quality. Room dimensions, dead spots, archways, even furniture can turn a room into an additional instrument adding unwanted coloration and resonance to music and movies. ARC adjusts for the room's effect on the speakers in a way that mimics our hearing. Now your Anthem gear and your Paradigm speakers can do what they do best: allow you to lose yourself in the music or movie you're watching. How does ARC do what it does?
  • ARC analyzes each speaker's in-room response then sets output levels, crossover frequencies and room correction parameters for each one.
  • ARC applies correction for up to 7 channels plus the sub!
  • ARC applies Super-Efficient Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filters in addition to Anthem's custom topology all that means no engine' noise, this baby runs quickly and quietly.
  • Unlike other room correction systems, ARC allows for multiple microphone measurements, that way everyone in the room gets a better listen, not just those sitting directly between the speakers.
  • Processing power to spare!
  • ARCuracy! The connected PC's 64-bit floating point processor calculates the correction curves to the n'th degree of accuracy.
  • Separate configurations for music and movies.
  • Applies correction to peaks and dips in room response - since rooms have both we get a far more natural and accurate response tackling both!
  • Fully automated or manual setup - you choose which procedure you want to use!
USB to Serial Adapter
Keyspan USA-19hs
has proven to be the most reliable and has the most up to date driver list from MAC to Windows 7

Click on help and resources tab on that page for the latest drivers.

These adapters can be easily found inexpensivly through a google search.... Here
 
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#2 ·
Below are some of the FAQ provided by favorini et al.

FAQ

Q: Which speakers does ARC work well with?


A: Nick@Anthem says:"ARC works with ALL speakers, within the speaker's limits."

MRX Quick Setup Guide and General Questions about ARC Calibration


A: See the following posts by Tigger:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=3849
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=3875
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=1797
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=3740
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=4137

Q:What is Room Gain?


A: Follow this link for Information on Room Gain http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=5489

Q:Where can I download the latest firmware?


A: It can be downloaded Here v.50.25, (Aug.9/2012) and v.1.1.0 Multimedia(March,31,2011)
Q: Where can I find more technical specifications?


A: Check the Specifications section (page 39) in the manual. Here

Q: Do the MRX 300/500/700 have the same preamplifier and video sections?


A: Yes.

Q: Do the MRX 300/500/700 support HDMI pass-through when powered off?


A: Yes, only if CEC is turned on in the setup menu. If CEC is off, they will not pass the signal through.

Q: Do the MRX 300/500/700 have the same ARC implementation?


A: Yes.

Q: How does the MRX 300/500/700 ARC implementation compare to D2v/AVM50v?


A: ARC consists of software that runs on a user-supplied computer which calculates a room correction solution and a DSP chip in the receiver which implements it. The ARC software is the same for all Anthem A/V receivers and processors. The MRX DSP is about half as powerful as that in the D2v/AVM50v.


Nick @ Anthem elaborates: Here

MRX 300/500/700 DSP has around the same amount of number crunching ability as anything in the price range, which is around half as much as AVM/D prepros using ARC (and PBK for that matter), which have as much as pro systems in the five figures. This means that MRX 300/500/700 corrected response usually does not meet target response as closely as AVM/D, though it's also usually not too far off.

The other difference is that correction range not only defaults to 5 kHz but cannot be made to go higher. Correction above 5 kHz is not normally recommended regardless.

Another difference not dependent on ARC is that MRX DSP uses crossover frequencies of 60, 80, 100, 120, and 150 whereas AVM/D allows 25-160 in 5 Hz steps. It relates because ARC selects the crossover frequencies based on in-room measured response.

The practical difference depends on the amount of correction the room speaker/combo needs, and this varies greatly. MRX-ARC still improves things regardless, using the same principles as the other ARC.

Q: Should any Sub EQ be run in addition to running ARC?


A: Nick @ Anthem says

With MRX and one sub - it depends on the room/speaker combo. You have to try and compare. PBK has twice the number crunching ability that ARC sub channel does, MRX-wise.

With multiple subs - balance levels to one another, match phase too if you're into tweaking, run PBK on each if available, run ARC on the lot either way.

With other sub EQ systems - you have to try and compare but always run sub EQ before running ARC. If you then turn off sub EQ, run ARC again. ARC has to hear the sub in the form it's in when playing movies and music. If it hears the wrong thing it'll correct the wrong thing. Since there are two ARC memories, Movie and Music, you might want to use one with sub EQ and the other without.

With subs that have considerable response below 20 Hz it might help to set sub hi-pass filter to Flat. This is in the advanced targets of ARC and PBK.


Nick @ Anthem adds :

Filters are allocated per channel and they're never unused in the sense that their object is to get response as close to target as possible.

If response is nasty enough such that both systems are needed to fill in a very deep notch, say 12 dB, then the best thing to do is reposition the sub where possible and avoid the issue (in each system gain limit is 6 dB by design). This is where Quick Measure comes in. If it's not possible to move the sub and response is this bad then using both EQs might be the answer (worst-case and I've never come across it).

Bob Pariseau addresses multiple subs .

Q: What is the difference between Crossover and Cutoff as they apply to ARC implementation?


A: Bob Pariseau says "For a main speaker, the Cutoff is the lowest frequency where ARC applies resources for correction. Think of it as the other end of Max EQ Frequency. I'm not sure, but I suspect there's actually at least an octave of slop in there rather than it being a hard stopping point. I.e., application of correction resources sort of rolls-off below that frequency.


The Crossover is where ARC imposes a roll-off -- an attenuation -- of the bass output of a main speaker -- i.e., because the bass is being steered to the subwoofer. The roll-off is 12dB per octave as I recall. That is at half the Crossover frequency the speaker output will be 12dB below the basic volume level of the ARC solution (with possible adjustment for Room Gain).


In the current ARC version, the Cutoff and Crossover for the main speakers are ALWAYS set the same. Which makes sense. If ARC isn't going to correct that speaker very far below the Cutoff frequency, then you want the output of the speaker below that point to be attenuated. Which is just what the Crossover does. So if you alter the Cutoff for a main speaker in the Targets window, you are ALSO altering its Crossover. This will be readily visible in the shape of the new Targets curve.



The same sort of thing happens for the Subwoofer, but at the HIGH frequency end of its output. Think of the Cutoff of the Subwoofer as kind of like Max EQ Frequency for the sub.


One big difference is that the current version of ARC allows the sub Cutoff and sub Crossover to be DIFFERENT. ARC controls the Crossover (since allowing you to alter it would over-constrain the solution -- i.e., the Crossover needs to be set in a way that works with what's going on with the main speakers). But you can tweak the Cutoff.


ARC itself often uses this freedom to improve the solution. Typically the sub's Crossover will be set at a lower frequency than the Cutoff. This attenuates the high end output of the sub, but still allows correction resources to be applied above that point."

An EXCELLENT overview of Crossovers and Cutoffs from Bob Pariseau at this link http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=5762

Q: Do the MRX 300/500/700 pass through unsupported video formats?


A: Nick @ Anthem says[/b] http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=1086


Q: Do the MRX 300/500/700 support video pass-through when powered on?



A: Yes, changing Setup > Video Output Configuration to Through will bypass the video scaler.

Q: Does Dolby Volume default to off?


A: Yes, with firmware v.50.00 or later.

Q: What serial commands are available?


A: Nick @ Anthem lists the current commands and adds:


Serial commands are slated to be expanded considerably in around three months.

Q: Do the MRX 300/500/700 support IP control?


A: No.

Q: Why don't the MRX 300/500/700 come with a USB cable instead of a serial cable?


A: Nick @ Anthem says :

USB cable limit is 12 feet due to the bandwidth, and some equipment rooms are several times that away from the listening room.

Q: How do you change Audio modes on the fly?


A: Press "Audio" then use the up/down keys to select surround mode

Q: Reading through the manual it appears that DPLIIx cannot be applied to DTS 5.1 sources? Curiously, DPLIIz seems to be available. Why? Is this an oversight in the manual?


A. Nick said , PLIIx needs back channels. PLIIz needs ceiling channels, with or without back channels. The DSP cannot apply certain processes to certain other sources, not just this case (and not so in AVM/D). It is as the manual says. (This is documented in section 3.6 Listening Mode Presets on page 21 of the manual.)[/i] It's an on-the-fly option depending on software version. If running v50.12 or later, set the DTS menu option to "Last Used" (this means the preset is disabled) then when a DTS 5.1 movie is playing select Dolby Pro Logic IIx via the Audio and up/down buttons. The Audio button has to be pressed a couple of times to get to the mode selection. For subsequent DTS 5.1 movies the on-the-fly setting will remain.


In other words it's not on the preset menu list under DTS but it's on the on-the-fly Audio button list while DTS is playing.



Q: Is there a recommended burn-in time for the MRX receivers?


A: Nick @ Anthem says: There isn't. Countless Audio Precision measurements show the same results regardless of time in use. Same with previous models.

Q: Can the MRX be used with 6.1 speaker setup?


A: You can use the MRX with 6.1 setup. To do this hook rear speaker to either back channel. Then engage DD EX or Neo 6, both of which are 6.1 formats(mono to back channels) Do not use DD PLIIx as it is a 7.1 format. (From Nick@Anthem)

Q: What is the best way to get Technical Support?


A: Check this Link. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...ostcount=32347

Q: How do I set up my Harmony Remote to work with my MRX receiver?


A: Tigger has provided these helpful tips. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=5878

Q: What does a good Sub chart look like when measured with ARC?


A: Jayray has posted a picture, at the bottom of the page, of such a chart.

Q:Tips for locating your sub - What is a Quick and Easy way to find the right place in your room for your sub?


A: Check out these links from Bob Pariseau and Obsidian for the tips.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=6198
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=6199
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=6200
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=6203


Q: Where can I get some information on the upcoming MDX-1 iPod Dock?

A: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=2892
 
#6 ·
[The model comparison has been kindly integrated into first post by Wapdrv, so I'll replace this with the following.]


So, you have a shiny new MRX receiver to add to your gear. What else do you need to fully enjoy it?


1) USB to Serial adapter. Used to connect your laptop to the MRX for ARC and firmware updates. Keyspan USA-19HS recommended by Anthem. Cheaper (untested) alternative .


2) SPL Meter with C-weighting. Used to calibrate speaker volume to reference level for ARC. The Radio Shack Digital meter seems to be the basic standard. Correction tables . Analog vs. Digital .


3) Audio Calibration Disc. Used to test speaker/sub calibration and settings such as phase and polarity. AIX Blu-Ray Audio Calibration Disc/HD Music Sampler has been recommended by Bob.


Please chime in with alternatives and other stuff you like to have in your toolkit.
 
#11 ·
Page one and MRX500 in two weeks!


Cancelled my 300 cause I couldn't wait.


Jeff
 
#12 ·
Good job Warpdrv:


Since I did not preorder an MRX (hope to have a 700 in place next week), you saved me lots of future time and effort by electing to be the thread starter.


As a former D2 & D2v owner, I would suggest that you add a link to the D2v thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=678260 since there is a wealth of information from Bob Pariseau regarding ARC that can be relied upon by future MRX owners.


I cannot wait to demo the 700 this weekend. Also, the MRX is much better looking in person than in pictures
 
#13 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by gostan /forum/post/0


Good job Warpdrv:


As a former D2 & D2v owner, I would suggest that you add a link to the D2v thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=678260 since there is a wealth of information from Bob Pariseau regarding ARC that can be relied upon by future MRX owners.

Thanks Gostan


Excellent idea.... I still own a D2v, so it just makes good sense.
 
#14 ·
Any idea if the analog input/ouput section of the MRX-500/700 is similar to that used in the AVM50v/D2v? I am very interested in the MRX-500/700 but the one feature it is lacking that I really would like is a 7.1 analog input. I have a Oppo BDP-83SE and found that I prefer using the 7.1 analog input for SACD/DVD-A listening over HDMI with my Onkyo 886.


I do not listen to MCH music as much as I do 2CH music so I'm hoping the analog stage is as good as the AVM30 I used to own. So if any MRX-500/700 owners get a chance to listen to any 2CH music using one of the analog stereo inputs I would appreciate their thoughts on the SQ. Thanks
!


Bill
 
#15 ·
Bill:


I will try 2 CH via my Oppo BDP-83 with the 700 demo via analog this weekend. But, I suspect that 2 CH via digital connection(s) with ARC will be better sounding.
 
#16 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by gostan /forum/post/19479105


Bill:


I will try 2 CH via my Oppo BDP-83 with the 700 demo via analog this weekend. But, I suspect that 2 CH via digital connection(s) with ARC will be better sounding.

Some people are Analog Bigots - they never want it to go away.


We all look forward to your scientific analysis
 
#17 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by gostan /forum/post/19479105


Bill:


I will try 2 CH via my Oppo BDP-83 with the 700 demo via analog this weekend. But, I suspect that 2 CH via digital connection(s) with ARC will be better sounding.

Stan,


Thanks
. Can one use ARC with an analog input or does it have to be a digital input?


Bill
 
#19 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Mac /forum/post/19479129


Stan,


Thanks
. Can one use ARC with an analog input or does it have to be a digital input?


Bill

You can but from the Oppo BDP-83 I would recommend feeding it LPCM and let the Anthem electronics/DAC convert to analogue. Keeping it in the analogue domain turns the Anthem into a pass-through amplifier negating the reasons to buy it.


Cheers.
 
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