Buy the Denon AVR-X3800H for the platform: nine amplified channels, four independent subs, XT32, and a 4K/120-class curated HDMI spec against Anthem's stated HDMI 2.0b / 4K60 board. Buy the Anthem MRX 740 when ARC Genesis is the point — its 140W figure comes with no stated measurement context, so the amp case rests on reputation our fields don't record.
As tracked by Home Theater Builder: the Anthem MRX 740 tracks at $3,100; the Denon AVR-X3800H at $1,399.How we verify this data →
Anthem's MRX 740 is the receiver audio forums recommend when the Denon default feels too default. The normalized sheets make the trade unusually concrete.
Specifications · side by side · per-field provenance
● SOURCE-TRACKED
Spec
Anthem MRX 740
Denon AVR-X3800H
Price
$3,100
$1,399
Brand
Anthem
Denon
Channel configuration
11.2
9.4
Main channels
7
9
Processing channels
11
11
Subwoofer pre-outs
2
4
Zone 2 capable
Yes
Yes
Watts per channel (8 Ω)
140
105
Channels driven (power rating)
unstated
two channels driven
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Yes
DTS:X
Yes
Yes
IMAX Enhanced
Yes
Yes
Room correction system
ARC Genesis
Audyssey MultEQ XT32
HDMI inputs
7
6
HDMI outputs
3
3
HDMI version
2.0b
2.1
HDMI max bandwidth (Gbps)
18
40
HDMI eARC ports
1
1
Max passthrough resolution
4K 60
8K 60
HDR support
Dolby Vision
HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR
Phono input
No
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
AirPlay 2
Yes
Yes
IP control
Yes
Yes
Streaming services
Spotify Connect
TuneIn, Spotify Connect, Pandora, Qobuz
12 V trigger outputs
3
1
Height channels
not stated
4
Zone 3 capable
not stated
No
Watts per channel (6 Ω)
not stated
135
THD (%)
not stated
0.08
Impedance range
not stated
4-16 Ω/ohms
Speaker impedance, min (Ω)
not stated
4
Speaker impedance, max (Ω)
not stated
16
Auro-3D
not stated
Yes
Measurement mic included
not stated
Yes
HDMI 2.1 ports
not stated
6
VRR passthrough
not stated
Yes
ALLM passthrough
not stated
Yes
HEOS
not stated
Yes
Alexa built-in
not stated
Yes
Form factor
not stated
full size
Width (in)
not stated
17.1
Height (in)
not stated
6.6
Depth (in)
not stated
14.9
Weight (lbs)
not stated
16.8
Power consumption (W)
not stated
660
Shaded rows differ · green dot = lab-measured · amber = manufacturer-verified · blue = retailer/community-reported · grey = estimated · “not stated” means exactly that
Reading the numbers honestly
Anthem states 140W into 8Ω — but neither the THD threshold nor the channels-driven count appears in our data, so it cannot be ranked against the Denon's fully-qualified 105W (8Ω, two channels, 0.08%). The stated trade elsewhere: the MRX 740 carries ARC Genesis room correction — Anthem's measured-in-house system with a strong enthusiast following — while stating an HDMI 2.0b board with a 4K/60 ceiling. The Denon amplifies nine channels to Anthem's seven (both process eleven), states four independent sub outs to Anthem's two, and carries a curated 40 Gbps HDMI bandwidth.
Compatibility · computed, not written
Checked against a bookshelf that dips to a stated 3.5Ω like the KEF LS50 Meta: KEF LS50 Meta
Can the Anthem MRX 740 drive the KEF LS50 Meta?
Anthem MRX 740 publishes no rated impedance range, so the pairing with the KEF LS50 Meta (which dips to a stated 3.5Ω minimum) can't be verified from its spec sheet — we treat that as "can't check", not a pass.
Can the Denon AVR-X3800H drive the KEF LS50 Meta?
Denon AVR-X3800H states a 4Ω-minimum rating; the KEF LS50 Meta dips to a stated 3.5Ω minimum, a little below that floor. Most receivers handle a marginal dip at normal volumes — it's worth watching only at very high output on an entry-level unit.
Computed from the catalog's normalized fields — the same fields the builder's compatibility engine reads. A missing field reads as "can't check", never as a pass.
Gaming & connectivity · answered from the spec sheets
Can the Anthem MRX 740 and Denon AVR-X3800H pass 4K/120 through?
The Anthem MRX 740 states 18 Gbps HDMI bandwidth, below the ~40 Gbps full 4K/120 needs; the Denon AVR-X3800H states 40 Gbps HDMI bandwidth — enough for full 4K/120.
The verdict
Buy the Denon AVR-X3800H for the platform: nine amplified channels, four independent subs, XT32, and a 4K/120-class curated HDMI spec against Anthem's stated HDMI 2.0b / 4K60 board. Buy the Anthem MRX 740 when ARC Genesis is the point — its 140W figure comes with no stated measurement context, so the amp case rests on reputation our fields don't record.
Gaming and future sourcesDenon AVR-X3800H — The Anthem states HDMI 2.0b with a 4K/60 ceiling; the Denon carries a curated 40 Gbps, 4K/120-class spec.
Room correction preferenceAnthem MRX 740 — ARC Genesis is the stated system; whether it beats XT32 is a listening claim, not a field — the stated difference is which system you get.
Channels and bass topologyDenon AVR-X3800H — 9 amplified channels and 4 independent sub outs vs 7 and 2.
Where to buy
CHEAPEST FIRST · NOT COMMISSION-RANKED
Anthem MRX 740
Tracked at Audio Advice · price not quotable from a search page
Anthem's 140W is stated into 8Ω with NO THD or channels-driven context in our data — it cannot honestly be ranked against the Denon's fully-qualified 105W (8Ω/2ch/0.08%), and we say so.
The HDMI generations differ by name on the sheets: Anthem states HDMI 2.0b and a 4K/60 ceiling; the Denon carries a curated 40 Gbps HDMI 2.1-class bandwidth.
9 vs 7 amplified channels and 4 vs 2 subwoofer pre-outs — both process eleven channels, so only one powers a 5.x.4 without help.
Correction systems stated: ARC Genesis vs Audyssey MultEQ XT32 — a genuine philosophical fork, recorded as fields, argued nowhere else on either maker's page.
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