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Anthem STR Preamplifier
STR Preamplifier pictured with STR Power Amplifier (sold separately). Both models available in black or silver finishes.
Push the Power of Audio Control.
The revolutionary STR Preamplifier is a new type of audio component that gives you more control and more refinements, including more connection options and more advanced technology, in a single, easy-to-use component.
Designed, engineered, and Crafted in Canada, the STR Preamplifier combines the benefits of an advanced preamp with the power of a processor, as well as functions like leading-edge DAC, onboard Anthem Room Correction (ARC®), customizable bass manager for mono or stereo sub outs, MM and MC phono inputs—far more than the average preamplifier.
And it includes new generations of many of Anthem’s award-winning, audiophile-loving, review-praised digital signal processing innovations, delivering a noticeably higher level of audio performance realism.
The new STR Preamplifier drives all of your entertainment options today, and tomorrow.
- High-resolution preamplifier section
- Anthem Room Correction (ARC) optimizes in-room response for perfect sound
- Bass management for two subwoofers, in mono or stereo
- Up-sampling of lower-resolution sources to 32-bit/192kHz
- Asynchronous USB Audio Input supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM, and DSD 2.8 / 5.6 MHz sources
- Coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU inputs up to 192kHz
- MM and MC phono, balanced XLR, and single-ended analog inputs
- Six pre-RIAA curves plus adjustable settings for playing older records accurately
- Analog Direct mode
- Adjustable analog input levels to match sources, minimize noise and prevent distortion
- Graphic front panel display for easy setup and navigation
- Balanced output for all channels including the two subs
- Home Theater Bypass Mode works without having to turn power on and includes RCA/XLR input for two subs
- Create up to 30 virtual inputs for setup flexibility
- Controllable via Ethernet, RS-232, or supplied IR remote
- Available in Silver and Black Finishes
- Crafted in Canada
Two-Channel Nirvana.
STR Preamplifier pictured with STR Power Amplifier (sold separately). Both models available in black or silver finishes.
Anthem Exclusive Innovations
The STR Preamplifier includes the newest and most powerful generation of Anthem Room Correction (ARC), with 50% more processing power than any other version of ARC. This proprietary calibration tool, with its easy-to-use interface, automatically shapes the acoustic signature of your speakers for the best possible sound quality in your unique listening space.
This is especially important for the lower frequencies.
Other innovations include a high- resolution preamplifier and digital section, which supports asynchronous USB up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz sources, and uses signal processing that employs 64-bit accumulation and feedback to preserve the finest detail in the music and to avoid degradation. The digital to analog conversion section was designed to faithfully duplicate all the sounds in the original source.
To help achieve that effect for all input resolutions, a dedicated asynchronous 32-bit / 192 kHz sample rate conversion is used. This way, the DAC stage’s anti- imaging filter is optimized for this sampling rate alone, resulting in an audio frequency range that’s unmatched in purity, regardless of input format. In the process, the data gets reclocked, providing immunity from performance-marring source jitter.
Through the rest of the DAC circuitry, thin film high precision resistors and super low noise op-amps are used for lowest distortion, lowest noise, and most transparent sound. Other DAC units may boast about the performance of the DAC chip all by itself, but we view DAC stage design as a whole — there are no crippling bottlenecks anywhere in the DAC stage of the STR Preamplifier.
Aside from its cutting-edge technology, one look tells you that the STR Preamplifier is a different animal altogether. The display on the front panel gives you surprisingly easy control through an easy to navigate setup menu, and the luxurious and elegant new contemporary design is available in two beautiful finishes, Black or Silver.
More Subwoofer Options
The STR Preamplifier gives you more options for subwoofer configuration. Use one subwoofer or two for both channels, or two independent right-and-left channel-specific subwoofers. The bass management in conjunction with ARC is uniquely engineered for seamless subwoofer blending, achieving incredibly accurate and lifelike performance.
Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono
Anthem has also taken into consideration the resurgent popularity of vinyl records, and has included separate inputs for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, with the phono section completely shielded to maintain a clean signal. The transparency and refinement of the STR Preamplifier reveals the hidden magic of classic media.
In addition, the phono curve is continuously adjustable for proper playback of any record that predates the RIAA equalization standard.
Home Theater Bypass
The concept of combining a stereo preamplifier with a home theater system is taken to a whole new level. The STR Preamplifier supports two subwoofer channels in addition to the two fronts. XLR as well as RCA connection is provided for all channels, and HT Bypass mode engages while the preamp is on standby. This way, you don’t have to turn it on when watching movies. To allow the purest signal path, relays are employed to hard-wire the input jacks to the outputs — the STR Preamplifier essentially becomes a straight wire.
Premium Components
Clarity is maintained using carefully selected components, many of them engineered exclusively in-house at Anthem. We believe that two-channel listening demands attention to detail, with flawless signal integrity being the benchmark of stereo performance. To that ultimate end, the Anthem STR Preamplifier is designed with the shortest possible signal paths, and differential analog to digital circuitry to cancel artifacts and keep noise to a minimum.
The Crafted in Canada Difference
The STR Preamplifier is designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada and is part of premium STR Series by Anthem, the leader in audio power and control.
A True Scientific Solution to the Problems of Your Room
What is ARC® ?
Anthem Room Correction (ARC) is a proprietary digital signal processing system that allows you to quickly and accurately optimize the performance of your audio equipment to better suit the unique parameters of your room. By listening to your room’s acoustic signature, ARC can tune your equipment to correct for the performance-robbing effects (reflections, resonances, standing waves, etc.) of the various surfaces and other obstacles in your room. You’ll actually hear the difference ARC® makes.
How does ARC® work?
ARC digitally compares a room’s acoustic signature to that of the lab standard. It measures the response of each speaker relative to the listening area. Then it uses advanced algorithms to eliminate the negative effects of the obstacles in the room, adjusting response and correcting phase effects. When ARC removes the obstacles, what’s left is the lab standard performance.
ARC is easy to use, and just a few simple steps can optimize your speakers for your unique listening space. ARC is sophisticated, one of the most accurate and detailed digital room correction technologies available today. ARC will work tomorrow, too; with constant advances and updates available for download on the Anthem website.
Dealers selling Anthem near you
Anthem STR Preamplifier — transparent DAC with powerhouse room correction
Anthem’s STR Preamplifier condenses a high-resolution AKM-based DAC, a class-leading room‑correction engine and flexible subwoofer management into a single, well-built chassis. Reviewers praised its transparent, ultra‑clean DAC and detailed, dynamic presentation while noting the STR’s standout feature is ARC Genesis room correction with discrete two‑subwoofer bass management and up to 30 virtual inputs. Diego Estan and Doug Schneider reported neutral, incisive sound, and Andrew Dewhirst highlighted how ARC tames room problems to deliver visceral bass slam. Build and connectivity are comprehensive—balanced XLR, multiple coax/optical/SPDIF, USB and MM/MC phono—with creative Convert Analog routing for digitizing sources. Ideal for two‑channel listeners who want a turnkey preamp+DAC+room‑EQ solution. Minor UX bits (digital hiss in some setups, no headphone output) don’t obscure its value.
Pros
- Exceptionally transparent, detailed DAC and preamp performance — preserves dynamics and imaging with minimal coloration.
- Integrated ARC Genesis room correction with advanced bass management (discrete two‑subwoofer support) makes sub integration and in-room bass tuning straightforward and effective.
- Rich feature set and routability — MM/MC phono, USB up to 32/384 and DSD, AES/EBU, balanced sub outs, Convert Analog and up to 30 virtual inputs for flexible source configurations.
- Outstanding value proposition: a preamp, high‑res DAC and full-featured room‑EQ/bass‑management system in one chassis at this price point.
&
Cons
- Some listeners report audible hiss or raised noise floor when digital paths or Convert Analog are engaged, noticeable in sensitive systems.
- No front-panel headphone output, which removes an easy near‑field listening option for users.
- User interface and ergonomics can be fiddly—on‑screen menu navigation is deep and the volume knob is shallow and slightly slippery for one‑finger adjustments.
- No built‑in streaming (Bluetooth/AirPlay) or HDMI inputs, so a separate streamer or network source is required for convenient wireless/network playback.
Transparency
91/100
Multiple reviewers described the STR as effectively colorless and highly transparent ("didn’t have a 'sound'", "as transparent as the C47"); ARC disabled the unit showed no pronounced fingerprint. Minor caveats: one reviewer noted an audible hiss from digital inputs at ~4' distance and another called the noise floor "respectably low but a bit disappointing" for the price, so while exceptionally clean overall, a small penalty was applied for that observed hiss/noise in certain digital/digitized conditions.
Sound Quality
89/100
Dynamics
90/100
Observers reported excellent micro- and macro-dynamics ("super-dynamic", "lots going on with the rhythmic parts", improved slam with ARC and sub integration). The STR preserves punch and transient speed well, with reviewers noting visceral bass slam when ARC and custom sub settings were used.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
Imaging and separation were consistently strong — reviewers could pick out instrument separation and appreciated sharpened imaging when digitizing analog sources. ARC didn’t materially change image positions/sizes, which indicates the STR preserves spatial cues reliably, though it wasn’t described as expanding stage boundaries beyond expectations.
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Build Quality
88/100
The STR is described as a well-built component (designed/built in Canada, solid chassis, metal remote). The remote is durable but not backlit; no major mechanical or assembly criticisms appeared, so build/craftsmanship scores are high but not perfect due to small UX quibbles.
Features Connectivity
93/100
Exceptionally well featured: 12 physical inputs (USB, AES/EBU, optical, coax, multiple RCA and XLR), full balanced I/O, phono MM/MC, high-resolution DAC (AKM chipset, up to 32/384 and DSD), ARC Genesis room correction and bass management, balanced subwoofer pre-outs, home-theater bypass, Convert Analog, and up to 30 configurable virtual inputs. This breadth and depth of connectivity and processing justify a top-tier connectivity score.
Value for Money
94/100
Reviewers used strong, positive language about value at the $3,999 price point—calling it "extraordinary for the price," "a steal," and noting you effectively get a preamp + DAC + full-featured room-correction system in one chassis. Multiple reviewers explicitly said it represents outstanding value in its segment.
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