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Time for a new a/v receiver could use some input!

I have an Arcam avr400 which is HDMI 1.4 and need a HDMI 2.0 4K receiver.
I'm using a 5.1 set up, so I looked at Arcam but I'm not happy with problems of handshake
So I decided to get another brand.

I'm down to either the Anthem MRX720 or the Marantz SR7013 
just want to stay around $2,500 its 5.1 but I like the power the Arcam has.
Not sure if they are equal in power ratings but I think they are both powerful enough.

The Marantz has all the gadgets you can think of,  but I'm looking for good sound,
 and a lot of people say that the Anthem sounds better, any thoughts?
Thank you
tesseract86

Showing 12 responses by tesseract86

tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
mahler123,
I just want more power and I believe the Anthem mrx720 has that over the 520. who knows in the future I may change my mind about 5.1 setup.
thank you
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
Soix, thanks for your eloquent description of the Anthem which sounds a lot like my Arcam you were spot on the Marantz as well, I had one years back.  I also had a few Yamaha's back when,  they are very reliable.
thank you 
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
millercarbon,
Always nice to hear from you, good advice.
thank you
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
thanks to all.
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
Mahler123,
Do you know the power ratings with all 5 channels driven on the Anthem mrx520? 
It says 100watts per channel 2 channel driven.
My Arcam is rated at 5x90watts and I’m happy with that,
Is Anthem’s power rating as conservative as the Arcam?
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
badaga,
thanks for your info, my room is 17x19 with 15 feet ceiling its also an open floor plan so the room is open on two sides.
I use Merlin vsm mme and a center speaker that Bobby Palkovic made for me a few years ago I want to have enough power because of the openness of the room. thats why I thought the Anthem mrx720 would be better than the 520 for me.

tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
I made up my mind and I’m getting the Anthem mrx720.
Is Crutchfield a decent place to buy from? any recommendation as to where to buy it from?
Thanks to all for your thoughts and advice.
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
badaga, thanks for the heads up on the promotion, as david-ten suggested I located a local authorized dealer for Anthem.
Thank you
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 

I got the Anthem mrx720 two days ago, in a few days I'll do the arc room correction. So far I'm extremely happy with the sound.
I noticed the dialog is clearer than before, I use a JL audio F113 subwoofer, 
I never heard my sub as tight and powerful as this, that's a welcome improvement.
Still messing with it for the moment, I'll post about the room correction later. 
I take nothing away from the Arcam av400 sounds great, loved it, its just a little warmer than the Anthem and my speakers really loved the Anthem.
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
I forgot to mention, after the arc the surround sound improved dramatically, watching a movie now has very good separations that's also a big improvement.
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
Did room correction arc, music sounds more detailed dialog improved, bass was trimmed, brightness was tamed and other improvements.
The sound is clear and a little bright which got better after arc and also you can adjust the treble .
I love the clean, clear, powerful sound.
It seems that my speakers and sub came to life with the Anthem mrx720.
I’m very happy with my choice.
My best advice is pick a receiver or amp that’s going to improve the sound of your speakers.
Thanks to all for your input.
tesseract86 OP
156 posts
 
soix,  after arc the brightness was gone and you're right its only been running for a few days but I do love the sound of music and surround sound in movies, very happy with my choice.
Thank you
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