The latest developments from Anthem, lift the already fantastic MRX range to even higher sonic and visual levels. The powerful sound encapsulates the full content with subtle details presented alongside the dramatic sweeps in both music or film scores. With the latest video and audio decoding you are given the true immersive visuals that beg for you to continue watching movie after movie. The leading edge processing takes all formats of movie sounds and remaps them for your own environment allowing the sounds to immerse you in the films world or establishes a real space for gaming.
The latest Anthem processors have the latest ARC (Anthem Room Correction) that remove the your homes sound to deliver the directors creations with out limitation. Then add in the support for up to 15.2 channels: plus the built in streaming of BlueTooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Roon you have the hub for all the entertainment.
The video side of the Anthem will seamlessly interface with your smart TV or projector to allow 7 individual 8K HDMI components to give amazing clarity with their 8k/60Hz or 4K 120Hz pass-through via 3 dedicated feeds each with eARC.
The Denon AVR2700H Cinema Receiver Amplifier
I’ve received of of the latest iteration of Denon Home Cinema Receivers, the Denon AVR2700H. The company lists a number of very exciting features in this version which I wish to let you know about.
The AVR receiver is available in black which helps it blend into the domestic setting and has a clean looking design that doesn’t shout TECHNOLOGY! The powerful amplifier is capable of delivering up-to 150 Watts which allows you to choose from a wide range of speakers like discrete hidden units to large free standing towers.
The most interesting of the features currently is the ability to accept and pass-through 8K programme material meaning it’s future proofed and has the most stunning images possible. Whilst discussing HDMI connectivity it is worth pointing out that there a further five other video inputs and four analogue inputs which assignable. A quality LP (vinyl) input is present for your much cherished LP collection or the one your looking to build.
The advanced features include immersive surround sound from the likes of Dolby and THX which will have you diving for cover or fully included in the film scenes. Video tailoring to increase the impressive images available on your screen and a sound set up that tunes the system and room for the best sound. And finally, the ability to find and playback your HiRes audio files and access to your Spotify account.
On opening the box
What I found when opening the box was the remote control, power lead and instruction/warranty form then, by removing the protective cloth a black box which was impeccably built. The substantial unit has clear lines and is simplicity it’s in it’s panel design. The rear of the unit is where all the tech is hidden and it’s neatly populated with HDMI, phono and speaker connections and also connectivity for networks and Bluetooth.
What can it do?
Quite simply it’s the hub for your entertainment in the home, connected with the TV and wireless network you can stream music, immerse yourself in films or Box sets and replay LPs all at their highest resolutions.
The music is free from the speakers making feel more like the real experience. Sounds have a almost physical presence that enhances moives and LP’s have the delicacy and impact that you know is right.
The Denon also has the video side of the receiver equation covered with the ability to get out of the way of Ultra High Definition images but still have some ability to help on less impressive sources. Colours are subtly rendered or dramatically splashed at other times when called on. Little in the way of artefacts are noticed and can be completely switched off for a direct movie experience.
What is it like?
The video pass through is transparent and the other video features are useful with the ability to assist the display, the ISF settings raise the system level. The sound in stereo is spacious with good steering and then has body with definition in surround modes for movies.
A great cost effective Home Cinema Receiver that offers most of what videophiles need and has an easy sound to live with.