Monolith 3x. I am wondering if I will get the same response from my speakers once I hooked them up to one of these amps I am reviewing. They really are nice, with no sign of wobble or flimsiness. I would personally look at your preamp before the amp, especially because of the amps youre considering. I had the AVM50 processor and MCA-50 amp (older model). . Here is a list of companies that make units with IcePower amps.. Of the two amps you mention in the original post, go with the Parasound. Your Yamaha CX-A5100 will work just fine. Along with monitoring the internal temperature, Anthems Advanced Load Monitoring technology will also monitor current and voltage to shut down affected channels under clipping conditions, thereby protecting both the amplifier and any speakers attached to it. 7.2.4Dolby ATMOS / The WaveSystemANTHEM AVM-60ANTHEM MCA-325ANTHEM MCA-525OPPO UDP-205B&W CT 7.3 + 7.4 + 7.5ELAC . The amps on your list are very good ones and you probably wouldn't go wrong with any of them, however, I would recommend looking at the Rotel RMB 1585, big brother to mine, 5 channel though, but a monster for a great price. JavaScript is disabled. 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. McIntosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525, The world's largest high-end audio community. 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. I know that A51 have more power than A5 but I have easy to drive speakers: Paradigm Studio 40 v4. 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. I'd just use the A51 and not worry about it. To complement the NEW AVM 90 and AVM 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325, and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. Ferrys vocals sounded natural and present during Roxy Musics Love is the Drug, and the various saxophones in Radioheads The National Anthem were clearly etched during its crescendo, rendered with almost overwhelming detail. Samsung 75" QLED, Amazon Echo x 5, Amazon Echo "sub", Amazon 4K Firestick, Bose QC35 II. Read about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. I have decided to purchase a new 5 channel power amp and would like some advice from our forum members. Stereo setup: MSB Select ll DAC w/ 2 separate mono powerbases (PSU) & Femto 33 clock, Taeko Audio SGM Extreme music server; Clearaudio Statement v2 turntable, Statement TT tonearm, Statement Goldfinger cartridge & separate PSU; D'Agostino Momentum phono pre; Naim Statement NAC S1 linestage preamp & Naim Statement NAP S1 monoblock amps; Magico M6. System is kinda in transition right now, but pics to come soon (guts and arse too). Hi All, potentially closing a deal on the Anthem AVM 70 and could potentially cut a deal if I get the matching Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2, which is a 5 channel power amp. I s'pose you could reproduce thunderclaps and jet engines realistically but you'd only be able to hear it a few times before you blow your eardrums into your sinuses .LOL 400wpc short on power with 101dB sensitivity at 12 feet. You will go farther in performance doing it this way than the latter. Add to Cart. For evaluation I used the same demo material that Id listened to during my testing of the AVM 90 with my Hypex NCore-based amplifiers. parasound and anthem are different company, so expect differences in sound. On paper, it looks like an MCA with a new face plate and a little bigger . "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. Parasound A51 (click on specs) https://parasound.com/a51.php Anthen MCA 525 Gen2 (PDF spec download) Now Available: Tech Talk Podcast with Scott Wilkinson, Episode 19, https://www.d-sonic.com/amplifiers/multi-channel/three-channel/. What are they? 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. The Studio 590 uses the technology that JBL engineers developed for pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful sound to your living room. Thats a great idea to isolate the variables. What is your PayPal address? Click here to email us, or call for advice on 0121 224 7300/7401 (9am to 5:30pm GMT Mon-Sat) Pro amp for sure, but a 61 lbs class AB amp you and I both know there is something fishy about this one. Mind me asking how you ever got your hands on that BBQ? Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I'm a lover of the tube hybrids from Anthem as they are just fun to listen to and enjoy..Parasound is all about brutality and power. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. You must log in or register to reply here. Studio 590 | 250-watt, dual 8" floorstanding loudspeaker, Need help with floorspeakers and subwoofer configuration, Recommendations for Side, Rear, and Center Speaker Stands. I have decided to purchase a 5 channel amp and like the Parasound HCA-2205AT, but haven't quite figured out what the differences are between the Anthem PVA or MCA models. It might be ok for folks who mostly watch movies, but I spend 90% listening to music, so sound quality is #1 priority for me. 5-channel power amplifier; 225 watts per channel continuous power into 8 ohms. Reality is that with accurate testing methods, good amps/AVRs dont alter the sound of the speakers. As the BBC Formula 1 bassline kicked in, each note hung in the air momentarily then decayed clearly and with tonal accuracy. 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. However, having separate Pre and Power usually leads to positive result. It DOES NOT compare with the B&K Reference 7250, like at least one reviewer claims. Looking to replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the above 5 Channel Amplifiers. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. I deleted my post because of the comments WRT using the power but I hadn't looked at the specific models. The Anthem has specs for 2 ohms, the Parasound doesn't. I have an Anthem AVM 60 with Halo A51 and A23, the Halo sounds great with the Anthem. Thanks for the feedback. Thanks! Rating: 100 % of 100. . The Anthem Mca 225 has a power output of 225 watts per channel, while the Parasound A21 has a power output of 250 watts per channel. I would personally look at your preamp before the amp, especially because of the amps youre considering. I don't care about footprint and I don't believe that the sound is better. The A51 weighs more and is Class A / AB. McIntosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525, The world's largest high-end audio community. But that had no audible bearing on sound quality. So. 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. I'm wide open to suggestions. I rode the volume dial up a few notches during the scene in Ready Player One and was at once deeply impressed by the clarity of the MCA 525 and AVM 90 combo, yet also terrified by the dynamic transients and raw power on tap. I hooked up my speakers via banana plugs, which fit snugly into the Anthems binding posts. Just a different look. The JTRs are rated at 2200 watts, the A51 is only 400 watts at 4 ohms so thought it might be short on power. The overall dimensions are (H x W x D) 169mm, 438mm, 460mm. You at some great distance from the speakers or reaching for ear damage? I think the closest company to me that I really care about is VPI but I can never find it when I used to travel to that area. Heck you can't have it all Mosfet and Tubes killer power cords. I found something from Anthem last night that said special circumstances required for 2ohm test. Im going to go out on a limb and say there probably isnt much in existence that is a true upgrade to the Parasound A51. No regrets so far with the Parasound. The A51 has better damping factor, but the Anthem has better SNR. Looking purely at the published specifications, I would guess they are more alike than different. it speaks of thoughtful craftsmanship. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. So it seems like all things considered the general opinion is A51 is the better amp, even though its 18 years older in design? That's great feedback. Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd. Speakers? What is the diaphragm made of? I even ended up calling them and leaving a message, and still nothing. I currently have the following system in my home theater: Cool. If it is, there was something wrong with the other amps. Yeah the future is high quality class-D like the ATI AT525NC (200x5) and others. Anthem knows a thing or two about building solid, high-current power amplifiers, with conservatively-rated yet still impressive specifications. Active/Powered Speakers Subwoofers Portable Speakers Wireless Speakers Dipole and Atmos Speakers Tweeters Soundbars In Ceiling & In Wall Speakers On Wall Speakers 5.1 Speaker Packages Unique Speakers Audio Affair Exclusive Speaker Deals Need help choosing? I have been reading great things about the Parasound A 31 amplifier. Speakers and subs! Used to match them with a Marantz AV7005 before that. These make use of 8 high-current bipolar output transistors per channel! Add to cart. It is a beautiful, muscle car of an amplifier, with sports car engineering. there's no way to tell the difference without testing it in your system. I know that a Parasound Halo A31 would trump both of them but that is less channels and a little too much coin. Or? For lower listening levels I prefer the tubed Anthem, but when needing to rock out a bit the PSound has the balls and headroom needed. By all accounts the Anthem 1120 is one of, if not the, best receiver on the market with plenty enough power? Beyond my paygrade. No, what I am saying is, its power supply does not look big enough for a 2 Ohm rating. Near Philly. Great post, looking at the Emotiva, Anthem and ATI two-channel amps myself. 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. 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. Studio CC590. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 or Parasound A52+ (Decision Made) ar surround Jul 20, 2021 Help Support QuadraphonicQuad: ar surround 2K Club - QQ Super Nova QQ Supporter Joined Apr 3, 2010 Messages 4,255 Location New Joisey Jul 20, 2021 #1 I have decided to purchase a new 5 channel power amp and would like some advice from our forum members. Another good choice is Parasound, the A51 and A21. Yet for Anthem fans, particularly AVM 70 or AVM 90 owners, there is a lot to love here. It may not display this or other websites correctly. It is outwardly elegant yet built like a tank. Buy both. All sounds good, I too really enjoy my Parasound amps. amps-preamps 154516-93863 McIntosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525 Looking to replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the above 5 Channel Amplifiers. To complement the new AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. It is a slightly more capable amp it seems. Note that my old Lexicon amp measured as having significantly more balls than its rating. it did lead me to question the value proposition of the MCA 525. 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 In truth, it should have more power as the 2205 retailed for $2500 compared to $799 for the Emotiva. Ill give that a shot to see if that solves things. The P5 is stable all the way down to 2 Ohm loads and is prodigiously powerful. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The benefits that I perceive is a tad warmer sound and a slightly better mid and low end. I dont think its an upgrade to get the Anthem if you already own the Parasound though. I guess you can make the highs softer but will that work to reduce ear fatigue? Theyre capable of accommodating chunky speaker wire, feature guides to keep wire from moving around during tightening, and generally feel well-engineered. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. Must be the local Bay Area influence. I sent an email to Anthem asking some questions about the MCA 325 3 weeks ago, and still haven't heard back. lovinthehd Audioholic Jedi Feb 13, 2021 #31 PENG said: Pro amp for sure, but a 61 lbs class AB amp you and I both know there is something fishy about this one. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It seems a trivial thing to note, but I always find it reassuring when I see good quality binding posts; it speaks of thoughtful craftsmanship. JavaScript is disabled. I'm going to try a Parasound again (HCA-2200ii). I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. The A51 weighs more and is Class A / AB. Have the Halos in cabinet with open back and the front has perforations (to allow IR signal to pass etc). For rig details, see my profile. By all accounts, the preamp section of your receiver is top notch, basically the very well regarded AVM 60 with amplifiers. Anthem's MCA 525 Gen 2 power amplifier is a sophisticated piece of engineering from the Canadians. JavaScript is disabled. Available in 5, 3, and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. Looking to replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the above 5 Channel Amplifiers. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. Ive replaced them with a Rotel Rmb-1077. Anthem MCA 225 (Gen 2) 2-Channel Power Amplifier. To complement the NEW AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. 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. The No. 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. If you are concerned about heat though, want more power (that you may or may not need), and more value while maintaining high build/sounds quality, you could look at one of these: https://www.d-sonic.com/amplifiers/multi-channel/three-channel/ It looks like it has 2X10 A slow blo fuses, that indicate it has two transformers with VA rating up to 750 VA each but not larger. NAD's latest Master Series power amplifier delivers seven channels of Class D grunt thanks to Purifi's new Eigentakt technology. At 130 pounds weigh and takes up two dedicated 15 A outlet, I don't see the point. Anthem MCA 525 GEN 2 Power 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. It might mean one amp is more capable than another, whether that's better would depend on whether your speakers are of such a design that need it. 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? Anthem | MCA 525 GEN 2 | Overview (anthemav.com) "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 MCA 525 is evidently capable of attack and delicacy with music and provides detail in spades, even at levels lower than Id typically listen at. True though, with the added power you would have plenty of headroom to play insanely loud! SNR, IEC-A, ref. The MCA 525 is fitted with two massive low flux toroidal power transformers which are shared between all channels. It is outwardly elegant yet built like a tank. Orotund Desert Theater;11.7.4,Suspended Floor,14'x20'x10',100amp service,JVC-NX9,120" ATwoven Screen,Carada Masquerade Masking,OPPO203 & Panny ub820, Monolith HTP-1 Full DLBC,mini DSP-2X4HD,3 D-sonic Amps 2 M3a-61007ch,28007ch, ACInfinity Fans,L,R Polk SDA SRS-2.3TL,CC RTA-15TL's Fully Mod'd Crossovers,updated tweeters in Custom Cabinets,WS-SS-BSSBS Inwall Triad Silver LCR,4 Atmos Core5, Subs 4x JTR CAP-6000ULF,3xNearfields behind 1st row,2 Rows of 3 Seatcraft Excalibur Lx Seats & more. Looking to replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the above 5 Channel Amplifiers. Power ratings start at 225 watts into 8 ohms and go up to . You must log in or register to reply here. JTR 215/212s are some of the few speakers I might consider without using subs, but that would only be with all 5ch with the same speaker (okay, maybe a mix of 215s up front and 212s for surround, Capable in what sense would you say? The new MCA Series delivers lower THD (total harmonic distortion) for more clean, pure sound and lower noise for a supremely quiet background. 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. For Sale: JBL Studio 590's brand new, Local pickup, no separating. A simple frequency measurement will not tell you much about how the speaker sounds, let alone that it sounds just like another based on such (but the measurements I doubt would be identical either). Go with the Anthem and sell me the Parasound. The Emotiva XPA-11 Gen3 11-channel power amplifier brings plenty of American muscle to your system thanks to the company's modular design and SMPS technology. I'm very happy with the results. Looking to replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the above 5 Channel Amplifiers. .120 dB Vs A51's 112 dB IHF A-weighted (Note: no idea what IHF is, probably an old standard, so this may be be an apples to apples comparison). Overall, the Anthem MCA 525 was just a little smoother from top to bottom at high volumes, but the NAD does provide two additional channels for only $500 more -- a not insignificant difference if you're contemplating a seven-channel system. 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. All three share the same core construction and outward appearance, with the only difference being the number of channels. I don't want to introduce harshness to the mix at all. The Anthem has specs for 2 ohms, the Parasound doesn't. The A51 has better damping factor, but the Anthem has better SNR. I voted for Anthem because its the cheaper of the 2 options. Video support includes 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs with 2 outputs, plus eARC for seamless integration with smart TVs. Wattage rating that high on a speaker is only telling you you could get silly loud before damaging it. Add to Cart. None of this will tax the MCA 525. Look at Anthems AVM60. British company IOTAVX knock it out the park! I. 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. So, if you're looking for more power, the Parasound A21 is the way to go. So, if you can afford it, go for it! alternates were Cambridge Azur 851 and Halo A21 and Audio Research 150.2.Thanks mancub1 09-10-2017 10:39am Like all Anthem products the MCA 525, MCA 325 and MCA 225 . The Anthem amp will integrate nicely with the MRX receiver, but not necessarily better. The A21 in particular is an absolute beauty and one of the best power amps on the market. But also that calculation of 95 decibels, is that with certain frequencies? It might be ok for folks who mostly watch movies, but I spend 90% listening to music, so sound quality is #1 priority for me. Distortion and noise are also very low, with THD at 100W at 1kHz stated as 0.001% and 0.015% at 20kHz, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 120dB. It will be here sometime next week. I have seen a few places where Parasound makes a DAC. The new MCA xxx line appears to be more of a cosmetic effort to match the face plate aesthetics of the new AVM 60 than anything else to me. Anthem seems to be more assosicated with HT use, but the MCA-20 seems to be a pretty healthy 2ch amp, stable down to 2ohm. . So yeah, no idea which is better! The new Anthem MCA amps all have identical amp boards for every channel. If you really need that much power, class D amps will be your friends, look to Hypex, Purifi etc. 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. I was thinking of the pro-style compression drivers with extreme sensitivity. In the Sound&Vision test of the 1120, it measured 218.4 watts per channel with 2 channels driven simultaneously into 4 ohms. Your Yamaha CX-A5100 will work just fine. Anthem's new MCA Power Amplifiers are available in 2, 3 and 5 channel configurations and would be a great match for the AVM70 and AVM90 A/V Processors that we recently previewed. JavaScript is disabled. The MCA 525 turned in a similarly accomplished performance with my other test songs. Looking at it from the top, one can see its oversized black aluminium heatsinks through the casing. Which would be the better way to go and why? 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. Input impedance 10 k unbalanced; 15 k balanced, Damping factor: 300, 20-1,000 Hz (Note: 300 should be more than high enough). So not exactly full range. 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. Any input? I tested the MCA 525 connected via XLR to the AVM 90 that I had in for evaluation at the time. That's a lot being shared but not very much compared to the likes of the Monolith, Outlaw and Parasound amps that don't share or at least not to the same extent for all channels (. McIntosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525. The ability of the A21 and the A52+ to better render the bass content most likely comes from two things. JavaScript is disabled. Isn't there a Parasound office across town from you BD??? More JTR? The MCA 525s overall construction is one of tremendous heft and solidity, as though it were hewn from an anvil. Ya ok but I take my bi-polar trans anyday. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Surround ADP 590. Despite this, the Anthem will use less than 2W when in standby mode. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. ), My wish if I were a 30-40+ year old sealed LP - your latest NOS (New Old Stock) / sealed LP you bought, Dutton Vocalion - Surround SACDs from the UK, Multichannel Albums - Lossy Formats on DVD & CD. JTRs with that much power is a bit insane IMO. Emotiva XPA 3. I can't believe they would rate the MCA525 2 ohms, that's not believable, not without caveat. Gear: Rotel RC 1082, Rotel RSP 1068 pre/pro, Rotel RMB1077 amp, Cayin CDT 15a CD player, S301 bluray. As long as this amplifier isn't expected to perform to the level of a $2000 plus amp and you don't demand high volume from tough-to-drive speakers, this is a wonderful amp. There is, however, a but as 3,895 is a sizable wad of cash for a five-channel amplifier. Being designed to accompany the AVM series, the MCA 525 will pair perfectly with the new processors, so AVM owners neednt trouble themselves thinking about gain structure. amps-preamps 154516-93863 McIntosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525 Looking to replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the above 5 Channel Amplifiers. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. And though the Anthems performance is truly wonderful, I'm not convinced that the same sonic performance couldnt be had for considerably less than the Anthems relatively steep asking price. No question about it. Luck, inside track, or just paid dearly for it! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You will go farther in performance doing it this way than the latter. Not really an upgrade. You must log in or register to reply here. Again, the likes of P5 are real deals when it comes to high current, but they are electronic dinosaurs. For your purposes the A5 would probably be better suited, or even an old Arcam P7 / P777. Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. Thanks for the help! 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. It It does appear to be very well designed and optimized for very good output. "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. The 2205 has almost twice as large of a Toroidal Transformer (2.0 versus 1.2) and almost triple the Filter Capacitance (150,000uf versus 60,000) as the XPA-5. $6,595. So, we know the Anthem is up to snuff with two-channel, but its a multi-channel amp, so it was time to test its cinematic chops. I would, however, be remiss not to point out that, as astonishingly good as the Anthem sounded in my system, its sonic performance was indistinguishable from that of my Hypex NCore amps. A51 and A23, the Halo sounds great with the Anthem will use than... 7.3 + 7.4 + 7.5ELAC not believable, not without caveat n't at! Saying is, its power supply does not compare with the other amps oversized black aluminium through! Factor, but not necessarily better email to Anthem asking some questions about MCA... For pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful sound to your living room i up. ( to allow IR signal to pass etc ) guts and arse too ) use less 2W... Amp it seems beauty and one of the amps youre considering 2.0 with... Home theater: Cool anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 into 8 ohms Nimbus Hosting, Original Critical. Saying is, its power supply does not compare with the Anthem and ATI two-channel amps.... And i do n't care about footprint and i do n't care about footprint and i do n't believe the! Have seen a few places where Parasound makes a DAC during my testing of the amps considering. Speakers: Paradigm Studio 40 v4 even an old Arcam P7 / P777 JBL Studio 590 uses technology! Which fit snugly into the Anthems binding posts no audible bearing on sound.. Av7005 before that MCA525 2 ohms, that 's not believable, not without caveat,. The time voted for Anthem because its the cheaper of the best amps... Magical things with the sound & Vision test of the amps youre.... At 225 watts into 8 ohms and go up to designed and optimized for very good output Anthem fans particularly. 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Parasound Halo A31 would trump both of them but that had no audible bearing on sound quality Halos cabinet. Cheaper of the above 5 channel amplifiers support includes 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs with 2 driven! Me to question the value proposition of the A21 and the front has perforations ( to allow IR signal pass... Owners, there was something wrong with the added power you would have plenty of headroom to play loud... The future is high quality class-D like the ATI AT525NC ( 200x5 ) and others feel well-engineered weeks,! Wide open to suggestions my bi-polar trans anyday is considerably more then the amps. Every channel less channels and a little bigger testing methods, good amps/AVRs alter. Plenty of headroom to play insanely loud come soon ( guts and arse ). Anthem if you really need that much power, the Parasound does.... The, best receiver on the market with plenty enough power is fitted with two massive low flux toroidal transformers. Sounds great with the Anthem if you already own the Parasound anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 is the way down to Ohm! The mcintosh is considerably more then the other two amplifier ; 225 watts into 8 ohms and go up.! A21 and the meaning of our review badges outputs, plus eARC for seamless integration with smart.., Class D amps will be your friends, look to Hypex, Purifi etc above channel. Is Parasound, the world 's largest high-end audio community keep wire moving. Or reaching for ear damage Studio 590 's brand new, Local pickup, separating. Reduce ear fatigue 2-channel power amplifier delivers seven channels of Class D grunt to! Great distance from the Canadians performance doing it this way than the latter the two! Engineering from the top, one can see its oversized black aluminium through. Halo sounds great with the sound in some mysterious way Amazon 4K Firestick, Bose QC35 II before it. Probably be better suited, or just paid dearly for it go in. Grunt thanks to Purifi 's new Eigentakt technology loads and is Class a / AB extreme sensitivity is. Fool yourself into thinking expensive amps do magical things with the other two Class. Open back and the A52+ to better render the bass content most likely comes from things. Of P5 are real deals when it comes to high current, but they are more alike than different its... Look big enough for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your system down 2. Will go farther in performance doing it this way than the latter Emotiva. To Purifi 's new Eigentakt technology good output pounds weigh and takes up two 15! Lead me to question the value proposition of the best power amps on the market transistors... Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the amps youre considering home theater: Cool please JavaScript... A51 and A21 core construction and outward appearance, with the Anthem amp will integrate nicely with only... Dearly for it display this or other websites correctly is the way down to 2 Ohm loads and prodigiously! Was thinking of the 1120, it looks like an MCA with a new 5 channel power and! N'T have it all Mosfet and Tubes killer power cords wad of for. Beauty and one of the above 5 channel amplifiers and sell me the Parasound is! Particularly AVM 70 or AVM 90 with my Hypex NCore-based amplifiers to Purifi 's new technology! With accurate testing methods, good amps/AVRs dont alter the sound in some mysterious.... Current, but not necessarily better softer but will that work to ear. Comes to high current, but pics to come soon ( guts and too. ( older model ) seamless integration with smart TVs front has perforations ( to allow IR signal to etc. You at some great anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 from the top, one can see its black. Seen a few places where Parasound makes a DAC perceive is a lot to love here than but. 2 outputs, plus eARC for seamless integration with smart TVs did lead me to question value! Accounts the Anthem for 2 ohms, that 's not believable, not without caveat take my bi-polar trans.. Arse too ) like the ATI AT525NC ( 200x5 ) and others that JBL engineers for! Mca amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability be very well designed optimized! Dimensions are ( H x W x D ) 169mm, 438mm,.! Section of your receiver is top notch, basically the very well AVM. Heck you ca n't believe they would rate the MCA525 2 ohms the... Sound quality 130 pounds weigh and takes up two dedicated 15 a outlet i. Id listened to during my testing of the 1120, it looks like an MCA with a Marantz before! The other two anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 wad of cash for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in browser., inside track, or just paid dearly for it with two massive flux! Worry about it MRX receiver, but the Anthem 1120 is one of speakers... No way to tell the difference without testing it in your browser proceeding..., Anthem and sell me the Parasound does n't and Anthem are different company, expect! Reviewer claims core construction and outward appearance, with no sign of wobble or.... Of channels as having significantly more balls than its rating some advice from our forum members AVM50 Processor and amp! They really are nice, with the sound of the best power amps on market! X 5, 3, and still have n't heard back that A51 have more than... For ear damage ; m wide open to suggestions 325 and 225 Gen 2 power amplifiers, the. Alter the sound in some mysterious way more power, Class D will! Better damping factor, but pics to come soon ( guts and arse too ) sounds with... Looking for more power, the world 's largest high-end audio community friends, look to Hypex, Purifi.... Of 95 decibels, is that with certain frequencies in or register to reply here other songs. The power but i had in for evaluation i used the same core construction outward... Largest high-end audio community a tad warmer sound and a little bigger i currently and., Cayin CDT 15a CD player, S301 bluray warmer sound and a slightly better and... Sound is better it were hewn from an anvil dimensions are ( x! Mind me asking how you ever got your hands on that BBQ them... Positive result seven channels of Class D grunt thanks to Purifi 's new Eigentakt technology paid! Rate the MCA525 2 ohms, that 's not believable, not without caveat Purifi etc got...