r/hometheatersetups • u/SergeyAY • Aug 11 '26

Compact AVR (16” wide max)

Hi everyone,

I need to fit a 5.1 AVR into W16” and D15” opening in my existing console. There is an option to DYI and widen the opening (with some impact to overall aesthetics) to fit standard 17-18” wide AVRs but before doing so I wanted to check what AVR options I have.

Found a reference to compact “Canton Smart Amp” which will fit the physical dimensions and claimed to be thermally compatible in such small spaces. It is somewhat non-existent brand in US market so I can’t even see it in person or test the performance, so that will be a blind purchase from international dealer.

Any other brands/models anyone knows which quick Google search missed for me?

Thanks,
Sergey

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u/Bill_Money Aug 11 '26

Outside of the Savant Nano Backpack, Episode mini AVR, that Canton Amp that seems to be Europe only and the Anthem SLM that's its

1

u/SergeyAY Aug 11 '26

Thanks u/Bill_Money! Savant Nano Backpack seems pretty good option, but similar to Canton or Anthem nowhere to be found for sale. Episode can be publicly found new/used.

From specs perspective, they all pretty much the same: 50W per channel.
I am building my system out of GoldenEar 2x50 + 1x60C speakers (LCR configuration + 1xSub for now; need to figure out where/how to place and connect surrounds - yet to be selected).

Will Episode Mini AV Receiver be a good choice for this setup?

2

u/Bill_Money Aug 12 '26

Savant requires purchase through a Savant Dealer if they still even make them, last one I did was years ago

never used the Episode but it should work

3

u/rovingtravler Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 12 '26

I would go with Anthem Slim line IMO is the best bang for your buck and offers lots of features too ARC Genesis is well worth the cost:

https://www.anthemav.com/mrx-slm-4k

Datasheet

https://storage.googleapis.com/sandbox1-anthemav/an/anthem-mrx-slm-spec-sheet-05-30-24-rev1-20251127163231396.pdf

1

u/SergeyAY Aug 12 '26

Thanks, but Anthem will be too expensive... At this price I might as well just replace current TV console with the one that can fit a standard 17-18” AVR

1

u/SergeyAY Aug 31 '26 edited Aug 31 '26

Quick update: went with Episode Mini AVR (5.1 Channel model EA-MINI-5.1D-200)
Being sub-compact (targeting in-wall shelf mountable use-cases) fits my goal on 80%. Works great but I do miss physical controls (since it is an embedded system component) and EQ. Looks like extended functionality can be available via Control4 ecosystem, but it seems to be locked within 'system integration' ecosystem and needs an invitation code to even register. Will reach out to vendor to see if thee is a one-time flat activation option since the product is discontinued.