About the Anthem MCA 225
Clean, clear sound and rock-solid reliability
Clean, clear sound and rock-solid reliability
If you're looking for ways to improve your 2-channel listening, a high-quality stereo amplifier like the Anthem MCA 225 can make a powerful difference. Some people think that high-powered amps are only about playing your music louder, but there are other benefits. A well-designed amplifier can do a better job of controlling the stop-start motion of your speakers' drivers, enhancing virtually every aspect of sound quality from deep bass, to dynamics, to soundstaging.
Usually power amps like the MCA 225 are paired with stereo preamps, or A/V preamp/processors like Anthem's superb AVM 60. But if your home theater receiver has preamp outputs — and many do — you can easily connect the MCA 225 and use it to drive your main left and right channels. That surge of added power does wonders for music and movie soundtracks.
Inside the Anthem sound
The MCA 225 has RCA and XLR inputs for use with a wide range of preamps and A/V preamp/processors.
The MCA 225's rated power output provides a clue to this amp's unshakeable grip on the music. It produces 225 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 400 watts into 4 ohms and an incredible 600 watts into 2 ohms!
Those numbers tell you that the MCA 225 has a very robust regulated power supply. I'm not actually aware of any 2-ohm speakers currently being made, but there are lots of high-performance 4-ohm speakers that would love to hook up with this Anthem.
When designing their latest MCA Series amplifiers, Anthem upgraded nearly every part in the signal path in order to reduce noise and distortion. From the custom high-power toroidal transformer inside, to the re-designed speaker binding posts in back, every feature was optimized so that you'll hear clean, transparent sound emerging from an eerily quiet background.
Made in Canada, respected around the world
For more than two decades, Anthem has been making award-winning high-performance audio/video equipment for music and home theater. Anthem power amplifiers are designed, engineered, and built in Canada.
Product highlights:
- 225 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.015% THD with 2 channels driven
- 400 watts per channel into 4 ohms
- 600 watts per channel into 2 ohms
- Class AB design with 8 high-current bipolar output transistors per channel for lower distortion
- custom low-noise, high-power toroidal transformer for stable, noise-free operation
- high-quality filter capacitors and advanced power supply regulators
- Advanced Load Monitoring™ technology monitors internal temperature, current, and voltage to ensure safe, uninterrupted operation
- 3-way on/off operation: manual, triggered, or signal-sensing auto on/off
- stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
- custom-designed binding post terminals accept bare wire, banana plugs, and spade lugs
- 3.5mm trigger in/out jacks allow the amplifier to be turned on or off remotely
- detachable power cord
- designed, engineered, and manufactured in Canada
- total harmonic distortion: 0.015%
- signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB
- 17-1/4"W x 6-5/8"H x 18-1/8"D
- weight: 40 lbs.
- warranty: 5 years
- MFR # 1412000001
What's in the box:
- 2-Channel power amplifier
- AC power cord
- Operating Manual
Customer reviews for Anthem MCA 225
Loading...
Loading reviews...
Average review:
5.0 out of 5 starsThanks for submitting your review
Customer photos
This review was collected as part of a promotion
Pros:
Cons:
More details on the Anthem MCA 225
Features & specs
General | ||
---|---|---|
Number of Channels | 2 | |
Power Output per Channel (8 ohms) | 225 | |
Power Output per Channel (6 ohms) | --- | |
Power Output per Channel (4 ohms) | 400 | |
Frequency Bandwidth | 20-20k | |
THD | 0.015% | |
Minimum Impedance | 2 | |
Bridged Power per Channel | 0 watts | |
Speaker Outputs | 2 | |
THX Certification | No | |
Width (inches) | 17-1/4 | |
Height (inches) | 6-5/8 | |
Depth (inches) | 18-1/8 | |
Weight | 40 pounds | |
Parts Warranty | 5 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 5 Years | |
Inputs & Outputs | ||
Number of Inputs | 2 | |
Input Type | XLR, RCA | |
Removable Power Cord | IEC 2-prong | |
Level Controls | No | |
Speaker Connectors | Posts |
Product Research
Features
MCA Series Amplifier: Anthem's MCA series of 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 series amplifiers provide an abundance of conservatively rated power into demanding low-impedance loads with incredible reliability.
Superior Craftsmanship: The Anthem MCA series multi-channel amplifier's superior craftsmanship is reflected in its clean, clear, audiophile-quality sound from top-to-bottom of the frequency spectrum. MCA series multi-channel amplifiers utilize only the highest quality of parts - like 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.
Stereo Power Amp: The Anthem MCA 225 stereo power amplifier is incredibly stable into difficult, low-impedance speaker loads, making it a reliable performer in even the toughest circumstances. The MCA 225 utilizes 8 bipolar output devices per channel for greater high-current power with less stress on the amplifier.
- 8Ω: 225 watts per channel (continuous RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz, <1% THD)
- 4Ω: 400 watts per channel (continuous RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz, <1% THD)
- 2Ω: 600 watts per channel (continuous RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz, <1% THD)
Massive Toroidal Power Supplies: MCA series amplifiers deliver incredible dynamics thanks to massive, conservatively rated power supplies designed with high-rail voltages. Low flux toroidal power transformers ensure ultra quiet performance by minimizing stray magnetic field radiation. This provides the pure, clean, low-noise power that is needed to reproduce the full dynamics of home theater and the most complex and dynamic music recordings.
Direct Path Circuitry: The MCA series greatly reduces the use of internal cabling for a much smoother circuit path for pure, unobstructed audio performance. Both power supply impedance and internal cabling inductance have been minimized to deliver a direct, clear path for maximum power; even in the most demanding conditions. Consequently, Anthem removed output relays, so the signal path has absolutely no moving parts. All parts, including the eight bipolar output transistors per channel, are run conservatively so they remain within their safe operating range.
Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) Technology: Anthem's exclusive ALM circuitry protects the amplifier's sensitive output devices by constantly monitoring temperature, current, and voltage to ensure optimum long-term performance. ALM is totally non-invasive; it is not in the signal path and only engages in the most extreme circumstances to protect the amplifier from damage by maintaining the safe operating area of the output devices.
120dB Signal-To-Noise Ratio: With a signal-to-noise ratio of 120dB, background noise is practically nonexistent, leaving you with just pure natural sound reproduction from the MCA series amplifier.
Balanced & Unbalanced Analog Inputs: The Anthem MCA 225 amplifier is equipped with one balanced stereo XLR input and one unbalanced stereo RCA input. Balanced XLR connections offer the highest transmission quality, particularly over long cable lengths, because they reject noise and hum pickup. If your preamplifier does not have XLR outputs, use the RCA inputs.
Custom-Designed Binding-Posts: Custom-designed, oversized robust binding-posts ensure full power delivery at all times. They're easy to use and facilitate large speaker cable connectors, as well a banana plugs (single only).
Trigger Input/Output: The Anthem MCA 225 is equipped with a 12V trigger input (3.5mm) and 12V trigger output (3.5m) to synchronize power on/off with other components that also feature 12V trigger inputs and outputs.
3-Way On/Off: The MCA series amplifier can be powered on or off in three ways - manually with the On/Off switch on the front-panel, remotely via the rear-panel 5V-24V trigger input, or automatically with Anthem's patented Auto-On/Off circuit. Via the Auto-On/Off circuit, an incoming audio signal immediately switches it on; and approximately 20 minutes after the audio signal ends, it simply switches off.
Protection Circuitry: The Anthem MCA series amplifier utilizes a 3-way protection circuit to guard against Short Circuits (Short Circuit protection), Over-Heating (Thermal protection), and Ground Faults (DC protection).
Crafted In Canada: Anthem's MCA series multi-channel amplifiers are designed and crafted in Canada.
Loading...
Loading accessories...
Customer Q&A
3 questions already asked
Loading...
Loading articles...
I love this amplifier. Everything about it is quality. I'm using it with a Rogue Audio 99 pre amp and Klipsch Cornwall II speakers that I've had since the mid 80s. It sounds so good I never want to leave home again. Crutchfield was also great to order from and everything was as promised.
Jim from West Jordan, UT