Anthem Electronics has announced that two models in its next generation of popular MRX A/V receivers -- the MRX 710 and MRX 510 -- are now shipping. Advanced Load Monitoring on the amplifiers means the new models are able to not only work harder, but work harder for longer. Also included is a new version of ARC (Anthem Room Correction), dubbed ARC 1M.
According to Anthem’s October 30 press release, “Ease of integration, a useful and forward-looking feature set with an exciting refined version of Anthem Room Correction (ARC 1M) designed exclusively for this new generation, are part of the offering. Aesthetically, these next-generation models feature a clean, minimalist front panel and well-organized back panel. With IP and RS-232 control, the new lineup boasts an expanded, flexible command set including drivers for popular control systems, as well as remote control apps for Android and iOS (Apple) devices both coming soon. Price, in typical Anthem fashion, once again reflects an extraordinary performance-to-value relationship. The series is set to reinforce the company’s position as a leading provider of affordable high-end A/V receivers.”
With ARC 1M, the software and microphone are included as part of the offering. ARC 1M connects via Ethernet and enjoys a higher level of digital signal processing and offers users the option to print “before and after” room-measurement graphs.
Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) was designed to keep a constant “eye on output.” An overheating protection and cooling system, ALM features “a unique extruded-aluminum heatsink tunnel. Voltage across the output stage and current through the output stage are constantly monitored to keep output transistors within their safe operating area as a function of time. In extreme situations, where speaker impedance is very low and the music level is very high, the amplifier will shut down to protect itself. The heatsink tunnel is driven by a fan. Inside the tunnel, temperature is monitored. During normal operation, the tunnel’s temperature will be below the threshold at which the fan needs to turn on. In demanding situations, where the temperature rises above an initial threshold, the fan comes on at low speed. If the temperature rises above the second threshold, the fan moves into high speed. This allows the amplifier not only to work harder, but for longer periods, without the need for shutdown.”
Power output for the MRX 710 is reported to be 120Wpc (two channels driven) or 90Wpc (five channels driven). The MRX 510 is rated at 100Wpc (two channels driven) or 75Wpc (five channels driven). The MRX 710 retails for $1999 USD, while the MRX 510 is $1599. The forthcoming MRX 310 is estimated to be $1199 when it becomes available in January 2014.
