Question AV Amp upgrade advice

[beachdays]

Hi,
I currently have a Yamaha RX-V1900 receiver. Thinking of upgrading, probably second hand market. My priority is sound quality. I currently have the front channels routed through my hifi amp. All my HDMI connections are direct to my tv with the audio only being routed through the receiver. I will only ever use a 5.1 setup. Given this arrangement I’m not sure I need to be paying for all the latest features, Dolby Atmos etc. I just want something that will sound better than my current Yamaha, although clearly it needs to be able to decode the audio likely to be used on Blu-ray over the foreseeable future.
any thoughts?

 

[davidf]

Which speakers do you use?

Have a look at older Anthems like the MRX500 or MRX510, which are 5.1 amplifiers. The entry level Anthem receivers are always a straight 5.1 design, for those who want just that.

 

[beachdays]

Thanks - I’ve not heard of anthem so I can check them out. I have Spendor speakers - S8e fronts, C5e centre and SR5 (I think) rears. Also have a Rel Strata III sub.

 

[davidf]

As you have Spendors, you’ll definitely need to be looking at quality used AV receivers.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Here’s a review of them:

Home review

If you put sound performance ahead of features, this Anthem is a terrific choice. Rarely have we heard a multi-channel amplifier sound so accomplished with music

www.whathifi.com

Brilliant with movies as well as music.

 

[davidf]

He may need to look at the MRX500 to stay within budget though.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

He may need to look at the MRX500 to stay within budget though.

I have to admit I did see one of Anthem’s current range the MRX 520 on Amazon about 3 weeks ago for £1120 roughly - seemed a great deal! This was Amazon selling it brand new too.

 

[davidf]

I have to admit I did see one of Anthem’s current range the MRX 520 on Amazon about 3 weeks ago for £1120 roughly - seemed a great deal! This was Amazon selling it brand new too.

Never heard of the supplier on there, but also not sure Anthem should be available via Amazon either.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Never heard of the supplier on there, but also not sure Anthem should be available via Amazon either.

Amazon was the supplier and they had 20 per cent off.

 

[davidf]

Amazon was the supplier and they had 20 per cent off.

Amazon don’t have an account to supply Anthem. It’ll be someone else.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Amazon don’t have an account to supply Anthem. It’ll be someone else.

They do:

Anthem MRX720 7.2 AV Receiver : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Shop Anthem MRX720 7.2 AV Receiver. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Blimey Amazon have really upped their price of the 520 now after having 20 per cent off:

Amazon.co.uk: Buying Choices: Anthem Mrx 520 5.2 Channel AV Receiver Amplifier

 

[buzz_lightclick]

Blimey Amazon have really upped their price of the 520 now after having 20 per cent off:

Amazon.co.uk: Buying Choices: Anthem Mrx 520 5.2 Channel AV Receiver Amplifier

That might be a good amp for you to try if you plan to stick to 5.1 sound for good?

 

[Samd]

Blimey Amazon have really upped their price of the 520 now after having 20 per cent off:

Amazon.co.uk: Buying Choices: Anthem Mrx 520 5.2 Channel AV Receiver Amplifier

I got mine from Fanthorpes and cheaper than both those. Sold my CXA80 - Anthem doing both jobs - better for PCM

 

[beachdays]

Anthem mrx 510 looks perfect, or perhaps even the 310 actually. Really appreciate your help. Thanks.