About the Anthem STR Power Amplifier

This dual-mono powerhouse can drive any pair of speakers
This dual-mono powerhouse can drive any pair of speakers
Our customers rave about the clean, powerful sound of Anthem's receivers and separates. Those qualities reach a pinnacle with the STR Power Amplifier. This stereo amp actually contains two powerful independent monoblock amplifiers. And this is one dual-mono design that provides the "full monty": each channel has its own circuit board, heat sinks, and toroidal power transformer.
Anthem still builds amplifiers the old-fashioned way using tried-and-true Class AB design. Transistors in critical stages are hand-selected and matched for the lowest possible distortion. The STR will deliver gobs of stable, continuous power at high output levels, even when driving low-impedance speakers.

Anthem's STR Power Amplifier uses 16 high-current bipolar output devices per channel, and boasts two massive toroidal power transformers — one per channel.
Astonishing power
The STR Power Amplifier produces 400 watts per channel into 8 ohms and a mighty 600 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with both channels driven. Anthem even rates this amp into 2 ohms — at 800 watts per channel — which tells you how confident they are of its robust design.
Anthem's engineers used 16 high-current bipolar output devices per channel, to deliver effortless, instantaneous power that can handle even the most challenging material. Using multiple output devices helps reduce distortion, and increases stability to ensure years of thrilling sound.
Incredible dynamics
Very few stereo amplifiers, even "audiophile" models, use dual toroidal power transformers, like the STR does. These low-impedance transformers ensure ultra-quiet performance and virtually unlimited dynamics. The full power and impact of all your music will come through intact.
Advanced protection
Anthem's exclusive ALM (Advanced Load Monitoring) constantly monitors internal temperature, current, and voltage to ensure safe, uninterrupted operation. 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 the amplifier and speakers from damage, while lowering the chance of a line fuse blowing during an over-current condition.
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:
- 400 watts per channel into 8 ohms (frequency bandwidth not given) at 0.004% THD with 2 channels driven
- 600 watts per channel into 4 ohms
- 800 watts per channel into 2 ohms
- Class AB design with 16 high-current bipolar output transistors per channel for ultra-low distortion
- 2 massive toroidal transformers (1 per channel) for stable, noise-free operation
- direct connection between amplifier sections and power supply capacitor bank keeps output impedance low while making more power available to the amplifier
- Advanced Load Monitoring™ technology monitors internal temperature, current, and voltage to ensure safe, uninterrupted operation
- front-panel power meters show the instantaneous peaks in the signal for each channel
- manual, triggered, or signal-sensing auto power on/off options
- stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
- custom-designed oversized binding post terminals accept bare wire, banana plugs, and spade lugs
- 3.5mm trigger jacks allow the amplifier to be turned on or off remotely
- detachable power cord
- designed, engineered, and manufactured in Canada
- total harmonic distortion: 0.004%
- signal-to-noise ratio: 121 dB
- 17"W x 6-3/4"H x 18-1/2"D
- weight: 60 lbs.
- warranty: 5 years
- Our 60-day money-back guarantee
- MFR # 1412000018
What's in the box:
Anthem STR Power Amplifier owner's manual
- Stereo power amplifier
- AC power cord
- Owner's Manual
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More details on the Anthem STR Power Amplifier

Features & specs
General | ||
---|---|---|
Number of Channels | 2 | |
Power Output per Channel (8 ohms) | 400 | |
Power Output per Channel (6 ohms) | --- | |
Power Output per Channel (4 ohms) | 600 | |
Frequency Bandwidth | --- | |
THD | 0.004% | |
Minimum Impedance | 2 | |
Bridged Power per Channel | 0 watts | |
Speaker Outputs | 2 | |
THX Certification | No | |
Width (inches) | 17 | |
Height (inches) | 6-3/4 | |
Depth (inches) | 18-1/2 | |
Weight | 60 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 | Binding Post |
Product Research
Features
STR Series Power Amplifier: The Anthem STR Power Amplifier has a well-earned reputation for being incredibly stable under difficult low-impedance speaker loads, and delivers massive power with audiophile-quality sound. The STR Power Amplifier uses two colossal transformers and multiple high-current output devices so the most subtle details and dynamic peaks are handled equally well. In addition, a short path design and redundant systems (with Advanced Load Monitoring and other exclusive protective technologies) ensure that peaks are surmounted effortlessly, guaranteeing a long life of high performance. The STR Power Amplifier's highly secure and conductive audiophile connectors provide a perfect match to the Anthem STR Preamplifier (sold separately).
Stable Low-Impedance Amplification: The Anthem STR Power Amplifier is able to deliver stable, continuous power at maximum output without affecting one another, even when driving the lowest impedances. While some amplifiers oscillate or run out of power when driving lower impedance loads, the STR Power Amplifier remains perfectly stable under all conditions. Experience the immense dynamics of up to 800 peak watts delivered into demanding 2Ω loads, or 400W into 8Ω/600W into 4 Ω continuously and with both channels driven. The STR Power Amplifier delivers 400 watts (RMS) x 2 channels into 8Ω with both channels driven, a massive 600 watts (RMS) x 2 channels into 4Ω with both channels driven, and 800 watts (Peak) x 2 channels into 2Ω.
Cascoded Complementary Feedback Input Stage: The STR Power Amplifier benefits from Anthem's proprietary input topology, a unique departure from the classic differential input stage. Eight low-noise bipolar input devices are configured in a complementary active-load cascoded feedback arrangement for reduced distortion, exceptionally linear response and superior bandwidth. Transistors in critical stages are hand-selected and matched for lowest possible distortion.
16 Bipolar Output Devices Per Channel: Anthem engineers incorporated sixteen bipolar output devices per channel, resulting in peak production that is effortless and instantaneous, handling even the most challenging material. The use of multiple bipolar output devices in class AB configuration also dramatically reduces distortion while ensuring extreme linearity, extensive bandwidth, and stress-free reliability.
Massive Toroidal Transformers: The STR Power Amplifier delivers incredible dynamics thanks to a massive, conservatively rated (and "audiophile approved") power supply design with high rail voltages. Conservatively rated, in a low-profile design shaped to minimize hum, the low-impedance toroidal power transformers, one for each channel, make no sacrifices when it comes to delivering a continuous supply of pure, clean, low noise power. These advanced-generation toroidal power transformers minimize stray magnetic field radiation and ensure ultra-quiet performance. The resulting power is pure, clean, low-noise; capable of effortlessly and instantly reproducing the full dynamics of even the most complex audio recordings. Furthermore, the amplifier sections are Direct Connected to the power supply capacitor bank with both the power supply impedance and internal cabling inductance minimized to deliver a clear path for maximum power. This keeps output impedance remarkably low while making more power available to the amplifier. Even when driving lower or complex impedance loads, the result is audibly superior performance.
ALM (Advanced Load Monitoring) Technology: Exclusive ALM technology monitors internal temperature, current and voltage to ensure safe and uninterrupted long-term operation. 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 the amplifier and speakers from damage, while lowering the chance of a line fuse blowing during an over-current condition. The front-panel display confirms status at all times.
Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA Inputs: The Anthem STR Power Amplifier is equipped with balanced stereo XLR and unbalanced stereo RCA inputs for connection to an external preamplifier, like the Anthem STR Preamplifier (sold separately). Balanced XLR connections offer the highest transmission quality, particularly over long cable lengths because it rejects noise and hum pickup.
Heavy-Duty Binding-Post Speaker Outputs: Anthem's custom-designed, oversized binding posts give you the flexibility you need for large-gauge speaker wire (up to 8AWG), pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana plugs (single only). Insulated, non-conductive, color-coded jackets make easy, fast, and solid connections with no interference or ghosting.
Power Meters: The front-panel power meter needles show the instantaneous peaks in the signal for each channel. Since the needles may move too quickly for peaks to be noticed, there are also peak hold indicators which show the peak for a longer period. If the needle goes into the red zone, reduce volume.
Power On/Off Options: In addition to the traditional options for power-on, the STR Power Amplifier allows trigger mode (5-24V) and audio signal sensing to be combined so you never need to think about turning the amplifier on or off manually. This can be useful when using a preamp with Home Theater Bypass mode together with a surround sound processor in the same system.
Soft Turn-On & Auto Standby: A sequence-controlled soft turn-on significantly reduces power line transients and in-rush current during start up, thereby preventing accidental tripping of circuit breakers. The amplifier will turn off after approximately 20 minutes of no audio signal activity.
Crafted In Canada: The Anthem STR Power Amplifier is designed, engineered, & manufactured in Canada. From the idea stage to the final manufacturing specs, Anthem has complete control over the whole intricate process. Anthem takes pride in this personal attention to detail, and use only the highest quality components, many designed and engineered in-house.
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Absolutely love this Amp!! In my eyes, the best bang for your buck!! I also have them hooked up to my Paradigm Founder 120H speakers, which are hybrid speakers and the makers of Anthem amps, and pair super nice together!!
Jamie from Bloomington in