Anthem AVM/MRX 1 Year Later....

[@jglaserbot]

As a former audio advisor, our store was one of the first to sell Anthem and Paradigm products. To note Anthem really only wants its products to be sold thru authorized dealers for 100% support of their products. We had to go thru extensive training for both sales and installation. As you stated it’s not a beginners type of processor and requires some knowledge to setup and operate it but once you get use to it I believe it’s very extensive on what you can achieve with ARC. With all this being said and being in the A/V business I’ve had the advantage of auditioning a majority of the best receivers and processors and for my own personal use I kept purchasing Anthem for myself. My current setup is the Anthem MRX-720 receiver with an Anthem MCA5 5ch amp 5x 225w/ch that run a 5.1 Martin Logan System. Atmos heights and a sub are next as I sold my previous sets. But even with just this setup it still amazes me with the clarity and precision I get with both movies and music.

[@michael0791]

Sounds like a great sounding receiver. I think a company needs to get their issues sorted before releasing to the public. And at that price it should be embarrassing to Anthem. I'd be interested in the AVM90 when it's bug free. For now my SR8015 sounds good and it's reliable. Thanks for another good review.

[@avenged110]

By far the most annoying thing for me was that apparently setting up ARC is only possible with (at least my MRX set to) the "Analog 1" input. I know that seems like something small or obvious, but as a complete newcomer to this class of device, the absurd amount of time troubleshooting this was very irritating. I only found this out after calling Anthem because as far as I know, it's not documented anywhere at all and it never would have occurred to me that _this_ was required based on their documentation's verbiage. That said, having just upgraded from a Yamaha RX-A1050 to the MRX740 + MCA325 Gen 2 amp, the transition has been astonishing. It's incredible just how much I was missing from my Paradigm Prestige 85F/55C speakers and even the surrounds. I watch a lot of movies and it's truly been a revelation - ARC really is as good as everyone says.

[@bryanhess7226]

I have had my AVM70 for almost a year as well. Similar experience as you and the biggest complaints is the slow rollout of the additional features that were promised as coming in future updates. Notably the Roon functionality but also in ARC the independent sub calibration for dual subwoofers. I check periodically for those updates but losing faith that they will come and there is no information from Anthem on when these updates may be available. If I knew it was going to take this long for promised features I may have looked at other options.

[@garyb2042]

Love your reviews, they are always insightful! The reason I am holding back on the AVM70 is I don't know if it will play pure DSD from SACD. I have the Cambridge CX-UHD (same operating system as the Oppo 103 etc.) and it will play DSD direct to my Denon AVC-4700H without any conversion (via HDMI). It will also "decode" on the Denon when set to auto if it is 2 channel or 5.1 without adding the other channels - so Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon with the 5.1 mix will only play the 5 main channels and not the surround back and Dolby Front channels I have. I have had a Pioneer SCLX-83 in the same situation would play that SACD as a 7.1, which was my set up at the time. Same deal with a Yamaha Aventage 3080, so I am hoping you can test this option with both a 2 channel SACD and 5.1 mix to see if it will only play the channels that the SACD is decoded in - thanks in advance.

[@Techthusiasm]

I'm really liking my AVM70. I think Anthem is a brand I will be sticking with for quite some time.

[@angell2792]

I love my anthem Mrx-1140 and my avm90 been with anthem since the first mrx and d2 and I have not had any of the issues that have been posted. Very easy to set up once you read the manual If you do not read the manual you will have issues getting started. As well you never have to worry about firmware issues as anthems units auto updates at 12am est time. Plus the fan issue was just a few bad fans. Both my units fans are very quiet. No I do not work for the company or sell there products, just love them allot lol I do have to say that the new anthems sound so much better than previous model. If you are a sound detailed person then anthem ARC is your unit The before and after sound is night and day with Arc

[@JJTeam-yr6tb]

Quick question. Does the independent sub outs make a difference for you?

[@duanerandleman2456]

The processors are better than they're amps. I often install these with different amps based on speaker matching. Anthem amps sound more like test equipment than audio. Not grainy but dry and two dimensional. They are rugged and powerful though. The amps would work well with slow or dull speakers.

[@BdoUK21]

Rocking the Frankfort Toyota jacket in this video, I’m also a KY AVM70 owner. Really enjoy the content!

[@Kpaceguy]

I appreciate you, brother

[@tavarisjones551]

I purchased my avm70 after being waitlisted for several months. Got it back in Nov of last year. Replaced an older emotiva umc-200. I also demo'ed an emotiva xmc before deciding to go with the anthem. The anthem is better by far. The biggest difference is in stereo music. Your vids were one of the few discussing the avm70, so thanks for that. You mentioned an anthem mobile app. I think the app only works with the older avm60 and does not work with the newer avm70. I didn't have all of the setup issues that you had, but since I got mine much later, most of the weird early bugs had already been worked out. I also plugged mine into ethernet so that I didn't have to deal with google home. I doubt that the hdmi board upgrades will be free. I say this because we all knew it didn't have it when we bought it. I've encountered a few weird software glitches, but nothing very troublesome. I'm not a fan of the remote. Some of the buttons stick. Its pricey, but it sounds amazing.

[@kevinr1282]

I have seen $500 quoted for the HDMI board which would not surprise me. I just hope we will be able to install ourselves.

[@tomdac]

Was waffling between a Marantz and the Anthem. My AVM70 is being shipped and will replace my Anthem Statement D2 that has served me well for many years. Your videos helped me make that decision. Thanks! 👍

[@Kpaceguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@DavidM-pd9oi]

Supposedly our avm90 is coming on a boat to Australia this month. Hanging out as ordered Nov 2020

[@howardmenkis5252]

This Spring is the beginning!!! Enjoy im waiting for mine too!! Check me out on Audio Video Maniacs!

[@Laissez_Faire]

I’ve been considering getting the MRX740 but see then a lot on eBay and starting to wonder why. I got Spotify connect on my Arcam now and I love how simple it works and now see the new anthems don’t have it anymore. Now I’m wondering if I should just get the Nad t778 but it doesn’t have arc and I don’t really love Dirac. So I don’t know what to do 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@mattgiunt]

As a Yamaha receiver person for 40 years or so,Im terrified of upgrading to the complexity of an Anthem receiver. I know, however that im going to do it soon because of your videos and praise of Anthem. If an Anthem receiver makes my Polk LSIM full system sound better than they already do Im obligated to upgrade.

[@Kpaceguy]

There are too many videos and resources out there to be afraid of the upgrade. Lots of help out there

[@howardmenkis5252]

Love Anthem equipment, yes have the gen2 amps,,, just waiting for the new Avm90,,, want the next level, should lineup with my new gen 2 amps and my 8k tv. Im using 6 subs now and my Marantz 8805 is ok but not perfect. With the new one I only will daisy chain 2 subs, that includes 2 sb 3000,2 svs pb16ultra and one defiance x12 and King Kong Jtr Captivater ulf! And my buttkickers. Yes the calibration alone will make it worth it. I also have the Founder120/90 speakers and they rock! I enjoy your videos!!! Keep on doing them 🇨🇦👌

[@Kpaceguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@RichardSylvain-us4he]

I, I watched your avm70 review and appreciated it. Don’t know if you figured out the remote ap, I use an IPhone and found out I needed to upload Flighttest ap in order to get the remote ap to work. After that, it was working fine. l own the mrx-1140 and very pleased with it. Wonder what is the difference between Mrx and avm with Anthem, can you tell? Thanks.

[@Kpaceguy]

Just higher quality DACs and overall performance.

[@michaelhiggins3469]

My MRX1140 still boxed, am still running dual dedicated 20 amp circuits to the closet my system resides in. The AVM 70 is/was my preferential choice, but ordered the 1140 because it has the same processor, but at the time I didn't plan to buy more external amps beyond the Outlaw 5000X already purchased, ( still unboxed as well, ) but since then I have 2 Starke AD4s and now an ATI AT523N-core, so I would gladly trade my 1140 for an AVM70.

[@doublet147]

My hesitancy in purchasing is the statements about "future updates" coming. You should just plan on them not coming to fruition anytime soon if ever. This happens with TVs also. A lot of manufacturers do this. I just choose to pass till that statement is no longer used. Great review.

[@tavarisjones551]

We are in a new age of promised features coming via software updates later. I don’t like it, but seems to be standard. I don’t think that most av companies have grasped the fact that they are software companies now…

[@pete3882]

Thanks for the update. Was wondering if anyone was going to cover it. I have an avm60 and was thinking about upgrading to the avm70 but know way if knowing if it's worth the jump. The increase in price brings the HTP-1 in very close to consider. My other thought was the ac x7 but that would compete with avm90 which seems to be on hold. Hdmi board should come with it but I guess we will see. Do you use a minidsp 2x4hd with this setup or considering it? Thanks again, appreciate your time.

[@Kpaceguy]

Arc is so good that I haven't considered trying anything else but I may just for video purposes

[@pete3882]

@@Kpaceguy I brought up the minidsp because I was not satisfied with my avm60 just using arc. My setup is 7.2.4. I used a umik 1 and rew, this brought my system to another level, wow factor. Arc does not setup phase. I'm looking at getting a minidsp to do more. I'm 99 percent ht.

[@Kpaceguy]

@@pete3882 you like it for sure

[@nws-qk9pj]

@@pete3882 the new beta versions of ARC just released adds auto phase, distance, and time alignment. Also can do multiple subs independently if your model supports multi sub such as MRX1140, AVM70, and AVM90. Audioholics just released a video on it. No need for MiniDSP anymore as it can integrate subs with the new all pass filter.

[@Bryan-hd7nm]

Nice review and video! I just bought one a couple of months ago love it but after running arc I feel like I have to bump my center channel about 3db. Did you have to do the same to yours?

[@Kpaceguy]

I always do on every receiver I have. I like the center just a little higher than everything else

[@joshdekubber3631]

My Anthem MRX 1140 is absolutely perfect for me. Set up with no problem and it works perfectly with no bugs. I am having the same situation trying to figure out the best way to stream tidal. It sounds amazing already but I just want to make sure I'm getting the most out of it. I'd rather not add a bluesound node or something like that but I absolutely would if that's what's going to be best. If we get Roon can we stream tidal directly to our Anthem? Or is there another way? Any thoughts Kyle?

[@Kpaceguy]

Yes if we get roon it'll be a central hub for all our music

[@joshdekubber3631]

@@Kpaceguy Perfect thank you!!

[@joshdekubber3631]

@@Kpaceguy You can use Tidal Connect via Chromecast actually, that will work. Or Roon supports Tidal Connect, you can use Roon, and our devices do work with Roon. ​Hope this helps clear things up! Chris S Technical Support Advisor Paradigm | Anthem AV Got this email from Anthem so Roon must be in effect now

[@Kpaceguy]

@@joshdekubber3631 nice. So how do you set it up lol

[@joshdekubber3631]

@@Kpaceguy my Anthem is at my other house I'm going to be there in a couple weeks. I will get it figured out and let you know

[@290766rene]

Hi Kpaceguy. How is the sound difference between Marantz and Anthem? I am considering buying the Marantz processor 7706 because it has the latest features. But is in doubt whether the sound is "flat and hollow" Can you tell how the sound difference is on the two Processors ? Or I have to wait and see if there is a newer model similar from Anthem with HDMI 2.1 I'm also considering seeing if Rotel comes up with something new soon.

[@Kpaceguy]

Marantz is definitely not flat or hollow but it is in comparison to anthem

[@dremarXX]

I'm waiting to purchase the AVM-90. I don't want the first round. I'll wait until they've worked some things out. The delay allowed me to be able to save for it. Now that I have the money it's torture knowing it's available. I think I'm looking mid-year. Your videos have been so helpful to my education of what could happen. For awhile I thought would have to buy the AVM-70 until I was told the 90 was available. Thank you and wish me luck.

[@Kpaceguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@pete3882]

Really like to know how you like the avm90. I'm split on the 90 vs ac x7.

[@juandoe7802]

I was going to buy one but they never had one in stock so I went with the Onkyo RZ50...missed out on my business as well as many others due to their lack of production. I know they'll live but whatever.

[@jstones9872]

have they upgraded yet to spotify? i just ordered one to go with my sony 83 in 90j master series 4k tv because i was under the impression it had hdmi 2.1/120hz ? am i wrong? thanks

[@Kpaceguy]

Not out of the box. It'll be upgraded soon

[@Podcastforthewin]

I have a question in regards to the lcd display on the anthem. Does it show you any info in regards to music? Kinda like how the arcam or nad does.

[@Kpaceguy]

Yes

[@Podcastforthewin]

@@Kpaceguy thank you so much! I think you helped me make my decision.

[@N1ghtwave_05]

The newer Anthem products not supported yet for the mobile app. Future update.

[@Kpaceguy]

Of course

[@michaelkreisel3573]

I’ve had my Anthem STR pre and and STR power amp driving my Revel Salon 2’s for 2 years and like you I’m 99% satisfied. I wish they woulda offered blue tooth. I get why they don’t but because I stream everything having that wire strewn across my floor to connect to my laptop everywhere I sit to play music is a pain in the ass. Demand blue tooth before you buy that pre amp.

[@darumaprb8500]

hy I got a Subwoofer sw100 Kliptch 10” in a room 15' x 11' x 9' in concrete, I have it in the corner ,is that good for the bass sound... My name is Pablo...

[@Kpaceguy]

Typically no. Your room is not big so you shouldn't need to have it in the corner

[@darumaprb8500]

@@Kpaceguy thanks men...

[@andreyakultchik976]

! Молодец!

[@truejahmal]

Are you gonna do the update? For 2.1 hdmi. If you do pls do a vid about any new features

[@Kpaceguy]

Probably not

[@kevinr1282]

Ordered the AVM 70 6 months ago, still not here 😞

[@JosephTongret]

while I understand how you feel about the hdmi board there's a lesson here.... Purchase a product based on what it does at the time, not what you hope it will do in the future.

[@Antibackgroundnoise]

I also wanted exceptional sound quality but unlike yourself, I didn't have the space of being able to accommodate several boxes (chassis) so my next best option was purchasing an audiophile grade receiver and knowing Arcam doesn't just source the best components for their equipment but they also use (unlike most avrs) toradol amplifiers, so not only am I getting efficiency (no fans needed) I'm also getting a neutral very realistic sounding 5.2.4 setup and I would like to add... it sounds exceptionally good at low volumes too and to think that's all within a small cabinet! 🥳 Conclusion; do your research... it certainly pays off in the end.

[@michaelhiggins3469]

Toradol is an NSAID painkiller, surely you meant toroid. Also you mentioned Arcam, was it Anthem you meant to say? Glad you are getting phenomenal performance from whatever you are using.

[@Antibackgroundnoise]

@@michaelhiggins3469 I love the comment section, there's always someone who will point out ones mistakes and make one look like a right twat... 🤣 nice one You are quite correct, I did mean to say toroid amp I think the only thing I have got right is my channel name 🤣 Anyway I'm so glad I purchased a high-end receiver, I always look forward to switching on my arcam avr20, especially for the 2-channel music!

[@michaelhiggins3469]

@@Antibackgroundnoise no worries mate, though as far as making you look a certain way, you set the bar, if not in your name choice, then in the mistakes, which are totally human so I suggested what you most likely meant .

[@jimhamlin6551]

Yes I talked to some Anthem dealers and it sounds like you are going to pay the whole shot...for the 2.1 hdmi support ...but they say you can run 8k through the EARC...Plus i do own an MCA amp and it is great for my 4ohm speakers

[@u2sumday1]

ISO doesn’t work either for the mobile app it says it on the download page. Maybe in a later update 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@paulvarrieur976]

I just bought an anthem MRX 540. The LFE does not work. ARC can not finish analyzing without the LFE circuit. At this point the unit will have to be returned.

[@Kpaceguy]

Did you try playing audio without running calibration to verify it doesn't work. Like running a test tone in the menus

[@paulvarrieur976]

@@Kpaceguy no, did not know this was possible despite numerous conversations with the dealer. How does one do this?

[@Kpaceguy]

@@paulvarrieur976 you go into the menus svs do to speaker levels and click on test tones to play a pink nose through each individual speaker

[@glennabdoe6078]

This is the first time I've commented on any sight. I purchased the AVM 70 because of your videos. I have to say It sounds amazing. I am having a difficult time going through the menus. Theres a lot of stuff to go through and understand. I haven't kept up with this field for years. I am learning very slowly about this. Where can I go to get more info on the processor ? I ran ARC. Is that All I need to do?

[@Kpaceguy]

That's the minimum of what you need to do. You can stop there and be very happy but it's worth it to learn how to use arc and what it's telling you as well as the menus. I'll probably make a video soon about going through the menus and what things do. Maybe tonight

[@glennabdoe6078]

@@Kpaceguy Thanks. That would help me understand it better.

[@BusDriver69]

Can anyone hear a slightly audible high pitch ring from their unit? Sounds almost like coil whine. Definitely not from the fan. The noise is louder when on streaming & anaolog inputs.

[@Kpaceguy]

Mine is dead silent

[@Roof_Pizza]

Is this a huge jump processor and soundwise from the 740?

[@Kpaceguy]

Huge no but there is a difference for sure. Having the extra channels and pairing an amplifier to it is better sound in itself. Better dacs and such are used too.

[@aristosspyrides]

Android mobile for the app. I connected my mrx710 with ether net cable from the router and connect to the same network. And works

[@GSP-76]

Please review Tonewinner pre pro and 7 channel amp! You won't regret it!!

[@Roof_Pizza]

The one with the 'UV' meters? LOL.

[@Reggaebeatman]

Hdmi 2.0 is deal breaker especially since you want 4k at 120hz for games like Call Duty on Ps5. Upgrade sounds like sales talk to try close the deal. Cost of shipping from outside US to get the upgrade make it not economically viable. Plus the inconvenience and frustration.

[@baycchief3785]

Give the Marantz AV8805 a try it will be night and day especially in the music department :)

[@Kpaceguy]

I had the 7705. I'm not going back

[@baycchief3785]

@@Kpaceguy I wasn't saying 7705. You can't compare 7705 with 8805 flagship. 8805 is comparable to Mcintosh MX123.

[@Kpaceguy]

Your correct. But I'm not reverting backwards in terms of calibration. ARC is way too good to go back to audessy

[@michaelkreisel3573]

@@Kpaceguy but.... for $199.99 you can upgrade Audussey multEQ-X 🥴😂 it looks and works similar to Arc Genesis

[@stephenricher9378]

@@Kpaceguy kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn_Jl3iZgdmerbM

[@rainman3269]

Is it correct to assume that you don't think the fan is an issue ... Do you think its problem ... Thanks in advance

[@Kpaceguy]

I don't think it's an issue. They updated a patch for it a little while ago

[@hdtvkeith1604]

Lack of HDMI 2.1 and 8K is stopping me from looking at Anthem and as of yesterday they still have no ETA.

[@Kpaceguy]

Yeah it's not good. Luckily for me I can't utilize right now

[@hdtvkeith1604]

@@Kpaceguy I am about to embark on my upgrade path, so my currently thinking is ATI 257NC and use my Denon X7200WA as the pre/pro for another year of so then look at the state of pre/pros then. I have been looking at the AVM70 as a possibility or maybe even Marantz AV7706. Hoping 2023 bring better supplies and later pre=pros as it looks like product refreshes have been delayed across the board.

[@Bobklijn]

Hello. I noticed you didn't use Dolby Digital + encoding this time. Have you had any issues or just stopped experimenting? Just curious, keep going☺

[@Kpaceguy]

I edit most my videos on my ohone which is where the normal format is. If I edit on my laptop it'll give me dolby. I want to, soon, record a demo of the theater in that encoding and see what happens

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

Box box brands are more reliable and come with Dirac so the room correction is a wash

[@MichaelBeeny]

If I had received this unit with so many bugs and things not right I would instantly get a refund. If I purchase any equipment that is not fit for purpose I will return it. I think it's appalling that so many software products these days contain bugs, some are sorted later of often they are never really sorted. Manufactures have no right so put products on the market and use it's customers as test beds. I wont tolerate such manufactures. Once bitten I will never use there products again.

[@thomassiegers3007]

Anthem 540 have update yet

[@thomassiegers3007]

HDMI 2.1?

[@Kpaceguy]

Prob not

[@UKVATO]

Why is it when watching a movie the vocals are low and the action scenes are loud.

[@Kpaceguy]

Your center channel is too low

[@UKVATO]

@@Kpaceguy thank you , quick question. I have anthem mrx1140 when I play music loud it shuts down is this normal ? Thank you.

[@Kpaceguy]

@@UKVATO no. You need to check your wires and make sure nothing is touching or is crossed.

[@UKVATO]

@@Kpaceguy I’ve checked wires and it is fine, Thanks.

[@Music.Movies.67]

I had the Anthem MRX540 AV Receiver but l was not impressed with the cheap plastic they use on the screen for the display, it is a scratch magnet, just wiping dust off with a cloth leaves lots of scratches, that can be seen under a bright light. This is not good for a product costing thousands and also binding posts are quite flimsy, so not a very good quality product

[@Kpaceguy]

Wiping dust across anything scratches it. Especially if you're wiping it dry

[@Music.Movies.67]

@@Kpaceguy I wiped the Anthem Mrx LCD display screen with same cloth that clean my reading glasses with, my glasses don't have scratches on them. It's the cheap material they use for the LCD display. Other AV Receivers l have had don't leave scratches on the displays just from wiping them clean, neither does my TV when l dust that. Display screen on Anthem Mrx even leaves scratches if just run your finger across it

[@douglastaylor3122]

First haha

[@davidlawson5288]

A few comment about your criticisms: 1). There is no mobile app for the AVM. It's a web interface. No app needed. If you want to use your phone to control the AVM, open your web portal and enter (your IP address)/mobile.html 2). If you want to run ARC from your mobile, you'd be better served running it on your computer. 3). Tidal or Qobuz USES Roon as a front-end interface. Roon DELIVERS your media, in ITS stored or streamed resolution. (There are engines that allow up conversions). 4). The HDMI board was NEVER a free upgrade. The EXACT language on the promotional materials specifically said "HDMI v2.1 8K Upgradeable". That board wasn't AVAILABLE at the time of launch. SO rather than push a bad product (like Marantz and Denon), Anthem elected to hold it back, and develop the application until ready. You bought a $3600 processor AND GOT a $3600 processor. Your assumption about not getting what you feel you deserve with regard to the upgrade is completely out of bounds. NOTHING ever said it would be free. 5). What updates are you looking for? All bugs have been fixed (or identified). I would anticipate that developmental software like phase for subs will release with the AVM-90. As a product is launched and development slows, there SHOULD be fewer and fewer "updates". Just my 2¢

[@nebtheweb8885]

$4,000 bucks now in the later part of 2022.