•   Overview
•   Advantage of Anthem MRX 540 8K
•   Advantage of Denon AVR-A1H
•   Common Strengths and Weaknesses
•   Audio Section
•   Video Section
•   Inputs and Outputs
•   Specifications

Here we are comparing Anthem MRX 540 8K to Denon AVR-A1H to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. The Anthem MRX 540 8K has 5 channel and the Denon AVR-A1H has 15 channel amplifiers with Anthem MRX 540 8K's being less powerful.

Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Anthem MRX 540 8K was introduced in 2021. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video signal.	Denon AVR-A1H was introduced in 2022 and represents a current flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 15 channel amplifier with 150 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 15.4 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro and Auro-3D, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 85 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.	We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 96 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.
AMPLIFIER 84 VIDEO FEATURES 100 AUDIO FEATURES 87 CONNECTIVITY 87 MULTIZONE 71 MISCELLANEOUS 60 RADIO 73 OVERALL 85	AMPLIFIER 95 VIDEO FEATURES 100 AUDIO FEATURES 99 CONNECTIVITY 92 MULTIZONE 92 MISCELLANEOUS 95 RADIO 98 OVERALL 96 Buy on Amazon

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Anthem MRX 540 8K over Denon AVR-A1H.

Anthem MRX 540 8K has higher signal to noise ratio. It has XLR inputs.

	Anthem MRX 540 8K	vs	Denon AVR-A1H
Chromecast Built-In		vs
More RCA Line Outputs	1	vs
XLR Line Inputs		vs	1
More Optical Outputs	1	vs
+12V Trigger Output	3	vs	2
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	110 dB	vs	102 dB

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-A1H over Anthem MRX 540 8K.

Denon AVR-A1H has more channels, more power per channel, more channel processing, more zones and bigger power supply. It supports front wide channels, DTS:X Pro up to 7.1.8 or 9.1.6, Auro3D, DSD streaming via HDMI and USB, Amazon Alexa, Pandora, Tidal, Deezer, Napster and SiriusXM. It has phono input and XLR pre-outs.

	Anthem MRX 540 8K	vs	Denon AVR-A1H
More Channels	5.2	vs	15.4
Front Wide Channel Support		vs
Bi-amp capability		vs	7-ch (assignable)
More Channel Processing	7.1	vs	15.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization		vs
Dolby Atmos Music		vs
DTS:X		vs	Pro up to 7.1.8 or 9.1.6
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer		vs	13.1-ch (Built-In)
DSD via HDMI		vs	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB		vs	2-ch Input
Audyssey Dynamic EQ		vs
Audyssey Dynamic Volume		vs
Audyssey LFC		vs
Audyssey Sub EQ HT		vs
Independent Subwoofer Outputs		vs
Dynamic HDR		vs
Works with Amazon Alexa		vs
Google assistant		vs
Apple Siri		vs
More HDMI Outputs	2	vs	3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
USB Input	for factory service	vs	1 Front for USB memory
USB DC Out Port		vs	5 V, 1.5 A
More RCA Line Inputs	4	vs	5
Phono Input		vs
More RCA Pre-Outs	7.2	vs	17.4
XLR Pre-outs		vs	4 subwoofers
Front A/V Inputs		vs	USB
More Zones	1	vs	3
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 0	vs	1 / 1
Pandora		vs
Tidal		vs
Deezer		vs
Napster		vs
SiriusXM Internet Radio		vs
More Speaker Terminals	5	vs	17
More Large Speaker Terminals	5	vs	17
Bigger Power Supply	365 W	vs	1100 W
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	130 W (1% THD)	vs	190 W (0.7% THD)

Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.

Amplifier

Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
5 channel Class A/B Amplifier: Anthem MRX 540 8K features 5 channel power amplifier with Class A/B design on Channels 1-5 and Class D design on the rest. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.	15 channel Monolithic Amplifier: Denon AVR-A1H features 15 channel power amplifier with Monolithic design. It is rated at 150 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

Speaker Configurations

Anthem MRX 540 8K's and Denon AVR-A1H's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Anthem MRX 540 8K: 3.1.2 with internal amplifier.
Denon AVR-A1H: 5.4.2, 5.4.4, 5.4.6, 5.4.8, 7.4.2, 7.4.4, 7.4.6, 7.4.8, 9.4.2, 9.4.4, 9.4.6 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
Anthem MRX 540 8K: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 3.1.2 with internal amplifier.
Denon AVR-A1H: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.4.2, 5.4.4, 5.4.6, 5.4.8, 7.4.2, 7.4.4, 7.4.6, 7.4.8, 9.4.2, 9.4.4, 9.4.6 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Anthem MRX 540 8K: 5.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
Denon AVR-A1H: 5.4, 7.4, 9.4 with internal amplifier.
• Front Wide Channel support: With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels:
Anthem MRX 540 8K: Does not support.
Denon AVR-A1H: 9.4, 9.4.2, 9.4.4, 9.4.6.
• Bi-Amp: Anthem MRX 540 8K is able to bi-amp up to 2 and Denon AVR-A1H is able to bi-amp up to 7 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.



Dolby Atmos

Anthem MRX 540 8K and Denon AVR-A1H support Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: Both models support Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Denon AVR-A1H supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization which is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Anthem MRX 540 8K and Denon AVR-A1H support DTS:X. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

• DTS:X Pro: Denon AVR-A1H supports DTS:X Pro which is an upgraded version of DTS:X and is no longer limited with 11 channel processing.
• DTS Neural:X: Both models feature DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• DTS Virtual:X: Both models feature DTS Virtual:X which bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
• DTS Dialog Control: Both models have DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

Auro-3D

Denon AVR-A1H supports Auro-3D. It is an immersive 3D audio format developed by the Belgium-based company Auro Technologies. It consists of three layers of sound - surround, height and overhead ceiling. The base horizontal layer uses 5.1 or 7.1 format, the height layer is on top of the base layer and its information is extracted from the standard 5.1 surround PCM carrier. The a/v receiver decoder then extracts this information during playback. In home cinema Auro-3D comes with different listening formats - Auro 9.1, Auro 10.1 with added Top Ceiling channel ("Voice of God"), Auro 11.1 with added Front Height Center channel, and Auro 13.1 with added Left Rear Surround & Right Rear Surround channel.

• Auro-Matic upmixer: Auro-Matic upmixer takes non Auro-3D sound and upmixes to the current speaker configuration.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Anthem MRX 540 8K and Denon AVR-A1H support Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.






Sound Processing

• Audyssey: Denon AVR-A1H comes with Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, LFC and Sub EQ HT.
Dynamic EQ: selects the best possible frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment. This ensures that the bass response, tonal balance and surround impression remain constant despite changes in volume. This is the first technology that carefully combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels in the room, a pre-requisite for delivering a dynamic volume solution.
Dynamic Volume: Your Listening experience can be greatly diminished when there are significant shifts in volume between television programs, commercials and within the program material itself. When this happens you must constantly adjust the volume to maintain your desired listening level. Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors the volume of program material moment-by-moment and automatically adjusts it, maintaining the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve impact.
LFC (Low Frequency Containment): While high frequencies are easily stopped by walls low frequencies pass right through. After identifying the frequency range that most readily passes through walls Audyssey developed a technique, called Audyssey LFC (Low Frequency Containment) that reduses the volume at those frequencies and applies psychoacoustic processing to restore the perception of low bass for listeners in the room. The result is no more angry neighbors and no loss of enjoyment for listeners.
Sub EQ HT: Placing two subwoofers in the room can cause problems, they can create standing waves or even cancel each other out resulting in even less bass than a single sub can produce. Audyssey Sub EQ HT allows two subwoofers to be properly used in a home theater system. The process is automated and takes only a few minutes. The result is rich, full bass for everyone in the room.
• D.D.S.C. (Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit): Denon AVR-A1H has 32-bit D.D.S.C. A single IC chip is generally used in processing A/D, DSP, and D/A conversions that are vital to sound quality. The D.D.S.C. uses separate components to process the important sections of the A/D, DSP, and D/A conversions and therefore significantly improves signal processing capability and performance. In addition, the approach of developing and incorporating high-quality dedicated elements in the sections that configure the circuitry makes it easier to develop a high-grade, advanced surround circuit compared with the method where all processing is concentrated within a single chip. Denon’s proprietary digital audio technology that had for many years been developed for pure Hi-Fi components is now also alive in each block of the D.D.S.C.
• ALPHA Processing: Denon AVR-A1H has Advanced AL32 Processing.
Advanced AL32 Processing uses a unique data interpolation algorithm to achieve high-bit, high-sampling output performance. The volume of information has been dramatically improved without any loss in the original data. The clean playback sound free of interference makes it possible to enjoy delicate details, accurate localization, and rich expression in the lower range. Advanced AL32 Processing has three functions: 1. High-bit up-conversion (Adaptive Line Pattern Harmonized Algorithm), 2. Advanced ALPHA Processing and 3. Adaptive digital filter (Automatic Low-Pass filter Harmonic Adjustment).
• Compressed Music Enhancer: Denon AVR-A1H features Compressed Music Enhancer which enhances the quality of the music files with lossy compression.

Room Calibration

Anthem MRX 540 8K comes with Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis) and Denon AVR-A1H comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live (upgrade) room correction system.

• Audyssey Room Calibration: Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and enveloping.
• Dirac Live: The interaction between your sound system and the physical layout of your room has a huge impact on sound quality. Dirac Live™ Room Correction applies state-of-the-art, patented algorithms to analyze and digitally reduce room impact and enhance speaker performance. Dirac Live delivers a larger sweet spot, accurate staging, clarity, voice intelligibility, and a deeper, tighter bass not otherwise possible. Fully tunable to your preference.

HDMI

Anthem MRX 540 8K comes with 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

Denon AVR-A1H comes with 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support. It has 3 outputs - 2 x 8K for MAIN and 1 x 4K for ZONE2.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 8K Upscaling on Denon AVR-A1H: It can upscale up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 from HDMI sources.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on both models).
• HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• Quick Media Switching (QMS): With HDMI 2.1a, Quick Media Switching for movies and video uses the HDMI VRR mechanism to eliminate the blackout period when an HDMI Source device switches its video mode. As long as the resolution remains the same and only the frame rate changes, QMS will instantly switch between frame rates. QMS eliminates A/V blackouts by using VRR technology to change frame rates, allowing instant changes from 24Hz to 60Hz frame rate, and anywhere in-between. The viewer never sees blank screens and gets a seamless experience (available on Denon AVR-A1H only).
• 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Anthem MRX 540 8K supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

Denon AVR-A1H supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dynamic HDR and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

• HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
• HDR10+: HDR10+ is an HDR video technology that adds dynamic metadata to HDR10 source files. The dynamic metadata are used to adjust brightness levels on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis. HDR10+ supports maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness and 10-bit or more (up to 16-bit) color bit depth. It uses Samsung's dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-40.
• Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
• Dynamic HDR: Dynamic HDR enables a noticeable progression in overall video image quality from SDR to static HDR, and now static HDR to dynamic HDR. Dynamic HDR support ensures every moment of a video is displayed at its ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and wider color gamuts - on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis. HDR-enhanced content is available for movies, videos, TV shows, video and PC games and VR.
• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.

IMAX Enhanced

Anthem MRX 540 8K and Denon AVR-A1H are IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

• What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.
• IMAX Enhanced Content: IMAX Enhanced studio partners have announced IMAX Enhanced versions of movies that exclusively feature IMAX's signature picture, sound and scale.
• Picture: Stunning, ultra-vivid 4K HDR picture that utilizes the newest, proprietary Digital Media Remastering technology (DMR) developed by IMAX. DMR accurately reduces noise and grain under the filmmaker’s guidance to best optimize the content for a much higher-quality, higher-brightness display. Without this technology, high-dynamic range content can actually look worse than what was originally seen and intended by the filmmaker.
• Sound: IMAX and DTS have partnered with award-winning Hollywood sound mixers leveraging DTS:X codec technology integrated in home audio equipment and select televisions to deliver an IMAX signature sound experience with deeper bass and more dynamic range.
• Scale: Select IMAX Enhanced titles that were shot with IMAX-certified cameras or specially formatted for IMAX theatres feature its exclusive expanded aspect ratio, enabling viewers to see the full scale and scope of the picture on 4K HDR TVs.
• Streaming Services: IMAX Enhanced is now available on the world’s biggest streaming services, including Disney+, BRAVIA CORE, Tencent, iQiyi and more.

Gaming Features

Both receivers support Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Auto Low Latency Mode enables the ideal latency setting to automatically be set allowing for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity. When the receiver detects a gaming signal it will enter ALLM. The signal will also be sent to the TV causing it to automatically switch to a low-latency, low-lag mode for gaming. Some functions will not be available on the receiver and TV during ALLM.
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): VRR enables a gaming source such as a console or computer to deliver video frames as fast as it can, which in many cases is slower than the normal static refresh rate. It allows the TV to adapt to certain frame rate which reduces or eliminates lag, judder and frame tearing for more fluid and better detailed gameplay.
• Quick Frame Transport (QFT): QFT reduces latency for smoother no-lag gaming, and real-time interactive virtual reality. It transports each frame at a higher rate to decrease display latency, which is the amount of time between a frame being ready for transport in the GPU and that frame being completely displayed.

Audio

• Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Denon AVR-A1H with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
• Analog Pre-Outs: Anthem MRX 540 8K has 7.2 and Denon AVR-A1H has 17.4 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the receivers to the external power amplifiers. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the receiver to power the rest. Also, Anthem MRX 540 8K has 7 channel processing but has only 5 channel amplifier, so it needs external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach its maximum speaker configuration.
• XLR Inputs and Outputs: There is one pair of XLR inputs on Anthem MRX 540 8K. If your CD player, Blu-Ray player or other source have XLR outputs you can connect them to the receiver's XLR Inputs for higher quality balanced connection. Besides unbalanced RCA pre-outs Denon AVR-A1H also has XLR outputs. In case your external power amplifier has XLR inputs you can use the balanced connection for higher audio quality.
• Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 4 pair of line inputs on Anthem MRX 540 8K and 5 pair of line inputs on Denon AVR-A1H for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Anthem MRX 540 8K.
• Digital Inputs and Outputs: 1 optical input, 3 optical outputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Anthem MRX 540 8K and 1 optical input, 2 optical outputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Denon AVR-A1H for digital audio connections.
• Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

Video

• HDMI:
Anthem MRX 540 8K
Inputs: 7   Outputs: 2
8K Inputs: 7.
Denon AVR-A1H
Inputs: 7   Outputs: 3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
8K Inputs: 7.

Front A/V Inputs

• Anthem MRX 540 8K: None
• Denon AVR-A1H: USB

And in the end let us list all the available specifications of the receivers side-by-side.

BASICS	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Brand	Anthem	Denon
Model	MRX 540 8K	AVR-A1H
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	North America	USA
Release Year	2021	2022

AMPLIFIER	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Channels	5.2	15.4
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier	Class A/B on Channels 1-5 and Class D on the rest	Monolithic
Discrete Amplification
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction		L/R separated
Bi-amp Capability		7-ch (assignable)

AUDIO	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Next-Generation DSP Platform	Dual-core 1GHz DSP
DAC Specs	768 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	15.4
D.D.S.C. HD Digital		32 bit
Alpha Processing		AL32 Processing Multichannel
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos		up to 7.1.8 or 9.1.6
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X		Pro up to 7.1.8 or 9.1.6
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES		Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer		13.1-ch (Built-In)
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB		MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network		up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB		Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI		2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB		2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
DTS Dialog Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog Normalization
Dialogue Lift
Compressed Music Enhancer
High-resolution Music Enhancer
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Direct Mode
Pure Direct Mode
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis)	Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live (upgrade)
Audyssey App Support
Optimized Bass Redirection
Bass Sync

VIDEO	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
HDMI Version	2.1	2.1
Enhanced ARC
HDCP Version	2.3	2.3
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
BT.2020 color space
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
FireConnect
FlareConnect
HEOS
Chromecast Built-In
DTS Play-Fi
Works with Amazon Alexa
Google assistant
Apple Siri
Works with SONOS
AirPlay	AirPlay 2	AirPlay 2
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Anthem Remote App	Denon 2016 AVR Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Kindle Fire
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth		SBC
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
HDBaseT Compatible
HDMI Inputs	7	7
HDMI Outputs	2	3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
8K Inputs	7	7
USB Input	for factory service	1 Front for USB memory
USB DC Out Port		5 V, 1.5 A
RCA Line Input	4	5
RCA Line Output	1
XLR Line Inputs		1
Phono Input
Optical Inputs	3	2
Optical Outputs	1
Coaxial Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Input
Composite Video Output
S-Video Input
S-Video Output
Component Video Input
Component Video Output
PC In
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	7.2	17.4
XLR Pre-outs		4 subwoofers
Front A/V Inputs		USB
Speaker A/B		assignable
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	6.3 mm (1/4")

ZONES	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Zones	1	3
Powered Zones		2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs		HDMI, Pre Out
Zone 3 Outs		Pre Out
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	3	2
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 0	1 / 1

MISC	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
On-Screen Display		Advanced Graphic User Interface
GUI Languages		3
Web Browser Control
IP Control for CI
Control4 SDDP
PreAmp Mode
Display		2 lines FLD
Remote Controller		RC-1250
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display		/ /
Detachable Power Cord
Denon Link HD
Setup Assistant
Quick Select plus / Quick Select		/

RADIO	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Analog Tuner		FM/AM
Digital Radio
Internet Radio		TuneIn
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM Internet Radio

CONSTRUCTION	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Front Panel		Metal
Speaker Terminals	5	17
Large Speaker Terminals	5	17
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
High Grade Audio Components
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	365 W	1100 W
No Sound Power		ECO On/Off: 80 W/160 W
Standby Power	0.3 W	0.1 W

GENERAL	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power off
Dimensions (W x H x D)	431.8 mm x 152.4 mm x 364 mm 17" x 6" x 14-1/2" x	434 mm x 195 mm x 493 mm (with antenna: 434 mm x 259 mm x 498 mm) 17.1" x 7.7" x 19.4" (with antenna up: 17.1" x 10.2" x 19.6")
Weight	12.8 kg (28.2 lbs)	32.0 kg (70.5 lbs)
Weight of Package		38.0 kg (80 lbs)
Warranty		5 Years

SPECS	Anthem MRX 540 8K	Denon AVR-A1H
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2		150 W (0.05% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2	100 W (1% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2	130 W (1% THD)	190 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)		260 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)		210 W (1% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)		280 W x 2-channel
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)		170 W x 2-channel
THD digital		0.002% (1 kHz, at 0 dB)
Analog Distortion		0.005% (20 Hz-20 kHz, Direct mode)
Phono Distortion		0.03% (1 kHz, 3 V)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)		RCA: 200 mV XLR: 400 mV
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)		2.5 mV
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance		RCA: 1.2 V XLR: 2.4 V
Rated Output digital		2 V (at 0 dB playback)
Maximum Preout Level and Impedance	5.2 VRMS, 7.1 VRMS
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance	32 Ω - 600 Ω
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	110 dB	102 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)		74 dB
S/N Ratio (digital)		110 dB
Dynamic Range (digital)		110 dB
Phono RIAA Deviation		±1 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	20 Hz - 30 kHz +/-0.2 dB	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI		2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB		5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Ethernet Standard		100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard		IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency		5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version		5․0
Bluetooth Frequency		2.4 GHz
USB Terminal		USB2.0 5V, 1 A
FM Frequency		87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)		Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
FM Effective Sensitivity		1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio		Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)		Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
AM Frequency		520 kHz - 1710 kHz
AM Effective Sensitivity		18 µV

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted