Anthem positions the Anthem MDX-8 not just as a multi-channel amplifier for organizing several music zones, but as an audiophile universal product with wide capabilities: amplification, digital-to-analog conversion, room correction, low-frequency signal management, DSP processing and other functions.
The model produces 60 W per channel (8 Ohm) or 120 W (4 Ohm) with the ability to bridge (200 W at 8 Ohm). Specialized D-class modules are responsible for amplification. Each music zone can be configured separately: independent Anthem Room Correction (ARC), separate subwoofer output, tone and volume adjustment. The
built-in DAC supports conversion in 24-bit/192 kHz quality. The MDX-8 has only one optical input. Each zone also has one RCA (L/R) connector. Built-in matrix switches allow you to output a signal from any analog or digital input to any output, and you can switch in real time.
As for automation, the Anthem MDX-8 has an RSR-232 input, a 12V trigger, an audio signal sensor, and Ethernet. When connecting the MDX device to a home network via a wire, the user gets the ability to fine-tune the system via a web interface. All primary tuning is also done through it. The manufacturer noted that the MDX series is completely ready to work as part of popular smart systems.
When the question of voicing a multi-room apartment or a country house arises, “the mind begins to go beyond reason” due to the abundance of technical nuances, the number of necessary amplifiers, controllers, and interfaces. Again, the installation itself is only half the battle, then maintenance, software updates, reconfiguration, and other “delights” may be required. Well, the new line of equipment from Anthem is designed to significantly facilitate working with sound in a multi-room mode, and the top device of the series, the MDX-16, offers unique technical and user characteristics.
Anthem MDX-16 has as many as 16 amplification channels “on board”, so it can work not only with acoustics, but also amplify passive subwoofers – there are amplification channels “enough for everyone”. Each of the modeled and configured sound zones can be calibrated using the proprietary Anthem Room Correction system: thus, the presence of large stained glass windows, floor tiles and similar designer delights will not become an obstacle on the way to achieving good sound.
The Anthem MDX-16 itself was developed over two years, the lion’s share of which was spent on creating truly outstanding ergonomics. The model has an intuitive control system – even a child can now handle its setup and calibration. The interface works via the network and runs on any device – through this panel you can make individual settings for zones, reassign inputs, take room measurements and calibrate the sound field, adjust playback levels in each room – in short, there is a “full stuffing” that is accessible from any tablet or smartphone. The convenience is phenomenal. Previously, for all this, you had to call in specialists with separate remote controls, and today’s ergonomics allow you to forget about it like a bad dream. Of course, the Anthem MDX-16 is compatible via IP / RS-232 and with all leading home automation systems (from Crestron to Savant) and has the corresponding downloadable drivers.
The amplifier uses Ultra-Class-D amplifier modules with proprietary patented Advanced Load Monitoring technology. The output power, as already mentioned, is 16 x 60 watts at 8 ohms – thus, the device can sound up to 8 stereo zones. When using speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms, the power increases to 16 x 120 watts, and switching the device to bridge mode allows you to achieve 200 watts per channel when working on a load with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. The bandwidth is wide (from 10 to 20,000 Hz with an error of 0.5 dB), but the most interesting thing is that “on board” along with digital amplification there are also digital-to-analog converters that work with a PCM stream of up to 24 bits / 192 kHz. Eight pairs of RCA analog inputs, a pair of coaxial and a pair of optical digital inputs, an RJ-45 10Base-T/100 Base-TX network port, as well as eight Phoenix output terminals (they allow connection of cables with a cross-section of up to 12 AWG), eight RCA subwoofer outputs, two RCA pass-through ports and even an optical digital output – many will envy such magnificence.
Each zone allows equalization – bass adjustment by 6 dB, treble by 6 dB and balance by 10 dB. The subwoofers are also independently adjustable – what’s more, they can be connected in different modes (both low and high levels, including bridge mode). Automatic measurements and the room correction system are carried out via the supplied microphone, which is connected to the amplifier via a dual mini-USB input. The digital switching output allows you to link several amplifiers, and the analog pass-through connectors allow you to connect several MDX devices in series. All zones are fully customizable – in addition to their own names (which is obvious), you can plan independent playback, configure bridge modes where high power is required, instantly adjust the crossover frequency, level, phase and polarity for each subwoofer. Additionally, full digital/analog matrix switching allows any analog RCA, digital coaxial, or digital optical input to be assigned to any output – a process that works both via the web interface and via IP commands. Finally, the cherry on top. When paired with Paradigm CI Anthem branded speakers, the MDX-16 can activate special DSP profiles that include voltage, current, and resistance tracking, dramatically improving the amplifier’s control over the speakers.
Anthem MDX-8 Specifications
Type – multi-channel amplifier with digital-to-analog converter and room corrector
Output power – 8 x 60 W at 8 Ohm
Frequency response – from 10 to 20,000 Hz (at the level of +/- 0.5 dB)
DAC – PCM 24/192
Inputs – RCA (4), digital coaxial (0), digital optical (1)
Outputs – AC (4), subwoofer (4)
Dimensions – 8.9 x 43.2 x 41.7 cm
Weight – 10.8 kg
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