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Anthem MDX-8
New Anthem MDX Series are the first distribution systems to feature fully powered independent-zone subwoofer connections, as well as ARC® Genesis room correction for each zone.
MDX Series features today’s cutting-edge Anthem amplifier technology so you can expect smooth, efficient, consistent high power and reliability. MDX Series is engineered to simplify your next custom audio system installation, and to blow your clients away with extreme performance in any setup.
Meet the Engineering Team behind the MDX
Anthem’s research and engineering division, sequestered in the epicentre of the Canadian tech industry, Ottawa, Canada, is the driving force behind the revolutionary MDX Series. Anthem’s Engineers spent over 2 years developing MDX and its myriad of features including Anthem Room Correction Technology for each zone.
Web-Based Setup
Nothing could be simpler than on-site configuration and calibration using our intuitive Web-based controls.
The specially designed, adaptive user interface works on any device. Custom configure zones, from input assignments to zone names. Adjust levels (and every aspect of performance) independently.
Automation Compatibility
Robust IP/RS-232 connection capability ensures compatibility with leading home automation systems, with easily downloaded drivers.
Drivers available for these systems:
Dedicated Subwoofers for each Zone
Install and control subwoofers independently in separate zones, with dedicated outputs (both low and high level, including bridge mode), and zone-independent settings for the new, more advanced Anthem Room Correction (ARC® Genesis).
Toggle ARC Genesis on/off in each zone to hear the benefits of premium room optimization.
Zone Configuration Options
Zones can have custom names, multiple inputs, independent playback, and tuning controls. Bridge zones for more power. Enable subwoofer bass management in any zone, instantly set crossover frequency, level, phase, and polarity.
Only the MDX Series gives you this much control over multiple zones, supporting more creative system designs and more thrilling audio performance.
Analog/Digital Matrix Switching
Full digital/analog matrix switching allows you to assign any analog RCA, digital coaxial or digital optical input to any output, either pre-configured via the web interface or switched in real-time via IP commands.
MDX includes these key features and more…
- 60 Watts (8 Ohms) / 120 Watts (4 Ohms) with all channels driven, or bridges to provide 200 Watts (8 Ohms).
- 8- or 16-channels of Ultra-Class-D amplification, each supported by Advanced Load Monitoring technology, delivers fast, reliable performance even under the most demanding loads.
- 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter (DAC) maintains the integrity of high-resolution source materials.
- Customized pre-set DSP settings.
- Separate zone-specific bass management and subwoofer integration via a passive (RCA) or active (powered by another zone in bridge mode) connection.
- Bridging allows up to 200 Watts for high power applications such as subwoofers.
- Digital switching output allows linking of digital inputs between multiple MDX.
- Analog pass-through connections allow daisy chaining of multiple MDX.
- Speaker terminal block connections accept up to 12 AWG, ideal for long speaker cable runs.
- IP/RS232 capability ensures compatibility with leading home automation systems.
- ON/OFF switched via IP/RS232, 12-Volt trigger, or audio sensing.
- High-efficiency design meets global power saving standards. Secure professional rack-mount arms included.
Put the power of Anthem and Paradigm together to create the BEST experience for your customers.
Anthem’s MDX includes custom DSP profiles for Paradigm CI speakers and subwoofers to equalize frequency response. Using Paradigm CI speakers and subwoofers with the Anthem MDX’s custom DSP profiles also provides the added advantage of tracking voltage, current, frequency and impedance for output management and integration with Advanced Load Monitor of the channels.
Team Anthem MDX with these Paradigm products:
- CI Home speakers
- CI Pro speakers
- CI Elite speakers
- Décor Custom Collection
- Defiance subwoofers
- Garden Oasis
- In-Wall subwoofers
- MilleniaSub subwoofer
- Seismic 110 subwoofer
- Stylus Series
Dealers selling Anthem near you
Anthem MDX-8 — Eight-channel distribution amp with ARC
The Anthem MDX-8 brings studio-grade control to whole-home audio, pairing an eight-channel Class D amplifier with Anthem Room Correction (ARC) for dramatic, room-specific improvements. Jerry Del Colliano notes a neutral, transparent signature that preserves recording detail while ARC tightens bass and restores low-frequency depth. With 60 watts per channel (bridgeable to ~200 Wpc), advanced load monitoring, per-zone bass management and 24/192-capable DACs on each input, the MDX-8 delivers punch, clean transients and convincing three-dimensional imaging even with in-ceiling or invisible speakers. Built as a 2U rack unit that runs cool, it supports web-based setup, automation drivers and removable Phoenix speaker connectors. Ideal for installers and audiophiles who want consistent, high-fidelity multiroom sound, the MDX-8 is positioned as a high-value, system-level upgrade.
Pros
- Anthem Room Correction (ARC) is credited with transformative, room-specific improvements—tightening bass and restoring low-frequency depth across zones.
- Accurate, neutral sound with strong transient control and detailed imaging, making it well suited to in-ceiling and invisible speaker setups.
- Practical multiroom feature set—per-zone bass management, 24/192-capable DACs on each input, advanced load monitoring and removable Phoenix speaker connectors—simplifies integration.
- Class D design runs cool in racks and offers useful power headroom (60 Wpc nominal, bridgeable to about 200 Wpc) for most distributed audio needs.
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Cons
- Designed as a rack-centric product, the MDX-8 may not suit systems where a visible, non-racked component is preferred.
- Power switch and some controls are rear-panel located, which can be inconvenient for occasional manual access.
- While bridgeable to ~200 Wpc, users needing more continuous high-power output per zone may prefer a dedicated two-channel amplifier for select zones.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
92/100
Reviewers note 60 Wpc as 'a lot of power for most speakers in a whole-home audio system' and the unit is bridgable to ~200 Wpc, giving useful headroom. As a Class D distribution amp it is described as delivering effortless control, grip and transient authority for in-ceiling and invisible speakers, and runs cool in an equipment rack — all signs of strong current delivery and stable performance into real-world loads.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
The amp plus ARC are reported to produce 'wonderful three dimensionality' and to 'capture the gravity' of complex mixes, with good percussive detail and stable imaging even with invisible/in-ceiling speakers. The reviewer describes the combination as transformative for distributed setups, indicating strong channel separation and convincing spatial presentation.
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Build Quality
89/100
As a Class D design the MDX-8 'runs cool as a cucumber' and is a compact 2U chassis (21 lb) suitable for racks. Review notes emphasize a well-implemented feature set (ARC, advanced load monitoring, removable Phoenix speaker connectors and substantial I/O) though internal component-level detail is limited in the review; overall construction and thermal design are clearly competent.
Value for Money
93/100
At $2,499 the MDX-8 offers eight channels with Anthem Room Correction, per-zone bass management and bridging to ~200 Wpc — a compelling package for distributed audio. The reviewer frames a $2,500 investment as delivering 'the same level of sonic excellence' across a home and describes the product as transformative for multiroom/invisible speaker systems; relative to buying multiple stereo amps or separate correction systems, reviewers present the MDX-8 as a strong, well-justified value in its segment.
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