AV Receiver Reviews

Anthem MRX 710 AV Receiver Specs

Specs
Power Output: 7 x 120 watts (8 ohms, 2 channels driven) or x 90 watts (5 channels driven)
Auto Setup/Room EQ: ARC 1M
Video Processing: Analog Devices 4K scaling/passthrough
Dimensions (WxHxD, Inches): 17.25 x 6.5 x 14.63
Weight (Pounds): 30.8
Video Inputs: HDMI 1.4 (8), component video (2), composite video (1)
Audio Inputs: Coaxial digital (2), optical digital (3), stereo analog (5)
Additional: USB (1), Ethernet (1), IR remote (in/out), AM (1), FM (1)
Accessory: None
Video Outputs: HDMI 1.4 (2)
Audio Outputs: Coaxial digital (1), optical digital (1), stereo analog (2), 7.1-channel preout (1), ¼-inch headphone (1)
Additional: RS-232 (1), 12-volt trigger (1)
Price: $1,999

Company Info
Anthem
(905) 564-1994
anthemav.com

COMMENTS

No 24/192 on spdif

Submitted by tremain74 on July 30, 2014 - 7:56am

I’ve heard the new Anthem MRX line can’t accept a 24/192 signal on the digital coax spdif connections. Can you shed any light on if this I true or not?

Anthem responds

Submitted by Mark Fleischmann on July 31, 2014 - 10:18am

I forwarded your question to Anthem and received this response: "The coax and optical inputs accept samples up to 176.4 kHz. Due to a bandwidth limitation in hardware, 192 kHz is not supported by these connections. The HDMI inputs support 192 kHz."

The fact that a $2,000

Submitted by PGriff1051 on August 8, 2014 - 12:47pm

The fact that a $2,000 receiver can’t decode 24/192 kHz via its digital SPDIF input is a bit disappointing. Having previously owned much of the Anthem line including MRX-700 and the MRX-300 (used as a pre/pro), I assumed that this was, “standard equipment” when I bought it. Unfortunately, it took a call to Anthem (they couldn’t have been nicer) and some research on the Tech’s end for them to tell me that it was a hardware limitation.

I have a number of 24/192 kHz albums that I bought from HDTracks that I must now either 1) downsample (via JRiver or Audivana +) before sending to my Musical Fidelity USB to SPDIF converter, 2) send via DNLA through my Oppo Blu-ray Player so it can send via HDMI, or 3) spend more money to buy an Essence HDACC.

While this is clearly a “1st World Problem”, I’m disappointed that Anthem would downgrade the SPDIF hardware from the prior generation given their target customers base. People who value audio above all else will go at great lengths to get their digital data from the source to the decoding equipment with as little in between (or processing) as possible. Given the already high (relatively speaking) price of the unit, I would have paid a bit extra to keep the old hardware.

In hindsight, I would have kept the MRX-300 (even with the old ARC) as a pre/pro as this was by far the best value in the Anthem line for people with 7.1 theaters - you got 90% of the AVM-50V for 20% of the cost and could add the amp of your choice.

Any coincidence that the MRX-310 is no longer 7.1 channels?

1st Gen vs. 2nd Gen

Submitted by twm1988 on July 30, 2014 - 4:27pm

Hey Mark, you gave the mxr710 a 4.5 for audio performance, but the first Gen mrx300 a 5 for audio. Are the 1st generation receivers a lot warmer, more neutral, or just not as detailed as the new ones and therefore not as "bright" or "harsh"?

Variations

Submitted by Mark Fleischmann on July 31, 2014 - 10:30am

I reviewed these products three years apart and never had them together at the same time. So I'd be comparing a distant memory to a recent one (bolstered by the text, of course). Interestingly, I did use the word "crisp" in both reviews, though in the first one, I somewhat backed off it later, referring to the receiver's "shape-shifting abilities." In other words, I was calling it versatile. In the second review I used the word "analytical," which is a close relation to bright, and later recommended pairing with speakers having "a gentle top end." Let me point out that the 710 costs twice as much as the 300, and therefore ought to be held to a higher standard. However, I wouldn't attach too much importance to a half-star performance rating variation in products reviewed three years apart. Our technical editor's measurements are objective, but my own part of the review is subjective. I hope both parts are helpful.

Anthem MRX 710 vs. Rotel 1550

Submitted by twm1988 on July 31, 2014 - 2:24pm

Hey Mark, thanks for the reply. That does help clarify things. I use a Harman/Kardon AVR347 right now with Energy Reference Connoiseur bookshelfs and I like the slightly smoother, warmer sound the Harman has because the Energy’s have a little brighter top end. I just want more detail/resolution and more transparency with a new receiver. So the anthem would give more detail but I would loose some of the smoother, warmer sound I like?

Also, I see your reference system is Paradigm Studio’s and a Rotel. Do you still prefer the Rotel to the Anthem, even though Anthem is sister to and sort of made to go with Paradigm? Does the Rotel still give good detail, dynamics, depth and soundstage but is maybe a little warmer/richer than the Anthem?

Thanks for your help Mark!

Pairing / receiver

Submitted by Mark Fleischmann on July 31, 2014 - 3:31pm

If you find the Energies bright (and you wouldn't be the first), the Anthem would probably not counter it with warmth. You might want to consider Arcam, Cambridge, or for something less expensive, one of the better Denons. I can't swear that it would work, but if you can try before you buy, it might be worth the audition.... My reference receiver is now a Pioneer Elite VSX-53, a couple of model years old, which I regard as neutral. The Rotels I used to use were slightly warm. I still pine for the old RSX-1065. I retired it only because it was pre-HDMI.

Rotel vs. Marantz or Yamaha

Submitted by twm1988 on August 1, 2014 - 12:33pm

I was at one point looking at the Cambridge Azur 551, but heard it can be too loud and in your face and fatiguing after a while. But I will have to audition it to be sure though.

Your colleagues reviews of some of the Aventage receivers say it’s "audiophile" sound quality, and you said in one review that you almost adopted the Marantz 7007 or 7008 as your reference receiver. How would you compare the Rotel 1550 to the Marantz 7008 or one of the better Yamaha Aventage’s?

Cambridge etc.

Submitted by Mark Fleischmann on August 1, 2014 - 12:49pm

I've never found Cambridge fatiguing. I used the Rotel RSX-1550 for awhile, after spending eight years with the older 1065, but eventually needed to move on, wanting something a bit more powerful. Marantz has been doing a great job for a long time. I love the Aventages I've reviewed, though it's been awhile, and I hope to get another one for review before the end of this year.

Which one???

Submitted by twm1988 on August 1, 2014 - 1:52pm

If you had to give up your Pioneer vsx53, would you go back to the Rotel 1550, get a Marantz (6008, 7008), or go for a Yamaha Aventage? (Without worrying about power so much, but just for detail, resolution, transparency/soundstage and a bit more smoothness/warmth.)

Marantz or...

Submitted by Mark Fleischmann on August 1, 2014 - 2:23pm

The short answer is Marantz. In fact, at one point I held onto a Marantz review sample because it was in the running, and it was as good as the Pioneer I eventually chose. Aventage would be tempting, though.

Which Marantz?

Submitted by twm1988 on August 2, 2014 - 3:00pm

Do you think I need to go up to the Marantz 7008 to get great performance, or will the 5008 or 6008 sound just as good for average sensitivity mid size bookshelfs in 5.1 setup? The 5008 is basically half the price of the 7008.

Theres a dealer near me that carries Anthem, Yamaha and Marantz so it will be the perfect place to hear all of them for myself!

Time for listening

Submitted by Mark Fleischmann on August 3, 2014 - 9:01am

I think you've answered your own question.

Thanks Mark!

Submitted by twm1988 on August 3, 2014 - 11:42am

Haha I guess your right! I may listen to the Cambridge Azur 551 and Arcam 360 if you think they will give great performance like the Anthem but with a bit of warmth.

Thanks Mark, I really respect you opinion and experience, so you have given me a few things to look at. You have me especially intrigued with the Marantz now!

Hi Mark

Submitted by aralath on August 4, 2014 - 4:44pm

I have been looking at anthem for a while but I can never just go buy it. Im looking to replace my old onkyo any suggestions? all of my home theater speakers are Klipsch.

subjective sound

Submitted by abourelle on August 7, 2014 - 12:35pm

I own an MRX710 since they first came out. I also owned an MRX500. I am an audio/video consultant and have listen to lots of brands of audio products during my life (I'm 58). This is the best sounding receiver I owned. One thing I can say is that sound is very subjective and not ONE SIZE FITS ALL. The room correction ARC1 will fix most issues that a user is faced with including "harshness" - bass peaks and nulls, etc. In your review you mention that the sound is "analytical" and that the ARC1 only made small change to the sound. I have done over a dozen of installs and set up in very different rooms with different speaker brands and every time the result was amazing, never bright sounding but just more precise, detailed and airy. Whomever is looking for a new receiver give any of the 3 models a listen. You won't regret it.

Im glad to hear you don't

Submitted by twm1988 on August 10, 2014 - 4:05pm

Im glad to hear you don't think the Anthem is bright or harsh, just precise and detailed, im hoping to audition one soon. Although ive heard that ARC on the MRX receivers will only effect frequencies up to 5khz, so brightness or harshness coming from speakers with an exaggerated top end will not be touched because from 5khz - 20khz isn't effected by ARC. That's what ive read anyway.

reply to twm1988

Submitted by abourelle on August 12, 2014 - 8:10am

You are right that ARC only affect up to 5khz. Overly bright speakers will stay that way unless you tame the room with carpeting, sound panels or plush furniture. The room is actually responsible for 50% of your final sound result. ARC affect lousy or exaggerated bass response and does a great job on mid range. Movie dialog and voices become more intelligible. Even out of the box this receiver sounds more open and clean than any "Asian" receivers out there. Give yourself the pleasure of a listen.

Good to hear out of the box

Submitted by twm1988 on August 12, 2014 - 12:02pm

Good to hear out of the box it sounds great. I am not a fan of room correction and may not even use it. Trie Audyssey and EZ Set EQ on a couple of previous receivers I had and each time easily preferred me setting it up manually myself to the auto room correction. I am definitely going to listen to the Anthem's and maybe a Rotel and Arcam. I would agree that these boutique brands should have better sound quality than the Japanese receivers, but the reviewer here, Mark Fleischmann, replaced his reference Rotel with a Pioneer Elite, so that says something about the quality of these Japanese brands too. He also says Marantz and Yamaha were nearly or just as good for a reference receiver.

I am rooting for the Anthem I really would like to own one, but I will need to compare it with the Marantz and Yamaha's to truly satisfy my curiosity.

Listen is the word

Submitted by abourelle on August 12, 2014 - 1:00pm

You have to listen to competition to make a choice. Last week i compared the Marantz SR6008 to the MRX310 for a couple of interested prospects. Same room - same samples of music and movies - just basic set up - stereo only - tower speakers. It took 30 minutes and the choice was clear. ANTHEM.

As for room correction

Submitted by abourelle on August 12, 2014 - 1:10pm

Again listen to the change this one makes. You can also have 2 different ones done, one for music and one for movies for instance. What is nice is by doing it thru a laptop you get a full curve of what the mic picked up from 5 different locations in the room (minimum)along with a target curve and the applied DSP curve to the receiver. It can be printed or saved for future reference. Try this with any other room correction that uses the chip inside the receiver...

Thanks abourelle for the info

Submitted by twm1988 on August 13, 2014 - 3:43pm

Thanks abourelle for the info. Have you ever spent time with Rotel receivers? I am also interested in the Rote RSX 1550, but it will be more difficult to compare side by side to the Anthem because of which dealers near me carry each one.

Rotel

Submitted by abourelle on August 15, 2014 - 11:42am

The RSX 1550 is no longer available, at least in Canada. Replaced by the RSX 1562. More expensive than the other ones (around $3000). It has a nice 'sweet sound". Never aggressive, sometimes too soft depending of what you listen to obviously. A bit more difficult to set up (need to use your SPL meter). Can't say i did not like it though.

Which one

Submitted by grabowskir@yahoo.com on September 8, 2014 - 2:41pm

Between Anthem and Marantz sr7008 , which one will be your pick?

Anthem MRX-310

Submitted by Sidech on September 14, 2014 - 7:17am

Hello,

I would like your advice. I have 4 Mordaunt Short mezzo serie speakers and 1 Dali center. I had a Harman Kardon Avr354 that I wanted to upgrade for better sound. I first tried the yamaha rx-v677. I hated it, was much too bright. Then I tried the Onkyo Tx-nr636, same thing, maybe a little better than the yamaha. Then i went for the Nad t-748 and I finally liked it. BUT, the software upgrade had not beed done on the machine , resulting in no room correction possible. nad has really the worse possible customer service, so the upgrade is still not done 1 month later. My store rep has offered me an Anthem mrx-310 to replace the nad. Of course it is more expensive but the reviews are so good I am really tempted. The only thing is I am afraidof findong it too bright. This would be my fourth unit in avout 8 weeks, so I would likeitto be the last... Other option I have is to buy the Nad t758, which has the audissey feature working and does not need the upgrade. I just don't like giving my money to Nad, knowing they don't care about their customers. What would you recommended knowing my particular taste and the Nad context ? Thank you !

Hey sidech, I have a H/K

Submitted by twm1988 on September 16, 2014 - 12:04pm

Hey sidech, I have a H/K receiver very similar to yours and have been looking for an upgrade too. I listened to a Yamaha Aventage, Marantz 6008, and Anthem 310 a couple weeks ago at my dealer. Like you I found the Yamaha a bit too bright for my taste, so I am now looking closer at the Marantz and Anthem which were much closer to what I want. Neither were bright to me.

I am trying to get an in-home demo of these two receivers now. I think we are both looking for the same sound after both coming from H/K’s, so I would suggest that you definitely give the Anthem a listen. Shopping around and listening to many different receivers gets tiring for sure, but once you find the right one it will be all worth it and you won’t be left thinking “oh, I wonder what that one would have sounded like”.
If you get a chance to listen to the Anthem, please post here and let us know if it is the sound you’re looking for and what your impressions of it are. Good luck!

Thanks twm 1988 !

Submitted by Sidech on September 16, 2014 - 4:00pm

I am definitely tempted by the mrx-310. The only thing is, no more listening and returning for me... My store has to do a special order and says I can't send it back, I have to keep it. They don't even carry the brand, so it's a hassle to them to order it. Now, they jt want to get rid of me ! I'll let you know how the sound is if I decide to get it.

Hey, no problem. Like I said

Submitted by twm1988 on September 17, 2014 - 11:10am

Hey, no problem. Like I said I think were in the same boat here.

I know there are about 3 dealers within 40-50km of me that carry the Anthems, so maybe if you take a look on Anthems website and go to DEALERS or WHERE TO BUY tab and put in your postal/zip code it should give you all stores near you that carry Anthem products. Hopefully there is somewhere else that also carries it...

Also Like I said the Marantz 5008 and 6008 were in the running with Anthem for me too and they seem to be carried at more big box stores (I can get it at Futureshop here in Canada) sometimes so they could be easier to get your hands on.

One last idea, you could look on local classifieds to see if anyone is selling an Anthem, even the first generation MRX300, and tell them you'd like to demo it with your speakers first. Maybe they can bring it to you and test it in home, or you can take one or two of your speakers from home to the sellers place and hook em up real quick just with a CD player for some idea of what music sounds like on the Anthem. Just a thought!

Some news

Submitted by Sidech on September 17, 2014 - 4:39pm

Finally I'll be keeking my nad. I called my usual audio guy and he said I should go with a power amp, which will make a whole lot of difference in my system. He's the guy who helped me build my high end audio (and part of scmmy home cinema) so I trust him a lot. Since I love tube amps, he says Atoll would be a good choice. He's letting me borrow one for the week-end. So we'll see from there.

Sounds like you were

Submitted by twm1988 on September 19, 2014 - 12:37pm

Sounds like you were impressed with the Nad! Maybe I should take a look at one also.

Sidech, how did the Nad 748 compare to the H/K? what was it about the Nad you liked better than the H/K? More detail, airy, transparent, bigger soundstage and better imaging? Would you say its as warm as the H/K?

Well, it's not really

Submitted by Sidech on September 20, 2014 - 8:00pm

Well, it's not really entirely about the Nad. My audi guy explained to me that going with a different a/v receiver would make no really big difference at this point. So, since I like the Nad, I decided to keep it and not gamble with another piece of equipment. I would say the Nad is as warm as the HK, but with a purer sound. The quality and the finesse are just augmented. There are no bells and whistles with the Nad, so it's just a better piece of equipment, audio wise.

So, I went to my facorite audio store today and listened to 3 powet amps to complete my system. I finally went with a 25 year old piece of equipment. A Sima w3050, 2x 50 watts. I liked it better than the new stuff I listened to. Today, such a thing would cost around 3k. So i hooked up my front to it, which means my Nad is only now driving my surrounds, front and sub. What an incredible difference it makes ! That is something entirely different ! I feel like I've made the best choice and i am very happy. Check out power amps if you can. But beware, they too, have their own warmth, so you have to listen before buying.

Wow that’s a very interesting

Submitted by twm1988 on September 22, 2014 - 12:30pm

Wow that’s a very interesting combo you picked out!

Im hoping to hear the Anthem mrx310 and Marantz 6008 very soon in-home. Then I think I will take the winner of those two and compare it to the Nad 748 or 757. Then for a future upgrade I will add a 5ch power amp whichever receiver I choose. I think your right about a receiver by itself not being enough. I’ll just find a receiver I like and then add a power amp.

Anyway, congrats on the kit! Glad your happy with it!

Good luck and let me know

Submitted by Sidech on September 22, 2014 - 5:33pm

Let me know what uou choose and why. I'm interested to know. Turns out my old granpa ampli has a problem. Will have to take it for a good check-up. At that age, it happens !

Had a listen to Anthem Marx

Submitted by twm1988 on September 30, 2014 - 2:41pm

Had a listen to Anthem Marx 310 and Marantz. Liked the Anthem more. Then I listened to NAD 748 and still liked the Anthem a bit more, but it was close... now a buddy of mine has convinced me to also hear an Arcam avr380. Says it can't be beat, so well see which one I prefer but for now the Anthem is my top pick.

Sidech, since your using the Nad for your surrounds I don't think it would make a huge difference for you to have gone with te Anthem.

Glad tou found something you like !

Submitted by Sidech on September 30, 2014 - 5:25pm

Twm 1988, you're right, and I like the Nad a lot, so it's staying. But it's cheap material, so I would not recommend it. I'm going to listen to more amps this weekend.

Come back and let us know about the Arcam. We seem to have similar taste, so I will keep your comments in mind.

So late yesterday I finally

Submitted by twm1988 on October 2, 2014 - 11:38am

So late yesterday I finally got in to audition the Arcam 380 to compare with the Anthem. I must say I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed the Arcam. It was a nice big soundstage with a basically perfect midrange (beautifully natural and detailed without any coloration) and sweet and airy high frequencies. It's a very natural sound to the whole frequency spectrum and quite precise and quick I guess you could say. Music was amazing, I don't think I've ever heard an AVR produce such a pure musical sound before this. Movies were also excellent, but not quite as amazing as music was. I found it maybe lacked a little bit of punch and authority for the bigger action movies, but subtler details and textures come through much more. The Anthem also has great detail texture, but not quite the level that the Arcam has. However the Anthem was a bit better with the punch and attack with the big action scenes.

So there are trade-offs with each receiver I guess. For music it's Arcam #1 with Anthem a noticeable bit behind, but not huge. For movies I guess you have to choose between the Arcam's more refined, subtle detail and texture, but not quite as big and authoritative soundstage. Or the Anthems attack and punch with a bit more authority/soundstage, but loose a little subtlety and refinement.

That said they were both not too far off from one another, but still a noticeable difference in those area's. Its up to each individuals sonic preference I guess to go from there as neither one was a bad choice, just different. I think I may be able to live with a little less punch and attack to get the detail and texture that the Arcam has over the Anthem.

The Arcam 380 is $2300 and the MRX 710 is $2100, but the MRX 310 is $1200 and has basically the exact same performance as the MRX 710 with the speakers I will be using. So I could get away with the 310 from Anthem, but Arcam's entry level AVR380 is still $2300. I just don't know if its worth almost double the price. If the Arcam was around $1500 I would not hesitate, but I think the Anthem is better for the price. I do prefer Arcam soundwise, but pricewise I think the Anthem is a better bang for buck.

I may go back for one more audition yet to make sure, unless I can get an insane deal on the Arcam, I think I will go with the MRX 310.

Very interesting !

Submitted by Sidech on October 2, 2014 - 6:25pm

I will now definitely keep Arcam in mind for a next purchase. It is definitely impossible though to find the perfect Avr for music and movies, as you said. I find the same thing with all the different avrs I have listened to. Oh well, perfection is not an option, just like with anything else. Thanks for taking the time, i appreciate it !

You really can't go wrong

Submitted by twm1988 on October 3, 2014 - 11:38am

You really can't go wrong with either Arcam, Anthem or NAD I think those are the top three receivers out there.

As for a perfect sounding amp,.. I think it is possible to find it but not in a receiver, it would have to be separates. On a forum I visited recently I explained the sound I was looking for and they suggested Naim separates because they have the warm, smooth sound with great detail and refinement and a huge soundstage, but still have a great punch to them. Sounds exactly like what i am looking for, but after visiting Naim's website and finding out that the amp by itself is almost $3000 not to mention the processor on top of that!!

So maybe one day I'll be able to have a setup like that, but for now it seems a little compromise is necessary. I would have no hesitation in recommend Arcam for the next time you are looking, that is if the price doesn't give you a heart attack!

Anyway, thanks for your help too in recommending the NAD and all your info/experiences looking for a new amp too!

Go second hamd

Submitted by Sidech on October 3, 2014 - 5:19pm

Look at a good second shop around you. My hifi system is worth about 15000$ but I probably paid less than that. Also,adding anamp to your system will make a huge difference, and there are good ones for 1500$. Have fun looking around, I know I do !

That's not a bad idea going

Submitted by twm1988 on October 4, 2014 - 11:53am

That's not a bad idea going used. I've bought subwoofers that were demo's before and they've been fine. I'd assume people who own nice gear like this would take good care of it. I may just look into that, thanks Sidech.

Im in same boat

Submitted by EJBarry2011 on January 10, 2015 - 5:20am

Hi Guys, I am in the same boat right now, and also deciding between these receivers. My question is do you guys not care that the Anthem is only HDMI 1.4? set aside the fact that its not HDCP 2.2?
should I not even concern myself with this? I almost pulled the trigger on the Anthem 510, but let my (not quite future proof) side of my brain get the better of me. Ive had the Rotel RSP 1069 for awhile now, but the monitor out HDMI stopped working. time to move on and update anyway. Also would like 7ch. So back to my question, anyone have a suggestion or a reason not to worry about my above mentioned questions? THANKS!!!

For me the Anthem being only

Submitted by twm1988 on February 1, 2015 - 12:44pm

For me the Anthem being only HDMI 1.4 is no problem. I just use my home theatre for movies on blu and DVD and sometimes Netflix and music CD'S. I'm not personally interested in 3D, Atmos, or anything else. If your concerned, I believe Anthem is coming out with a new model line of MRX's this coming fall which should have DTS-X format and more goodies. They may include HDCP 2.2 so if you can wait a while to find out the new model's specs, you could do that.

Have you demo'd and compared the sound of the MRX 510 to the Marantz or NAD receivers?

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Anthem MRX 710 AV Receiver Specs