Anthem MRX 540 8K 5.2 channel 8K A/V Receiver (2021 model) Review
The Anthem MRX 540 is a fascinating A/V receiver from 2021. It's got 5.2 channels and supports 8K. It's perfect for audio and video lovers who know what's up. If you're someone who wants awesome performance and loves creating an epic home theatre experience, the MRX 540 has a lot to offer. It's super versatile and works great in both comfy living rooms and big home theatres.
Our Verdict
The MRX 540 is pretty impressive with its awesome audio and video performance. It gives you a clear and balanced sound, and the visuals are just exceptional. But, it might be a bit too expensive, big, and complicated for people who just want to use it casually or don't have a lot of money or space. The great thing about it is that it has a bunch of sophisticated features you can totally customize, but it might be a bit much if you're new to it.
PROS
- 8K video support for stunning visuals.
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive audio.
- Anthem Room Correction enhances sound.
- Solid build quality and aesthetics.
- User-friendly setup and operation.
- Ample HDMI inputs for devices.
- Zone 2 audio for flexibility.
- Compatible with 4-ohm speakers.
CONS
- Limited to 5.2 channels.
- The price may be steep for some.
- No Wi-Fi or built-in streaming services.
GENERAL
| Receiver Type | |
|---|---|
| Number Of Channel | Channel |
| Number Channel Processing | |
| Audio Feature | |
| Video Feature | |
| Watts Per Channel | |
| Zones | |
| Radio | |
| Amplifier |
CONNECTIVITY
| Ethernet | |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | |
| Bluetooth | |
| USB | |
| RCA LIne Input: | |
| RCA LIne Output: | |
| RCA Pre-Outs: | |
| XLR Line Inputs: | |
| XLR Pre-Outs: | |
| Phono Input: | |
| Optical Inputs: | |
| Optical Output: | |
| Coaxial Inputs: | |
| Multi-Channel Input: | |
| Headphone Out: | |
| HDMI Inputs: | |
| HDMI Outputs: | |
| 8K Inputs: | |
| Composite Video Input | |
| Composite Video Output: | |
| Component Video Input: | |
| Component Video Output: | |
| Front A/V Inputs: | |
| Speaker A/B: |
AUDIO FEATURES:
| Maximum Channel Processing | |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | |
| Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | |
| Dolby Atmos Music | |
| Dolby TrueHD | |
| Dolby Digital Plus | |
| Dolby Surround Upmixer | |
| Dolby Pro Logic | |
| Dolby Digital EX | |
| Surround EX | |
| DTS:X | |
| DTS Neural:X | |
| DTS Virtual:X | |
| DTS Neo | |
| DTS-HD Master Audio | |
| DTS-HD High Resolution Audio | |
| DTS 96/24 | |
| DTS Express | |
| DTS-ES | |
| IMAX Enhanced | |
| PCM | |
| Music Playback via USB | |
| High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | |
| High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | |
| Gapless Playback | |
| DSD via HDMI | |
| DSD via USB | |
| DSD to PCM Converter | |
| USB DAC | |
| Jitter Reduction | |
| DTS Dialog Control | |
| Dialog Enhancement | |
| Dialog Level Adjustment | |
| Dialog Normalization | |
| Dialogue Lift | |
| Compressed Music Enhancer | |
| High-resolution Music Enhancer | |
| Audyssey Dynamic EQ | |
| Audyssey Dynamic Volume | |
| Audyssey LFC | |
| Audyssey Sub EQ HT | |
| Audyssey DSX | |
| Direct Mode | |
| Pure Direct Mode | |
| Independent Subwoofer Outputs | |
| Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | |
| Audyssey App Support | |
| Bass Sync | |
| Optimized Bass Redirection |
VIDEO FEATURES:
| HDMI Version | |
|---|---|
| Enhanced ARC | |
| HDCP Version | |
| HDR10+ | |
| Dynamic HDR | |
| Dolby Vision | |
| HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | |
| QMS (Quick Media Switching) | |
| 3-D Ready | |
| Video Signal Passthrough | |
| Video Signal Upscaling | |
| Analog To HDMI Upconversion | |
| Component Video Upscaling | |
| isf Certified Calibration Control |
AMPLIFIERS
| Channels | |
|---|---|
| Front Wide Channel Support | |
| Current Feedback Topology | |
| Discrete Amplification | |
| HDAM | |
| THX™ Certification | |
| Continuous 6 Ω Rated | |
| Certified 4 Ω Performance | |
| Bi-amp Capability |
GAMING FEATURES
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | |
|---|---|
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | |
| Quick Frame Transport (QFT) |
ZONES
| Zones | |
|---|---|
| Powered Zones | |
| Zone 2 Outs | |
| Zone 3 Outs | |
| RS-232C Interface | |
| +12V Trigger Output |
RADIO
| Analog Tuner | |
|---|---|
| Digital Radio | |
| Internet Radio | |
| Pandora | |
| Spotify | |
| Tidal | |
| Deezer | |
| SiriusXM Internet Radio | |
| Napster |
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
| On-Screen Display | |
|---|---|
| GUI Languages | |
| Web Browser Control | |
| IP Control for CI | |
| Control4 SDDP | |
| PreAmp Mode | |
| Display | |
| Remote Controller | |
| Remote Control In/Out | |
| LCD Display | |
| Detachable Power Cord | |
| Setup Assistant |
POWER
| Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | |
|---|---|
| Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) | |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | |
| Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | |
| Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | |
| Power Supply | |
| Toroidal Transformer | |
| Power Consumption | |
| No Sound Power | |
| Standby Power |
BUILD
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | |
|---|---|
| Weight | |
| Chassis | |
| Front Panel | |
| Speaker Terminals | |
| Large Speaker Terminals | |
| Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | |
| Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | |
| High Grade Audio Components | |
| ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | |
| Auto Power off | |
| Warranty |
SPECIFICATIONS
| THD digital | |
|---|---|
| Analog Distortion | |
| Phono Distortion | |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) | |
| Rated Lineout Level and Impedance | |
| Rated Output digital | |
| S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | |
| S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) | |
| S/N Ratio (digital) | |
| Phono RIAA Deviation | |
| Frequency Response (Analog In) | |
| DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | |
| DSD Sampling Rates via USB | |
| Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance | |
| Video Frequency Response | |
| Ethernet Standard | |
| Wi-Fi Standard | |
| Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency | |
| Bluetooth Version | |
| Bluetooth Frequency | |
| USB Terminal | |
| FM Frequency | |
| FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) | |
| FM S/N Ratio | |
| FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) | |
| AM Effective Sensitivity | |
| AM Frequency |
Design
Design-wise, the MRX 540 is all about keeping it simple and practical. The front panel has a super-clear and user-friendly display, making it easy to find your way around. This thing is built to last, so you know it's going to hold up for a while.
But here's the thing: it's got something in common with fancy receivers: it can be a pain to find a good spot for it, especially if you've got a small setup. The remote control is okay, but it might not be everyone's style.
Connectivity
The Anthem MRX 540 has a bunch of cool ways to connect stuff, making it a super versatile hub for all your home entertainment stuff. You can connect all your gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and stuff with multiple HDMI inputs and outputs. It's super easy and hassle-free! The best part is that it supports 8K, so your home theatre will be set for a long time.
But, like, all the different ways to connect have their downsides. Having a bunch of cables in the back can turn into a total mess, making it harder to organize and plug things in. In cramped spaces, this can be a real pain. Also, it's amazing that it works with lots of different devices, but some people might need to get adapters or converters to make everything work together, especially if they have older stuff.
Performance
The MRX 540 is all about performance, and it totally delivers in style. The 5.2-channel setup makes sure the sound is super awesome, with clear, balanced, and detailed audio whether you're watching movies or jamming to music. The 8K upscaling and pass-through stuff make sure your video looks super awesome.
But, like, this level of performance has its own set of concerns. When the MRX 540 is running, it can get pretty hot, so you have to be careful with that. You should also have good ventilation to keep it running smoothly and make sure it lasts a long time. Also, the receiver's cool features and options for customizing stuff might be overwhelming for newbies. Figuring out all the cool stuff these features can do might take some time, and experimenting with them isn't everyone's cup of tea.
Where and When to Use
The MRX 540 is a really versatile addition to many setups. It's great for small living spaces and can totally amp up your movie nights and music sessions.
But, like, it might not be the best fit for casual users or people on a tight budget because of its cost, size, and complexity. If you're new to A/V receivers, you might find it a little tricky to figure out. And honestly, if you will not make the most of all the fancy stuff it can do, it might not be worth splurging on.
Compatible Devices
The MRX 540 is truly innovative because it can connect to many devices, like gaming consoles and turntables. The room correction software lets you change the audio in your own room, so you get the sickest sound quality possible.
But this compatibility can make things very complicated. A bunch of settings and options might take some time and patience to figure out.
Ease of Use
The MRX 540 is super easy to use and gives you a tonne of control. So, there's this setup wizard that pops up on your screen and helps you with the initial installation. And then, there's this neat calibration software that customizes the audio to fit your room. The remote control works fine, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea in terms of design.
If you're new to the latest A/V receivers, all the settings and options can be a bit overwhelming. The receiver's user interface might not be absolutely responsive, even though it costs a lot.
Cost
The MRX 540 is well worth it because it has astounding audio and video quality. If you're serious about having an amazing home theatre, this is the way to go.
But hey, if you're just a casual user or don't have much space, the MRX 540 might be a bit too much. It works best in bigger home theatre systems, and its high price might not be worth it for people who won't use all of its high-performance features.
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