Surprises Comparing Music on Anthem MRX-1120, MRX-710 & Giesler Groß DAC

[Snoopy8]

Introduction
Had the opportunity to test a friend's MRX-1120 on my 5.2 setup and compared it my MRX-710. Fed using an Oppo 103, with separate video and audio hdmi channels into the 1120. Due to time constraints and home network & PC issues, Anthem Room Correction (ARC) was not run. Decided to focus on music because it was a more difficult challenge and allowed us to also compare against a 2 channel Giesler Groß DAC setup.  Note that the 5.2 and 2.2 systems shared the same SGR Audio CX3Bs (Mk1) mains and SVS SB13U, SB2000 subs.

 

Surprise No. 1 
The 1120 beat the 710 hands down for both multi channel and 2 channel music. The DACs and analogue circuitry on the 1120 were far superior with improved clarity and detail. We did not even need to switch to the 710 to compare; the 1120 won easily.  Gjeilo: North Country II and Arnesen: Magnificat 4 (both on 2L label) were used for the comparison.  Had we had more time, we would have used other non-classical pieces, but such was the difference that we were confident that the 1120 was better for music, full stop.

 

Surprise No. 2 
The 1120 came close to the Giesler Groß DAC for PCM. Playing North Country II, 2.0 LPCM 24/192 on the 1120 almost matched the 24/96 PCM on the Groß. There was slightly more detail and clarity on the Groß but what was unexpected was how close the 1120 got to the Groß. However, the Groß with the DSD 64 version of North Country II was the best and took things to another level.

 

With Magnificat 4 5.1 DTS HDMA 24/192 on the 1120, there was more ambience, and from behind, better organ and piano.  However, with the Groß, Magnificat 4 DSD 64 had more detail, clarity and presented such a wide sound stage that it almost made up for the lack of rear speakers.  It was that good!

 

Note no DSD decoding on Anthem products; ARC worked only with PCM.

 

Conclusions
Can recommend with confidence the Anthem MRX-1120 for music.   By implication, the 520 and 720 are also good for music, with the same DAC chip, analogue circuitry but with a non-toroidal power supply. Even more compelling is the AVM60, with better analogue to digital converters and quieter circuitry. Would expect the AVM60 to match PCM playback with the Groß.  

 

For superior 2 channel, go with the Groß DAC or equally as good DACs. But do not despair if you only have the MRX-1120; PCM reproduction will match many good 2 channel DACs.

 

What about the MRX-710 (& 510, 310)? Would recommend them for movies and less for music. Music is ok but not to discerning levels.

 

Movies?  I would expect the MRX-520, 720, 1120 to excel with movies, and provide better audio than the "10 family", but the improvement will not be as much as music.

 

 

 

Edited March 11, 2018 by Snoopy8
Typos

[Snoopy8]

Came across an old review of the MRX 720 which supported the view that the "20 family" is good for audio. Interesting that the reviewer was impressed by PCM on the 720 but not DSD.

http://everythingaudionetwork.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/home-theater-receiver-review-anthem-mrx.html?m=1