Anthem MCA 525 GEN 2
The Anthem MCA 525 GEN 2 pairs explosive dynamics with a remarkably low-noise, intimate presentation, delivering clean treble, nuanced midrange and finely resolved imaging. Home Cinema Choice found its abundant headroom and 225W-per-channel Class A/B authority equally persuasive with delicate musical details and full-scale cinematic effects.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
93/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Exceptionally wide dynamic range and ample headroom handle demanding soundtrack transients without strain.
Very low noise floor, nuanced midrange and clean treble reveal subtle musical and cinematic detail.
Detailed stereo imaging and an intimate soundstage combine scale with convincing placement.
Substantial, tank-like construction with balanced and unbalanced inputs suits serious multichannel installations.
Cons
Pricey for a five-channel amplifier, particularly versus rivals offering more channels in one chassis.
Its 27.5kg chassis is cumbersome to install or move.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
The MCA 525 Gen 2 is described as combining very low noise, fine detail and clean vocal reproduction with substantial power reserves. Its presentation is forceful and controlled when a soundtrack turns demanding, while quieter material retains delicacy and intimacy; the main tonal reservation is a slightly sterile edge to its character.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
Home Cinema Choice found an incredibly low noise floor and said the amplifier revealed subtle details in recordings with remarkable delicacy. The review also praises a nuanced midrange and clean treble, suggesting a notably clear and composed presentation.
Tonal Balance Musicality
88/100
Vocals are portrayed with nuance, and the amplifier's delivery is called wonderfully beguiling. However, the reviewer notes that its sonic signature can at times feel a little sterile, tempering its otherwise refined and engaging balance.
Dynamics
95/100
The review repeatedly highlights thrilling dynamics, abundant headroom and strong transient attack. Even during deafening, high-impact film effects, the MCA 525 reportedly handled every demand without sounding strained.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Home Cinema Choice describes the stereo imaging as sublimely detailed, with convincing placement across drums, guitars and voices. It also credits the amplifier with producing genuine intimacy in the soundstage rather than merely a large-scale presentation.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
The reviewer characterizes the MCA 525 Gen 2 as built like a tank, with the 61 lb chassis reinforcing the impression of substantial construction. Its Class A/B five-channel layout, balanced and single-ended inputs, trigger connection, and selectable trigger/manual/auto power modes make it well suited to serious multichannel installations.
Value for Money
85/100
At $3,799.99, Home Cinema Choice considers the five-channel MCA 525 Gen 2 pricey. Even so, the review finds its combination of power, detail, transient ability and headroom highly persuasive, though it offers no direct comparison with competing amplifiers at the price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- POWER OUTPUT (PER CHANNEL)
- (Continuous RMS, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, <1% THD) 8Ω: 225 W 4Ω: 400 W 2Ω: 600 W
- INPUTS
- Single-Ended, Balanced, Relay Trigger (3.5-mm Mono Jack)
- OUTPUTS
- Speaker Binding Posts, Relay Trigger (3.5-mm Mono Jack)
- SWITCHES - Front Panel
- Power (On/Off)
- SWITCHES - Rear Panel
- 3 On/Off Modes (Trigger, Manual, Auto)
- THD at 100W - at 1 kHz
- 0.0010%
- THD at 100W - at 20 kHz
- 0.015%
- IMD at 100 W - ITU-R (19 kHz + 20 kHz)
- 0.0005%
- IMD at 100 W - SMPTE (60 Hz + 7 kHz)
- 0.002%
- Frequency Response (20 Hz to 20 kHz) - open circuit
- ± 0.1 dB
- Frequency Response (20 Hz to 20 kHz) - 8Ω
- ± 0.1 dB
- Frequency Response (20 Hz to 20 kHz) - 4Ω
- ± 0.1 dB
- Frequency Response (20 Hz to 20 kHz) - 2Ω
- ± 0.2 dB
- SNR (IEC-A, ref. 225 W)
- 120 dB
- Power Bandwidth (-3 dB at 200 W into 8 ohms)
- 90 kHz
- Slew Rate
- 30 V/μs
- Damping Factor (20 Hz to 1 kHz)
- 300
- Channel Separation (100 Hz to 10 kHz)
- >65 dB
- Input Impedance (RCA/XLR)
- 10 kΩ/15 kΩ
- Input Sensitivity (225 W into 8 Ω)
- 1.5 Vrms
- Voltage Gain
- 29 dB
- POWER CONSUMPTION - MCA 525 (Gen. 2)
- standby: 2.0 W idle: 80 W typical: 550 W high output: 1200 W
- POWER CONSUMPTION - MCA 325 (Gen. 2)
- standby: 1.4 W idle: 47 W typical: 350 W high output: 750 W
- POWER CONSUMPTION - MCA 225 (Gen. 2)
- standby: 1.0 W idle: 35 W typical: 240 W high output: 500 W
- DIMENSIONS - Height
- 6-5/8” (16.9 cm)
- DIMENSIONS - Height with Rackmount Kit
- 4U
- DIMENSIONS - Width
- 17-1/4" (43.9 cm)
- DIMENSIONS - Depth
- 18-1/8" (46 cm)
- WEIGHT - MCA 525 (Gen. 2)
- 61 lb (27.5 kg)
- WEIGHT - MCA 325 (Gen. 2)
- 43 lb (19.5 kg)
- WEIGHT - MCA 225 (Gen. 2)
- 40 lb (18 kg)
- POWER REQUIREMENT - 120 V version
- In countries where the line voltage is 120 V, this product operates from a single phase AC power source that supplies between 108 V and 132 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.
- POWER REQUIREMENT - 220-240 V version
- In countries where the line voltage is 220, 230, or 240 V, this product operates from a single phase AC power source that supplies between 198 V and 264 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Manufacturer's Description — Anthem
ANTHEM – PURE PERFORMANCE, PURE VALUE
To complement the NEW AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. The new MCA Series delivers lower THD (total harmonic distortion) for more clean, pure sound and lower noise for a supremely quiet background.
The MCA 525 GEN 2, MCA 325 GEN 2 and MCA 225 GEN 2, designed and Crafted in Canada, are like no other amplifiers in the world: custom low noise high-power toroidal transformers; high-current bipolar output transistors; high-quality filter capacitors; advanced power supply regulators; oversized aluminum heatsinks; custom-designed dual binding posts; and patented auto-on/off circuitry. Superior craftsmanship that is reflected in clean, clear, audiophile-quality sound from top to bottom of the frequency spectrum.
An All New MCA GEN 2 Series
What does it take to improve on perfection? Over 15 years of concentration. The distillation of endless hours of fundamental research. The willingness to rebuild from the ground up. And the focus on a single goal: Leadership through innovation and technology. Introducing the new generation of Anthem MCA GEN 2 Amplifiers, designed, engineered and Crafted in Canada!
Completely Redesigned
The new MCA GEN 2 series greatly reduces the use of internal cabling for a much smoother circuit path for pure, unobstructed audio performance. The use of low-flux toroidal transformers and improved input transistors provide a greater sense of transparency, even with dynamically complex material.
We’ve also improved other performance benchmarks including power bandwidth and slew rate. With a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB, background noise is practically nonexistent, leaving you with just pure natural sound reproduction.
Higher Power into More Demanding Loads
While most 5-channel amplifiers use a single power supply for front left and right channels and another power supply of the centre and surround, the new MCA 525 GEN 2 shares its two power supplies between all channels. The result is full bursts of power – instantly – without affecting channel separation.
Engineered for Reliability
The new MCA GEN 2 Amplifiers uses of Anthem’s years of experience to “engineer out” common amplifier gremlins.
Green “Standby” Power Consumption
In addition to the reduced inrush current, these new MCA GEN 2 Amplifiers only use between 1-2W in “standby” mode. As with all Anthem amplifiers, they can be switched on manually, via trigger, or by sensing an input signal. New, larger, more conductive audiophile binding posts have been added to maximize contact and maintain a firm grip on the speaker cable. If you’re in the market for cutting-edge audio component separates, Anthem’s new MCA GEN 2 Amplifiers balance the complex dynamics of today’s most demanding multi-channel media with the rare finesse required to satisfy the audiophile in you. MCA GEN 2 Amps provide an abundance of conservatively rated power into demanding low impedance loads, incredible reliability, and a new design aesthetic that matches our sleek new AVM A/V Processors.
Next generation Advanced Load Monitoring™ Technology
Exclusive ALM™ technology monitors internal temperature, current and voltage to ensure safe and uninterrupted longterm operation, all the while eliminating the need for internal fuses. ALM™ is not in the signal path, so it never gets in the way. Instead, ALM engages instantly, but only in the most extreme circumstances, to protect your amplifier (and speakers) from damage.
This new generation ALM™ lowers the chance of a line fuse blowing during an over-current condition. Should a fault condition arise, unaffected channels continue to play and all-channel operation resumes automatically once conditions are back to normal. The LED on the front panel confirms status at all times.
The Anthem Advantage
Backed by over 35 years of home-grown,hands-on design, and innovative audio engineering experience, Anthem products provide an unprecedented level of reliability and functionality; delivering one of the industry’s highest performance/price ratios. This is just one reason why Anthem electronics are the choice of knowledgeable audiophiles, professional musicians and engineers the world over.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Anthem MCA 525 GEN 2
- Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Archer High Fidelity — in-store — Washington, Virginia, United States (website)
- Arctic Audio — in-store — Fargo, North Dakota, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
- Audio Affair — online and in-store — Deritend, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio Ark — online and in-store — Edmonton, Alberta, United States (website)
- Audio Breakthroughs — in-store — Manhasset, New York, United States (website)
and 168 more verified dealers