Anthem MRX Receivers - 300, 500, 700 Owners Thread & Tweaking Guide - Page 69

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Initially, I was going to allow the 700 to push my front three speakers. My speakers are Focal 1027 w/ matching center and Paradigm servo 15v2 sub.. Using the 700 to power all three speakers sounded thin and uninspired. This was also the case when listening in stereo.

Lowkey

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Initially, I was going to allow the 700 to push my front three speakers. My speakers are Focal 1027 w/ matching center and Paradigm servo 15v2 sub.. Using the 700 to power all three speakers sounded thin and uninspired. This was also the case when listening in stereo. Of course, I have moved down from separates. An older krell processor being pushed by a 2 channel and mono amp for the front 3 speakers. I sold the Krell due to a lack of HDMI inputs and current processing modes. Now I am using my 2 channel amp for the fronts and the 700 for the center and eventually the surrounds. The sound is much better and actually fills my room. The processing in the 700 is excellent. I can hear sound from my speakers that the krell 7.1 never processed. The Krell sounded great and was extremely clear but just not as convenient and modern as the 700. I would advise anyone purchasing this amp to consider the purchase of a nice two channel amp to handle the fronts and stereo mode. You can find awesome amps in the 500-800 range and in my opinion is well worth the investment. I have seen an MCA 2 on audiogon with an asking price of 600.00. This would be an excellent partner to the MRX700. You could have awsome 2 channel, plenty of power in the 700 to push a center and surrounds and two extra channels for zone 2. The latter is how my unit is connected and I can honestly say it's the best sounding setup I have ever had. Once upon a time I had a Krell 7.1 with the matching Krell HTS 5 channel amp rated @ 200w per channel. So I have had some decent and expensive systems. For all of you guys on a budget, save a little and add a nice 2 channel amp to power the fronts and you will not be disappointed.

Lowkey

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Yes dolby volume is off.

Originally Posted by lowkey37

You are correct the 1027's are very efficient but at the same time reward you when driven w/ good clean power. The better the amp the better they sound. Remember, I am comparing the 700 to high quality 2 channel amplification. Also, my listening room is pretty big(18x30). The option set on the mrx700 is nice(arc, ect.... In my opinion, Anthem skimped on the power section. The unit was surprisingly small and not very heavy for a seven channel receiver. Luckily, I had a 2 channel amp at my disposal. I quickly connected it to my system and enjoyed the benefits. Power and sound are all relative and based on each individuals experience(listening). If someone is planning on upgrading from a cheaper/lower powered receiver I imagine they would be thrilled with the power and sonic signature from this unit. My experience is a little different and after listening to a few tracks in stereo I had to plug in my trusty old stereo amp.

Lowkey

I cranked it as loud as my speakers and ears could handle, and I didn't hear the Anthem's amps complain... With a lesser system, I might have turned the volume down, but with the Anthem, the sound quality was so pure and uncompressed, there was never a sense of fatigue. In fact, I kept leaning further and further into the sound because perfection was in the detail... It owes its excellent sound to both the high-quality amplification section and proprietary room correction...

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Sorry, I didn't explain. That was a system I used a few years back. To be honest I never fell in love with the Krell HTS amp. The 7.1 on the other hand was great for music and movies but lacked current processing and usability. Looking back I think my favorite sound came from a Krell 400xi pushing Paradigm Signature S8 speakers. The sound from that combo was luscious! I am thinking about purchasing Krell's 300i , which is their current integrated to use with my system via the home theater bypass.

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Hey Tony,

I am running a Simaudio Celeste 4150SE amp. This amp is rated at 150 wats per channel and weighs in under 40 lbs. Measurements are one thing but sound is another. I would put up a Simaudio I5 vs. the MRX700 in 2 channel stereo all day. I think the I5 was rated @70watts per channel into 8ohms. You can't always base sound on ratings alone.

Lowkey

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Are you saying an amplifier has no affect on sound? If that was the case everyone would be using an 80 watt kenwood from walmart. I beg to differ. We can agree to disagree. During the life of my Krell 7.1 processor I employed amps from Bel Canto, Simaudio, Marantz and Krell. To my ears thay all had a unique sound and could easily be distinguished. I say this with all things being equal-sources, cables and speakers. I respect your opinion but to say that amps do not change sound is just off.

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Are you saying an amplifier has no affect on sound? If that was the case everyone would be using an 80 watt kenwood from walmart. I beg to differ. We can agree to disagree. During the life of my Krell 7.1 processor I employed amps from Bel Canto, Simaudio, Marantz and Krell. To my ears thay all had a unique sound and could easily be distinguished. I say this with all things being equal-sources, cables and speakers. I respect your opinion but to say that amps do not change sound is just off.

Originally Posted by lowkey37

SHHHHHHHH! Be vewy vewy quiet. If this gets out you could be responsible for ending a billion dollar industry! Now, let me get this right. You are saying you could simply swap amps in a given static system and not notice any difference in sound? What if the amps in question are-Drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amp A-Mark Levinson No 336

Amp B-Yamaha MX 460

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Do all amps amplify a signal the exact same way using the exact same parts?

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Do all amps amplify a signal the exact same way using the exact same parts?

Originally Posted by lowkey37

In my opinion, it is like saying all beef tastes the same. I beg to differ. A cut of tenderloin has a distinct taste and again in my opinion differs in taste from say flank or shoulder cuts. Now, back to amps. I agree that an amps purpose is to amplify a signal. Most people would agree that all components in a system must be constant when comparing amps. Otherwise, the comparison would be considered invalid. Then gentlemen I must ask you this question. If the make-up, design and parts of an amplifier are inconsequential, why do we insist on the sources used during a blind test remaining static? We all agree that if all sources remain the same then the introduction of a new piece creates a change. Why can't the same train of thought apply to the quality of build relative to amplifiers? All amps are not created equal and during the process of amplifying and passing through of a signal the output IS affected by the parts, design and function of the amp. I tend to agree with my last statement rather than buy into the belief that because the source in question is an amp it will sound like this!

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Using your train of thought. A 5 watt headphone amp would sound the same as a 20,000 dollar Halcro amp. Wait I bet there are a few exceptions to plead your case.

Originally Posted by lowkey37

Fat
or no fat equals cheap/quality parts, quality/poor design. Your right whats inside the meat/amp does affect the taste/sound.

Originally Posted by lowkey37

An amp is an amp. They amplify signals. Whether it be a 20,000.00$ amp vs a 20.00$ amp. Right? Lets just say it is possible the 20,000$ amp put out a better sound than the 20$ headphone amp. U with me? Then if that is the case is it possible for amp A(lets say Simaudio 4150SE) to put out a differant sound than say amp B(MRX700)? Not a question but fact-My opinion is that the Simaudio amp put out a much wider soundstage and much warmer(I call it lusciousness) than the MRX700.