Anthem MRX SLM 5.1 AV Receiver
Think about a 5.1 AV Receiver you may tuck behind your HDTV?
Whereas
my Audioholics colleagues have been taking within the sights and sounds of the most recent
gear on show at CEDIA Expo 2023 in Denver, I used to be at my girlfriend’s
place in Seattle, figuring out the logistics of my eventual transfer right here. We love
her present setup; it’s one aspect of a duplex within the lovely Madison Park
neighborhood. On the opposite aspect of the wall, Hannah’s brother occupies the
bigger aspect of the duplex along with his spouse and two children. It’s a fantastic,
family-centric surroundings and we wish to keep right here, but it surely’s undeniably tiny
in comparison with the properties we grew up in again in North Carolina, the place actual property was
an order of magnitude extra reasonably priced than it’s now on the west coast. The
small front room right here can’t accommodate the sort of high-performance audio
gear that I crave, and the structure is dictated by the situation of doorways, the
staircase, and the open kitchen. I’m nonetheless attempting to determine whether or not I can
squeeze in a compact Dolby Atmos system, or whether or not it might make extra sense to
give attention to a high quality 2-channel system, given the dimensions and structure restrictions.
(Fortunately, Hannah enjoys music and flicks as a lot as I do, and is on board for
both choice.) After all, we’re hardly alone in our conundrum. Area
constraints have an effect on many audiophiles who would like to have a devoted dwelling
theater or a pair of 7-foot-tall tower audio system, however whose properties merely can’t
accommodate these aspirational techniques.
At
CEDIA 2023, Anthem did its half to make high-quality audio extra doable in
smaller areas with the introduction of its new MRX SLM ($1,299), a 5.1 Channel AV
receiver resolution that’s half the dimensions of conventional AV receivers. Anthem
says that the MRX SLM is a chic and environment friendly resolution to the age-old
query: “The place do I put the receiver?” Its shockingly compact form-factor
makes the MRX SLM straightforward to cover away in multi-use areas, and it makes even
different “slim” AV receivers look positively chonky by comparability. In accordance with
Anthem, the MRX SLM “seamlessly integrates into any leisure system,
providing integrators the liberty to create clear and clutter-free designs
with out compromising audio efficiency.” Anthem has lengthy catered to a few of the
most demanding customized integration shoppers, who require not solely modern design, but in addition distinctive sound high quality and
unwavering reliability. That’s a tall order below any circumstances, however when
you additionally want a space-saving resolution with out giving up any of the above
efficiency standards, there aren’t many choices on the market. That’s why Anthem
says that the MRX SLM units a brand new customary for audio units within the business.
Key options embody 50 watts per channel, HDMI connectivity with Dolby Imaginative and prescient compatibility and
help for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, enhanced integration options with strong IP
management capabilities (together with management drivers for main automation techniques),
and Anthem’s user-friendly ARC Genesis room correction system, which presents
superior options and goal curve adjustment choices for each deep bass and
excessive frequencies. However crucial function of the MRX SLM must be its
small dimension, and the ensuing flexibility relating to placement choices.
Increasing
from the success of our MRX x40 and AVM fashions, the MRX SLM presents an
excellent resolution for our channel companions. It successfully addresses a key
problem by providing customized integrators a good way to save lots of house with out
sacrificing audio high quality. The SLM permits our companions to ship wonderful
audio experiences whereas enhancing the visible enchantment of their setups.
—
David Baker, Director of Gross sales at Anthem
The
demand for environment friendly and space-saving options within the customized integrator market
has by no means been increased. With the MRX SLM, Anthem is assembly this want head-on by
delivering a product that provides unmatched efficiency, flexibility, and ease
of integration. This system is a must have for integrators who attempt to
present their prospects with the most effective audio experiences whereas sustaining a
modern and visually interesting surroundings.
—
John Bagby, Anthem’s Managing Director
Audioholics founder Gene DellaSala was at CEDIA sniffing out
the specs and particulars of this AVR. As of now, I can let you know
that Anthem says the corporate’s dedication to uncompromising audio high quality
shines by means of within the MRX SLM, which guarantees to be “a powerhouse of a
receiver,” providing excellent efficiency regardless of its slim profile. It
reportedly delivers “elevated encompass sound and high-fidelity audio… (making certain) an unparalleled audio expertise
with unbelievable readability.” The MRX SLM doesn’t skimp on options, regardless of its
small stature. Widespread streaming options like Spotify Join, Apple AirPlay,
and Chromecast compatibility are
all current and proper, together with Bluetooth connectivity. All digital sources
are routed to the MRX SLM’s “premium DACs,”
which ought to be certain that your music sounds “clear, detailed, and dynamic,”
in accordance with Anthem. (As of the time of writing, Anthem has not specified which
DAC chips are used, however the firm has a strong observe file for making
good-sounding gear. In actual fact, our mates at Audio
Recommendation named
Anthem’s $3,100 MRX 740 8K receiver because the best-sounding AVR at its value stage
for 2023.)
Anthem ARC Genesis Room Correction to the Rescue
Anthem’s
efficient ARC Genesis room correction resolution can be a welcome function in
any AVR, however in a product as compact and as cheap because the MRX SLM,
it’s a giant deal. In its present model, ARC Genesis is probably not fairly as
tweak-friendly as the most recent choices from Dirac and Trinnov, but it surely delivers
strong sonic outcomes, and is arguably simpler to make use of. And the distinction in
adjustability between these options is just not as nice because it as soon as was, now that ARC
Genesis presents new goal curve adjustment choices for deep bass and excessive
frequencies. With help for each Mac and Home windows, ARC Genesis presents a spread
of superior options that will have been unthinkable in a $1,299 receiver simply
a couple of years in the past. Anthem says now you can “fine-tune your system to your preferences
with ease” and “rework your listening expertise like by no means earlier than.”
In accordance
to Anthem, the brand new MRX SLM “represents a big leap ahead within the audio
business, offering integrators with a transformative resolution to their most
urgent problem.” It actually appears to supply an interesting mixture of
compact dimension and superior options, although I’ll want to attend for our reside video
protection to study whether or not it may be an excellent resolution to my very own house
limitation points and audio wants. The MRX SLM will nearly actually change into a
new favourite amongst customized integrators looking for to ship superior audio
experiences, whereas maximizing house utilization within the typically tight corners
of real-world properties. Right here in the US, the Anthem MRX SLM is
solely provided by means of licensed sellers, together with our mates at Audio
Recommendationand
must be obtainable for order by the tip of 2023 or early 2024.
Until in any other case indicated, it is a preview article for the featured product. A proper evaluate could or could not comply with sooner or later.
