Anthem MRX SLM Review
With the MRX SLM, Canadian manufacturer Anthem offers one of the smallest AV receivers available. The ultra-compact AVR impresses with its flexibility and extensive features, proving that small doesn’t mean inferior. Tested at €1,598.
by Simon Mendel
Anthem, a Canadian manufacturer known for its high-end home cinema and HiFi equipment, is a subsidiary of Paradigm Electronics, also based in Canada, which focuses more on speakers. Anthem, on the other hand, specializes in amplification, ranging from preamps to AV receivers. The Anthem MRX SLM, part of the fourth generation of the MRX series, is a prime example of this.
Design
The MRX SLM is an unusual AV receiver. Upon unboxing, we were struck by how compact it is. We knew in advance that the Anthem MRX SLM was a very slim AV receiver, but in reality, it appeared even smaller and slimmer than expected. The ultra-space-saving AVR stands just 3.8 cm tall, with a width and depth of about 28 cm each. With such compact dimensions, the “SLM” label, short for slim, is well-deserved.
The casing is made of metal and is very cleanly finished. The top is slightly rounded, while the bottom is not. On the front, in addition to the company logo, model name, and various “compatible with” labels, there is a small blue LED that indicates the device’s status. The front also houses an infrared sensor for the included remote control.
Connections
Though there’s not much space on the back, Anthem managed to fit the essentials. There’s an HDMI input and an optical input. Additionally, there’s an analog input in the form of a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack. To connect the AV receiver to a home network, we can use either the LAN port or Wi-Fi via the antennas, which are quickly screwed in.
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The output options are where things get interesting. There’s a grounding connection to earth the unit, an HDMI output, and a sub-out. Due to its compact form factor, Anthem had to come up with a different solution for the speaker connections. Regular banana plugs or speaker wire terminals wouldn’t fit, so they implemented a multi-channel Phoenix-style connector, commonly used for ceiling lights. This connector has ten slots for speaker wire, secured with a small screwdriver.
This design allows enough connections for five passive speakers. However, the minimal size limits the MRX SLM in terms of input variety. With only one HDMI input, you’ll need an external HDMI switch or connect multiple devices via the TV if you want to use a Blu-ray player, game console, and streaming device simultaneously, as the Anthem supports eARC.
Completely Hidden
There’s a good reason for the Anthem MRX SLM’s amusingly small form factor. The compact AV receiver is highly flexible in terms of placement. A rail is included for wall mounting, allowing for countless space-saving positions. For example, you can mount the Anthem MRX SLM behind the TV or under a shelf.
The receiver can be hidden like almost no other HiFi device. An optional rack mount is also available, allowing it to be installed in a 19-inch rack, as used in studios, server rooms, or home cinema/multi-room control centers. When hidden, the infrared signal from the remote may no longer reach the front sensor, so an external IR sensor is included, which can be placed in a better location and connected via cable to the appropriate port.
Connecting the Speakers
Since the speaker terminals are too small for the cables we use at the office, and we didn’t want to delay the test by sourcing compatible cables, we quickly found a workaround. We used wire cutters to trim part of the exposed speaker wire so it would fit into the slots. This required some precision work to ensure the bare copper wires didn’t touch each other.
Thankfully, the Phoenix connector can be detached from the device, making it easier to work with. Once all the speakers were connected, the Phoenix connector was reinserted into the receiver. Connecting the ten wires required patience, but after a bit of time, the Anthem MRX SLM was fully connected and ready to go. Your local dealer can help with the setup and will likely have the right cables with Phoenix connectors available if you don’t have them on hand.
Operation
Getting used to the operation of the Anthem MRX SLM takes some time. It’s understandable that the device itself doesn’t have a display, but the lack of an on-screen menu when connected to a TV makes things a bit more difficult. Even adjusting the volume with the remote doesn’t provide any visual feedback. To view and change settings, you’ll need to use the Anthem Remote app, which turns your smartphone into a remote control. The app runs smoothly and is visually minimalist. Using the Remote app reveals the MRX SLM’s true potential.
You can adjust the outputs of the 5-channel receiver—this is called Amp Matrixing. You can choose whether to use the MRX SLM for surround sound, bi-amping the front speakers, or various Dolby Atmos configurations. There are multiple options, including settings for upfiring or ceiling speakers. This makes the MRX SLM highly versatile for different setups. However, the receiver is more suited to smaller speakers, offering 50 watts per channel at 8 ohms.
Room Calibration
A standout feature of this ultra-compact AV receiver is its integration of Anthem’s proprietary room calibration software, ARC Genesis. The included USB measurement microphone allows us to calibrate the room. We connect the microphone to a laptop, download the ARC Genesis software, and the AV receiver connects to the laptop. The calibration takes just a few minutes and involves measuring five points, with each speaker measured individually. The software then provides measurements for each speaker and automatically adjusts the output to an ideal curve. Once uploaded to the device, the built-in DSP handles the sound adjustment. This is an excellent feature and a major advantage for the small Anthem. ARC Genesis can be disabled anytime via the Remote app.
Sound Test
We never wanted to turn off the room calibration during our sound test. For example, while watching “Baymax,” an action-packed yet dialogue-heavy film, we continuously toggled between ARC Genesis and the unadjusted settings. The difference was striking. ARC makes the sound much fuller, and the voices are clearer. Surround effects and bass are also sharper and more harmonious. The difference is unmistakable, so we continued with the room calibration activated.
In addition to its physical inputs, the Anthem MRX SLM also supports streaming via Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast.
So, we comfortably streamed “Juna” by American singer-songwriter Clairo from a smartphone. The AV receiver automatically switched to 2.1 playback, delivering a highly musical performance. It also automatically activated the “Anthem Logic Music” sound profile. Previously, we had been listening in the film profile, which enhanced the treble for improved spatiality. The ARC Genesis function enhances the sound again here.
The music was well-balanced and detailed, though we wished for a little more finesse in terms of three-dimensionality and depth, but that’s subjective. By the end of our test, we were genuinely surprised at the clear identity this tiny AV receiver possesses. The MRX SLM is specialized for compact, mostly hidden surround or Dolby Atmos setups and is also ideal for multi-room use.
SPECIFICATIONS
General Information:
- Device Class: AV Receiver
- Price Category: Mid-range
- Manufacturer: Anthem
- Model: MRX SLM
- Price (RRP): €1,598
- Dimensions (W/H/D): 27.9 x 3.8 x 27.9 cm
- Weight: 3.0 kg
Technical Specifications (as provided by the manufacturer):
- Power Output: 50W
- Max Channels: 5.1
- Custom Sound Settings: Yes
- Multichannel Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
- Wireless Audio: Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
- Inputs: 1x HDMI, 1x optical
- Outputs: Speakers, 1x HDMI, 1x Sub Out
Gallery
Verdict
We were thoroughly impressed with the Anthem MRX SLM. The ultra-compact AV receiver knows its niche and delivers an impressive performance within it. The room calibration is highly effective, and the Amp Matrixing adds great flexibility. Whether as a space-saving AVR behind the TV or as part of a larger home cinema multi-room system, the Anthem MRX SLM is a real innovation.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Flexible with Amp Matrixing
- Supports streaming
- Extremely space-saving
RATING
- Playback Quality: 55/60
- Features/Build Quality: 13/15
- User-Friendliness: 13/15
- Additional Points: +1 for compact design
Final Score: 82 out of 90 points
Price/Performance: Good (8/10)
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