Anthem MRX 1140 8K

    91
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    Highlights

    • 11.2 Channels
    • 15.2 Channel Processing
    • 140 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

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

    1. Overview

    Anthem MRX 1140 8K was introduced in 2021 and represents a current flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 11 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 15.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v amplifier and gave 91 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
    92
    Audio Features
    94
    Video Features
    100
    Connectivity
    89
    Zones
    77
    Radio
    73
    OVERALL
    91

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

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Anthem MRX 1140 8K.

    PROs

    •   Many Channels - 11.2
    •   High Power Output - 140 W
    •   Front Wide Channel Support
    •   15.2 Channel Processing
    •   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
    •   4 HDMI Outputs
    •   7 8K Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Spotify
    •   Toroidal Transformer

    CONs

    •   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 Digital Radio
    •   No Pandora
    •   No Tidal

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

    AVERAGE

    •   RCA Line Inputs
    •   2 Zones

    3. Anthem 2021 Lineup

    In 2021 Anthem released 3 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Anthem 2021 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsZones Price
    MRX 1140 8K Image cannot be found 11.2140 W15.215.22
    MRX 740 8K Image cannot be found 7.2140 W11.111.22
    MRX 540 8K Image cannot be found 5.2100 W7.17.21

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Anthem MRX 1140 8K vs MRX 740 8K vs MRX 540 8K.

    4. Amplifier

    11 channel Class A/B Amplifier

    Anthem MRX 1140 8K features 11 channel power amplifier with Class A/B design on Channels 1-5 and Class D design on the rest. It is rated at 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    • Toroidal Transformer: Anthem MRX 1140 8K has a toroidal transformer which in general costs several times more than a regular C-core transformer and radiates less electromagnetic noise outside its donut shaped core.
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels11.2
    Power Output140 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 rest
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability

    5. Speaker Configurations

    Anthem MRX 1140 8K's 11 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 7.2.6, 9.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
    • 9.2.6 with addition of external 4 channel amplifier.
    • DTS:X Configurations: DTS:X is limited with 11 channel processing, so some of the speaker configurations for Dolby Atmos are not supported here:
    • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
    • 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Front Wide Channel support: Anthem MRX 1140 8K supports front wide channels. 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 - 9.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.4, 9.2.6.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Anthem MRX 1140 8K allows you to bi-amp up to 2 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.

    6. Immersive Audio Formats

    Dolby Atmos

    Anthem MRX 1140 8K supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer.

    • 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 1140 8K supports DTS:X with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

    • No support of DTS:X Pro: Anthem MRX 1140 8K does not support DTS:X Pro. So even though the receiver is capable of 15.2 channel processing it will be limited with 11.2.
    • Neural:X 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.
    • Virtual:X 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: 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 1140 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.
    DECODING
    Dolby Atmos up to 9.1.6 with external amp
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic
    DTS:X Pro up to 9.1.6 with external amp
    DTS Neural:X
    DTS Virtual:X
    DTS Neo
    DTS-HD Master Audio
    DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
    DTS 96/24
    DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
    IMAX Enhanced
    Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

    7. HDMI 2.1

    Anthem MRX 1140 8K features 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support. It has 3 outputs: 2 for MAIN and 1 for ZONE2.

    • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
    • 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%.
    • HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
    • 3D Ready: Anthem MRX 1140 8K is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

    HDR (High Dynamic Range)

    Anthem MRX 1140 8K supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. 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)

    Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v amplifier 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 1140 8K supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.



    VIDEO FEATURES
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    BT.2020 color space
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    HDMI Version2.1
    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
    HDCP Version2.3
    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 4:4:4

    8. Room Calibration

    Anthem MRX 1140 8K comes with Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis) room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

      9. Multi-zone Playback

      Anthem MRX 1140 8K offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.


      Zone 2

      • HDMI Output: Anthem MRX 1140 8K offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
      • Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v amplifier via pre outs and control volume from the a/v amplifier.
      ZONES
      Number of Zones2
      Powered Zones
      Zone 2 OutsHDMI, Pre Out
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output3
      Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 0
      Check out the receivers which are frequently compared to Anthem MRX 1140 8K.

      10. Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v amplifier.
      • Analog Pre-Outs: Anthem MRX 1140 8K has 15.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v amplifier to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v amplifier to power the rest. Also, Anthem MRX 1140 8K has 15 channel processing but has only 11 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
      • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 4 line inputs and 1 line output for analog audio connection.
      • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 3 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
      • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

      Video

      • HDMI:
      • Inputs: 7   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for ZONE2)
        8K Inputs: 7
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      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs7
      HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for ZONE2)
      8K Inputs7
      USB Input for factory service
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs3
      Optical Outputs1
      Coaxial Inputs2
      RCA Line Inputs4
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs15.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs
      Composite Video Outputs
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs

      11. Evaluation

      We evaluate Anthem MRX 1140 8K and give score of 91 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 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.


      OVERALL
      91

      Amplifier

      EXCELLENT
      92

      We give Anthem MRX 1140 8K a score of 92 for Amplifier features.

      •   Many Channels - 11.2
      •   High Power Output - 140 W
      •   Toroidal Transformer

      Audio Features

      EXCELLENT
      94

      We give Anthem MRX 1140 8K a score of 94 for Audio Features features.

      •   Many Channels - 11.2
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   15.2 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      EXCELLENT
      100

      We give Anthem MRX 1140 8K a score of 100 for Video Features features.

      •   HDR10
      •   HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   HDMI 2.1
      •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
      •   VRR
      •   QFT
      •   8K Passthrough

      Connectivity

      EXCELLENT
      89

      We give Anthem MRX 1140 8K a score of 89 for Connectivity features.

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

      Zones

      GOOD
      77

      We give Anthem MRX 1140 8K a score of 77 for Zones features.

      •   2 Zones

      Radio

      GOOD
      73

      We give Anthem MRX 1140 8K a score of 73 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   No Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandAnthem
      ModelMRX 1140 8K
      TypeA/V Amplifier
      CountryEurope
      Release Year2021
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels11.2
      Power Output140 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 rest
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability
      AUDIO FEATURES
      Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineNext-Generation DSP Platform
      DAC Specs768 kHz/32 Bit
      Maximum Channel Processing15.2
      Dolby Atmos up to 9.1.6 with external amp
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic
      DTS:X Pro up to 9.1.6 with external amp
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      DSD via HDMI
      DSD via USB
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      DTS Dialogue Control
      Audyssey Dynamic EQ
      Audyssey Dynamic Volume
      Audyssey LFC
      Audyssey Sub EQ HT
      Audyssey DSX
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs
      CALIBRATION
      Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis)
      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDMI Version2.1
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.3
      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 4:4:4
      CONNECTIVITY
      Wi-Fi
      Bluetooth
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Google Assistant
      Chromecast Built-In
      Apple Siri
      Works with SonoS
      DTS Play-Fi
      AirPlay AirPlay 2
      Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad
      Remote App Anthem Remote App
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs7
      HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for ZONE2)
      8K Inputs7
      USB Input for factory service
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs3
      Optical Outputs1
      Coaxial Inputs2
      RCA Line Inputs4
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs15.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs
      Composite Video Outputs
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V Inputs
      Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
      Detachable Power Cord
      ZONES
      Number of Zones2
      Powered Zones
      Zone 2 OutsHDMI, Pre Out
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output3
      Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 0
      MISCELLANEOUS
      IP Control
      Display
      RADIO
      Analog Tuner
      Digital Radio
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION
      Speaker Terminals11
      Large Speaker Terminals11
      POWER
      Power SupplyAC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz
      Toroidal Transformer
      Power Consumption570 W
      Standby Power0.3 W
      PHYSICAL
      Dimensions (W x H x D)431.8 mm x 152.4 mm x 364 mm
      17" x 6" x 14-1/2" x
      Weight15.2 kg (33.6 lbs)
      SPECIFICATIONS
      Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)140 W (1% THD) on Channels 1-5, 60 W (1% THD) on Remaining Channels
      Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)170 W (1% THD) on Channels 1-5, 75 W (1% THD) on Remaining Channels
      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 dB
      Frequency Response (Analog In)20 Hz - 30 kHz +/-0.2 dB

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

      Discussion

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