On order, new receiver

Well I did get my new receiver, mrx 720. Spent Saturday hooking up and doing cable management.  Listened to some music and movies.  Overall happy with sound. Tried to do ARC with my Samsung s9,  but microphone is not recognized with phone. Tried ARC again with apple x10 but only the front and center worked, rear kept saying excessive noise, which I know there is no excessive noise because I am the only one home. I have an apple computer, but that software is not available until April.  I have an old lap top I haven't used in a couple of years,  I will try that this weekend. Overall no complaints.  So right now no ARC in use. I set distances and that's all. Sounds much nicer than my old lexicon dc1. Movies the dialog is crystal clear.  I am sure the arc setup will be much nicer. Music sounds great, but nothing to a/b it with.  Using a transparent digital coaxial for blue sound, waiting on a nordost silver shadow, see what that will do. That's it for now. I will update once I get arc working. Pete

Last night I downloaded the anthem calibration tool on my laptop.  I'm running 5 channels,  no sub. Called anthem because I had trouble with the microphone not being detected and also after the USB update on the mrx720 my network became disconnected via network cable. The fix for network is power off and disconnect power cable to mrx, then push main power button 6 times, reconnect power cord, power system on and after a couple minutes network reconnects.  Another thing I did not no was if you are running 5.1 don't connect amp to rear pre outs, you need to use surround outs. This was why the calibration will only work on front 3 channels.  Once changed to surround speakers, everything works flawlessly.  I did upload my first calibration file. Did not get a chance to watch a movie, but I did listen to some music. WOW what a difference.  Everything sounds so much better, imagining is excellent along with bass. I'm very very happy with the performance.  I do lack the knowledge of setting system settings,  but the anthem ARC does the perfect job for people who don't have the knowledge to do there own adjustments.  I will give a review on ht once I time to watch a movie. Anyone considering the anthem,  I personally give it 5 stars. Also thanks for help from Jamie at anthem,  extremely helpful.  April anthem will be releasing the apple version of arc and I was told it will be easier and more friendly adjustments.  Pete

PS: if anyone has any questions,  I will respond to what I have learned so far.  

I am redoing my 5.1 home theater to 5.14 Atmos. I also have two speakers in my bedroom that need to be powered. My local dealer sells Anthem but has recommended Sony ES Series. I will be using 5 Paradigm in wall and 4 ceiling.  I will need 11amps for home theater and bedroom. Does it make sense to pay the $3500 for the 1120 Anthem or to get Sony 5000ES for $2200 and add an amp. I was thinking of Parasound Zamp V3 for bedroom where I have two Sonance Symphony in ceiling speakers. If I go with Anthem it will be about $1000 more. Do you think the Anthem is worth the extra money. Another option would be Anthem 720 and two amps. Thanks, Bob

I just can't justify more than a 5.1 setup.

If you stick to that, everything becomes a lot more straightforward.
Best,
E