The Anthem MRX 720 is a high-end audio-video receiver designed for home theater systems. It offers seven channels of amplification and supports a variety of audio and video formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound.
The MRX 720 has a power output of 140 watts per channel into 8 ohms, which is more than enough to drive most speakers. It also features Anthem’s proprietary ARC (Anthem Room Correction) technology, which helps to optimize the sound quality in any room by taking measurements and making adjustments to the frequency response.
In terms of connectivity, the MRX 720 has six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, which supports 4K and HDR video signals. It also has a variety of analog and digital audio inputs, including XLR inputs for balanced audio.
The MRX 720 can be controlled via Anthem’s own mobile app or through third-party control systems such as Control4 or Crestron. It also has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing for wireless streaming from mobile devices and music streaming services.
About Anthem MRX 720 mobile app
The Anthem MRX 720 mobile app is a companion app designed to work with the Anthem MRX 720 audio-video receiver. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded for free from the respective app stores.
The app allows users to control various functions of the MRX 720, such as selecting audio sources, adjusting volume levels, and tweaking audio settings. It also provides access to advanced features such as the ARC (Anthem Room Correction) system, which allows users to optimize the audio performance of their home theater system to the specific characteristics of their listening room. In addition, the app provides a convenient way to access and stream music from popular streaming services such as Tidal, Deezer, and TuneIn Radio. Users can also access their own music libraries stored on a networked computer or NAS drive.
The Anthem MRX 720 mobile app features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and provides access to all the key functions of the MRX 720. It also provides a way for users to save and recall custom audio settings, making it easy to switch between different listening scenarios.
The Anthem MRX 720 mobile app is a valuable tool for users who want to get the most out of their MRX 720 receiver and enjoy a seamless and convenient home theater experience.
Anthem Room Correction stands out as one of the most advanced room equalization software options available for home theater receivers. Utilizing a laptop, ARC accurately measures, analyzes, and adjusts the interaction of speakers with the acoustic properties of your room. Unlike many receivers, it includes a uniquely calibrated microphone that connects to your computer’s USB port, which then wirelessly syncs with the MRX 720. Additionally, the introduction of ARC Mobile in 2016 offers iOS users the convenience of using their iPhone’s built-in microphone for system calibration.
DTS Play-Fi enables seamless music streaming from various sources such as NAS devices, Spotify, and Amazon Music to the MRX 720 via control apps available on Android, iOS, or Windows platforms. Supporting a range of file formats including MP3, MP4, AAC, FLAC, and WAV, Play-Fi ensures bit-perfect streaming of files up to 24/96 resolution, while efficiently downsampling 24/192 files to 16/48 for reliable wireless transmission. Its versatility is underscored by its integration into numerous products from various manufacturers, facilitating the setup of a comprehensive whole-house music streaming system without vendor lock-in.
In addition to its exceptional sound quality, the Anthem MRX 720 boasts a plethora of connectivity options, including WiFi connectivity, voice command capability, 8 HDMI ports, 2 subwoofer outputs, 2 coaxial ports, 3 optical inputs, 5 stereo analog RCA inputs, HDMI on-screen display, and MHL-supported inputs. Notably, it features 7 regular amplifier channels alongside an 11.2 channel pre-amplifier, expanding connectivity possibilities. Furthermore, it incorporates a premium digital-to-analog converter to support high-quality audio playback from CDs and Blu-ray discs. Altogether, these features provide a comprehensive solution for creating an immersive entertainment experience at home.
Anthem MRX 720 pros and cons
Here are some pros and cons of the Anthem MRX 720 audio-video receiver:
Pros:
- High-quality audio performance with plenty of power output
- Supports a variety of audio and video formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Proprietary ARC (Anthem Room Correction) technology helps optimize audio performance in any room
- Plenty of connectivity options, including six HDMI inputs and XLR inputs for balanced audio
- Convenient mobile app for controlling the receiver and streaming music from popular services
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to some other AV receivers on the market
- Limited to seven channels of amplification, which may not be enough for larger home theater systems
- No support for some advanced audio formats such as Auro-3D
- Some users have reported issues with firmware updates causing problems with the receiver’s functionality
The Anthem MRX 720 is a high-quality AV receiver with a lot of features and capabilities. While it may be on the pricier side, its audio performance and proprietary ARC technology make it a strong contender for those looking to create a top-of-the-line home theater system. However, its limited number of channels and lack of support for certain audio formats may be a drawback for some users.
What is ARC – Anthem Room Correction
ARC is designed to be easy to use and requires no special training or expertise. The process typically takes only a few minutes to complete and can be performed by anyone with a basic understanding of audio equipment.
ARC is a powerful tool that helps to optimize the audio performance of Anthem’s receivers and processors in any room, resulting in a more accurate and natural sound that is better suited to the listener’s preferences and the listening environment.
Anthem MRX 720 tech specs:
| PREAMPLIFIER | ||
| Maximum Output (<0.1% THD) | 4.2 Vrms, subwoofer channel 5.2 Vrms | |
| Frequency Response (2 Vrms output) | 10 Hz — 31 kHz (+0, -0.25 dB) | |
| Frequency Response, Analog-Direct (2 Vrms output) | 10 Hz — 48 kHz (+0, -0.25 dB) | |
| THD+N (2 Vrms output) | -95 dB | |
| S/N Ratio (2 Vrms output, IEC-A filter) | 110 dB | |
| PREAMPLIFIER + AMPLIFIER (1 W OUTPUT) | ||
| MRX 1120 / MRX 720 | -88 dB channels 1-5, -75 db back/height | |
| MRX 520 | -88 dB | |
| SPEAKER IMPEDANCE | |||
| Compatible with 4 Ohms or higher impedance. | |||
| MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS OUTPUT (1% THD) | |||
| MRX 1120 | MRX 720 | MRX 520 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channels 1-5, Two Driven into 8 Ohms | 140 W | 140 W | 100 W |
| Channels 1-5, Two Driven into 6 Ohms | 170 W | 170 W | 130 W |
| Remaining Channels, Two Driven into 8 Ohms | 60 W | 60 W | n/a |
| Remaining Channels, Two Driven into 6 Ohms | 75 W | 75 W | n/a |
| POWER CONSUMPTION | |||
| MRX 1120 | MRX 720 | MRX 520 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Load | 570 W | 485 W | 365 W |
| Standby | 0.3 W | 0.3 W | 0.3 W |
| Standby IP Control Enabled | 4.7 W | 4.7 W | 2.4 W |
| Standby HDMI Bypass Enabled | 8.2 W | 8.2 W | 5.8 W |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| Height | 6-1/2″ (16.5 cm) | |
| Height with Rackmount Kit | 4U | |
| Width | 17-1/4″ (43.9 cm) | |
| Depth (not including power cord) | 14-3/4″ (37.5 cm) | |
| WEIGHT | ||
| MRX 1120 | 32 lb (14.5 kg) | |
| MRX 720 | 31 lb (14 kg) | |
| MRX 520 | 28.2 lb (12.8 kg) | |
| POWER REQUIREMENT | ||
| 120 V version: | In countries where the line voltage is 120 V, this product operates from a single phase AC power source that supplies between 108 V and 132 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. | |
| 220-240 V version: | In countries where the line voltage is 220, 230, or 240 V, this product operates from a single phase AC power source that supplies between 198 V and 264 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. | |