About the Anthem MCA 225 Gen 2

Anthem's rock-solid amp has evolved
Anthem's rock-solid amp has evolved
The orginal Anthem MCA 225 earned rave reviews from Crutchfield customers. So naturally, the company made the new MCA 225 Gen 2 even better. It's been completely redesigned, with shorter internal cabling that creates a smoother circuit pathway. Why does that matter? Because 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.
The MCA 225 Gen 2'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.
Two-channel champ or home theater hero
Usually power amps like this one are paired with stereo preamps, or A/V preamp/processors. Anthem's MRX Series home theater receivers have preamp outputs, so you can easily connect the MCA 225 Gen 2 and use it to drive your main left and right channels. That surge of added power does wonders for music and movie soundtracks.
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
- low-noise, high-power toroidal transformer for stable, noise-free performance
- 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
- signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB
- designed, engineered, and manufactured in Canada
- detachable power cord
Dimensions and warranty:
- 17-1/4"W x 6-5/8"H x 18-1/8"D
- weight: 40 lbs.
- warranty: 5 years
- MFR # 1412000026
What's in the box:
Anthem MCA 225 Gen 2 owner's manual
- 2-Channel power amplifier
- 70" AC power cord
- Quick Start Guide
- Product Registration Card
- Note For Online Manual
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More details on the Anthem MCA 225 Gen 2

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) | 6-11/16 | |
Depth (inches) | 19-3/16 | |
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 | Binding Post |
Product Research
Features
MCA (Gen 2) Series: Anthem's MCA (Gen 2) Series amplifiers feature superior craftsmanship that is reflected in clean, clear, audiophile-quality sound from top to bottom of the frequency spectrum. These new MCA (Gen 2) Series amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability than previous MCA Series. The new MCA (Gen 2) Series also delivers lower THD (total harmonic distortion) for more clean, pure sound and lower noise for a supremely quiet background. The MCA (Gen 2) Series amplifiers utilize 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.
Massive Toroidal Power Supplies: The MCA (Gen 2) 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.
Low Impedance Amplifier: Anthem's new MCA (Gen 2) Series Amplifiers balance the complex dynamics of today's most demanding multi-channel media with the rare finesse required to satisfy audiophile quality souond reproduction. 8 bipolar output devices per channel deliver greater high-current power with less stress on the amplifier. The amplifier is incredibly stable into difficult, low-impedance speaker loads, making them very reliable performers in even the toughest circumstances. MCA (Gen 2) Series Amps provide an abundance of conservatively rated power into demanding low impedance loads with incredible reliability. See below for the MCA 225 (Gen 2) power ratings -
- 8-Ohm: 225 watts x 2 channels(continuous RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz, <.015% THD)
- 4-Ohm: 400 watts x 2 channels (continuous RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz, <.0.15% THD)
- 2-Ohm: 600 watts x 2 channels (continuous RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz, <0.15% THD)
Direct Path Circuitry: The MCA (Gen 2) 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. With a signal-to-noise ratio of 120dB, background noise is practically nonexistent, leaving you with just pure natural sound reproduction from the MCA (Gen 2) Series amplifier.
Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) Technology: Exclusive ALM (Advanced Load Monitoring) 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.
Balanced & Unbalanced Analog Inputs: The Anthem MCA 225 (Gen 2) 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). These new, larger, more conductive audiophile-grade binding posts have been added to maximize contact and maintain a firm grip on the speaker cable.
Trigger Input/Output: The Anthem MCA 225 (Gen 2) 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 MCA (Gen 2) Series amplifiers are designed, engineered, and completely Crafted in Canada. They come with a 5 year warranty.
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AMAZING ! AMP ! I bought a Marantz SR8012 from Crutchfield and felt like my KEF LEFT & RIGHT Speakers needed more power. After talking to Crutchfield, I added the Anthem MCA 225 to my system. Been Blown AWAY since the minute I first turned it on! Music Lovers will be Happy!
Rex from Edmond, OK