[David Susilo]

I'm currently doing a review on Anthem MRX-500 and so far I'm liking it more and more than my beloved Elite SC-25.

Anthem Room Correction is supersweet and just amazing.

 

[David Susilo]

I'm using the MRX-500 in my room ( see http://acebydavidsusilo.webs.com for dimensions and type of speakers used) and have played several movies at full reference level with no sign of "weakness" from the amplifier section.

 

[David Susilo]

Don't know about 4 ohm speakers but my speakers are large-ish bookshelf with 6 ohms nominal impedance. No problem at all.

The only "drawbacks" for my HT purpose is the lack of dual HDMI output and front HDMI input. Also I find 4 HDMI input to be restrictive (I need a minimum of 6 inputs: BD, PVR, WDTV, AppleTV, BD-DVR and HD Camcorder)

 

[David Susilo]

I've opened up quite a number of receivers in the past couple of years. Anthem MRX-700 internals doesn't look anywhere near anything I've seen.

 

[David Susilo]

The bottom line is how it sounds and performs. And after a week+ in my hands, I'm still mighty impressed with its sound.


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[David Susilo]

In terms of support: I've dealt with various manufacturers and thus far, Anthem's support speed, courtenousness and accuracy is impeccable.

As for product quality: I've been a HUGE Pioneer fan for at least two decades and ALWAYS on my quest to find a better fitting product for me. I'm on the verge from moving completely away from Pioneer.

My conclusion thus far:
Pioneer pros: front HDMI input, 2 HDMI outputs, Marvell QDeo upscaling chip
Anthem pros: ARC. But this room correction is far better than ANYTHING else out there.

Playing with my friend's MRX500 and now MRX700 review unit, all I can say is that I've fallen in love for the first time again. 'nuff said.

 

[David Susilo]

Yeah, but I can't justify spending a D2 for my entry-level home theatre

 

[David Susilo]

It will run 4 ohms speakers with no problem.

 

[David Susilo]

I have tried using cheaper types of USB to serial adapter (even before using it with my review sample of the MRX-700), and the only brand that consistently working properly without any hitch ever is the TrippLite Keyspan USA-19HS.

 

[David Susilo]

COngrats on the purchase! I'm sure you'll love it. Unfortunately for me, it's time for me to return my review sample

 

[David Susilo]

yes they are. Their PBK bass calibration system is derived from Anthem's ARC. And they're both manufactured within the same manufacturing plant in Canada.

 

[David Susilo]

definitely not psychological. Compared to Yamaha, even my Pioneer SC-25 is far better than it. Quite honestly, without calibration, I don't have a preference between my SC-25 and MRX-700 that I use for review. After calibration, however, due to the accuracy of ARC, the MRX-700 wins hands down.

I don't know about NAD, other than the CD players and cassette players, I've had no experience with that brand.

 

[David Susilo]

During my review I only used .wav on an 8GB USB stick. I didn't use portable eHDD be it powered or otherwise.

Just like you, I really like the sliding front cover too. I prefer it over the snap-on system utilized by many manufacturers (I actually make a point of that "feature" in my review)

 

[David Susilo]

True that they were made in China. However Anthem didn't skimp on built quality, heft and sturdiness of the receivers unlike many other China-made receivers.

 

[David Susilo]

No problem whatsoever. One of my client is now using the 700 with PSB Image T6 full-tower, Image C5 for centre and (can't remember the model number -- they're B&W THX from more than a decade ago) for sides.

 

[David Susilo]

No, 7 speakers: 4x T6, 1x C5, 2x B&W THX sides.

n

 

[David Susilo]

the drop (mostly above 10kHz from target) is due to the high reflectivity of your room so ARC EQ-ed the fronts to not produce as much high frequencies to control the echoes in your room. Once you treated your room and re-do the ARC you will see the higher frequencies will be closer to target.

 

[David Susilo]

^^^ should've just called me or PM me. (I receive my PM through my Blackberry).

 

[David Susilo]

as long as you use ARC, any input will go through the ADC and then back through DAC within the Anthem receiver.

 

[David Susilo]

depending on your room acoustics, often times (although not ideal), room correction trumps in importance than DAC quality. Just FYI.