Anthem MRX 540 8K vs Pioneer SC-68

      Anthem MRX 540 8K

      Pioneer SC-68
      87
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      83
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      North America
      Europe
      USA
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      Highlights

      • 5.2 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 100 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • HDMI 2.1
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
      • 8K Passthrough
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 9.2 Channels
      • 9.1 Channel Processing
      • 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • USB DAC
      • THX™Ultra2 Plus Certified
      • 4K/30Hz Passthrough
      • Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Anthem MRX 540 8K
      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-68
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Amplifier
      7. Speaker Configurations
      8. Immersive Audio Formats
      9. HDMI
      10. Inputs and Outputs
      11. Evaluations
      12. Specifications

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Anthem MRX 540 8K to Pioneer SC-68 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 Pioneer SC-68 has 9 channel amplifiers with Anthem MRX 540 8K's being less powerful.


      Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68

      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.

      Pioneer SC-68 was introduced in 2012 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/30Hz and upscales up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

      We evaluated Anthem MRX 540 8K and Pioneer SC-68 and gave them scores of 87 and 83 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Anthem MRX 540 8K

      Pioneer SC-68

      Amplifier
      84
      Amplifier
      96
      Audio Features
      87
      Audio Features
      78
      Video Features
      100
      Video Features
      63
      Connectivity
      87
      Connectivity
      88
      Zones
      71
      Zones
      96
      Radio
      73
      Radio
      85
      OVERALL
      87
      OVERALL
      83

      For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Anthem MRX 540 8K and Pioneer SC-68.

      PROS

      Anthem MRX 540 8K

      Pioneer SC-68

      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DTS:X
      •   IMAX Enhanced
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   HDMI 2.1
      •   eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
      •   VRR
      •   QFT
      •   8K Passthrough
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   7 8K Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Spotify
      •   High Power Output - 140 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   THX™ Certification
      •   9.1 Channel Processing
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   USB DAC
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Bluetooth
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   4 HDMI Outputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   Multi-Channel Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   4 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora

      CONS

      Anthem MRX 540 8K

      Pioneer SC-68

      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No DSD via HDMI
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   No USB Input
      •   No Composite Video Inputs
      •   No Zones
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Tidal
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Anthem MRX 540 8K

      Pioneer SC-68

      •   Power Output - 100 W
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   2 HDMI Outputs
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   RCA Line Inputs

      3. Advantage of Anthem MRX 540 8K

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Anthem MRX 540 8K over Pioneer SC-68.

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      Anthem MRX 540 8K
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      Anthem MRX 540 8K vs Pioneer SC-68
      Higher DAC Specs 768 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/32 Bit
      Dolby Atmos vs
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      DTS:X vs
      DTS Neural:X vs
      DTS Virtual:X vs
      IMAX Enhanced vs
      HDR10 vs
      HDR10+ vs
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      HLG vs
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) vs
      Newer HDCP Version 2.3 vs 2.2
      Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through vs
      VRR vs
      QFT vs
      Video Signal Passthrough up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 vs up to 4K/30p
      Wi-Fi vs via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
      Bluetooth vs via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay
      More 8K Inputs 7 vs
      More Optical Inputs 3 vs 2
      +12V Trigger Output 3 vs 2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, Zone 4)
      Spotify vs
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 110 dB vs 103 dB
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      7.2 channel

      110 W

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      5.2 channel

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      9.2 channel

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      7.2 channel

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      11.2 channel

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      Anthem MRX 740 8K
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      7.2 channel

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      7.2 channel

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      9.2 channel

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      9.4 channel

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      9.4 channel

      110 W

      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-68

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-68 over Anthem MRX 540 8K.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer SC-68
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      Anthem MRX 540 8K vs Pioneer SC-68
      More Channels 5.2 vs 9.2
      Higher Power Output 100 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support vs
      THX™ Certification vs Ultra2 Plus
      Bi-amp capability vs Front / Center / Surround / B-Speaker
      More Channel Processing 7.1 vs 9.1
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLIIz
      DTS Neo vs Neo:X
      DSD via HDMI vs 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      DSD via USB vs 2-ch Input
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      USB DAC vs (Rear Panel B-Type)
      More HDMI Inputs 7 vs 8 (1 front)
      More HDMI Outputs 2 vs 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4)
      USB Input for factory service vs 1 Front
      USB DC Out Port vs 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      More RCA Line Inputs 4 vs 5
      Multi-Channel Input vs 7.1
      More RCA Pre-Outs 7.2 vs 11.2
      More Composite Video Inputs vs 5 (1 front)
      More Composite Video Outputs vs 2
      More Component Video Inputs vs 3
      More Component Video Outputs vs 1
      Front A/V Inputs vs HDMI, USB, Composite Video
      More Zones 1 vs 4
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 1 / 0 vs 2 / 1
      Pandora vs
      SiriusXM vs
      More Speaker Terminals 5 vs 11
      More Large Speaker Terminals 5 vs 11
      Bigger Power Supply 365 W vs 370 W
      Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC) 100 W (1% THD) vs 140 W (0.08% THD)
      Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 130 W (1% THD) vs 190 W (1.0% THD)

      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis) Advanced MCACC
        New HDCP Version2.32.2
        Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Many HDMI Inputs78 (1 front)
        Phono Input
        RCA Pre-Outs7.211.2
        Ethernet
        Analog Tuner FM/AM
      WEAKNESSES Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        No Digital Radio
        No Tidal

      6. Amplifier

      Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68

      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.

      9 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-68 features 9 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

        THX™ Ultra2 Plus certification

        Pioneer SC-68 is THX™ Ultra2 Plus certified. This means that it brings the cinematic experience to large home theaters, 3,000 cubic feet (85 cubic meters) in size, with a viewing distance of 12 feet (4 meters) or greater from the screen.



        AMPLIFIER Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Channels5.29.2
        Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignClass A/B on Channels 1-5 and Class D on the restClass D3
        THX™ Certification Ultra2 Plus
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp CapabilityFront / Center / Surround / B-Speaker

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        Anthem MRX 540 8K
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        7. Speaker Configurations

        Anthem MRX 540 8K's and Pioneer SC-68'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.
        • Pioneer SC-68: Not supported.
        • 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.
        • Pioneer SC-68: Not supported.
        • 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.
        • Pioneer SC-68: 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 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.
        • Pioneer SC-68: 9.2.
        • Bi-Amp: Anthem MRX 540 8K is able to bi-amp up to 2 and Pioneer SC-68 is able to bi-amp up to 4 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.

        8. Immersive Audio Formats

        Dolby Atmos

        Anthem MRX 540 8K supports Dolby Atmos.

        • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Anthem MRX 540 8K supports 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.

        DTS:X

        Anthem MRX 540 8K supports DTS:X.

        • DTS Neural:X: Anthem MRX 540 8K supports 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: Anthem MRX 540 8K supports 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.

        IMAX Enhanced

        Anthem MRX 540 8K is 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.
        AUDIO DECODING Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

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        Pioneer SC-68
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        9. 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.

        Pioneer SC-68 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs - 2 for MAIN and 1 for Sub/Zone4.

        • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough on Anthem MRX 540 8K: All inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
          4K/30Hz Passthrough on Pioneer SC-68: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
        • 1080p Upscaling on Pioneer SC-68: It can upscale up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
        • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer SC-68 supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
        • 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 Anthem MRX 540 8K only).
        • HDCP Copy Protection: Anthem MRX 540 8K is HDCP 2.3 and Pioneer SC-68 is HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
        • 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.

        Pioneer SC-68 does not support HDR. 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.


        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

        Anthem MRX 540 8K supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) which 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.


        Gaming Features

        Anthem MRX 540 8K supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.



        VIDEO FEATURES Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.32.2
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4up to 4K/30p

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        Anthem MRX 540 8K
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        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Anthem MRX 540 8K and Pioneer SC-68 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
        • 7.1 Multichannel Input: In case you have a high quality Blu-Ray or a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs you may connect it to a 7.1 multichannel analog inputs of Pioneer SC-68 and use high quality DACs of the player instead of the ones in the receiver.
        • Analog Pre-Outs: Anthem MRX 540 8K has 7.2 and Pioneer SC-68 has 11.2 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.
        • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 4 pair of line inputs on Anthem MRX 540 8K and 5 pair of line inputs on Pioneer SC-68 for connecting sources with analog outputs. There are also 1 pair of line outputs on the receivers.
        • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 3 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Anthem MRX 540 8K and 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-68 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.
        • Pioneer SC-68
          Inputs:           8 (1 front)   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Anthem MRX 540 8K
          Inputs:           0   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-68
          Inputs:           5   Outputs: 2.
        • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer SC-68 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Anthem MRX 540 8K
          Inputs:           0   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-68
          Inputs:           3   Outputs: 1.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Anthem MRX 540 8K: None
        • Pioneer SC-68: HDMI, USB, Composite Video

        Anthem MRX 540 8K

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        Pioneer SC-68

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        TERMINALS Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        HDMI Inputs78 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs23 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4)
        8K Inputs7
        USB Input for factory service1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs32
        Optical Outputs11
        Coaxial Inputs22
        RCA Line Inputs45
        RCA Line Outputs11
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input 7.1
        RCA Pre-Outs7.211.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs3
        Component Video Outputs1

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        Pioneer SC-68
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        11. Evaluations

        We evaluated Anthem MRX 540 8K and Pioneer SC-68 and gave them scores of 87 and 83 out of 100 recpectively. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


        Anthem MRX 540 8K

        Pioneer SC-68

        OVERALL
        87
        OVERALL
        83

        Amplifier

        GOOD
        84
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   Power Output - 100 W
        EXCELLENT
        96
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 140 W
        •   THX™ Certification

        Audio Features

        EXCELLENT
        87
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   No Front Wide Channel Support
        •   7.1 Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   DTS:X
        •   IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   No DSD via HDMI
        GOOD
        78
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Front Wide Channel Support
        •   9.1 Channel Processing
        •   No Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI
        •   USB DAC

        Video Features

        EXCELLENT
        100
        •   HDR10
        •   HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   HDMI 2.1
        •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
        •   VRR
        •   QFT
        •   8K Passthrough
        AVERAGE
        63
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

        Connectivity

        EXCELLENT
        87
        •   eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   Chromecast Built-In
        •   7 HDMI Inputs
        •   2 HDMI Outputs
        •   7 8K Inputs
        •   No USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   No Composite Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        EXCELLENT
        88
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   8 HDMI Inputs
        •   4 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   Multi-Channel Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet

        Zones

        GOOD
        71
        •   No Zones
        EXCELLENT
        96
        •   4 Zones

        Radio

        GOOD
        73
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal
        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   No Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        BrandAnthemPioneer
        SeriesElite
        ModelMRX 540 8KSC-68
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryNorth AmericaUSA
        Release Year20212012
        SuccessorPioneer SC-79
        AMPLIFIER Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Channels5.29.2
        Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignClass A/B on Channels 1-5 and Class D on the restClass D3
        THX™ Certification Ultra2 Plus
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp CapabilityFront / Center / Surround / B-Speaker
        AUDIO FEATURES Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineNext-Generation DSP PlatformTI Aureus x 2
        DAC Specs768 kHz/32 Bit192 kHz/32 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing7.19.1
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X
        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
        PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Network Audio FormatsLPCM, WAV 192kHz, MP3, ACC, WMA, FLAC 192kHz
        Music Playback via USBWAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, DSD
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBWAV/FLAC/DSD
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        DSD via USB 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC (Rear Panel B-Type)
        Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
        Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
        DTS Dialogue Control
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement
        Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
        Sound Retriever AIR
        Digital noise Reduction
        Tone Control All Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever
        High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit32 (96 kHz) Audio Processing
        Digital Filter Slow Mode 192 kHz
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        Auto Surround
        Optimum Surround
        Advanced Surround15 + Headphone Surround
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual SpeakersSurround Back / Height / Depth / Wide
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis) Advanced MCACC
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory6
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control
        EQ Bands9
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        VIDEO FEATURES Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDMI Version2.1
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.32.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4up to 4K/30p
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter AdjustmentsAdvanced Video Adjust - HD Sources Progressive Motion - YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black level
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
        Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Google Assistant
        Chromecast Built-In
        Apple Siri
        Works with SonoS
        DTS Play-Fi
        MHL Input Front
        DLNA 1.5
        AirPlay AirPlay 2 AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPadiPod/iPhone/iPad
        Remote App Anthem Remote AppiControlAV2012(iPad, iPhone, Android)
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        HDMI Inputs78 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs23 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4)
        8K Inputs7
        USB Input for factory service1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs32
        Optical Outputs11
        Coaxial Inputs22
        RCA Line Inputs45
        RCA Line Outputs11
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input 7.1
        RCA Pre-Outs7.211.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs3
        Component Video Outputs1
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Composite Video
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Number of Zones14
        Powered Zones 2 and 3
        Zone 2 OutsComponent Video, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
        Zone 3 OutsComposite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Sub
        Zone 4 OutsHDMI
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output32 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, Zone 4)
        Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 02 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        On-Screen DisplayGUI with Album Art
        Multi-Zone On-Screen Display (Z2 & Z3)
        HDMI Speaker B Link
        AV Navigator
        PC Set-UpWith Remote Maintenance
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode (Front Off, Front & Center Off)
        Versatile Speaker Configuration10 Mode (Bi-Amp / Zone 2 / B-Speaker / Surround Back / Front Height / Dront Width
        Display
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerLearning
        RADIO Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Analog Tuner FM/AM
        Presets63
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        ChassisInsulated Dual Chassis
        Front PanelAluminum (Hairline)
        Solid Aluminum Front
        ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
        Speaker Terminals511
        Large Speaker Terminals511
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Toroidal Transformer
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption365 W370 W
        Standby Power0.3 W0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power Standby
        PHYSICAL Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Dimensions (W x H x D)431.8 mm x 152.4 mm x 364 mm
        17" x 6" x 14-1/2" x         		435 mm x 185 mm x 441 mm
        17-1/8" x 7-1/4" x 17-3/8"
        Weight12.8 kg (28.2 lbs)17.8 kg (39.2 lbs)
        SPECIFICATIONS Anthem MRX 540 8K Pioneer SC-68
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)100 W (1% THD)140 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)130 W (1% THD)190 W (1.0% THD)
        Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)250 W (1.0% THD)
        Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive810 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
        THD0.04% (1 kHz, 130 W + 130 W, 8 Ω)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)400 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)5 mV/47 kΩ
        Rated Lineout Level and Impedance400 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
        Maximum Preout Level and Impedance5.2 VRMS, 7.1 VRMS
        Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance32 Ω - 600 Ω
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)110 dB103 dB
        Frequency Response (Analog In)20 Hz - 30 kHz +/-0.2 dB
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz
        USB DAC TerminalUSB2.0 (Type B)
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
        0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
        1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
        HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 1 A
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
        AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        Warranty2 Years

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

        Discussion

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