Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 5-channel power amplifier

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.

Features & Functions

Features include:

• 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 70 and 90 A/V Preamplifier-Processor
• Rackmount kit (sold separately)

Decoding:

• Improved Advanced Load Monitoring system
• 8 bipolar output devices per channel for less stress on each device
• Less than 2 watts standby power consumption
• Crafted in Canada

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 use 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.

MCA 525 GEN 2 Specifications

POWER OUTPUT (PER CHANNEL) (Continuous RMS, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, <1% THD)
Impedance 8Ω 4Ω 2Ω 225 W 400 W 600 W
INPUTS / OUTPUTS
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)
Rear Panel	3 On/Off Modes (Trigger, Manual, Auto)
THD at 100W
at 1 kHz	0.0010%
at 20 kHz	0.015%
IMD at 100 W
ITU-R (19 kHz + 20 kHz)	0.0005%
SMPTE (60 Hz + 7 kHz)	0.002%
Frequency Response, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
open circuit	± 0.1 dB
8Ω	± 0.1 dB
4Ω	± 0.1 dB
2Ω	± 0.2 dB
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
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