Anthem MRX 540 is the junior model among the receivers in the company’s catalog, and, as the name “MRX 540” suggests, includes 5 channels of audio amplification that allow the use of 3.1, 5.1 and 5.2 configurations.
The rear panel has seven HDMI inputs, three optical and two coaxial digital audio inputs, and five analog stereo inputs. There are two parallel HDMI outputs (including one with Audio Return Channel), an optical output that carries the signal from the optical and coaxial inputs, and there are preamp outputs for all channels, including two parallel subwoofer outputs.
In addition to 5-channel amplification, the Anthem MRX-540 receiver is equipped with a unique ARC (Anthem Room Correction) electronic sound correction system, which many audio experts consider one of the most advanced in the world. ARC Genesis is the latest software that works with many ARC-enabled Anthem or Paradigm products. New features include Mac and Windows support; new target curve settings including deep bass and treble; improved algorithms and much more.
ARC Genesis is backwards compatible with many Anthem and Paradigm products that support ARC or PBK. To see the full list, visit AnthemARC.com. This third generation of Anthem Room Correction software represents a significant step forward in room correction with the most comprehensive feature set yet. ARC Genesis transforms the sound characteristics of compatible speakers or electronics while maintaining the unique character of any room. Proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) software works in tandem with a calibrated microphone (included with many ARC and PBK-enabled products) to deliver dramatic improvements to the sound you hear.
The MRX 540, 740 and 1140 AV receivers are a great way to bring premium audio to any home theater or media room. Ultra HD signals are transmitted unchanged up to 18.2 Gbps with support for Dolby Vision, HDR and Hybrid Log Gamma. All models feature HDMI eARC 2.0b inputs, with future upgrades to HDMI 2.1 (8K) specifications.
All AVM/MRX components support Apple AirPlay and AirPlay 2, which allow the user to stream content as well as songs stored on local networks to any AirPlay-enabled device. AirPlay 2 adds support for multi-device playback, so you can hear your music anywhere in the home.
Anthem’s web user interface is now built into all MRX receivers and AVM processors. Using a phone, tablet or laptop, owners can easily access any feature or setting and make changes instantly. Turn your main or second zone on and off, adjust volume, change sound modes, or customize channel trim for perfect surround sound. The web interface can also be used to calibrate delays and speaker levels, and configure network/control settings. Source devices can be renamed, simplifying setup by eliminating unused inputs. Installers can import and export files to make remote management simple and convenient.
The powerful, rich sound of the receiver, both on dynamic movie soundtracks and on musical material, leaves no one indifferent. The developers have done a great job and deserve all respect – there is hardly a competing device on the market with a similar sound. The Dolby Atmos demo disc sounds amazing, all the effects are clear, and the movement and localization of the sound image is top notch. No matter which listening mode is selected – stereo or multi-channel – the result is always excellent. The very deep bass immediately attracts attention – this is one of the hallmarks of Anthem AV equipment.
Features of Anthem MRX AV Receivers
Dolby Atmos, DTS: X Pro (MXR 1140 only) and IMAX Enhanced
Latest ARC Genesis Room patch.
Anthem web user interface.
Completely new electronic platform, up to 15.2 channels, HDMI 2.0b, HDCP 2.2, hardware upgradeable, upgradable to HDMI 2.1 (8K).
New network platform with web-based configuration and over-the-air updates.
Next generation multi-core DSP platform.
Streamlined design with high resolution front panel display.
Platform-independent streaming with AirPlay2, Google Chromecast (audio), Bluetooth v4.2 and Spotify Connect (coming soon!) and Roon (coming soon!).
Video support including 7 HDMI 2.0b inputs with 2 outputs and independent zone 2 HDMI (except MRX 540).
eARC for seamless integration with smart TVs.
Passes Ultra HD signals with Dolby Vision, HDR or Hybrid Log Gamma.
Upgraded microphone with higher calibration accuracy.
Amplifier reassignment up to 10 channels on MRX1140, 6 on MRX 740 and 4 on MRX 540.
Characteristics Anthem MRX 540
Number of channels 5.2
Power 8 Ohm, W 2 x 100
Power 6 Ohm, W 2 x 130
Frequency range, Hz-kHz 10 – 48
S/N ratio, dB 110
Harmonic distortion, % 0.1
Output voltage 2 V
Audio DAC Premium 32-bit / 768 kHz (AKM AK4458VN)
Video DAC 4:4:4 Subsampling at 4K60 (18.2 Gbps), (HDR )
Signals 4K 4K 50/60 Switching
DSP processor Quad-Core 32-bit Digital Signal Processing
Decoders DTS:X Ready, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, High-Resolution Audio
Supported formats FLAC, WAV, ALAC, MP3, AAC (24-bit/192 kHz)
Streaming protocols AirPlay 2, DLNA, UnPnP, Spotify, Songza, Pandora, etc.
Remote control MRX Generation 2 / 3 Remote
Supports APP control iOS, Android Coaxial
inputs
2 x S/PDIF ( RCA)
Optical 3 x Toslink
HDMI 7 x HDMI (2.0a, HDCP 2.2)
Ethernet 1 x LAN (RJ45)
WiFi Yes, DTS Play-Fi
USB
Analog audio 5 x RCA
Others RS232, 1 x 3.5 mm IR, Optical
outputs
1 x Toslink
HDMI 2 x HDMI (2.0) (ARC)
Analog audio 2 x RCA
Multi-channel audio 7.2 RCA
Acoustic 7 pairs
Others 1 x 3.5 mm trigger
Dimensions: 439 x 375 x 165 mm,
Weight: 12.7 kg
