PioneerSC57,..Onkyo818,...AnthemMRX500,..Denon4311 ??

I went with a Onkyo TX-NR3010 for my latest upgrade. Highly recommend the Onkyo

What, no separates like Emotiva and Outlaw?

I used an Emotiva UMC-1. It was a pain. Right now I'm using a Denon 4520 as a pre-pro with three Emotiva amps, I am very satisfied with this setup.

You never fail to mention that you dislike the UMC. Your Onkyo failed and you did not mention the OP's concern about Onkyo. Your Denon that replaced the Onkyo had problems. No mention of that either.

It was a response to someone asking why the Emotiva pre-pro wasn't mentioned. I only mention my experience with it when it is relevant. I much more frequently mention how much I like their amps. I also mention my experience with Onkyo when it's relevant.

I'm one of those who had problems with an Onkyo. I no longer recommend Onkyo when questioned about what I think of them.

There are 100's of questions about Onkyo, yet you fail to mention your unit failing. Can't really blame you after you spent so much time promoting it. Pride before relevance.
OTH, every time the UMC-1 is mentioned you are repetitious with your negative comments.
At least you gave Denon a second chance.
You dislike fan boys. However, any mention of problems concerning a brand that you own and the flame is lit.

Can't speak to Anthem long-term reliability, but my previous Denon 4308 crapped its digital audio board just a few months outside of the warranty period, and Denon's response was "it'll cost you around $550 to fix, IF we have the part still." So while the sample size is too small to give meaningful data about failure rate, it is IMO sufficient to show that Denon is not a firm one can trust for reasonable and competent after-sales support in the event of a problem. A customer who bought a $2500 MSRP box can and should expect better after-sales support. I won't be buying from them again.

That said, the major selling point of Anthem is IMO that ARC is the best of the room correction systems available on affordable current-production gear. But unless you need/want the streaming capability, there's no reason to go with the 500 over the 300. The power difference is de minimis in real life, and the 300 is significantly cheaper. (And if you do need the streaming capability, I'd say get a 300 and an AppleTV...)

Just noticed this. Thank you. I now have respect for you.

Proceed with thrashing me for my comments. I deserve it.