Is Anthem overrated? Considering switching to Denon

[Chrispy]

I have both a Denon x3100 and an Anthem mrx1140. To answer your questions.
1) no it's not silly to make the switch as long as you are happy and it has all the features you want.
2) no I don't think Anthem is overrated. Their current generation has an excellent pre amp section, multiple independent subwoofer support and great headroom in their class a/b amp channels. Also ARC is excellent and their software is very flexible and the web interface is much better than using an onboard UI like my old Denon.
3) the main difference would be ensuring you get Audyssey xt32 so you can adjust the target curve, getting true multiple independent subwoofer outputs, and the extra power gets you more headroom in the amplifier section which improves things like "impact." So pick the one that best meets your needs.

Here is a good article from Audioholics on the current gen mrx measurements.

Anthem MRX 740 & 1140 AV Receivers Comparison Bench Test Results!

In this bench test report of the Anthem MRX 740 & 1140 AV receivers, preamp & amplifier performance is evaluated and compared. We cover Bass management and amplifier matrixing performance recommendations.

www.audioholics.com

Not just XT32 but also the use of the Audyssey apps which came a few models after yours (and mine).

 

[Beershaun]

Not just XT32 but also the use of the Audyssey apps which came a few models after yours (and mine).

Yes. Agreed you need the app as well.

On benefits of the Denon they have a much more robust streaming feature set. They have Heos and support for more protocols and services for native music streaming. Anthem only supports Spotify, Airplay2, and Chromecast.

 

[euge_lee]

I would recommend getting a stand alone DIRAC and getting the cheapest AVR with the outputs, formats and wattage you need.

I have an older Marantz AV7005 pre-pro and have no desire for ATMOS and I've solved my 4K HDMI routing... so this was my plan with something like a MiniDSP DDRC-8A... but lack of DLBC keeps me from thinking it's worth it. And any "PC based" system is more than I want to get into.

 

[Descartes]

I would probably go with a Denon + external amps if you really want.

To me the Japanese are leading on the tech front... I'm not super impressed with the lag that the really high end companies have on tech and continuing support.

You forgot Korean companies like LG and now Samsung with OLED!

 

[Descartes]

Until we read Amir’s reviews on the AVM-90 and Denon 3800 as a prepro I will keep my hard earned money before buying!

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

I have both a Denon x3100 and an Anthem mrx1140. To answer your questions.
1) no it's not silly to make the switch as long as you are happy and it has all the features you want.
2) no I don't think Anthem is overrated. Their current generation has an excellent pre amp section, multiple independent subwoofer support and great headroom in their class a/b amp channels. Also ARC is excellent and their software is very flexible and the web interface is much better than using an onboard UI like my old Denon.
3) the main difference would be ensuring you get Audyssey xt32 so you can adjust the target curve, getting true multiple independent subwoofer outputs, and the extra power gets you more headroom in the amplifier section which improves things like "impact." So pick the one that best meets your needs.

Here is a good article from Audioholics on the current gen mrx measurements.

Anthem MRX 740 & 1140 AV Receivers Comparison Bench Test Results!

In this bench test report of the Anthem MRX 740 & 1140 AV receivers, preamp & amplifier performance is evaluated and compared. We cover Bass management and amplifier matrixing performance recommendations.

www.audioholics.com

740 does not have independent sub outputs.

 

[kmidst]

A few weeks ago I bought an Anthem 740 8K and returned after a couple of days. HDMI passthrough was buggy and the Anthem comes equipped with a pretty noisy fan. Beyond those two issues it may be amazing, or it could have many other problems... I wouldn't know. I couldn't stand the fan so I didn't give it a chance. I'm now looking at getting the x3800. Quite a while ago I had a Marantz AVR. The thing just worked. Replaced that with a NAD T777, and the NAD is junk. I'm done accepting bad software for perception of sound quality. It's better to have an AVR that works most of the time.

Did you connect that 740 to internet and update the firmware? It's true the 8K line did release buggy, but there's been fixes since then.
The fan comment is fair though. I have the 740 8K myself, and I would say that the fan is usually only noticeable to me during quiet moments. But even still, I might put in a better/quieter fan at some point if it starts to be a real bother.

 

[kmidst]

Also, this is so weird. I've found many posts on reddit and such of people saying they went from Denon to Anthem and would never go back. So many mixed opinions out there.

 

[Golfx]

Also, this is so weird. I've found many posts on reddit and such of people saying they went from Denon to Anthem and would never go back. So many mixed opinions out there.

Yep, once a human makes a decision it is seemingly impossible for them to not attached confirmation bias to that purchase. Denon will have fewer bugs—anthem more. Denon will be getting Dirac. Denon has much better user manuals. Anthem sparse user manuals.

 

[kmidst]

Yep, once a human makes a decision it is seemingly impossible for them to not attached confirmation bias to that purchase. Denon will have fewer bugs—anthem more. Denon will be getting Dirac. Denon has much better user manuals. Anthem sparse user manuals.

I think there's no argument that Denon makes more sense financially. Some pros of the new Anthem line: ARC room correction is very well regarded, web interface for the receiver is user friendly and has great features, all channels are assignable ( you could have heights instead of surrounds if you want for example), IMO the best looks of any modern receiver. And subjectively the Anthem sounds incredible to me, for what that's worth.

 

[morpheusX]

All AVR's, as long as powerful enough to power your speakers, to the SPL level you want, will sound the same.
What distinguish them is the EQ capabilities (None, PEQ, Audyssey, Dirac, ARC, etc), and features.

Otherwise is a waste of money.

 

[kmidst]

All AVR's, as long as powerful enough to power your speakers, to the SPL level you want, will sound the same.
What distinguish them is the EQ capabilities (None, PEQ, Audyssey, Dirac, ARC, etc), and features.

Otherwise is a waste of money.

What data or information makes you say that they will all sound the same besides for EQ and features? There's a lot of engineering behind the scenes - circuit topology, component selection, performance tuning, etc that will affect the overall sound.

 

[MarkS]

What data or information makes you say that they will all sound the same besides for EQ and features?

Decades of blind listening tests.

There's a lot of engineering behind the scenes - circuit topology, component selection, performance tuning, etc that will affect the overall sound.

Nope, none of that makes any audible difference.

 

[morpheusX]

All the research and experts opinions reflect that.

My personal experience with 3 AVR's confirms that (Arcam AVR 350 / Emotiva Pre UMC-200 + UPA 700 / NAD T758).
All sounded the same without EQ applied, the NAD T758 is the best sounding after Dirac.

 

[kmidst]

Can you link me some of that research? I'd like to see the details myself. That is a very broad claim and so it's understandably hard to believe at face value.

 

[morpheusX]

Can you link me some of that research? I'd like to see the details myself. That is a very broad claim and so it's understandably hard to believe at face value.

Here's the result of a blind test between a PA Behringer A500 and some high end amplifiers:

Matrix HiFi --> Blind testing high end full equipments

 

[MarkS]

Blind Listening Tests & Amplifiers

I'll probably be outcast here, but what are everyone's thoughts about blind listening tests of amplifiers? I've built several of my own amps (some of my own design and some from others) and spent a lot of time listening to high-end gear (which I used to sell) from the likes of Audio Research...

www.diyaudio.com

 

[ad_fletch]

Yep, once a human makes a decision it is seemingly impossible for them to not attached confirmation bias to that purchase. Denon will have fewer bugs—anthem more. Denon will be getting Dirac. Denon has much better user manuals. Anthem sparse user manuals.

I've never owned a Denon AVR, and I'm sure they have great manuals.

However just as a counterpoint, I do own an Anthem and was pleasantly surprised at its manual compared with Japanese AVRs and other equipment that I've had in the past. It is intelligibly written, well laid out and printed on nice stock. For more advanced usage, you can also refer to Anthem's online FAQs etc, although I admit I did have a couple of questions which were only answered in reviews or on discussion boards (that's true of much of the equipment I own though).

Evidence:

 

[Golfx]

I've never owned a Denon AVR, and I'm sure they have great manuals.

However just as a counterpoint, I do own an Anthem and was pleasantly surprised at its manual compared with Japanese AVRs and other equipment that I've had in the past. It is intelligibly written, well laid out and printed on nice stock. For more advanced usage, you can also refer to Anthem's online FAQs etc, although I admit I did have a couple of questions which were only answered in reviews or on discussion boards (that's true of much of the equipment I own though).

Evidence:

View attachment 239668

Typical Denon AVR manuals have 350 pages and online searchable versions as well.