The Anthem MRX 540 8K is a highly comprehensive home theater amplifier that stands out for its top-tier sound performance, compatibility with the latest video and audio formats, and extensive tuning options. Designed without compromise, it’s aimed at the most demanding home cinema enthusiasts.
Powerful, precise amplification
The Anthem MRX 540 8K features a high-quality amplification section, delivering 100 W per channel across 5 channels into 8 ohms, with a THD+N of just 0.1%. The Class AB amplifier modules provide superior sound quality and faithful reproduction of audio dynamics.
The amp offers 7 channels of preamplification, allowing you to expand the system up to 7.2 channels with external amplifiers. The pre-out signals are governed by a high-precision 32-bit / 768 kHz DAC, ensuring optimal conversion from digital to analog.
Advanced audio processing
The Anthem MRX 540 8K supports immersive audio formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced, creating a precise 3D sound field. Audio processing is handled by a next-generation DSP managing up to 15.2 channels, applying advanced filters and treatments such as ARC Genesis room correction, speaker synchronization, and bass management to optimize sound quality.
Full HDMI 2.1 connectivity
The video section of the Anthem MRX 540 8K is equipped with advanced HDMI 2.1 connectivity with 7 inputs and 3 outputs, all supporting 8K at 60 Hz, 4K at 120 Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, ALLM, and VRR. The main HDMI output features eARC to receive high-resolution audio streams from a compatible TV, while the other outputs allow connection to a second TV or a projector.
ARC Genesis room correction
The Anthem MRX 540 8K integrates the ARC (Anthem Room Correction) Genesis system. Using a precision calibration microphone and dedicated software, it analyzes room acoustics and applies corrective filters to each channel to compensate for acoustic issues such as resonance modes or unwanted reflections. ARC Genesis offers numerous advanced settings, including precise bass management, target curve adjustment, and the ability to save different listening profiles, ensuring optimal frequency response at the listening position.
Audio streaming and multiroom
In addition to its HDMI and analog inputs, the Anthem MRX 540 8K offers extensive audio streaming features, compatible with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth for easy music playback from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The amp supports high-resolution streaming, is Roon compatible, and can be integrated into a multiroom system via Wi‑Fi or Ethernet to distribute different audio sources across multiple rooms.
Design and build
The Anthem MRX 540 8K sports a clean, elegant design with a brushed aluminum front panel and a large color display. Controls are minimal, with a large volume knob and a few direct-select buttons.
The amp uses high-quality audiophile components such as high-capacity filtering capacitors and an oversized toroidal transformer. Wiring uses high-purity copper traces to preserve signal integrity.
Comprehensive connectivity
Beyond its HDMI inputs and outputs, the Anthem MRX 540 8K provides full analog and digital connectivity: 5 RCA audio inputs, 1 MM phono input for a turntable, 3 optical digital audio inputs, 2 coaxial, 1 7.2-channel pre-out, and a front-panel headphone output. The amp is also equipped with 12V trigger outputs to control external devices, an IR input, and an RS-232 port for home automation integration.
Specific functions and advanced settings
The Anthem MRX 540 8K offers numerous features to optimize listening:
- Surround modes: Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, Anthem Logic, all-channel stereo, mono
- Advanced bass management: subwoofer level and crossover frequency adjustment, time alignment, phase inversion
- Speaker settings: distance, level, size, bi-amping
- 5-band parametric EQ
- Audio-video sync up to 500 ms
- Software updates via USB or network
The graphical interface, accessible from a web browser, makes it easy to configure these parameters. The Anthem AV mobile app also provides full control from a smartphone or tablet.
Key strengths
- Precise amplification of 5 x 100 W
- Compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced
- Full HDMI 2.1 supporting 8K/60 and 4K/120
- ARC Genesis automatic calibration
- Extensive audio streaming features
- Robust construction and elegant design
- Advanced settings to optimize performance
