On paper, it looks like an MCA with a new face plate and a little bigger . When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I'd try hooking the center channel output of the receiver to a different (known good) channel on your amplifier. The MCA 525 Gen 2 is a fantastically clean sounding amplifier, which renders detailed audio even at low volumes. But also that calculation of 95 decibels, is that with certain frequencies? Also, the spec says power consumption is 550 W typical and 1200 W high output. This is a good thing in my book, as Im a big fan of the understated elegance of Anthems new design language. Anthem's MCA 525 Power Amplifier is the flagship of the extraordinary MCA range which focuses on a single goal of obtaining leadership through innovation and technology. I have been reading great things about the Parasound A 31 amplifier. Both, based on specs are no better than the AVR-X3700H, SR6014, and much worse than the X3600H measured by ASR, but I guess only golden ears know the difference in use. By all accounts, the preamp section of your receiver is top notch, basically the very well regarded AVM 60 with amplifiers. Samsung 75" QLED, Amazon Echo x 5, Amazon Echo "sub", Amazon 4K Firestick, Bose QC35 II. Yet for Anthem fans, particularly AVM 70 or AVM 90 owners, there is a lot to love here. Click here to email us, or call for advice on 0121 224 7300/7401 (9am to 5:30pm GMT Mon-Sat) ), My wish if I were a 30-40+ year old sealed LP - your latest NOS (New Old Stock) / sealed LP you bought, Dutton Vocalion - Surround SACDs from the UK, Multichannel Albums - Lossy Formats on DVD & CD. Parasound is known for its bass extension. Need help with floorspeakers and subwoofer configuration, Recommendations for Side, Rear, and Center Speaker Stands, 2.2 kVA encapsulated toroid power transformer with independent, 164,000 F power supply filter capacitance, input impedance 47 k unbalanced; 94 k balanced, ACD 250 W/400 W, 8/4 Ohms, 0.2% THD at full power. The JBL Studio 590 floorstanding loudspeaker brings professional-quality sound to the home experience. I tested the MCA 525 connected via XLR to the AVM 90 that I had in for evaluation at the time. "Let our rigorous testing and reviews be your guidelines to A/V equipment not marketing slogans", Get our latest product reviews and AV stories emailed to you weekly. That's great feedback. Theres also the expected 12V trigger option, as well a useful auto-on facility which powers on the MCA 525 when a signal is sensed. If it is, there was something wrong with the other amps. What are they? fatstrat New Member Thread Starter Joined Feb 21, 2020 Messages 8 Location Pa More Note that my old Lexicon amp measured as having significantly more balls than its rating. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. For Sale: JBL Studio 590's brand new, Local pickup, no separating. Now Available: Tech Talk Podcast with Scott Wilkinson, Episode 19 Click here for details. This robust construction extends to the interior, which uses large, high-quality capacitors and high-current bipolar output transistors, and features a generally tidy signal path. Rating: 100 % of 100. . So yeah, no idea which is better! Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. More JTR? The Rotel RMB-1585 that was recommended by another forum member here is also another great choice but I would go with the Parasound Halo A31 of A51 if I were you. Anyone wishing to rackmount one of these using the optional 4U rackmount kit will certainly need help unless theyve had their Weetabix. Whether that's worth the change to you, don't know. Once hooked up, I started my testing with a bit of music via TIDAL Hi-Fi, namely the 2001 remaster of Fleetwood Macs The Chain. So, for example, an 8 ohm speaker might have impedance dips below 4 ohms, or a 4 ohm speaker might dip below that, which can prove challenging for some amplifiers. "Let our rigorous testing and reviews be your guidelines to A/V equipment not marketing slogans", Get our latest product reviews and AV stories emailed to you weekly. Add to Cart. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Pro amps are often capable of 2 ohm, it's a bit unusual in consumer amps, tho. JTRs with that much power is a bit insane IMO. Ill give that a shot to see if that solves things. There is a 20% sale off on Anthem right now making the Anthem MCA 525 at $2,799. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=855660&highlight=d-sonic, Need help with floorspeakers and subwoofer configuration, Recommendations for Side, Rear, and Center Speaker Stands. But given differences in how they are specified by the manufactures, I deduce that the Anthem and the Parasound are somewhat closer in actual output capabilities. Now Available: Tech Talk Podcast with Scott Wilkinson, Episode 19, https://www.d-sonic.com/amplifiers/multi-channel/three-channel/. Parasound has a great name but with my AVM-708k this should be a perfect match. Planning on using dual Captivator 2400s. Beardog, you sound like you own stock in Parasound! Parasound is famous because of John Curl, as for Anthem, they have been in business for a long time. It will also deliver an effortlessly dynamic performance when called upon. British company IOTAVX knock it out the park! Must be the local Bay Area influence. it did lead me to question the value proposition of the MCA 525. All sounds good, I too really enjoy my Parasound amps. another amp in the price range works great with M&K. There's a similar duality to its sonic performance, with the Anthem capable of intimately detailed moments on the one hand and astounding dynamic transients on the other. As stated before, your Anthem receiver is well known for sound quality and excellent performance overall, so stepping up to a larger amp would definitely help fill a larger room without strain and maintain excellent sound quality. Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. Anthem | MCA 525 GEN 2 | Overview (anthemav.com) "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. MCA 225 features 3 year warranty Delivers lower THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) for cleaner, pure sound and lower noise Completely redesigned for improved audio performance and reliability Higher current output for lower distortion Cosmetic match for AVM 60 AV Preamplifier-Processor Improved Advanced Load Monitoring system It might mean one amp is more capable than another, whether that's better would depend on whether your speakers are of such a design that need it. Looks like we run into the age old comparison of bipolar versus MOSFET too. Overall, the Anthem MCA 525 was just a little smoother from top to bottom at high volumes, but the NAD does provide two additional channels for only $500 more -- a not insignificant difference if you're contemplating a seven-channel system. The Studio 590 is a perfect complement to You're saying the heat sink is too light? I'm a lover of the tube hybrids from Anthem as they are just fun to listen to and enjoy..Parasound is all about brutality and power. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Ya ok but I take my bi-polar trans anyday. I have seen a few places where Parasound makes a DAC. Thanks so much. Have the Halos in cabinet with open back and the front has perforations (to allow IR signal to pass etc). I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. What a difference a clean, high current 250+ watt amp makes with my Mirage! Look at Anthems AVM60. They really are nice, with no sign of wobble or flimsiness. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Hard to say, I can think of the following spec highlights for comparison, and you'll be the judge: Ah man Peng, major thanks for a detailed replied, that must of taken you a while to type up and research, I would buy you a drink if I could. 7.2.4Dolby ATMOS / The WaveSystemANTHEM AVM-60ANTHEM MCA-325ANTHEM MCA-525OPPO UDP-205B&W CT 7.3 + 7.4 + 7.5ELAC . Really looking to compare something like the MCA-2 or MCA-20 to the HCA-1500a or HCA-2200ii. The Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 tested here is the five-channel model in a new line-up that includes the three-channel MCA 325 Gen 2 and two-channel MCA 225 Gen 2. A simple frequency measurement will not tell you much about how the speaker sounds, let alone that it sounds just like another based on such (but the measurements I doubt would be identical either). Your Yamaha CX-A5100 will work just fine. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. Read about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges. Yup. Along with monitoring the internal temperature, Anthems Advanced Load Monitoring technology will also monitor current and voltage to shut down affected channels under clipping conditions, thereby protecting both the amplifier and any speakers attached to it. I'm very happy with the results. I dont think its an upgrade to get the Anthem if you already own the Parasound though. I have an Anthem AVM 60 with Halo A51 and A23, the Halo sounds great with the Anthem. I bought the Parasound Halo A52+. So. Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. Theres a similar duality to its sonic performance, with the Anthem capable of intimately detailed moments on the one hand and astounding dynamic transients on the other. Emotiva XPA 3. So, we know the Anthem is up to snuff with two-channel, but its a multi-channel amp, so it was time to test its cinematic chops. Anthem 225 vs Parasound A21 vs Emotiva Xpa 7 Gen 2 Hey guys, I am looking for a very detailed sounding amp for Sacd playback.I am not interested in power output ,just smooth natural sound.These are my choices so far. This means it can deliver huge amounts of power instantly to any channel that demands it. The MCA 525 is evidently capable of attack and delicacy with music and provides detail in spades, even at levels lower than Id typically listen at. Again, the likes of P5 are real deals when it comes to high current, but they are electronic dinosaurs. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. The speakers I'm looking to power are 4 ohms with compression driver if that makes any difference, JTR to be exact. Anthem MCA 525 (Gen 2) 5-Channel Power Amplifier. JavaScript is disabled. What's not to like? This second generation of MCA multi-channel Class A/B power amplifiers builds on that reputation, although represents a complete ground-up redesign of the forgoing MCA series. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The No. Anthem seems to be more assosicated with HT use, but the MCA-20 seems to be a pretty healthy 2ch amp, stable down to 2ohm. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. I thought Bryston are much more expensive. Look at Anthems AVM60. The Rotel 1585 is $3,000. It was probably plugged into a modified Delorean when that test was performed. Other than that a fan of bipolar over MOSFET, Ted I'm still waiting. The latest MCA Power Amplifiers are available in two (MCA 225), three (MCA 325) and five (MCA 525) channel configurations and are designed to be a perfect match for the AVM 70 and AVM 90 AV Processors both sonically and aesthetically. 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