Anthem MRX 740 8K – 7-Channel AV Receiver

The Anthem MRX 740 8K is an AV receiver with seven built-in power amps and 11.2-channel processing, ready to run an Atmos home theater right out of the box and expand later via preamp outputs.

In Anthem's 8K lineup, the 740 is the sensible middle ground – and "sensible" here is explicitly a compliment. The MRX 540 covers the compact cinema, the MRX 1140 drives eleven channels internally. The 740 takes the position in between: enough power amps for a real home theater, plus a preamp that already processes more today than the chassis amplifies.

Why the MRX 740 8K?

Seven power amps mean, in practice: 5.1.2 with two ceiling speakers, or 7.1 with a full rear field – straight out of the box, no extra unit. Amp matrixing lets you reassign up to six channels, for example for bi-amping the fronts. And because the preamp processes 11.2 channels, the path to 7.2.4 is already built into the unit: you hang an external power amp off the preamp outputs instead of replacing the whole receiver. That's the real idea behind this model – finished today, not maxed out tomorrow.

What you'll hear

ARC Genesis measures your room with the supplied microphone and cleans up mainly the bass, exactly where rooms lie the most. After that, the sound sits calm and sorted, dialogue stays intelligible even when the world is ending in the background. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced run natively, and the 740 treats stereo pleasingly seriously. On the video side, 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz pass through with VRR and ALLM – the games console in the living room quietly approves.

Who is the MRX 740 8K for?

Straight talk: for anyone who wants a serious home theater in a living space and doesn't yet know today whether it'll ever become a full 7.2.4. If you want eleven channels now and internally, the MRX 1140 8K is the more honest buy. If 5.1 in a small room is enough for good, the MRX 540 8K will do. Two more things: there's no phono input, so the turntable needs its own preamp. And channels 6 and 7 are rated weaker than 1 through 5 – irrelevant for surrounds, but not for large rear floorstanders.

Our verdict

The 740 isn't a compromise, it's a decision: full Anthem processing, ARC Genesis, and genuine 8K pass-through, with seven power amps exactly where most living rooms stop anyway. We're happy to work out which configuration suits your room at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil – 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Here's what the trade press says: "The result is a competitively-priced and well-specified AV receiver that sounds excellent and delivers superb value for money." – AVForums, MRX 740 Review, 2021 (9/10, Highly Recommended).

Technical specifications

• Type: A/V receiver, 7 power amps, 11.2 preamp channels
• Power channels 1–5: 140 W into 8 Ω, 170 W into 6 Ω (two channels driven)
• Power channels 6–7: 60 W into 8 Ω, 75 W into 6 Ω
• Speaker impedance: 4 Ω or higher
• Amp matrixing: up to 6 reconfigurable channels
• Room correction: ARC Genesis, 4 storable profiles
• D/A conversion: 32-bit / 768 kHz
• Decoding: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, IMAX Enhanced
• Preamp outputs: 11.2 channels (RCA)
• Subwoofer outputs: 2 (parallel, same signal)
• HDMI: 2.1 / HDCP 2.3 – 7 inputs, 2 outputs (main output with eARC, second output for Zone 2)
• Video: 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, VRR, ALLM, BT.2020
• Additional inputs: 3 × optical, 2 × coaxial, 5 × analog RCA
• Phono input: not available
• Zone 2: yes, audio and HDMI
• Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth
• Control: Anthem Web User Interface, Anthem app, IP, RS-232, 12V trigger, IR
• Power consumption: 485 W typical, 0.3 W standby
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 43.2 × 15.2 × 36.4 cm (height without feet)
• Weight: 15.1 kg
• Optional: rack-mount kit (sold separately, 4U)
• Included: receiver, remote control, ARC Genesis USB measurement microphone with stand, power cable

Frequently asked questions

How many channels does the MRX 740 8K amplify itself?

The MRX 740 8K amplifies seven channels itself, and processes 11.2. That runs a full 5.1.2 or 7.1 setup straight out of the receiver. Amp matrixing lets you reassign up to six of these power amps, for example for bi-amping the front speakers. Anything beyond that goes through the 11.2 preamp outputs.

Can the MRX 740 8K handle a 7.2.4 Atmos setup?

Yes, but only with an external power amp. The preamp processes 11.2 channels, seven of which the receiver amplifies itself. You get the remaining four via the preamp outputs and a multichannel power amp. If you want a fully internal 7.2.4, go for the larger MRX 1140 8K. This way, expansion stays an addition rather than a fresh purchase.

Is the MRX 740 8K really natively 8K-capable?

Yes, the HDMI 2.1 platform is built in from the factory, no later upgrade needed. Seven inputs accept 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz, plus HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, VRR, and ALLM. The main output supports eARC, the second output serves Zone 2. That's plenty for current consoles and 8K TVs.

Can I connect a turntable directly?

No, the MRX 740 8K has no phono input. Your turntable needs a phono preamp, after which it goes into one of the analog RCA inputs. Many turntables already have a built-in preamp; if not, we'll find you the right unit for your cartridge and budget. That keeps vinyl possible in the home theater regardless.

Why buy the Anthem MRX 740 8K at HD Zürisee?

Because the channel configuration has to match your room and speakers, not the brochure. We plan layout, wiring, and expansion stage with you, calibrate with ARC Genesis, and integrate the whole thing into your living room. Mauri, our own technician, handles installation and service. Call or write to us – we're happy to advise you even before you buy.

Goes well with this

Seven channels want speakers: find the right set among the speakers, and the expansion to 7.2.4 among the power amps. For clean connections it's worth a look at cables, for the bigger picture at home theater – or straight into the Anthem world.