Anthem MRX1140 AVR Review

[dlaloum]

I see. Thanks for the education. I checked Genes peak numbers and you are right the class D amps do burst higher than their max continuous similar to the class ABs.

When I purchased the Anthem I was in home demoing it side by side with the NAD T778. With the additional NAD external 2ch amp the two units are natural competitors. Same all in price point, same general continuous max power rating on paper and similar features. It had class D amps all around. I wanted to like the NAD because blueOS was so much more feature rich for streaming options than Anthem and their UI was so much slicker. The Anthem just drove my speakers much more powerfully so I ultimately picked that for that reason. When I say powerfully I mean I would play a scene from star wars or avengers at the same listening position spl (for a given passage) and the Anthem would just vibrate the couch on the floor above my theater where the NAD just couldn't. My wife would come down and tell me she could feel the difference. So it came off as less dynamic and powerful in everyday use cases.

So I think that colored my thinking that like-for-like class D power rating were not as real world powerful as class AB.

The difference between AB and D is being further eroded over time, as we are seeing more AB amps being fitted with fully regulated power supplies, and in some cases class D amps fitted with linear power supplies....

I think we need to evaluate the amps on their individual merits, and not focus on the class of amp... Class D is now a mature technology, with new designs showing only minor incremental evolutions rather than anything dramatic.

My 1980's Quad Current Dumping amps are still on a par sonically with new class D amps.... in my own, sighted, testing.

The Anthem amps have a great reputation.... I wouldn't hesitate to short list them.

 

[peng]

The AVM70 measured by Amir in 2021 would have been running AKM DACs. Anthem switched to ESS chips in 2023. Like the AVR1140 measured here, a current version of the AVM70 will be running ESS chips and will likely measure differently, perhaps higher.

You may be right, but the different DAC IC may still not be the factor, at least not as much as the potential factor they Amir has alerted us (me anyway) to.
If the unit Amir measured in 2021, assuming it did has the AKM one, it would be the AK4490, based on Anthem's advertisement at the time.

The ES9038Q2M is a few dB better than the AK4490 in THD+N/SINAD, but we are talking about 112 Vs 120 dB SINAD, the fact is, the AK4490, again 112 dB SINAD, are used in many AVRs/AVPs at the time, as example, the Denon AVR-X8500HA both managed to measure 103 dB on Amir's test bench, so if the AVM70 would measure around 103 dB, it won't be because of the ESS vs AKM DAC IC, but most likely the reason Amir found, when measuring the 1140.

To summarize what he know about the different DAC ICs used in the subject units:

MRX-1140: ES9010K2M, SINAD spec: 106 dB
AVM70: ES9038Q2M, SINAD spec: 120 dB, or for the units at launch or shortly after launch, AK4490, SINAD spec: 112 dB, that's 6 dB better than the MRX-1140's even if the early versions have the AKM DAC chip onboard.

That's why I suspect, and hope that, the AVM70 would have measure at least as good as the MRX-1140's 103 dB as measured by Amir, if measured under the exact conditions and using the exact methodology and procedures.

 

[Massimo]

You may be right, but the different DAC IC may still not be the factor, at least not as much as the potential factor they Amir has alerted us (me anyway) to.
If the unit Amir measured in 2021, assuming it did has the AKM one, it would be the AK4490, based on Anthem's advertisement at the time.

The ES9038Q2M is a few dB better than the AK4490 in THD+N/SINAD, but we are talking about 112 Vs 120 dB SINAD, the fact is, the AK4490, again 112 dB SINAD, are used in many AVRs/AVPs at the time, as example, the Denon AVR-X8500HA both managed to measure 103 dB on Amir's test bench, so if the AVM70 would measure around 103 dB, it won't be because of the ESS vs AKM DAC IC, but most likely the reason Amir found, when measuring the 1140.

To summarize what he know about the different DAC ICs used in the subject units:

MRX-1140: ES9010K2M, SINAD spec: 106 dB
AVM70: ES9038Q2M, SINAD spec: 120 dB, or for the units at launch or shortly after launch, AK4490, SINAD spec: 112 dB, that's 6 dB better than the MRX-1140's even if the early versions have the AKM DAC chip onboard.

That's why I suspect, and hope that, the AVM70 would have measure at least as good as the MRX-1140's 103 dB as measured by Amir, if measured under the exact conditions and using the exact methodology and procedures.

There may have been other changes beyond the DAC chip. The only way to know for certain is to measure the newer AVM70.

 

[peng]

There may have been other changes beyond the DAC chip. The only way to know for certain is to measure the newer AVM70.

That's always possible, as the implementation is likely not going to be the same when switching from the AK4490 to the ES9038Q2M. It would be nice if one get reviewed/measured but I think the chance is slim.

 

[Mark609]

I have the 1140, it is amazing. Excellent sound, useablity, value. I use all the amps and they never compress nor can I detect ANY distortion at very high volumes. 7.2.4

ARC alone is worth the price. This is worth a look if you're considering any room correction.

Most Anthem products are at a dealer deep discount now too. $3,569.99, it's a bargain.

Test results reflect the 740 and 1140 as being ultra high quality.

https://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/anthem-mrx-740-1140-receivers

 

[rimmi2002]

Will the 1140 4k 2.0b HDMI have the same audio performance? I am thinking only difference is HDMI board?

 

[peng]

Will the 1140 4k 2.0b HDMI have the same audio performance? I am thinking only difference is HDMI board?

Audio performance will be the same.

 

[motogp34]

View attachment 487717

Would you recommend the MRX1140 over the AVM70 ?

​

 

[peng]

Would you recommend the MRX1140 over the AVM70 ?

​

Why would you even consider the MRX1140 if you don’t use the AVR’s build in power amps? If you do, then the AVM70 is not an option as it is just a preamp/processor.

 

[motogp34]

Why would you even consider the MRX1140 if you don’t use the AVR’s build in power amps? If you do, then the AVM70 is not an option as it is just a preamp/processor.

I already have pre/pro set-up and was wondering about going back and trying something new ?

 

[peng]

I already have pre/pro set-up and was wondering about going back and trying something new ?

If you already have the AVM70 setup then trying something new would be something like Marantz AV10, or AV20 but not the MRX1140.
The MRX1140 was launched at around the same time time, probably +/- a few months only so there are not really different other than the MRX1140 is an AV receiver, and it uses a lower class ESS DAC IC. Since it measured very well as a preamp/DAC, you can reasonably assume your AVM70 will measure just as good, likely even a little better, if ASR is to measure a sample that uses the reference class ESS DAC IC, similar to the AVM90's.

So answer to your question, if you already have the AVM setup, then no, no point trying the 1140 unless you want to go back to using an one box solution, then the MRX1140 could be a good option for you, depending on other factors that apply to your use case. It is a very easy answer because you are comparing two Anthem products in this case.

 

[motogp34]

If you already have the AVM70 setup then trying something new would be something like Marantz AV10, or AV20 but not the MRX1140.
The MRX1140 was launched at around the same time time, probably +/- a few months only so there are not really different other than the MRX1140 is an AV receiver, and it uses a lower class ESS DAC IC. Since it measured very well as a preamp/DAC, you can reasonably assume your AVM70 will measure just as good, likely even a little better, if ASR is to measure a sample that uses the reference class ESS DAC IC, similar to the AVM90's.

So answer to your question, if you already have the AVM setup, then no, no point trying the 1140 unless you want to go back to using an one box solution, then the MRX1140 could be a good option for you, depending on other factors that apply to your use case. It is a very easy answer because you are comparing two Anthem products in this case.

I have a emotiva pre/pro setup and wanted to try something different and wasn't sure if I go back to a single box or double ?

 

[peng]

I have a emotiva pre/pro setup and wanted to try something different and wasn't sure if I go back to a single box or double ?

For single box the AVR-X6800H, or Cinema 30, because then you have an upgrade path to the Dirac licenses. The 1140 is good too if you don’t need 4 subouts, easy to drive surround/height speakers, and don’t care too much about room correction/eq.

 

[Mark609]

For single box the AVR-X6800H, or Cinema 30, because then you have an upgrade path to the Dirac licenses. The 1140 is good too if you don’t need 4 subouts, easy to drive surround/height speakers, and don’t care too much about room correction/eq.

The 1140 will drive anything you throw at it to very loud volumes. I run my ELX towers crossed over at 60 Hz to subs and Dave's huge Horizon V2 center with the amps too, surrounds and 4 Atmos heights...... and pre-amp out to two subs which is a lot easier to get it right vs 4 subs. ARC Genesis is pretty hard to beat for a room correction software. Bass management is excellent. I do 7.2.4

Pre-amp is top of its class for ANY pre-amp processor, see the lab tests. Lower class ESS DAC IC, eh? High-quality ESS Sabre DACs like the ES9038Q2M, etc.

To each their own. IMO you're pissing off money with the AVM70 and monoblocks vs what the 1140 offers for a recent low price of $3,570. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_973M11408K/Anthem-MRX-1140-8K.html

 

[motogp34]

Went ahead and bought the AVM70

 

[peng]

The 1140 will drive anything you throw at it to very loud volumes. I run my ELX towers crossed over at 60 Hz to subs and Dave's huge Horizon V2 center with the amps too, surrounds and 4 Atmos heights...... and pre-amp out to two subs which is a lot easier to get it right vs 4 subs. ARC Genesis is pretty hard to beat for a room correction software. Bass management is excellent. I do 7.2.4

Pre-amp is top of its class for ANY pre-amp processor, see the lab tests. Lower class ESS DAC IC, eh? High-quality ESS Sabre DACs like the ES9038Q2M, etc.

To each their own. IMO you're pissing off money with the AVM70 and monoblocks vs what the 1140 offers for a recent low price of $3,570. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_973M11408K/Anthem-MRX-1140-8K.html

No idea what you are trying to say, you know I am not the OP right, and I have been trying to help by providing information that may or may not be helpful to him. I know about the AVM70, have been using it since 2023. I do like the 1140 and am impressed with the bench test result so you don't need to convince me.

Your are wrong about the 1140, that it has the ES9038Q2M. The 1140 has the ES9010K2M, it is the AVM70 that has the ES9038Q2M that is reference class. The ES9010K2M is very good but it is a lower class one in the ESS line up relative to the ES9038Q2M, but again still a very good one. The DAC chip is usually not the bottleneck anyway.

To the OP, my recommendation is in post#92, if you did read it, I doubt you would have such seemingly strong reaction, lol...

 

[peng]

Went ahead and bought the AVM70

Great choice!

 

[Mark609]

Great choice!

Kicker is, after all this chest beating, are we really getting any audible value that's relevant or is it all "feel good"?

Having said that, can vouch for the SpeakerPower aka IcePower line of amps. Am using some to drive my DIY subs. Great value, clean and powerful.

 

[Descartes]

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Anthem MRX1140 11.2 channel Home Theater AV Receiver (AVR). It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $4199.
View attachment 487680
MRX1140 maintains the highly functional and bright display which nicely distinguishes it from mass market AV products. It sports a very easy to use and fast web interface which is what I used to control it. I am happy to see NO legacy inputs on the back panel:
View attachment 487681

Prior to testing, I attempted to update the firmware. Using the front panel interface, it would check but offer nothing for upgrade. Using the web interface, it nicely gave me the option to update which I allowed. For testing, I set it to just 2 channel output with or without 1 sub enabled (see below).

Peering inside, I see nice extruded aluminum heat sink for the power amplifier. While it was quite warm at the end of testing, not once did it shut down. I don't think I have seen an AVR this robust.

The unit is also relatively light, making it easy to carry to our loft where my lab is.

Anthem MRX1140 DAC Measurements
I initially tested the unit with just left and right fronts enabled and sub turned off -- how I test all AV products:
View attachment 487683

Then I remembered something the company representative had told me. That for some internal reason, if you don't enable subwoofer, it costs you 10 dB of performance. He was right:
View attachment 487684

This nicely lands the unit in upper tier of all AV products tested:
View attachment 487685

For reasons I don't understand, Toslink produced slightly less performance:
View attachment 487686
I measured this because I can use Toslink to perform sweeps whereas I can't with HDMI. So as you see the follow up measurements, consider that they would likely be a hair better with HDMI.

Here is the distortion sweep with volume set to max:
View attachment 487688
With ability to go up to 3.2 volt, you should be able to use fairly powerful external amps. But note that the internal amplifier cannot be disabled.

Dynamic range was quite good for this class:
View attachment 487687

IMD test results are again, good for the category. There are some wiggles towards the end though. I am guessing it is the amplifier pushing max power.

View attachment 487689

50 Hertz stereophile results is excellent in one channel but fairly worse in the other:
View attachment 487690

Jitter test shows internal interference regardless of input used:
View attachment 487691

I had trouble running linearity test as the unit would not produce any output. I then remembered that some AV products mute with this type of signal. Indeed, that was the case here:
View attachment 487692
From what I recall, it is a hack to enable playback for some Apple products but don't remember precisely.

The reconstruction filter has poor attenuation above 24 kHz:
View attachment 487693

Which naturally causes problem with wideband, 48 kHz noise+distortion test:
View attachment 487694
Using a higher sample rate pushes that noise further out and becomes a non problem.

Frequency response is good:
View attachment 487695

Anthem MRX1140 Amplifier Test:
I set the gain to 25 dB and used RCA input for the dashboard:
View attachment 487696

I then switched to Toslink which resulted in lower noise and better performance (as it should but doesn't always):
View attachment 487697

I went round and round with input level and volume setting and that is about the results you get. This is good but I wished was better:
View attachment 487698

Frequency response using RCA showed digitization at 96 kHz which is good compared to many that do so at 44.1/48 kHz:
View attachment 487699

Response is fair bit improved by using Toslink and eliminating the path through ADC:
View attachment 487700

Multitone test shows typical rise in distortion with frequency:
View attachment 487701

Which you can see reflected in 19+20 kHz:
View attachment 487702

Using Toslink again we get nice power sweeps:
View attachment 487703
View attachment 487704

I could only run my max power test. With burst, distortion would never rise to 1% no matter how much I pushed the amp. I wonder if there an internal limiter:
View attachment 487705

40 Hz power was respectable:
View attachment 487706

Here is the full spectrum test:
View attachment 487707

That should say "no power" loss.

The channel AB amplifier is very well behaved and shows classic response:
View attachment 487708

I did not test Anthem Room EQ here but I have in my theater with their processor. If the MRX1140 implements the same, I expect excellent performance.

Conclusions
Grading on the AV curve, the DAC performance is very good to excellent. Amplifier is average for the class. User interface and look of the unit is well above average. There are flaws here and there but that is hard to escape in AV products. Hopefully refinement comes in the future.

I am going to recommend the Anthem MRX1140.

P.S. OK, I am exhausted testing this AVR. Having to test three different inputs and variations I am not showing, was a ton of work!
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As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.

Appreciate any donations using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/

Thank you so much for all your wonderful work! Happy New Year Amir!

 

[Head_Unit]

Can you think of any reasons for the 10 dB difference between subwoofers enabled/disabled, that seems too strange!

Usually the performance gets worse as you insert new modules in the pipeline, e.g. sub processing, not the other way around.

Isn't there something about the sub level should be +10 dB? Then maybe the gain of non-sub is being made -10 and shoving the noise and junk lower? Or am I getting conflated with some old THX standard?