John Gatski of Everything Audio Network reviewed the MRX 700 and although the nice "Stellar Sound!" award might give it away, this is what he had to say...
The Setup
"The setup and operation of the MRX is easy. I do a lot of receiver reviews, and this Anthem ranks up there as being one of the easiest to setup. The GUI, as transmitted to the monitor, is easy to read and follow, including the ARC room correction analysis. It took me all of 15 minutes to be up and running."
ARC
"Having
previously used the ARC DSP-setup software, I let it do its auto measurement
magic and setup using the included mic and software run on the Windows side of
my Macbook Pro. The ARC is one of the few receiver auto-setup, audio software
packages that accurately sees how flat my room is, especially in the bass, and
applies its EQ compensation sparingly. After the ARC setup, I confirmed the
channel levels with my Audio Control 3050 RTA/SPL monitor and calibrated test
microphone. It revealed that the ARC did a fine job analyzing my room because
there was very little EQ applied. I have tweaked and treated this listening
room over its nearly 20 years of use to where it sounds really good and does
not need much electronic compensation."
The Audition - Theater
"The MRX delivered impressive results... with a deep and wide soundstage, localized and detailed effects panning, and abundant use of the LFE channel... Through all the sonic intensity, I noted a welcome smoothness in the Anthem's audio delivery that belied how loud the SPL meter indicated - which is just what you want out of a serious home theater receiver.
The Audio - Music
"The MRX delivered audiophile-like details from this well recorded early 1970s gem. The studio reverb effect really pops out via the high-res playback... Audiophiles who like using receivers, will appreciate the Anthem's sonic finesse."
Complaints? ... No
"I had no complaints with the MRX 700. No glitches or software bugs... I set up another set of stereo speakers in another room to provide more music coverage throughout my house. No problems there either. It could easily drive the two extra speakers to massively loud levels.
The Verdict
"The well priced Anthem MRX 700 is a high-performance multichannel receiver with enough features to satisfy audio/video purists and the gizmo zealots as well. For my use, its A/V performance and ease of use is the key to my top rating, and it receives (no pun intended) an Everything Audio Network Stellar Sound Award!"
Click here! to read the full Everything Audio review.
Click here! for more information on the MRX 700.
