The MRX SLM is a home theater receiver by Anthem. It is a 5-channel design using a D output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. The Anthem MRX SLM has an MSRP of $1,300.
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on a home theater receiver is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Anthem MRX SLM is rated at 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms (2 channels driven).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 50 watts into 8-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
How loud will 50 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Need more power?
Anthem MRX SLM is rated at 50 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our Up to 60 watts band. The next band up is 61 to 90 watts, which is worth about 3.9dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room.
When pairing the Anthem MRX SLM with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Anthem MRX SLM, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Inputs
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- Subwoofer Output (1)
- HDMI Output (1)
Phono Input
Anthem MRX SLM doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Anthem MRX SLM has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.
Surround Sound and Channels
Anthem MRX SLM is a 5.1-channel receiver, powering 5 speakers directly - the .1 is a subwoofer output, not extra amplified channels. It decodes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
Video and HDMI
An AV receiver is the switch every source passes through on its way to the
television, so what it can carry sets a ceiling on the rest of the system.
Room Correction
Anthem MRX SLM includes
ARC Genesis.
Room correction measures the speakers where they actually stand and corrects
for what the room does to them, which in a multi-channel system matters more
than in a stereo one - the surround and height channels are usually the ones
placed where they fit rather than where they should be.
Anthem MRX SLM Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓5 channels of amplification on board.
- ✓1 HDMI input and 1 output, HDMI 2.0b.
- ✓Decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- ✓Room correction: ARC Genesis.
- ✓Subwoofer outputs: 1.
- ✗The 50-watt rating is measured with two channels driven; expect less with every channel working, which is how a receiver actually runs.
- ✗HDMI 2.0b rather than 2.1, so 4K at 120Hz and the gaming features that come with it are not available.
Anthem MRX SLM External Dimensions and Weight
Anthem MRX SLM has external dimensions of (H x W x D) (38.1 x 280.9 x 328.7mm ). The unit weighs
2.99 kg (6.6 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a home theater receiver may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Anthem MRX SLM is approximately 923.3cm2 / 143.1inch2.
- Width: 280.9mm (11.06")
- Height: 38.1mm (1.5")
- Depth: 328.7mm (12.94")
- Weight: 2.99 kg (6.6 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~923.3cm2 / 143.1inch2
- Volume: ~3.5 liter / 0.9 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
Anthem |
| Full Model Name |
Anthem MRX SLM |
| Amplifier Type |
Home Theater Receiver |
| Number of Channels |
5 |
| Amp Class |
D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
50 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
N/A |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
|
| THD |
|
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
N/A |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
0 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
1 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
No |
| USB Input |
No |
| Preamp Outputs |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
38.1mm (1.5") |
| Width |
280.9mm (11.06") |
| Depth |
328.7mm (12.94") |
| Weight |
2.99 kg (6.6 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
What amplifier class is the Anthem MRX SLM?
The Anthem MRX SLM uses a Class D amplifier design. Class D is a modern switching design that runs cool and wastes very little energy as heat, which is how makers fit high power into a compact, light chassis.
Can I connect a turntable to the Anthem MRX SLM?
No. The Anthem MRX SLM has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Can I connect a subwoofer to the Anthem MRX SLM?
Yes. The Anthem MRX SLM has a subwoofer output, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.
How much does the Anthem MRX SLM cost?
The Anthem MRX SLM has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,300.
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