The Anthem MRX-1120 AV Receiver couples true, Audiophile focussed sound quality with 11.2 Surround Sound, and Anthem Room Correction.
There’s often an unspoken perception amongst the Audiophile fraternity, that all-in-one AV Receivers can’t possibly deliver the kind of sound quality demanded by discerning Hi-Fi enthusiasts. All those cheesy DSP presets, flashing lights and nonsensical acronyms, they’re just…well, it’s not proper Hi-Fi, is it?
Canadian manufacturer Anthem, sincerely beg to disagree; a manufacturer of beautifully designed amplifiers, integrated amplifiers and AV Receivers, Anthem’s goal is to “create a high-end product without a high-end price“.
So please, leave your multi-channel misconceptions at the door, and join us as we look at the Anthem MRX-1120.
Anthem MRX-1120: Two Channel Quality – Multi Channel Features
It’s a common compromise: enjoy Audiophile Quality Stereo or sacrifice that for the convenience of multi-channel entertainment. Stacks of Hi-Fi separates or a single, convenient AV Reciever. The Anthem MRX-1120 aims to prove it really is possible to have true audiophile stereo reproduction, with the convenience of a full-surround AV Receiver.
Let’s get some hard specifications out the way first: the Anthem MRX-1120 is an 11.2 channel AV receiver delivering 140 watts per channel into the main 5.1 channels, with 60 watts per channel for the remaining channels which are supported by the Anthem MRX-1120 Dolby Atmos capabilities.
Premium 32-bit / 768 kHz Differential-Output D/A Converters are employed in the Anthem MRX-1120 for superb quality audio conversion. 110db S/N ratio, 10Hz-31kHz bandwidth (+0, -0.25 dB) and just 0.1% THD should put your mind at ease that this is a serious amplifier, for serious listening.
Outstanding Connectivity with Streaming Convenience
The Anthem MRX-1120 features a superb array of connectivity, both in terms of physical connections, and wireless/streaming facilities. 5 pairs of stereo analogue inputs are provided, along with 2 coaxial and 3 optical digital inputs. A whopping 8 HDMI inputs (one on the front panel for convenience) are featured, all of which are HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compliant.
Two HDMI outputs are provided, which makes for convenient ‘pass through’ of video sources. The Anthem MRX-1120 will pass through any HDMI video signal unprocessed, merely stripping the audio information from the signal. Aditional, analogue pre-outs and subwoofer outputs are featured, for those who may wish to use the Anthem MRX-1120 purely as a pre-amplifier.
A 75ohm, F type aerial connection is offered, for a terrestrial radio aerial, allowing full use of the convenient, onboard FM Tuner. Bringing things bang up to date, a pair of ‘bunny ear’ antennas on the rear of Anthem MRX-1120 facilitates connection to a Wi-Fi network.
Wireless streaming is handled by the ubiquitous DTS Play-Fi app. Play-Fi allows the user a choice of Hi-Res streaming sources: local network audio files, on-line services such as Spotify and Tidal, plus a wide selection of Internet radio stations.
A Perfect Set-up Everytime with ARC
Any audio setup, from a portable radio to a club PA system is only as good as the room acoustics and system EQ allow. It can often be a frustrating process, full of trial and error, and in the case of a Dolby Atmos setup, crucial for correct performance.
Thankfully, the Anthem MRX-1120 features Anthem’s superb ARC (Anthem Room Correction) kit, bundled with the receiver. This includes a proper, professional style calibration microphone and stand, plus software which automatically configures the onboard DSP of the MRX-1120 for optimum, transparent reproduction.
Still, think AV Receivers can’t ‘hang’ with dedicated two-channel audio? With the inclusion of ARC, the Anthem MRX-1120 can do more than equal their performance; it might just beat it!