Anthem STR Integrated Amplifier
Muscular yet impressively even-handed, the Anthem STR Integrated Amplifier marries 200W-per-channel authority with neutral clarity, tight, extended bass and poised dynamics. Hi-Fi Choice admired its natural DAC and excellent phono stage, while Jay Garrett found ARC sharpened definition and control. Configurable bass management, dual-sub flexibility and Analog Direct make it a seriously complete high-end control center.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
91/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
96/100
Pros
Powerful, neutral presentation with exceptional composure and precision at demanding volume levels.
ARC room correction delivers tighter, more extended bass, stronger definition and improved system-wide balance.
Exceptionally versatile feature set, including MM/MC phono inputs, high-resolution DAC, configurable profiles and sophisticated dual-subwoofer bass management.
Cons
ARC can slightly flatten image depth or obscure the finest vocal-layer subtleties in some systems.
No HDMI connectivity or built-in network streaming.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
The STR is repeatedly described as a powerful, neutral and highly musical Class-AB integrated, with especially strong control, detail retrieval and room-system integration through ARC. Its presentation can vary with processing engaged: ARC brings cleaner bass, clarity and control, though a couple of reviewers found it slightly flattened the image or reduced access to the finest vocal-layer subtleties.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
Future Audiophile heard a revealing presentation with a "window to the master tape," uncovering fine guitar textures and production details without added coloration. Hi-Fi Choice praised the natural DAC and finely resolved instrumental textures, while StereoNET found ARC increased clarity and balance; SoundStage did note slightly less air and detail than Anthem separates and a mild tendency to homogenize the sound.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
Hi-Fi Choice found the STR warm, vivid and precise while remaining impressively neutral and even-handed, with smooth extended treble and no excess in the bass. StereoNET described a full, natural presence and a highly musical, expressive midrange, while Andrew Robinson similarly called its midrange neutral and uncolored. One SoundStage comparison found it a touch leaner and more forward than separate Anthem electronics, but not objectionably so.
Dynamics
96/100
Reviewers consistently praise the amplifier's immense reserves, composure and control with demanding speakers. Hi-Fi Choice heard poise rather than brute-force excess on difficult dynamic material, while SoundStage reported clean, precise drum impacts and no distortion even at extremely high levels. StereoNET also found ARC brought heightened punch and control, and Andrew Robinson characterized the amplifier as dynamically snappy and explosive.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
StereoNET heard remarkable separation and airy imaging, and SoundStage reported greater soundstage depth plus exceptionally coherent subwoofer/satellite integration. Hi-Fi Choice also found imaging strong and the soundscape compelling. However, that reviewer felt ARC could flatten the image somewhat, while another StereoNET review called placement seamless and detailed but slightly understated.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
91/100
Hi-Fi Choice praised the careful component selection, including the large shielded transformer and oversized output capacitors, and described the chassis as reassuringly substantial. StereoNET likewise noted the hefty transformer, sturdy aluminium remote and machined controls, while another review found the casework solid and clean. The available reviews focus on fit, finish and internal hardware rather than long-term ownership evidence.
Features Connectivity
95/100
The STR is exceptionally well equipped, combining MM and MC phono stages, balanced and unbalanced analogue inputs, a high-resolution DAC, USB, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital inputs, pre-outs and configurable dual subwoofer outputs. Anthem Room Correction with bass management, multiple saved speaker profiles, IP control and Analog Direct bypass make it unusually adaptable for both conventional two-channel systems and rooms needing acoustic correction. HDMI is the notable omission identified by StereoNET.
Value for Money
96/100
At reviewed prices around $4,499 to $4,999 and £4,500 to £5,500, reviewers repeatedly considered the STR unusually complete and competitive for its class. TONEAudio called it a value well beyond its price and found it not outclassed even with very expensive speakers, while SoundStage called $4,499 very reasonable for its reference-quality capability. Future Audiophile and StereoNET also highlighted its compelling feature set, controlled power and strong sound-per-pound proposition.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- PHONO PREAMPLIFIER
- The phono preamplifier is suitable for moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges
- Input Impedance
- 100 Ω (MC), 47 kΩ (MM)
- Input Capacitance
- 270 pF (MM)
- Maximum Input
- 3.6 mV (MC), 37.7 mV (MM)
- Gain
- 55 dB (MC), 35 dB (MM)
- RIAA Response
- ± 0.1 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
- THD+N
- 0.008% (MC), 0.005% (MM)
- S/N Ratio
- 82 dB (MC), 96 dB (MM)
- digital-in, 192 kHz
- 10 Hz - 50 kHz (+0.00, -0.50 dB)
- digital-in, 96 kHz
- 10 Hz - 45 kHz (+0.00, -0.50 dB)
- digital-in, 44.1 kHz
- 10 Hz - 20 kHz (+0.00, -0.03 dB)
- analog-in, DSP mode
- 10 Hz - 40 kHz (+0.02, -0.20 dB)
- analog-in, direct mode
- 10 Hz - 80 kHz (+0.00, -0.10 dB)
- digital-in, 44.1 kHz, 0 dBFS
- 0.0008%
- analog-in, DSP mode, 1 Vrms input
- 0.001%
- analog-in, direct mode, 1 Vrms input
- 0.0020%
- digital-in, 44.1 kHz, 0 dBFS
- 112 dB
- analog-in, DSP mode, 2 Vrms input
- 110 dB
- analog-in, direct mode, 2 Vrms input
- 120 dB
- Maximum Output
- 2.2 Vrms except analog-direct 3.3 Vrms
- XLR Configuration
- Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: Normal, Pin 3: Inverted
- Impedance
- 8Ω 4Ω 2Ω
- Power Output (per channel)
- 200 W 400 W 550 W
- THD
- 0.002% (1 kHz), 0.015% (20 kHz)
- ITU-R (19 kHz + 20 kHz)
- 0.0007%
- SMPTE (60 Hz + 7 kHz)
- 0.005%
- SNR
- 114 dB
- Frequency Response
- ± 0.1 dB
- Power Bandwidth
- 80 kHz
- Slew Rate
- 30 V/μs
- Damping Factor
- 330
- Channel Separation
- 101 dB (100 Hz), 61 dB (10 kHz)
- 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.
- 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.
- Standby
- 0.38 W (120V), 0.45 W (240V)
- Standby + Network
- 1.1 W (120V), 1.2 W (240V)
- Idle
- 40 W
- Typical Use
- 250 W
- High Output
- 500 W
- Height
- 6-3/4” (17.2 cm)
- Width
- 17” (43.2 cm)
- Depth (not including power cord)
- 17-1/2” (44.5 cm)
- Weight (unpacked)
- 40 lb (18 kg)
Manufacturer's Description — Anthem
Powering the Future of Audio.
The revolutionary STR Integrated Amplifier is based on an entirely new technological platform, for true benchmark performance in stereo amplification. More power, more control, more connection options, and the most advanced technology available in a single, easy-to-use component.
Designed, engineered, and Crafted in Canada, the STR Integrated Amplifier combines the benefits of an advanced preamp with the power of a massive amplifier and processor. It includes 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 integrated amp.
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.
This is the integrated amplifier with the power, features, connections and control to fuel your two-channel dreams, today and into tomorrow.
- High-resolution preamplifier section
- High current, high output amplifier section
- Amplifier uses 8 bipolar output devices per channel, a toroidal transformer power supply, and Advanced Load Monitoring for 200W at 8 ohms, 400W at 4 ohms, 550W at 2 ohms, all continuous
- 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
- S/PDIF coaxial and optical, and balanced AES/EBU inputs
- Asynchronous USB Audio Input supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM, and DSD 2.8 / 5.6 MHz sources
- MM and MC phono, balanced XLR, and single-ended analog inputs
- Analog Direct mode
- Graphic Front Panel Display for easy setup and navigation
- Controllable via Ethernet, RS-232, or supplied IR remote
- Available in Silver and Black Finishes
- Crafted in Canada
Two-Channel Nirvana.
More power, more control, more connections, more technology. The STR Integrated Amplifier will change your perception of two-channel amplification. Now, you can have it all, in one component, with the kind of superior response and realism that Anthem is famous for.
More Subwoofer Options
STR Integrated Amplifier 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 engineered for seamless subwoofer blending, achieving an incredibly accurate and lifelike performance.
More Attention to Detail
We believe that two-channel listening demands attention to detail. A component must balance extreme power and delicate transparency, with flawless signal integrity being the benchmark of stereo performance. To that ultimate end, the Anthem STR Integrated Amplifier is designed with the shortest possible signal paths, and differential analog to digital circuitry to cancel artifacts and keep noise to a minimum.
More Power, From Oversized Toroidal Transformers
Clarity is maintained using carefully selected components, many of them engineered exclusively in-house at Anthem, like the huge, precision-wound toroidal transformers and their matching oversized filter capacitors. This massive power supply operates in harmony with the high-current, high-output amplifier section to produce an astounding 550W per channel continuously into 2 ohms! Peak production is effortless and instantaneous, cinching even the most challenging material. The use of multiple bipolar output devices dramatically reduces distortion while ensuring extreme linearity, extensive bandwidth, and stress-free reliability.
Moving Magnet and Moving Coil Cartridges
Anthem has also taken into consideration the resurgent popularity of vinyl long-playing records, and has included separate inputs for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, with the phono section completely shielded to maintain signal purity. The transparency and refinement of the STR Integrated Amplifier reveals the hidden magic of classic media.
More Innovative Electronics
No less important is Anthem’s non-invasive Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) circuitry, which protects the output section of the STR Integrated Amplifier by constantly monitoring temperature, current and voltage to ensure optimum long-term performance.
And there’s more. The STR Integrated Amplifier has more useful features than the average integrated amp, with no filler. Everything is geared toward giving you the power and control you need to achieve two-channel nirvana.
Aside from its cutting-edge technology and Anthem-exclusive innovations, one look tells you that the STR is a different amplifier animal altogether. The large Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display on the front panel can be seen from across the room, and gives you surprisingly easy control over your whole system. It’s a part of the luxurious new industrial design of the STR Integrated Amplifier, a striking look that’s available in two beautiful finishes, Black or Silver.
The Crafted in Canada Difference
The STR Integrated Amplifier 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.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Anthem STR Integrated Amplifier
- 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