Denon 6500 - Anthem MRX 1140?

[lonewolf]

Hey guys, I have a Denon 6500 and was contemplating whether its worth upgrading to a Anthem MRX 1140? Came across a sale price on the Anthem 4k model. Although I actually need a processor as i dont use any of the onboard amps anyway, but processors seem so pricey these days. 

 

I have always wanted to try / use an Anthem as everyone seems to rave on about them and have never used ARC or Dirac Live before. All my amps have always only had Audyssey. But its still a lot of money to pay for what isnt a huge upgrade in terms of features (sound may be a lot better?) 

 

Is it worth upgrading?

[Guest]

I like Anthem Room Correction, and think it makes a difference, especially for music.  But, if you are happy with the Denon, why change?

[lonewolf]

I keep hearing so many people talking about anthems and arc being one of the best upgrades and I have never used either. So was tempted to make the move.

[Guest]

  On 19/06/2023 at 12:45 PM, lonewolf said:

I keep hearing so many people talking about anthems and arc being one of the best upgrades and I have never used either. So was tempted to make the move.

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I am one of those people!  

 

Perhaps you should look at getting a used AVM70 with 4K. There were a few on SNA...

[lonewolf]

I looked at that, It seems like thats around the same price / or a bit cheaper than what i can get the MRX1140 4k version for new. I figured at that point, i might be better of going new and with warranty?  

[Guest]

Note that on paper, the 1140 and AVM70 have about the same capabilities.  However, the AVM70 has better analog circuitry, especially for stereo. It  likely has capacity for more internal DSP filters,

 

But getting a new 1140 for less than $5K is good value and with warranty.  I have been restrained with my ARC comments but I have no doubt you will hear the difference over the Denon.  Go for it and enjoy... 

[lonewolf]

  On 19/06/2023 at 10:16 PM, Snoopy8 said:

Note that on paper, the 1140 and AVM70 have about the same capabilities.  However, the AVM70 has better analog circuitry, especially for stereo. It  likely has capacity for more internal DSP filters,

 

But getting a new 1140 for less than $5K is good value and with warranty.  I have been restrained with my ARC comments but I have no doubt you will hear the difference over the Denon.  Go for it and enjoy... 

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I am not sure what DSP filters are? Are they more ARC configurable options? I dont really use my system much for stereo any longer, mainy Home Theatre with a little bit of streaming music every now and then. I do want to connect my CD player to my system at some point but i havent done it for years so probably shows how often i will use it. 

 

Yes, I was thinking that price point for a new unit with warranty was the biggest selling factor, I just wasnt sure 5k was still worthwhile to spend going from my 6500h to a MRX 1140. Sounds like you really do like the ARC system, thats what everyone seems to say. I have only ever had Audyssey in its variants, never got to try the other ones. 

[Guest]

  On 19/06/2023 at 10:19 PM, lonewolf said:

I am not sure what DSP filters are? Are they more ARC configurable options? 

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It means slightly better correction capability, but it is my speculation because the extra capacity has never been officially confirmed.

 

  On 19/06/2023 at 10:19 PM, lonewolf said:

Sounds like you really do like the ARC system, thats what everyone seems to say. I have only ever had Audyssey in its variants, never got to try the other ones. 

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I started a few Anthem owners threads which has since been merged into a larger thread.  Yes, I do like it (but no longer use it, was seduced by a bargain Arcam AVR!).

 

By the way, you try ARC by downloading it and there is a demo mode. And there is also good info on the Anthem site

https://anthemarc.com/

 

  On 19/06/2023 at 10:19 PM, lonewolf said:

Yes, I was thinking that price point for a new unit with warranty was the biggest selling factor, I just wasnt sure 5k was still worthwhile to spend going from my 6500h to a MRX 1140. 

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For $5K, it is worthwhile, especially with the full warranty.  I got in trouble previously for pushing ARC hard but I know it will be much better than Audyssey! 

[Guest]

Your Denon X6500 is running Audyssey MultEQ XT32, has 11 amps delivering 140W (2 CH driven, multi channel about 60-70%), in a 11.2 config

 

Upgrading to a Denon X6700 will cost $4K, but I think not worth it.  Changing to a Denon X4800 with Dirac Live will cost $4K (+ $500 for Dirac Live), has 9 amps delivering 125W (2H) , in a 9.4 config.  The next Denon model with Dirac LIve is the AV1H ($12K!).

 

Upgrading to a Anthem MRX 1140 (4K version) will cost $5K, running ARC Genesis, has 11 amps delivering 140W (2 CH, channels 1-5 using Class A/B amps) and 60W (2H, remaining channels using Class D amps) in a 11.4 config. MRX 1140 (8K) will cost $7.7K. 

 

To me. the MRX 1140 (4K version) is good value....

[lonewolf]

I dont use any of the amplification anyway, I use my own power amps / active speakers.

 

Some people seem to say that Denons and Marantz get a cut down version of Dirac Live and not the full suite with Bass Management etc, is that right?

 

I have also come across a AVM 70 8k New for $500 more than the MRX1140 4k... So that is tempting and perhaps the best solution for me although its going way above what i ever wanted to spend. 

 

[Guest]

  On 20/06/2023 at 1:24 AM, lonewolf said:

Some people seem to say that Denons and Marantz get a cut down version of Dirac Live and not the full suite with Bass Management etc, is that right?

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You choose versions. Have a look at the Dirac Shop and select a Denon or Marantz. Bass Management available next year.

 

  On 20/06/2023 at 1:24 AM, lonewolf said:

 

I have also come across a AVM 70 8k New for $500 more than the MRX1140 4k... So that is tempting and perhaps the best solution for me although its going way above what i ever wanted to spend. 

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If I were you, I would go AVM70