Anthem MDX 16 Review: Eight Zone Distribution Amplifier

Feature Fully Powered Independent-Zone Subwoofer Connections

Written by AudioGuru Staff | Updated December 6, 2022
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Anthem MDX 16 Review: Eight Zone Distribution Amplifier

In North America, the installation market is larger and more important than the traditional hi-fi market. In Europe, built-in may be slightly less relevant, in some countries (such as Belgium and Germany) there is a significant growth in projects in which audio is integrated into the home. The fact that well-known audio brands such as Anthem are active in this part of the audio market is a positive thing because they have the right cards to deliver good sound quality in CI projects. The Anthem MDX-16 is one of two CI amplifiers that Anthem has launched this year. The other is the MDX-8, equipped with eight channels. Perhaps we shouldn’t tell you how many channels the MDX-16 has. This is a pure amplifier that you have to combine with one or more sources, controllable via IP or RS232, and compatible with a whole range of home automation platforms.

We now write ‘pure amplifier’, but the MDX-16 does come with a DAC hatch so that digital audio streams can also be played. It’s a real audio matrix; you can forward any source to one or more zones, which offers a lot of flexibility. 60 Watts of power is available for each of the sixteen channels, but in bridge mode (where you merge two zones into one) you can increase that to 200 Watts. You can do something with that.

Our Verdict

4.5

The Anthem MDX-16 distribution amp offers individual control for up to eight zones and supplies the force for the ultimate multi-room setup. A wonderful option for your home theatre.

Pros

  • The MDX series has been designed to simplify the installation of an audio distribution system
  • Guarantees the best performance
  • The first audio distribution systems to be equipped with amplification stages

Cons

  • Still need some sort of testing

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Highlights

  • All channels are powered at 60 watts (8 ohms) or 120 watts (4 ohms), or 200 watts with bridges (8 ohms).
  • Even under the most severe loads, 8 or 16 channels of ultra-class-D amplification complemented by cutting-edge load monitoring technologies provide quick, dependable performance.
  • The integrity of high-resolution source materials is maintained via 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converters (DAC).
  • Using an active (powered by another zone in bridge mode) or passive (RCA) connection, separate zone-specific bass control and subwoofer integration is possible.
  • 200 watts are possible with bridging for high-power applications like subwoofers.
  • Multiple MDX can be linked together via a digital switching output.
  • Multiple MDX can be daisy-chained using analog pass-through connectors.

What’s in the box?

Dual-jack microphone, USB mini (Type B) cable for ARC microphone , 3.5mm cable for ARC microphone (for future ARC Mobile app support) , 3.5 mm trigger cable • IEC power cord(s) (US type for 120V model, EU/UK/AU type for 230V model) , 2x Rack brackets (preinstalled) , 4x Feet (if tabletop operation required) and 4x Phillips head screws (for attaching feet)

Price and Availability

Price and Availability

The Anthem MDX 16 is available for just under ₹610399. You can get more detailed information about the Anthem MDX 16 current price and availability by consulting us.

Design


Design

The MDX-16 is equipped to be stacked right out of the box. That is made simple by the 2U format standard and the mounting clips on the sides. But if they’d rather, they can easily take these brackets off and mount the included feet. You unexpectedly acquire a piece of equipment that belongs on a piece of furniture or in a cabinet. It is not that the MDX-16 now has a sexier appearance; rather, it still largely functions as a gadget meant for the CI market. There’s nothing wrong with that, and the front-mounted LED display gives you a clear visual of which zones are active. If you need to troubleshoot quickly, this is helpful. It’s a nice feature that the web interface can adjust to the small displays of phones and other mobile devices if a user still wishes to control via the online interface.

Sound Quality

Sound Quality

Every one of the eight zones can have an active subwoofer added. In bridge mode, you join two nearby zones (for instance, zones 1 and 2) to form a stronger single zone. The 2 × 60 Watts of a single zone should be plenty for a pair of ceiling speakers. However, the additional power of the bridge mode is unquestionably helpful for a passive subwoofer or a few demanding hi-fi speakers. The user won’t need to access the web interface very much if you pick that boot volume properly. After all, the MDX-16 will automatically turn on a zone when the music begins to play; you will hear sound after 3 to 5 seconds, and precise volume control is frequently possible through the music source (or its app) directly.

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Specifications

Brand : Anthem
Model : MDX 16
Dimensions : 3.5” x 17” x 16.4” (8.9 x 43.2 x 41.7 cm)
Weight : 24 lbs. (10.8kg)
Power Output RMS per Channel (8 Ohm) : 60 Watts
Frequency Response : 10Hz – 20kHz ±0.5dB
AC Voltage : 120V~50/60Hz
Microphone (for room correction) : Included dual input microphone
(3.5mm and mini-USB)

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Conclusion

Anthem made a wise decision by including individual room corrections for each zone (including in bridge mode). Especially considering that it uses the tried-and-true ARC system, which is simple to set up yet highly effective against a variety of acoustic issues. This provides installers a means to improve displays for consumers without significantly raising complexity or cost.

The MDX-16’s ARC feature is without a doubt its most notable feature, but this Anthem gadget also has other great points. That’s nothing: audio matrix functionality, sixteen amplified channels (with bridge mode to increase a zone’s power to 2 x 200 Watt), a simple online interface, and several integration choices.

AudioGuru Staff

AudioGuru Staff

AudioGuru is a platform where we review and recommend audio products. When it comes to purchasing decisions, our journalists combine independent research with extensive testing to save you time, energy, and money. We’ll help you get it right, whether it’s finding an amazing product or getting useful advice.

Share Your Personal Experience by Writing a Review.

    Awesome sound! Although the treble and bass control seems

    By Yogesh Bajwa 

    Overall Experience:

    Fantastic sound! Turning on the tone kill appears to fix the bass issue even though the treble and bass control appears to remove the bass from the left channel.

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