Description
Anthem MRX 740 8K 11.2 AV Receiver
The Anthem MRX 740 8K 11.2 AV Receiver is best described as an 11.2-channel pre-amplifier / processor with 7 built-in amplifier channels.
That means it can power a 5.1.2 or 7.1 speaker layout on its own, or process up to 11.2 channels when paired with additional external amplification. Anthem rates channels 1 to 5 at 140 watts per channel into 8 ohms, while the remaining two amplifier channels are rated at 60 watts per channel into 8 ohms, measured from 20Hz to 20kHz with two channels driven at 1% THD.
It also includes HDMI 2.1, 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, ARC Genesis room correction, 32-bit / 768kHz DACs, streaming support, Anthem’s Web User Interface, and integration support for major control systems.
What We Like
At Rapallo, the Anthem MRX 740 8K is the sweet spot in the Anthem MRX range for many serious home theatre systems.
Compared with the MRX 540 8K, the MRX 740 8K gives you more amplifier channels, more processing flexibility, and a stronger pathway into immersive audio. It can run a proper 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos system without needing an extra amplifier. However, it also gives you 11.2-channel processing, so you can add external power amps later and build a larger system around it.
The biggest reason to choose Anthem is still ARC Genesis. In NZ homes, room acoustics can make or break a home theatre system. ARC Genesis measures the speakers and room, then applies correction to improve tonal balance, bass integration, and overall clarity. Anthem also supports four storable ARC profiles, which is useful for different listening setups.
For customers who want performance first, the MRX 740 8K is a very strong choice. It does not just chase feature count. Instead, it focuses on clean power, accurate processing, excellent room correction, and long-term system flexibility.
View Specifications >> View User Manual >> View Anthem Products >>
The Anthem MRX 740 8K 11.2 AV Receiver Is Ideal For
- Premium 5.1.2 home theatre systems
- 7.1 surround systems
- Medium to larger media rooms
- Customers wanting ARC Genesis room correction
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X systems
- 4K/120Hz gaming and 8K-ready video systems
- Customers wanting external amplifier expansion later
- Custom AV installations with control system integration
What the Experts Say
- Home Cinema Choice highlighted ARC Genesis as one of the major reasons to choose Anthem, noting the calibrated microphone, USB cable, and mic stand supplied for room correction setup.
- Audioholics bench-tested the MRX 740 and MRX 1140 platform and focused on preamp, amplifier, bass management, and amplifier matrixing performance. It described the first impression as “Gotta Have It!” in its test summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Anthem MRX 740 8K?
The Anthem MRX 740 8K is a premium AV receiver with 11.2-channel processing, 7 built-in amplifier channels, HDMI 2.1, ARC Genesis room correction, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and streaming support. - Is the Anthem MRX 740 8K an 11.2 receiver?
Yes, it has 11.2-channel processing and preamp outputs. However, it has 7 built-in amplifier channels. To use all 11.2 processing channels, you need external amplification for the extra channels. - How many speakers can the MRX 740 8K power by itself?
It can power seven speakers directly. Common layouts include 7.1 or 5.1.2, plus one or two powered subwoofers. - Can the MRX 740 8K run Dolby Atmos?
Yes, it supports Dolby Atmos. With its internal amplifiers, a common Atmos layout is 5.1.2. With extra amplification, larger immersive layouts are possible. - Does the MRX 740 8K support 8K video?
Yes, the MRX 740 8K supports HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, provided the source, cable, and display also support those formats. - Does the MRX 740 8K support gaming features?
Yes, Anthem lists VRR and ALLM support on the MRX 8K HDMI platform. This makes it suitable for modern consoles and gaming PCs. - What is ARC Genesis?
ARC Genesis is Anthem’s room correction system. It measures your speakers and room, then applies correction to improve frequency response, bass integration, and system balance. - Does the MRX 740 8K include the ARC microphone?
Yes, Anthem’s MRX platform includes ARC Genesis and a calibration microphone for setup. - Does the MRX 740 8K have preamp outputs?
Yes, it includes 11.2-channel preamp outputs. This makes it suitable for adding external amplification now or later. - Does the MRX 740 8K have built-in streaming?
Yes, it supports Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth streaming. - Does the MRX 740 8K have a phono input?
For vinyl playback, use a turntable with a built-in phono stage or add an external phono preamp. - How is the MRX 740 8K different from the MRX 540 8K?
The MRX 740 8K has 11.2 processing and 7 built-in amplifier channels. The MRX 540 8K has 7.2 processing and 5 built-in amplifier channels. The MRX 740 8K is better suited to Atmos and larger systems. - How is the MRX 740 8K different from the MRX 1140 8K?
The MRX 1140 8K has more processing and amplification, with 15.2 processing and 11 amplifier channels. The MRX 740 8K is the better choice when you want a strong 7-channel AVR with room to expand. - Who is the Anthem MRX 740 8K best suited to?
It is best for customers who want a premium 5.1.2, 7.1, or expandable home theatre system with excellent room correction, strong sound quality, HDMI 2.1 video support, and a clear upgrade path.
Explore The MRX Series
New features, capabilities and robust integration position Anthem MRX Series as the ultimate power center of premium home theater and audio.
- MRX 1140 8K – 15.2 Pre-Amplifier / 11 Amplifier Channel A/V receiver with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. 140-watts per channel continuous power into 8 ohms. Includes ARC (Anthem Room Correction). HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3 supporting 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz
- MRX 740 8K – 11.2 Pre-Amplifier / 7 Amplifier Channel A/V receiver with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. 140-watts per channel continuous power into 8 ohms. Includes ARC (Anthem Room Correction). HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3 supporting 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz
- MRX 540 8K – 7.2 Pre-Amplifier / 5 Amplifier Channel A/V receiver with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. 100-watts per channel continuous power into 8 ohms. Includes ARC (Anthem Room Correction). HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3 supporting 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz
Key Features
11.2 Processing with 7 Built-In Amplifier Channels
The MRX 740 8K includes 11.2 pre-amplifier channels and 7 amplifier channels. This makes it ideal for 5.1.2, 7.1, or externally expanded 7.1.4-style systems. It is a stronger foundation than the MRX 540 8K for customers wanting a more immersive setup.
Strong Amplifier Platform
Anthem rates channels 1 to 5 at 140W into 8 ohms and 170W into 6 ohms. The remaining two amplifier channels are rated at 60W into 8 ohms and 75W into 6 ohms. These figures are measured from 20Hz to 20kHz with two channels driven at 1% THD.
ARC Genesis Room Correction
ARC Genesis is a major strength of the MRX 740 8K. It uses a precision microphone and advanced software to measure your room, then creates correction filters for improved frequency response and system balance. This is especially useful for subwoofer integration and challenging room layouts.
Four ARC Profiles
The MRX 740 8K supports up to four storable ARC profiles. For example, you can create different profiles for movies, music, late-night listening, or different seating positions.
HDMI 2.1 with 8K and 4K/120Hz
The MRX 740 8K includes Anthem’s HDMI 2.1 platform with HDCP 2.3. It has 7 dedicated 8K HDMI inputs and dedicated HDMI outputs with eARC support. It supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through for modern video sources.
Gaming-Ready Video Features
The HDMI platform supports features such as VRR and ALLM. This makes the MRX 740 8K suitable for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, gaming PCs, and modern displays that support 4K/120Hz gaming.
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced
The MRX 740 8K supports immersive audio formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced. This gives movie soundtracks more height, movement, scale, and placement when used with the right speaker layout.
32-Bit / 768kHz DACs
Anthem lists 32-bit / 768kHz DACs in the MRX 740 8K. This supports precise digital-to-analogue conversion for movie soundtracks, music streaming, gaming, and digital sources.
11.2 Pre-Outs for Expansion
The MRX 740 8K includes 11.2-channel preamp outputs. This gives you a clean upgrade path. You can add external amplifiers for height channels, front channels, or even move toward a full separates-style system.
Streaming Built In
The MRX 740 8K supports Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth. That makes it useful for everyday music playback as well as home theatre.
Anthem Web User Interface
The Web User Interface lets you control setup from a phone, tablet, or laptop on the same network. You can adjust inputs, volume, listening modes, channel trims, and system settings more easily than using only the front panel.
Custom Install Friendly
The MRX 740 8K supports IP and serial control. It is also designed for integration with major control systems, making it suitable for custom home theatre and smart-home projects.
Perfect System Match
A great match would be the Anthem MRX 740 8K, a quality 5.1.2 speaker package, and a capable subwoofer. Add ARC Genesis calibration and the system becomes much better matched to the room.
For a premium Rapallo home theatre system, pair it with Paradigm speakers and an SVS subwoofer. Anthem and Paradigm are a natural match because both brands focus on accuracy, controlled sound, and proper room integration.
For a larger room, add a separate power amplifier. This lets the MRX 740 8K use its 11.2-channel processing and expand beyond its seven internal amplifier channels.
Product Comparison Snapshot
| Model | Best For | Key Difference |
| Anthem MRX SLM 4K | Slimline compact AV systems | Smaller slimline receiver with lower system scale |
| Anthem MRX 540 8K | Premium 5.1 / 5.2 systems | 7.2 processing, 5 powered channels, ARC Genesis, HDMI 2.1 |
| Anthem MRX 740 8K | Larger 7-channel amplified systems | 11.2 processing and 7 amplifier channels |
| Anthem MRX 1140 8K | Full immersive cinema rooms | 15.2 processing and 11 amplifier channels |
| Anthem AVM 70 8K | Separate processor systems | AV processor only, requires external power amplifiers |
Specifications
Brand: Anthem
Model: MRX 740 8K
Product Type: 8K AV Receiver / Home Theatre Receiver
Amplifier Channels
7 powered amplifier channels
Pre-Amplifier Channels
11.2 channels
Maximum Continuous Output, Channels 1 to 5, 8 Ohms
140W per channel
20Hz to 20kHz
2 channels driven
1% THD
Maximum Continuous Output, Channels 1 to 5, 6 Ohms
170W per channel
20Hz to 20kHz
2 channels driven
1% THD
Maximum Continuous Output, Remaining Channels, 8 Ohms
60W per channel
20Hz to 20kHz
2 channels driven
1% THD
Maximum Continuous Output, Remaining Channels, 6 Ohms
75W per channel
20Hz to 20kHz
2 channels driven
1% THD
Speaker Impedance
Greater than 4 ohms
Room Correction
ARC Genesis Room Correction
Calibration microphone included
ARC Profiles
Up to 4 storable profiles
Audio Formats
Dolby Atmos
DTS:X
IMAX Enhanced
Dolby Surround
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X, source / layout dependent
DAC
32-bit / 768kHz DAC platform
HDMI Platform
HDMI 2.1
HDCP 2.3
HDMI Inputs
7 x dedicated 8K HDMI inputs
HDMI Outputs
Dedicated HDMI outputs
eARC supported
Video Support
8K/60Hz pass-through
4K/120Hz pass-through
VRR
ALLM
HDR10+
HDR
Dolby Vision
HLG
BT.2020 support, source and display dependent
Streaming
Apple AirPlay
Google Cast
Spotify Connect
Bluetooth
Network / Control
Ethernet / LAN
Wi-Fi control
Anthem Web User Interface
Anthem Remote App
IP control
Serial control
Custom Integration
Savant
Control4
RTI
URC
Crestron
ELAN
Digital Audio Inputs
Optical digital inputs
Coaxial digital inputs
Analogue Audio Inputs
Stereo RCA analogue inputs
Preamp Outputs
11.2-channel RCA preamp outputs
Speaker Outputs
7 speaker channels
Assignable amplifier channels
Headphone Output
Front-panel headphone jack
Other Connections
RS-232
IR input
Trigger outputs
USB service port
Chassis ground screw
Dimensions
431.8mm (W) x 152.4mm (H, without feet) x 364mm (D)
Rack Height
4U with rack mount
Weight
Approx. 15.1kg
Finish
Black
Rapallo Product Data
MPN: MRX 740 8K
SKU: ANTHEM-MRX740-8K
EAN / UPC / GTIN: 0809918003338
Why Buy From Rapallo
✔ Expert home theatre system design advice
✔ Help matching speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, and room size
✔ ARC Genesis setup and calibration guidance
✔ NZ support and after-sales service
✔ Trusted hi-fi and home entertainment specialists
✔ Practical advice for HDMI, gaming, eARC, speaker placement, acoustic treatment, and upgrade paths





























