Anthem has revealed eight new performance-driven products for home cinema: the MRX 540, 740, and 1140 A/V Receivers; AVM 70 and 90 A/V Processors; and MCA 225, 325 and 525 Power Amplifiers.
The eight new releases are a result of five years of research and learning to give each line a refresh with enhanced features and capabilities with performance enthusiasts in mind.
Anthem’s specialised dealers will receive new programmes and training alongside these product releases.
AVM A/V Processors
The new AVM 70 and the flagship AVM 90 A/V Processors incorporate the latest technologies into a single component.
They both feature the latest version of ARC Genesis Room Correction as well as Anthem’ web user interface. Introducing an all-new electronics platform, the A/V processors have up to 15.4 channels, HDMI 2.0b, HDCP 2.2, with upgradeable hardware up to HDMI 2.1 (8K).
A new networking platform with web-based setup and over-the-air updates is also used, as well as having a next-generation multi-core DSP platform and a modernised design with high resolution front panel display.
The AVM 70 A/V Processor
The processors feature object-oriented audio codecs with support for up to 15.4 channels and include four independent subwoofer outputs with phase and distance delay.
For easy streaming, they both have platform agnostic streaming using AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast (Audio), and Bluetooth v4.2, with Spotify Connect and Roon capabilities coming soon.
Video support include seven HDMI 2.0b inputs with two outputs and independent Zone 2 HDMI. An eARC connection is also featured for seamless integration with smart TVs. The processors both have pass-through of Ultra HD signals with Dolby Vision, HDR or Hybrid Log Gamma.
They feature a redesigned and high precision calibration microphone as well as an MM phono stage.
Anthem’s new flagship A/V Processor, the AVM 90 has upgraded audio circuitry, four independent subwoofer outputs and a 32-bit AKM AK4499EQ DAC with 768kHz sampling capability.
MRX A/V Receivers
Anthem’s new A/V Receivers are designed to maximise the performance as much as possible and builds on the feature set of previous models.
The MRX 540, 740 and 1140 all include the latest version of ARC Genesis Room Correction and Anthem’s web user interface. Similar to the new A/V processors, the receivers also feature the new electronics platform, with up to 15.2 channels, HMDI 2.0b, HDCP 2.2, with upgradeable hardware to HDMI 2.1 (8K). Its new networking platform has a web-based setup and over-the-air updates.
MRX 1140 A/V Receiver
Featuring a next generation multi-core DSP platform and a modern design with a high resolution front panel display, the A/V receivers are platform agnostic with streaming capabilities using AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast (Audio), and Bluetooth, with Spotify Connect and Roon coming soon.
Its video support includes seven HDMI 2.0b inputs with two outputs and independent Zone 2 HDMI. They can also integrate seamlessly with smart TVs using eARC. They feature pass-through of Ultra HD signals with Dolby Vision, HDR or Hybrid Log Gamma. A redesigned and higher precision calibration microphone is also included.
Receiver channel re-assignment is also possible; amplifier re-assignment with up to 10 channels on MRX 1140, six on MRX 740, and four on MRX 540.
MCA Amplifiers
The new MCA Power Amplifiers are available in two, three and five channel configurations and are ideally suited for the AVM 70 and AVM 90 A/V Processors, both sonically and cosmetically.
Crafted in Canada, these Gen2 amplifiers provide greater transparency with dynamically complex material. Thanks to a 120dB signal-to-noise ratio, background noise is almost completely eliminated.
Power ratings start at 225 watts into 8 Ohms and go up to 600 watts into 2 Ohms with perfect stability while driving the most demanding speaker loads. Advanced Load Monitoring ensures protection from clipping and maintains long-term performance and reliability.
High current output and low distortion enables full immersion into a movie or music track.
High end home cinema
In today’s high end home cinemas, support is needed for up to 15 speakers and four subwoofer to handle the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-oriented audio codecs.
Focusing on performance, pairing an AVM 70 or AVM 90 A/V Processor with a stack of MCA Amplifiers gives first-class sound quality. MCA’s scalability means customers only need to purchase the channels needed to power their vision of home entertainment.
The AVM Processors can now manage configurations up to 15.4 channels (up from 11.2) with ARC Genesis Room Correction, to ensure the best possible sound at every seating position in the room.
Anthem’s web user interface
Now built into all MRX Receivers and AVM Processors, users can use a phone, tablet or laptop to easily access any function or setting and make changes on the fly.
Web UI can be used for multiple actions including calibrating speaker delays and levels as well as configuring network settings/control options. Users can also rename source devices, simplifying set up by enabling the elimination of unused inputs.
Installers can import and export files to make remote management simple and convenient.
Re-assigning MRX Receiver channels
It is possible to re-assign MRX Receiver channels. Bi-amp demanding speakers by assigning unused channels to bass or mid-range drivers. Extra channels power an additional audio zone in a whole-house system.
Users can set up any configuration of height, width or presence speakers in a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X system then balance the presentation with ARC Genesis.
Anthem’s new A/V Processors, A/V Receivers and MCA Power Amplifiers are estimated to be available in December this year.