On order, new receiver

Galleyboy, I dont know about airplay2.  But I'm not a big fan of Sony at the moment,  I have there f950 65", s5000 sound bar and DVD player in my bedroom.  I spent over 3k on the setup and all I can say is none of it plays well together.  And Sony puts out product and doesn't send out updates.  Once you purchase from them, they are done with you. I will never buy or recommend Sony again. Back to the anthem,  figure out something else to do with airplay2. There must be a way to work it. Call anthem and ask of other ways. I absolutely love the anthem and if you need 11 channels I would get the 1120.  I have separate amps and that's why I bought the 720. Actually was going to get the avm 60, but figured I could save $450 and put to a sub.  Music is excellent thru it.  But realize I use my own amp.  Arc is just awesome and very easy to use. I had a hard time figuring couple things out, but anthem support is excellent,  did I say excellent.  Best support I've ever had with a product. I paid 2250 for anthem mrx720.  So you could buy that for same as Sony and still add amps. I have not listened to amp in the 720.  Go with anthem you won't be sorry.

I talked to my dealer today. He explained that I don’t need a receiver with airplay 2 support if I have Apple TV which I do. He is a long time Anthem dealer but recommends Sony over Anthem. I am thinking of buying 5000 ES

@pcc67, thanks for your response. I went to my local very hi end store which is a long time Anthem dealer. The owner and almost all the other sales people tell me to buy the Sony5000 ES. One guy did suggest Anthem. I will have to talk to them again about Anthem. I doubt if they are suggesting Sony because they make more money on it. I am going to tell my dealer what you said about Sony. I want to know why they suggest Sony over Anthem. Maybe it has to do with the fact that the Sony is new and Anthem is older tech. I had thought about Anthem 1120 but that would be way more money than the Sony 5000. With the 1120 I would be able to run my 9 speakers plus two in the bedroom
Yesterday I was there and decided on Paradigm 75F and their center speaker for my front three

@erik_squires I decide to keep it simple and stick with my 5.1 setup. I will be adding a Sony 3100 receiver, 2 paradigm 75F speakers and Paradigm 55C for center. I will use my two rear in ceiling Sonance for the surround speakers and I have a HSU STF-2 for sub.  Also adding a Sony 1000ES for 4K Blu-ray.

gallerybob - I have the Anthem MRX720 with a 5.1 set up.  As AudioTroy stated, ARC makes a huge difference.  You will not get that functionality from the Sony product.  In addition, the components Anthem uses, including power supply, are grades above what Sony uses, even in their ES line.  If budget allows for it, I would check out the AVM60 and separate amplifiers.  Tough to beat solution.  Good luck!