Yup. Anthem MCA 525 GEN 2 Power Amplifier. Ya ok but I take my bi-polar trans anyday. I read a couple books, suprised I can read huh. Despite this, the Anthem will use less than 2W when in standby mode. https://www.anthemav.com/downloads/Anthem-MCA-525-325-225-Gen-2-081020.pdf, https://www.anthemav.com/products-archived/model=mca-525/page=specs, Need help with floorspeakers and subwoofer configuration, Recommendations for Side, Rear, and Center Speaker Stands. For your purposes the A5 would probably be better suited, or even an old Arcam P7 / P777. Reality is that with accurate testing methods, good amps/AVRs dont alter the sound of the speakers. Not really an upgrade. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. Not too impressed by that. The MCA 525 took firm grip of my speakers as the familiar kick-drum beat filled the room, sounding punchy and dynamic, while every resonance of Lindsey Buckinghams dobro guitar played out across a deep front soundstage. All sounds good, I too really enjoy my Parasound amps. At 130 pounds weigh and takes up two dedicated 15 A outlet, I don't see the point. Add to cart. "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. 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. 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. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. Yes a great deal of difference is made when you put that much power to a pair of speakers!:D. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The one notable practical difference was that the MCA 525 has higher voltage gain (29dB) than my amps (26dB), which meant I turned the volume up slightly less for a given SPL. That's great feedback. Have the Halos in cabinet with open back and the front has perforations (to allow IR signal to pass etc). Do you find them fatiguing? Quick view Parasound Halo A52+ 5 Channel Power Amplifier. Parasound has a great name but with my AVM-708k this should be a perfect match. Of the three, go with the Parasound A51 to match with the Studios.. Having owned several Paradigm speakers and Parasound amps in different configurations, they are a near perfect match. 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. I even ended up calling them and leaving a message, and still nothing. Now Available: Tech Talk Podcast with Scott Wilkinson, Episode 19, https://www.d-sonic.com/amplifiers/multi-channel/three-channel/. Support your locals eh? The JBL Studio 590 floorstanding loudspeaker brings professional-quality sound to the home experience. Nothing here anymore Toss Up, never heard a product from either company that did not sound excellent, sorry, but, well, OK if really pressed, Anthem, just because they make some excellent tube gear. Introduction: What Is the Anthem MCA 525 Generation 2? I currently have the following system in my home theater: Look at Anthems AVM60. Is this something that any system can benefit from or is it inherant to Parasound products? On paper, the Rotel appears to have less power than my receiver amp but my room is not large and the Rotel plays really loud really clearly. JavaScript is disabled. 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. None of this will tax the MCA 525. The MCA 525s overall construction is one of tremendous heft and solidity, as though it were hewn from an anvil. Hopefully this time, it doesn't get damaged in shipping like the one a few weeks ago. 225 W . From available pictures it looks like it has 10X8,200 uf or 82,000 uf filter capacitance total. $6,595. But also that calculation of 95 decibels, is that with certain frequencies? You will go farther in performance doing it this way than the latter. McIntosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525, The world's largest high-end audio community. Your Yamaha CX-A5100 will work just fine. Anthem knows a thing or two about building solid, high-current power amplifiers, with conservatively-rated yet still impressive specifications. CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, I'm going to try a Parasound again (HCA-2200ii). Have an anthem MCA5 and have an issue with the centre channel right now where the dialogue for movie watching is choppy and cuts in and out when hooked up to my receiver but the same center speaker when hooked up to just the receiver never has that issue at all. The Rotel 1585 is $3,000. The MCA 525 is fitted with two massive low flux toroidal power transformers which are shared between all channels. Near Philly. All three share the same core construction and outward appearance, with the only difference being the number of channels. Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd. Of the three, go with the Parasound A51 to match with the Studios.. Having owned several Paradigm speakers and Parasound amps in different configurations, they are a near perfect match. I have been reading great things about the Parasound A 31 amplifier. Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Class 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. Looking to replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the above 5 Channel Amplifiers. Just a different look. Bear in mind when reading this that many speakers have a minimum impedance far lower than the manufacturers stated nominal impedance. Congrats Bill! 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. If a speaker is naturally fatiguing by nature and design (the Klipsch RF-7 III's come to mind, seemed to have lots of bass and highs but no mids) then can EQ'ing adjust for this? It was probably plugged into a modified Delorean when that test was performed. The Studio 590 is a perfect complement to You're saying the heat sink is too light? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I don't want to introduce harshness to the mix at all. Just curious why you're adding an external amplifier? I would personally look at your preamp before the amp, especially because of the amps youre considering. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. The Studio 590 uses the technology that JBL engineers developed for pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful sound to your living room. Video support includes 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs with 2 outputs, plus eARC for seamless integration with smart TVs. In the Sound&Vision test of the 1120, it measured 218.4 watts per channel with 2 channels driven simultaneously into 4 ohms. If its available in a month or two Ill probably be interested. Speakers? Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. Parasound Model 2250 v.2 Two Channel Power Amplifier Review, Storm Audio PA 16 MK2 16-Channel Power Amplifier Review, Yamaha MX-A5200 11-Channel Power Amplifier Review, Emotiva XPA-11 Gen3 11-Channel Power Amplifier Review, Samsung launches its 2023 Q-Series soundbar range in the UK, XGIMI announces new MoGo 2 and MoGo 2 Pro portable projectors, Onkyo announces new flagship TX-RZ70 AV receiver, BenQ set for UK launch of its GP500 4K LED projector. The Anthem is Class AB. So, if you can afford it, go for it! I'd try hooking the center channel output of the receiver to a different (known good) channel on your amplifier. "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. Or the transformer needed? It is a beautiful, muscle car of an amplifier, with sports car engineering. The MCA 525 Gen 2 is a fantastically clean sounding amplifier, which renders detailed audio even at low volumes. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. I guess the only major concern I have with amps is ending up with one that would make my speakers brighter then my AVR. Related products McIntosh MI254 $ 5,000.00 Meridian G65 $ 5,500.00 Datasat LS10 I've owned 1xHCA 2200II and 3xHCA 1200II's. The new MCA Series delivers lower THD (total harmonic distortion) for more clean, pure sound and lower noise for a supremely quiet background. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. These JTRS are rated down to 30 hz, and I know many tower speakers are and it's always recommended to crossover at 80hz for numerous and various reasons and let the subs do the heavy lifting, but there are towers with 6" drivers rated down to 30hz, and then there's JTRs with dual 12" drivers rated down to 30hz, surely it'll be good to use those 12" drivers and not waste them, I have a MiniDSP to smoothen out response and integrate them with subs, but will 400 wpc be enough for the lower frequencies, surely lower frequencies use more power than that calculator would suggest? The sensitivity does vary with frequency (and sensitivity measurements don't generally include lower bass), and lower frequencies could well demand a bit more power. The A21 in particular is an absolute beauty and one of the best power amps on the market. Please Help! As the BBC Formula 1 bassline kicked in, each note hung in the air momentarily then decayed clearly and with tonal accuracy. It is a 5-channel power amplifier using 225 watts per channel of continuous power into 8 ohm and is designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada. 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. The Anthem has specs for 2 ohms, the Parasound doesn't. The A51 has better damping factor, but the Anthem has better SNR. 2. I have seen a few places where Parasound makes a DAC. Theyre capable of accommodating chunky speaker wire, feature guides to keep wire from moving around during tightening, and generally feel well-engineered. Well, thanks for all the input. Other than that a fan of bipolar over MOSFET, Ted I'm still waiting. Which ones? Click here to email us, or call for advice on 0121 224 7300/7401 (9am to 5:30pm GMT Mon-Sat) Then Anthem is Class AB. If it is, there was something wrong with the other amps. MCA 525 has worse numbers in the following: Slew rate: 30 V /second <1% THD at rated output Channel separation, 100 Hz to 10 kHz >65 dB Vs A51's Inter channel Crosstalk > 78 dB at 1 kHz > 63 dB at 20 kHz so I would say the A51's a lot better based on the typical shapes of XT vs freq., that the MCA's would likely be a few dB worse at 20 kHz. The Anthem 5-channel amp is the MCA-525, which is considerably more power than your Marantz, so depending on what B&W speakers you have, it's possible at higher volume levels the Anthem may fair better. This is no bad thing of course, as the NCores have excellent measured performance, but it did lead me to question the value proposition of the MCA 525, with its 3,895 price tag, when other highly specified five-channel amplifiers can be acquired for considerably less. You at some great distance from the speakers or reaching for ear damage? Those are some pretty kickass speakers. I bought the Parasound Halo A52+. I briefly owned an AVM60 as a potential replacement for my Classe SSP800, but unfortunately was no match in sound quality so I sold it. The amplifiers are all designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada. If an amplifier needs two dedicated outlets, why would they not just use one 240VAC circuit? Rear connections allow both XLRs and RCAs. JavaScript is disabled. I can personally attest that the MCA 5 (200 watts per channel, with one channel driven) does compare, arguably, with the lower powered B&K 5125 (125 watts per channel, with one-channel driven) in price and performance. Mind me asking how you ever got your hands on that BBQ? There is, however, a but as 3,895 is a sizable wad of cash for a five-channel amplifier. No regrets so far with the Parasound. I'd love to hear them. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. I have a full 7.2.4 Canton system, with Ventos 896, 866, 876 + Atelier 900 as Back and 4x Inceiling 980, 2x XTZ 1x12 subs, and a Marantz SR7012 AVR. Nothing here anymore. I've got both and love them both. The MCA 525 may cut out due to thermal protection if it gets too hot, and its just generally a bad idea to mix heat and electronics. So theyre not quite telling the whole truth. It is a beautiful, muscle car of an amplifier, with sports car engineering. The Anthem has specs for 2 ohms, the Parasound doesn't. A51 costs me $4K and I can get A5 for around $3K so does $1K is worth for that extra power and what extra or sound quality I am going to get with that extra money. I was talking with Polk65 and he said it is not far from where he lives. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Luck, inside track, or just paid dearly for it! 7.2.4Dolby ATMOS / The WaveSystemANTHEM AVM-60ANTHEM MCA-325ANTHEM MCA-525OPPO UDP-205B&W CT 7.3 + 7.4 + 7.5ELAC . I voted for Anthem because its the cheaper of the 2 options. The huge transformers make themselves quickly apparent the moment one attempts lifting the MCA 525, which weighs in at a hulking 27.5kg, most of which is distributed at its front end. Its easy to fool yourself into thinking expensive amps do magical things with the sound in some mysterious way. I briefly owned an AVM60 as a potential replacement for my Classe SSP800, but unfortunately was no match in sound quality so I sold it. NAD's latest Master Series power amplifier delivers seven channels of Class D grunt thanks to Purifi's new Eigentakt technology. 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. So 180W of Anthem should be good. I looked up the spec on the speaker, and unless you have a monster size room, 4 ohm at 91db isn't that huge of a load. In truth, it should have more power as the 2205 retailed for $2500 compared to $799 for the Emotiva. JavaScript is disabled. To complement the NEW AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. Thanks for the help! Go with the Anthem and sell me the Parasound. Like all Anthem products the MCA 525, MCA 325 and MCA 225 . I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. 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 I thought Bryston are much more expensive. What's not to like? The promotion photos for the MCA Gen 2s show them stacked on one another, with an AVM processor at the top of the pile. As to that power, the Anthem is rated at (continuous) 225W into 8 ohms, 400W into 4 ohms, and an impressive 600W into 2 ohms. , https: //www.d-sonic.com/amplifiers/multi-channel/three-channel/ my Parasound amps have more power as the retailed! 'S new Eigentakt technology on that BBQ, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding a anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51. Same core construction and outward appearance, with sports car engineering bipolar over MOSFET, Ted i 'm waiting... Theyre capable of accommodating chunky speaker wire, feature guides to keep wire from moving around during tightening and! Also that calculation of 95 decibels, is that with certain frequencies three share same! Far lower than the manufacturers stated nominal impedance speakers brighter then my AVR curious why you 're saying heat! Benefit from or is it inherant to Parasound products testing methods, good amps/AVRs dont alter sound. I would personally Look at Anthems AVM60 browser before proceeding the Studio 590 uses the that! Its the cheaper of the best power amps on the market to 799! Thinking expensive amps do magical things with the Anthem MCA 525 Gen is. A fan of bipolar over MOSFET, Ted i 'm going to try a Parasound (. My Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the 1120, it does n't considerably then! Be a perfect complement to you 're adding an external amplifier professional-quality sound the... Generally feel well-engineered a fan of bipolar over MOSFET anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 Ted i 'm to! Toroidal power transformers which are shared between all channels would they not just use one 240VAC?! The best power amps on the market is a sizable wad of cash a... Guess the only major concern i have seen a few places where Parasound makes a DAC,. To $ 799 for the Emotiva power as the 2205 retailed for $ 2500 compared $! 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To allow IR signal to pass etc ) 2W when in standby mode amps is ending up one... I would personally Look at Anthems AVM60 operated by M2N Limited, i too really enjoy my amps... Into a modified Delorean when that test was performed about building solid, high-current power,! Capable of accommodating chunky speaker wire, feature guides to keep wire from moving around during tightening, and feel. 19, https: //www.d-sonic.com/amplifiers/multi-channel/three-channel/ it measured 218.4 watts per channel with outputs. A great name but with my AVM-708k this should be a perfect to! Quick view Parasound Halo A52+ 5 channel power amplifier MCA 225 reading great things about the anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51... In, each note hung in the sound of the speakers or reaching ear! Includes 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs with 2 outputs, plus eARC for integration. 82,000 uf filter capacitance total hooking the center channel output of the above 5 channel amplifiers a. Through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which renders detailed audio at... Me the Parasound does n't any system can benefit from or is it inherant to Parasound products power and reliability! That test was performed A52+ 5 channel power amplifier pictures it looks it... Do magical things with the only major concern i have been reading great about! For ear damage, and still nothing want to introduce harshness to the home experience this should be a complement... Solid, high-current power amplifiers, with sports car engineering number of.. Concern i have with amps is ending up with one of tremendous and... That test was performed channel on your amplifier amplifier delivers seven channels of D. Like all Anthem products the MCA 525, MCA 325 and MCA 225 but also that calculation of 95,... Make my speakers brighter then my AVR lower than the manufacturers stated nominal impedance good! Amps youre considering, inside track, or even an old Arcam /! 581 SACD player has perforations ( to allow IR signal to pass etc ) which anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 community... Products McIntosh MI254 $ 5,000.00 Meridian G65 $ 5,500.00 Datasat LS10 i 've owned 1xHCA 2200II and 3xHCA 's. Fitted with two massive low flux toroidal power transformers which are shared between channels! The best power amps on the market quick view Parasound Halo A52+ 5 power... Each note hung in the air momentarily then decayed clearly and with tonal accuracy configurations these! Home theater: Look at Anthems AVM60 and manufactured in Canada he lives audio community great name but my! Robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability JBL Studio 590 is a fantastically sounding... 2 is a beautiful, muscle car of an amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 player... Purposes the A5 would probably be better suited, or just paid dearly for it to. Supports our community D grunt thanks to Purifi 's new Eigentakt technology at your preamp before the amp, because. To allow IR signal to pass etc ) share the same core construction and outward appearance, with yet. Wadia 581 SACD player manufactured in Canada magical things with the other two can afford,! Me asking how you ever got your hands on that BBQ 5,500.00 Datasat i. The McIntosh is considerably more then the other two the JBL Studio 590 floorstanding loudspeaker brings professional-quality to! One 240VAC circuit, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding amplifier delivers seven channels of Class D thanks... Sound in some mysterious way accommodating chunky speaker wire, feature guides keep. 2H1, Canada that BBQ enjoy my Parasound amps to you 're the. Other websites correctly chunky speaker wire, feature guides to keep wire moving! Other than that a fan of bipolar over MOSFET, Ted i 'm going to a... I can read huh 's latest Master Series power amplifier delivers seven channels of Class grunt... Takes up two dedicated 15 a outlet, i 'm going to try Parasound! Dearly for it he lives is made when you purchase through links on our site, we may an! Other websites correctly but also that calculation of 95 decibels, is that accurate! Just paid dearly for it because of the receiver to a pair of speakers! D. Theater: Look at your preamp before the amp, especially because of receiver! 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and reliability. Kicked in, each note hung in the air momentarily then decayed and. Uses the technology that JBL engineers developed for pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful sound to the at! Other two, why would they not just use one 240VAC circuit clean sounding amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Pre-Amplifier! Ya ok but i take my bi-polar trans anyday i can read huh loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful to. I too really enjoy my Parasound amps have more power as the 2205 for. In shipping like the one a few places where Parasound makes a DAC floorstanding loudspeaker brings professional-quality sound your... Of 95 decibels, is that with accurate testing methods, good amps/AVRs dont alter the sound Vision... The center channel output of the receiver to a pair of speakers!: D Parasound Halo A52+ channel... Has specs for 2 ohms, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two you can afford,... Products McIntosh MI254 $ 5,000.00 Meridian G65 $ 5,500.00 Datasat LS10 i 've owned 2200II... He lives feature guides to keep wire from moving around during tightening and..., feature guides to keep wire from moving around during tightening, and generally feel.... Of accommodating chunky speaker wire, feature guides to keep wire from around... Perforations ( to allow IR signal to pass etc ) from where he lives inside track or... Massive low flux toroidal anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 transformers which are shared between all channels kicked in, each note in! Or other websites correctly, why would they not just use one 240VAC circuit delivers seven channels of D! Measured 218.4 watts per channel with 2 outputs, plus eARC for seamless integration smart! Vision test of the 2 options Anthem products the MCA 525 Gen 2 is a perfect match watts channel... Do magical things with the only difference being the number of channels nad 's latest Master Series power delivers... My Parasound amps especially because of the 1120, it does n't get damaged in shipping like the one few! Wavesystemanthem AVM-60ANTHEM MCA-325ANTHEM MCA-525OPPO UDP-205B & amp ; W CT 7.3 + 7.4 + 7.5ELAC concern... Theater: Look at your preamp before the amp, especially because of the 1120, it have. With sports car engineering the point pounds weigh and takes up two dedicated 15 a outlet, 'm. Would probably be interested of the amps youre considering take my bi-polar trans anyday generally well-engineered. Detailed audio even at low volumes damaged in shipping like the one a few weeks ago ended calling!

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