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Anthem MRX Receivers - 300, 500, 700 Owners Thread & Tweaking Guide - Page 119

post #3541 of 14609
4/12/11 at 9:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Parrot_HD View Post

Just a quick update about using a "Power Conditioner" with the MRX and my audio issue.

I've had my MRX300 plugged directly to the wall outlet for the past three weeks bypassing my Panamax as Anthem recommended. Over the weekend, the unit's audio failed again, of course with a house full of people over to watch a movie.

Not posting to bash the unit, just wanted to update my problem in case anyone else has this issue. Unit is going to my Anthem retailer so they can evaluate.

I just want to be able to power on the unit without having to cross my fingers that I have audio. The ARC technology has had too much of an impact on my room to give up on the Anthem.

My first MRX700 lost audio across all input. Sometimes I could get it to come back by power cycling on and off, but eventually it just never came back. Had it replaced under warranty and everything has been great.
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post #3542 of 14609
4/12/11 at 10:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigger! View Post


Gardenhose, if it helps, I have the MRX700 and an Oppo93 and have not noticed any issues in 1080p24 (yes, I have the same processing bug as everyone else and the OSD volume shows) but I'm not noticing any lip sync or dropout issues.

HDMI is an end to end system, not hop to hop, so sometimes it takes multiple combinations of just the right equipment to find an issue... in the case of the lipsync and black out issues it may require the right combination with a paritcular TV etc.

You may not see any problems as most of us on here have not seen an issue.

Is there a problem that should be fixed... yes, probably atleast two, infact... one for "true through" of 24p and the other for the few combinations that are experiencing additional issues. Is the worse of the two problems one you are likely to see... so far only two have seen it so the odds of not seeing it are overwhelmingly in your favor.

Tigger - I just ordered an OPPO93 and am leaning toward the Anthem MRX700 (playing on Paradigm studio 100's) - would you get both components again if you had a do-over?
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post #3543 of 14609
4/12/11 at 10:34am
I just ordered an OPPO93 and am leaning toward the Anthem MRX700 using my existing Paradigm studio 100's. Any thoughts? Also, I haven't decided on a projector yet so I am open for suggestions there as well. This is my first post, so sorry if this is in the wrong section.
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post #3544 of 14609
4/12/11 at 10:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrandPooPaw View Post

Tigger - I just ordered an OPPO93 and am leaning toward the Anthem MRX700 (playing on Paradigm studio 100's) - would you get both components again if you had a do-over?

I've been very happy with both. Depending on the features you are looking for, I think you will be happy with any of the MRX's. I was interested in not needing an external amp (and I felt that in almost any home environment, short of a home theater, the 700 had more than enough power for anything I would need), I also was interested in HD radio, which only comes on the 700... so for me it was an easy choice. From everything I've seen and read, the 500 has planty of power as well and even people with 300's who planned to use them only as Pre/Pro's have found they have a lot of power... so unless you have a large room, the features should probably big the larger driving factor.

As for the Oppo 93, it is very fast and for what I have used it for seems to work really well. A large improvement over my Samsung.

I took a very large leap in technology when I upgraded from a 20+ year old Yamaha Stereo Receiver and my 2 year old Samsung. So my leap may bias me a bit, but yes, I would certianly consider both again.

On top of just fantastic equipment, the support of both is also incredible. I have had a number of interactions with Anthem and their support has been fantastic(hopefully I will see firmware fixes for a few of the ealier mentioned issues soon as well, but atleast I actually know they care and are working on them!).

I have not yet had to contact Oppo, but from following the Oppo thread, it is clear that Oppo has a similar level of high quality support, very comforting.
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post #3545 of 14609
4/12/11 at 10:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwtye View Post

My first MRX700 lost audio across all input. Sometimes I could get it to come back by power cycling on and off, but eventually it just never came back. Had it replaced under warranty and everything has been great.

Sounds like the same problem. Overall it looks like the Anthem receivers a pretty good track record for problematic units in the short time they've been out so I'm not too concerned.
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post #3546 of 14609
4/12/11 at 11:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrandPooPaw View Post

I just ordered an OPPO93 and am leaning toward the Anthem MRX700 using my existing Paradigm studio 100's. Any thoughts? Also, I haven't decided on a projector yet so I am open for suggestions there as well. This is my first post, so sorry if this is in the wrong section.

Addition to my original post - I have an existing Rotel RMB 1075 AMP, and had thought of using the AMP to drive the fronts and center and a 500 for the rears, but was told the sound would be purer if I just used the Anthem in lieu of a separate AMP. Not sure if this is a valid statement.
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post #3547 of 14609
4/12/11 at 1:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrandPooPaw View Post

Addition to my original post - I have an existing Rotel RMB 1075 AMP, and had thought of using the AMP to drive the fronts and center and a 500 for the rears, but was told the sound would be purer if I just used the Anthem in lieu of a separate AMP. Not sure if this is a valid statement.

I am a long time Rotel user!!! I switched to Anthem and I will say the Anthem does have a much cleaner sound!! Just my opinion! But let your ears decide, I now own the 500 and the sound is awesome Coming from Rotel, you will love what Arc does!!! Don't get me wrong Rotel is a excellent company! But I do like what Anthem and Arc have done for my room!

Rick
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post #3548 of 14609
4/12/11 at 1:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickyboby View Post

I am a long time Rotel user!!! I switched to Anthem and I will say the Anthem does have a much cleaner sound!! Just my opinion! But let your ears decide, I now own the 500 and the sound is awesome Coming from Rotel, you will love what Arc does!!! Don't get me wrong Rotel is a excellent company! But I do like what Anthem and Arc have done for my room!

Rick

Do you think any amp will change the sound of the Anthem? Like an Emotiva?
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post #3549 of 14609
4/12/11 at 1:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickyboby View Post


I am a long time Rotel user!!! I switched to Anthem and I will say the Anthem does have a much cleaner sound!! Just my opinion! But let your ears decide, I now own the 500 and the sound is awesome Coming from Rotel, you will love what Arc does!!! Don't get me wrong Rotel is a excellent company! But I do like what Anthem and Arc have done for my room!

Rick

Thanks Rick, I too have been a long time Rotel user, but was unimpressed with the updated model for my existing Rotel 1088 processor which is why I am looking at Anthem. What speakers are you driving with your MRX500, I'm trying to decide if I really need the 700.
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post #3550 of 14609
4/12/11 at 2:19pm
I bought Anthem MRX500 and I dont regret it! Anthem have in harmony with my Swans speakers and Doxa amp (for the fronts, Swans F1.1) given me the sound I hoped for. Detailed yet smooth, powerfull low end with controll and a wide open surround soundstage with excellent pinpoint capabilities. I have owned Yamaha RX-V1800 for nearly three years, and tested a Denon 4310 for two months in the same setup. Anthem is the winner.

Anthem MRX500 have plenty of power to handle the center Swans 2.3C and surround speakers Swans 2.3R way beyond reference level, still sounding clean, detailed and with no harshness.

Yes, I know that my graphs could look better. Unfortunately i´m in a room with physical limits and I have moved the fronts and the subs whithin these limits. I really like what ARC have done and after trying other targets and settings I ended up using what ARC recommended in the first place (the Movie config), because it gave the best sound!
LL
LL
LL
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post #3551 of 14609
4/12/11 at 2:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrandPooPaw View Post

Thanks Rick, I too have been a long time Rotel user, but was unimpressed with the updated model for my existing Rotel 1088 processor which is why I am looking at Anthem. What speakers are you driving with your MRX500, I'm trying to decide if I really need the 700.

Im using the Studio 40s, studio center up front. I think other guys here are using the studio 100s with the 500 and dont have any problems. The 700 has the Toroidal transformer and Hd radio if those things mater to you. There are other guy's here who have more knowledge about the two then I do!! I would have gone with the 700 but my motorcycle needed to have more chrome put on it this year and with my set up the 500 does just fine!!! I figured if i decide i want more power, I'll buy a Anthem amp next year and use the 500 as a processor!!!
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post #3552 of 14609
4/12/11 at 2:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony A. View Post

i have the klipsch ultra 2 setup and find its great for the money. if i were to do it all over again though, i would opt for seaton or jtr speakers. just so you know, i am one of the users who is experiencing the center channel "blaring" sound through my kl-650 speakers. its not the speaker as i have swapped all three fronts. hopefully this will be addressed by anthem. im not the only one who has this distortion from their center channel.

Thanks for the reply.
Good to know that the center channel problem is not linked to a specific speaker or brand, but a MRX problem. But, I don't like the possible problems with the center channel and the pass through, especially the center channel since it's been a while since it was discovered and still no solution/fix. I really like to go for the MRX500 or 700, in stead of a Yamaha RX-V3067 or Denon 4311, but the possible problems hesitates me a bit.

Dos anyone have experience with front height channels with the MRX compared to other receiver brands?
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post #3553 of 14609
4/12/11 at 4:11pm
Quick question.

I do not have my surround speakers cabling ran yet through the walls. Will ARC still work for just my fronts, center, and sub? Thanks !

I finally got my Keyspan in today so Im ready to go play with Arc NOW !!!
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post #3554 of 14609
4/12/11 at 4:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NHT4LIFE View Post

Quick question.

I do not have my surround speakers cabling ran yet through the walls. Will ARC still work for just my fronts, center, and sub? Thanks !

I finally got my Keyspan in today so Im ready to go play with Arc NOW !!!

Yes. You will have to remeasure when you get the surrounds hooked up. Just tell it what speakers you have when you run ARC.
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post #3555 of 14609
4/12/11 at 4:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by eric-t View Post

Do you think any amp will change the sound of the Anthem? Like an Emotiva?

I would think so I have never heard a Emotive. I know from my experince, I've had Nad, Rotel, Parasound, Adcom and they have all had a different sound even hooked to the same preamp.
I think each of the preamps I've owned had very different sounds.
I like the sound that Anthem produces so if i want to be sure that i get that same sound, I will purchase a Anthem amp to try to achieve that.
But i would bet that a older Rotel amp would sound good with the Anthem, some may even like it better, some may not! I like the old saying let your ears decide what sounds best to you

Rick
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post #3556 of 14609
4/12/11 at 5:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by eric-t View Post


Do you think any amp will change the sound of the Anthem? Like an Emotiva?

I would try any MRX without an ext. amp to see if it is needed. Don't throw your money away unless you don't need it
John
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post #3557 of 14609
4/12/11 at 5:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayray View Post

I would try any MRX without an ext. amp to see if it is needed. Don't throw your money away unless you don't need it
John

I already own two of them
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post #3558 of 14609
4/12/11 at 6:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by eric-t View Post


I already own two of them

Two MRXs or two amps
John
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post #3559 of 14609
4/12/11 at 6:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayray View Post

I would try any MRX without an ext. amp to see if it is needed. Don't throw your money away unless you don't need it
John

Agreed! I like the way it sounds like it is! Dont want to change that!
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post #3560 of 14609
4/12/11 at 6:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by marky22 View Post

Good Morning to all. I have a question about hooking the 700 series up. Currently my tv does not have HDMI. Can I hook this up with HDMI from the blue ray and cable box outs into the 700 series in and run component to the tv and not loose quality? I have an opportunity to test the 700 in my theatre room. The tv that I am waiting for is not out yet and my current Toshiba Cinema Series CRT is going to have to make due for now. I am waiting for either the Samsung UN65D8000 or the Sony KDL-65HX729.

No, there is no conversion from HDMI to component outs. You can use component from both your sources to the TV if they have them. Component can support 1080i output and your TV is unlikely to be 1080p, so there will be no loss of quality. The 700 can switch 3 component outputs. Audio can be hooked up digitally from your sources.
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post #3561 of 14609
4/12/11 at 6:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ivaols View Post

I bought Anthem MRX500 and I dont regret it! Anthem have in harmony with my Swans speakers and Doxa amp (for the fronts, Swans F1.1) given me the sound I hoped for. Detailed yet smooth, powerfull low end with controll and a wide open surround soundstage with excellent pinpoint capabilities. I have owned Yamaha RX-V1800 for nearly three years, and tested a Denon 4310 for two months in the same setup. Anthem is the winner.

Anthem MRX500 have plenty of power to handle the center Swans 2.3C and surround speakers Swans 2.3R way beyond reference level, still sounding clean, detailed and with no harshness.

Yes, I know that my graphs could look better. Unfortunately i´m in a room with physical limits and I have moved the fronts and the subs whithin these limits. I really like what ARC have done and after trying other targets and settings I ended up using what ARC recommended in the first place (the Movie config), because it gave the best sound!

Your charts aren't bad at all. The sub if it could be moved, even a little, you might get more dBs in the 60-100 Hz region which is the punch feeling in movies. It may only be inches until you hit the spot and using ARCs Quick Measure utility it shouldn't take that much time to do.
John
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post #3562 of 14609
4/12/11 at 6:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigger! View Post

I've been very happy with both. Depending on the features you are looking for, I think you will be happy with any of the MRX's. I was interested in not needing an external amp (and I felt that in almost any home environment, short of a home theater, the 700 had more than enough power for anything I would need), I also was interested in HD radio, which only comes on the 700... so for me it was an easy choice. From everything I've seen and read, the 500 has planty of power as well and even people with 300's who planned to use them only as Pre/Pro's have found they have a lot of power... so unless you have a large room, the features should probably big the larger driving factor.

As for the Oppo 93, it is very fast and for what I have used it for seems to work really well. A large improvement over my Samsung.

I took a very large leap in technology when I upgraded from a 20+ year old Yamaha Stereo Receiver and my 2 year old Samsung. So my leap may bias me a bit, but yes, I would certianly consider both again.

On top of just fantastic equipment, the support of both is also incredible. I have had a number of interactions with Anthem and their support has been fantastic(hopefully I will see firmware fixes for a few of the ealier mentioned issues soon as well, but atleast I actually know they care and are working on them!).

I have not yet had to contact Oppo, but from following the Oppo thread, it is clear that Oppo has a similar level of high quality support, very comforting.

I also run a 700 with an Oppo 93. They've both worked flawlessly.

After I received the 700 I added an Emotiva XPA-3 but returned it within the 30 days. I thought my Paradigm S-8s sounded better without it in my 18x15x8.5 room.
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post #3563 of 14609
4/12/11 at 7:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lorenzzo View Post


I also run a 700 with an Oppo 93. They've both worked flawlessly.

After I received the 700 I added an Emotiva XPA-3 but returned it within the 30 days. I thought my Paradigm S-8s sounded better without it in my 18x15x8.5 room.

We should put your response in the FAQ
John
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post #3564 of 14609
4/12/11 at 10:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayray View Post

Your charts aren't bad at all. The sub if it could be moved, even a little, you might get more dBs in the 60-100 Hz region which is the punch feeling in movies. It may only be inches until you hit the spot and using ARCs Quick Measure utility it shouldn't take that much time to do.
John

Thanks for the input

I´ll give it one more try with both replacement and phase.

First time I run ARC it used a 120hz cutoff freq on the sub. After playing around with the phase it went down to a 80 hz cutoff.
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post #3565 of 14609
4/13/11 at 1:31am
I gave it a try this morning, moved the subs and played again with the phase. None of this helped... What did help was to move the sofa 20cm towards the front. This gave a 2db gain in the 70hz region and a 1 db gain in the 30hz region in the main seating position with Quick Measure. Check the difference between the two first graphs attached.

The thing is that after running ARC in this new position, the end result is sort of the same as before in the 70hz region, but the 1 db gain in the 30hz region remains the same.

Target values is the same as before.
LL
LL
LL
LL
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post #3566 of 14609
4/13/11 at 3:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ivaols View Post
I gave it a try this morning, moved the subs and played again with the phase. None of this helped... What did help was to move the sofa 20cm towards the front. This gave a 2db gain in the 70hz region and a 1 db gain in the 30hz region in the main seating position with Quick Measure. Check the difference between the two first graphs attached.

The thing is that after running ARC in this new position, the end result is sort of the same as before in the 70hz region, but the 1 db gain in the 30hz region remains the same.

Target values is the same as before.
I had an issue similar to yours. I moved my sub a little closer to the wall, only about 3 inches, and it helped. It raised the sub cut off from 80 to 120 and punched up the 50 to 100 freq. Phase will not matter when running arc since the sub plays alone. When you use quick measure it is at one mic position. When you use arc it is with 5 positions, which will give you a different result.
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post #3567 of 14609
4/13/11 at 4:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayray View Post
Two MRXs or two amps
John
Two amps
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post #3568 of 14609
4/13/11 at 4:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickyboby View Post
Agreed! I like the way it sounds like it is! Dont want to change that!
That's the thing I would like to know. Has anyone noticed a difference in sound when using an amp with their MRX's? I understand this can be subjective but want to know if you heard a difference, good or bad? Specifically, Emotiva amps.
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post #3569 of 14609
4/13/11 at 4:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by eking3030 View Post
I had an issue similar to yours. I moved my sub a little closer to the wall, only about 3 inches, and it helped. It raised the sub cut off from 80 to 120 and punched up the 50 to 100 freq. Phase will not matter when running arc since the sub plays alone. When you use quick measure it is at one mic position. When you use arc it is with 5 positions, which will give you a different result.
My subs already stands up against the wall in the two front corners. That gives the best overall respons in my room. I tried several other positions today but with worse result. I have two subs, thats why I tried to tweak the respons with phase adjustment.

You are right about the 1 vs 5 mic position measurement. I hope the movement of the sofa will benefit me who allways sits in the main seat Tonight I´ve got the time to listen to the result.
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post #3570 of 14609
4/13/11 at 4:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by eric-t View Post
That's the thing I would like to know. Has anyone noticed a difference in sound when using an amp with their MRX's? I understand this can be subjective but want to know if you heard a difference, good or bad? Specifically, Emotiva amps.
I have tried to use the Emotiva UPA-1 on the center, Swans 2.3C.

http://www.swans-europe.eu/swans-f2_...087573ab0.html

Did five measurements with UPA-1, saved this and did another five measurements with Anthem MRX500 driving the center.

After this I listened to BD movie clips and songs from Hit Man: David Foster & Friends. The only problem is that it takes some time to load the different savings.

I found the sound from Emotiva to be somewhat more bright with more focus on the uper frequencies. The result is that I could not play as loud as with Anthem. Did not like that. Anthem did not lack in power despite that I played down to -8.

I will sell UPA-1 when the spring sale is over at Emotiva.
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