Anthem MRX SLM Review: The Ultra-Slim A/V Receiver You Can Hide Anywhere (But Sounds Like You Shouldn’t)

The Anthem MRX SLM is an ultra-slim A/V receiver designed for seamless integration into modern living spaces, particularly for custom installation (CI) scenarios where aesthetics and space-saving are paramount. This review explores its features, performance, and suitability for various home audio and home theater setups. Measuring just 1.5 inches tall without its feet and weighing 6.6 pounds, the MRX SLM is compact enough to be tucked behind flat-panel TVs, inside cabinets, or directly into walls. Its rack-mountable design further enhances its versatility for installers. Despite its diminutive size, it promises high-end Anthem performance, traditionally associated with larger, more conspicuous components. At its core, the MRX SLM is a 5-channel A/V receiver powered by a Class D amplifier stage. This choice of amplification contributes to its compact form factor, cool operation, and energy efficiency. Anthem rates its power output at 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms (two channels driven) and 92 watts per channel into 4 ohms, which is sufficient for most in-wall, in-ceiling, on-wall, or compact bookshelf speaker systems typically paired with such a discreet AVR. It maintains a neutral frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB, ensuring accurate sound reproduction without coloration. A key feature of the MRX SLM is its robust integration capabilities with various home control ecosystems, including Savant, Crestron, Control4, URC, RTI, and ELAN. Full IP control allows installers to seamlessly incorporate it into smart home systems, enabling system management via a single app or interface. Day-to-day operation is primarily managed through the Anthem Remote App, offering control over power, volume, input switching, and audio modes via Wi-Fi. The included plastic remote serves as a basic alternative. Anthem Room Correction (ARC) Genesis is a standard inclusion, utilizing a calibrated microphone to measure and adjust the system's DSP for optimal sound quality within any given room. ARC Genesis is crucial for compensating for room-induced acoustic problems, especially in CI setups where speaker placement is fixed. It supports both Mac and Windows, allows for multiple speaker profiles, and provides adjustable crossovers from 40 to 200 Hz. The MRX SLM also features a multi-core DSP, half-decibel volume adjustments, Dolby Volume, and Anthem Logic for enhanced audio flexibility. Connectivity includes one HDMI 2.0b input with eARC support, along with optical and stereo analog inputs. This streamlined input selection is deemed adequate for typical hidden AVR use cases. Wireless support is comprehensive, featuring AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect, transforming the unit into a modern streaming receiver. Supported surround formats include Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround, DTS:X, and DTS Neural:X, alongside standard stereo and mono options. The MRX SLM employs a Multi-Channel Phoenix-Style connector for speaker wire termination, a common and efficient solution in CI environments, though it may not accommodate thicker audiophile-grade cables. Performance testing with various music genres and movie content revealed a clean, neutral, and composed sound signature, even with its Class D amplification. The eARC implementation proved reliable across different TV brands, and the unit capably handled movie soundtracks, especially when paired with a subwoofer for impactful low-frequency effects. While not designed to drive large floorstanding speakers at reference levels, its performance is highly suitable for bedrooms, dens, condos, and other spaces where discreet audio solutions are desired. #AnthemMRXSLM #AVReceiver #CustomInstallation #HomeTheater #RoomCorrection #ClassDAudio #SmartHomeIntegration #StreamingAudio #CompactDesign #AnthemMRXSLM #AVReceiver #CustomInstallation #HomeTheater #RoomCorrection #ClassDAudio #SmartHomeIntegration #StreamingAudio #CompactDesign