Anthem MRX 740 8K as an upgrade to my Denon AVR-X3700H

I appreciate the spirited discussion and am reading and studying it all.  

I do treat my 7.2 channel system differently than my 2 channel system.  My front speakers will always be driven by my 2 channel amp (with pre-signal from my AV system) but the other 5.2 channels I don't have nearly as much dedication to from an audio purist standpoint.   

The original question came from my thought "I really am impressed by how this Denon sounds with the speakers I've added" and thinking maybe I can go up one more level cost effectively.  

So my initial response is that I'd rather not spend $10k on separates to watch an occasional movie.  that said, $10K or more isn't a problem if I am convinced I will enjoy it that much.

Jerry

@carlsbad2 i've owned the 740 for about a year now, and tbh once the honeymoon period was over i miss the old pioneer elite it replaced--the anthem has alot of power and sounds more audiophile-accurate and less digitally tweaked than the mass market stuff, but also sounds flatter and less dynamic than the mass market stuff, esp. with movies. if i had to do it all over, i would have gotten a used higher-end marantz or yamaha avr.

@carlsbad2 What are you using as a preamp into the Decware Zen?

@SOIX the zen is an integrated.  But I am using it as an amp with 2 inputs.  I have the volume knob maxxed.  for 2 channel I use my Lampizator GG3 dac as the pre.  For movies, the Denon preout for the 2 front channels drives the Zen.

This weekend, I think my new bespoke custom amp will be delivered and the zen will get a break.  I've really become attached to it.  It will be interesting going from an $1100 amp to a 6 figure amp.

Jerry

@loomisjohnson I just ordered a Marantz Cinema 50.  For the price, I'm not realy risking much.  I'll report back here when it arrives and I watch a couple of movies.

Jerry