Are the Anthem MRX receivers just as good as separates?

[ken88]

I read the glowing reviews on the new Anthem receivers, namely the MRX series like the 300, 500 and 700. Are they really that good and if so, can they be rated at the same level as the separates, like the integrated amplifiers? I am looking at the MRX 500, I would appreciate if any owners would share their views and experience with this particular model. How would you compare the Anthem MRX's against the Pioneer Elite, Sony ES, high-ends Yamaha and Denon? Many thanks.

[frenchmon]

I read the glowing reviews on the new Anthem receivers, namely the MRX series like the 300, 500 and 700. Are they really that good and if so, can they be rated at the same level as the separates, like the integrated amplifiers? I am looking at the MRX 500, I would appreciate if any owners would share their views and experience with this particular model. How would you compare the Anthem MRX's against the Pioneer Elite, Sony ES, high-ends Yamaha and Denon? Many thanks.

I would imagine that its a very good receiver given Anthems rep. That sure is one nice looking receiver. Would not mind having the MRX 300. I see its priced at $999.00 and then they go up from there.

[Mr Peabody]

I didn't realize Anthem had taken that step. I'll have to investigate this some.

[Feanor]

I read the glowing reviews on the new Anthem receivers, namely the MRX series like the 300, 500 and 700. Are they really that good and if so, can they be rated at the same level as the separates, like the integrated amplifiers? I am looking at the MRX 500, I would appreciate if any owners would share their views and experience with this particular model. How would you compare the Anthem MRX's against the Pioneer Elite, Sony ES, high-ends Yamaha and Denon? Many thanks.
I didn't know that Anthem was now making mainstream receivers; they are better know for their high-end equipment. One wonders whether this new line exploits the high-end reputation in order to demant a premium price vs. they actual capability.

I'd certainly like a copy of their top pre/pro, the D2v, but at $7k that won't happen.

http://www.anthemav.com/components/com_fpss/images/D2v_News_1.jpg

[ken88]

I am leaning towards buying the Anthem receiver MRX 700. Can anybody share their opinions and experience? Thanks for all your input.

[Mr Peabody]

I asked our dealer about them and they have not even played with one yet.

[harley .guy07]

I have heard good things about them on the web but that is no real test for listening for one self and I would surely check them out in person or get a god return policy before buying. Mr. Peabody is right their stuff is good but being that they are treading in a new ground for them I would do my research.

[frenchmon]

I am leaning towards buying the Anthem receiver MRX 700. Can anybody share their opinions and experience? Thanks for all your input.

Anthem has been making pre/pro's for years as well as power amps for years...so I doubt they have problems making a home theater receiver. Having said that, there is the chance of buggs to be worked out, and I would make sure the model I wanted had all the bells and whistles I needed. But if you do buy from them, I've never heard of them having a bad customer service department if you should run into some sort of problem.

[harley .guy07]

And as far as comparing them to separates that probably depends on the quality of the separates that you are referring to. For theater use I have heard that the marantz pre pro with separate amp is hard to beat and also the Integra but that would be the components to compare it to. I could not see them making a receiver at that price point that could keep up with some of the pricier prepro's out there or some of the multichannel power amps available but I have been proved wrong before and been shocked with what a company can do for the price point.

[ken88]

The MRX 700 finally arrived and was set up a couple of days ago. I have not played the receiver extensively yet but my initial opinion is I noticed the audio sound from the CD is very revealing and detailed, especially the vocals. The soundstage is wider and the imaging very accurate. The sound quality from the DVD's sounds very nice as there is a big improvement in the details. I played the DVD "The Eagles World Tour From Melbourne" and the details from the vocals and musical instruments are just awesome!!!!

[bobsticks]

Congrats Ken. It's nice to read about someone's success and happiness with new gear.

[Mr Peabody]

Good to see it looks like Anthem has a quality product, be sure to give us more details as they are available.

[frenchmon]

Congrats on your new purchase...I had no doubt that Anthem would put out a quality product. They have been doing the seperate pre/pro and power amp before Marantz and integra started doing theirs...and with very favorable reviews as well. I think Marantz and Integra only appealed to the masses because Anthem had a more expensive product that was mainly pushed through the custom install dealers...and not on the top shelf.

[pixelthis]

Congrats on your new purchase...I had no doubt that Anthem would put out a quality product. They have been doing the seperate pre/pro and power amp before Marantz and integra started doing theirs...and with very favorable reviews as well. I think Marantz and Integra only appealed to the masses because Anthem had a more expensive product that was mainly pushed through the custom install dealers...and not on the top shelf.

MARANTZ and Integra are in a different class than Anthem, IMHO, although Marantz
does have a few higher end pieces of gear.
But Integra is mostly upgraded ONKYO. I know, I am on my second receiver from them.
I LOVE love love love their stuff, but its mostly a Mustang COBRA on an ESCORT
budget, with about 90% of the performance.
ANTHEM is serious kit, I WOULDNT put their higher end stuff in a system costing less
than fourty grand, anybody that would would need a serious beating, really.
DON'T know about their receivers.:1:

[pixelthis]

I didn't know that Anthem was now making mainstream receivers; they are better know for their high-end equipment. One wonders whether this new line exploits the high-end reputation in order to demant a premium price vs. they actual capability.

I'd certainly like a copy of their top pre/pro, the D2v, but at $7k that won't happen.

http://www.anthemav.com/components/com_fpss/images/D2v_News_1.jpg

DARN! And here I have already sold the spare kidney for a MERCURY MARQUIS!!!

Just the luck!:1:

[frenchmon]

Well Anthem's pre/pro is above the Marantz pre/pro units thats for sure. But I wonder about their new receivers....the pricing does not dictate that its above what Marantz sells. But I did hear rumors that Marantz was coming out with a new pre/pro line that will be in their Reference Line of gear.....that I have to see. I wonder if it would be the copper/gold color?

[ken88]

I have a chance to listen more to the MRX 700. The more I listen, the more I like it. It is pure musical bliss when listening to the CD's. I have not played any more DVD's so far. Here are two links about the reviews of the Anthem MRX receivers:

http://canadahifi.com/index.php/anthem-mrx-500-av-receiver/

http://www.soundstagexperience.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=187:anthem-mrx-700-av-receiver&catid=63:all-articles&Itemid=50