Shop through amplifiers & receivers in the marketplace on Audiogon, the High-end Audio Community. Compare all Anthem MCA 325 3-channel power amplifier. 5-channel power amplifier. Network. Parasound A52+ Five Channel Solid-State Amplifier Parasound's impressive A52+ is truly faithful to music. Our Virginia-based experts can help you find the best gear. (When used as a two-channel amp, those power specs are respectively bumped up to 225 and … I believe the power on either is sufficient to run the Focals. It was also adept at clearly delineating the simple interplay of drums and electric and bass guitars in “Woke Up with Wood” and “Dipping Low (in the Lap of Luxury).”. But while the two amps are different in design and appearance, they sounded more similar than I would have guessed. Which would be the better way to go and why? Anthem205 Annagem Blvd.Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2V1CanadaPhone: (905) 564-1994Fax: (905) 828-4585, SoundStage! The 2205 is almost identical to the $4500 Parasound Halo A51 and will keep its value for years to come. $3,499.99. While each of those amps outperformed the MCA 525, all of them cost as much as or more than the Anthem for only two channels of amplification. I had to remind myself that the moderately priced MCA 525 was performing at a level close to those accomplished stereo amps while providing three additional channels -- which meant that I could use it as the sole amplifier for my home-theater system. MCA 525 Amplifier pdf manual download. Melodies had a natural sense of ease and flow, and the imaging was very good. Have the Halos in cabinet with open back and the front has perforations (to allow IR signal to pass etc). I. “White Wedding (Part 1),” from Billy Idol (24-bit/192kHz FLAC, Capitol/HDtracks), had plenty of bite in Idol’s snarling vocal and wicked guitar riffs, the drums hammered without boom, and the throbbing bass-guitar line was rich and dense yet still well delineated. Anthem MCA 525. Emotiva XPR-5 2.) Both amps were very quiet, providing jet-“black” backgrounds, but the NAD sounded just a tad cleaner, making Adam Cohen’s voice sound slightly more palpable and immediate. I have a full 7.2.4 Canton system, with … 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. Anthem MCA-50 3.) 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. 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. Parasound’s five-channel amp, the Halo A 51, retails for $4795, which I still consider a bargain given its outstanding performance. And while Anthem had continually upgraded that generation during its long run of nearly 15 years, the accompanying MCA series of amplifiers, after a few iterations in its first few years of production, remained unchanged during that time -- until 2016, when Anthem unveiled, alongside the AVM 60, the new MCA ’25 amps. The internal layout is quite clean, with relatively few wires and two large, low-flux toroidal transformers at front right, a bank of large capacitors at front left. If you’ve ever doubted the need for high-fidelity electronics for the surrounds, Nerve will test the quality of whatever speakers and amps you use to drive those channels. Hi mates, what external power amplifier would you guys recommend between the Anthem MCA 525 and Parasound A52+? At the beginning of the more sweeping “Love Is,” the Anthem controlled the deep bass of my KEF R900 speakers in their reproduction of what sounds like a stomped foot. To complement the NEW AVM 60 A/V Processor, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 power amplifiers. The A51 has 3” - 4” above for ventilation and the A23 has 2” above, 75" Samsung Q80R QLED, Denon AVR3300, Revel F36, C25, W263, FV15HP x 2, ATV4K, Sony Blu Ray, Harmony. Reviews of Attainable Hi-Fi & Home-Theater Equipment. The MCA 525 measures 17.25”W x 6.63”H x 18.13”D and weighs a substantial but manageable 61 pounds. That its imaging wasn’t truly holographic shouldn’t be surprising in a $3499 multichannel amp, but it still presented a vivid soundstage and tight, solid sound. I was certain I had owned a Parasound amplifier at one point in my life. Just curious why you're adding an external amplifier? Parasound has established … I even ended up calling them and leaving a message, and still nothing. When I really cranked the volume with this track, there was a huge soundstage on which Cohen’s voice appeared very large, but in precise scale with the instruments and backing voices. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA … Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature … I’ve recently had some great-sounding amplifiers in my system, including Bel Canto Design’s e.One REF600M monoblocks ($4990/pair), Blue Circle Audio’s BC2K4sh ($5595), and Cyrus Audio’s Stereo 200 ($3499). ... Well maybe I don't need to upgrade for the Bryston for a long time. MARANTZ MM8077 3.) Anthem says that they’ve reduced the amount of internal wiring to provide a shorter circuit path. 250w(Para) vs 225w(Anthem - 180w actual power)....Tha Parasound is Double the price of the Anthem … The MCA 525 is specced to output a very powerful 225W, and it sounds it. HT Speakers: Martin … Out of those 3 choices that you listed above, I would highly recommend the Parasound Halo A31 or A51 if you need a five-channel amp. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA … Although it’s been quite a while since I had Parasound’s Halo A 31 three-channel amplifier ($3295) in my system, I recall it as also having an iron-fisted grip on the bass and a refined sound overall -- though one somewhat richer than the MCA 525’s. Used to match them with a Marantz AV7005 before that. Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) input jacks, and trigger input and output are included. I love this sounds better than mine Parasound … New MCA multi-channel amplifiers are Crafted in Canada and perfectly match the new AVM 60 processor & MRX receivers. This gutsy amp had the power to drive the KEF R900s to high volumes with ease. I’ll give that a shot to see if that solves things. I purchased this excellent multi-channel amp in September 2016. Thanks so much. Anthem specifies the MCA 525 as having lower distortion than the MCA 50: a very low 0.001% THD at 100W at 1kHz, and 0.015% at 20kHz. Parasound A 52/ 5250/ 5125 2.) Stereo power amplifier. As stated before, your Anthem receiver is well known for sound quality and excellent performance overall, so stepping up to a larger amp would definitely help fill a larger room without strain and maintain excellent sound quality. Designed to match, engineered for power. For much of my listening, I used the MCA 525 with Anthem’s outstanding AVM 60 surround-sound processor. Theta Digital Intrepid 3.) Some of the loud percussive effects were a little more jarring than perhaps they should have been, even though the music remained smooth and powerful. Marantz SR7012, LG OLED55C7P, Sony UBP X800 Anthem MCA 525, … Great post, looking at the Emotiva, Anthem and ATI two-channel amps myself. Right now, i am listening to my anthem connected to the nad m25 and it is probably at … Looking through the top vents of the MCA 525, the five amplifier boards run most of the depth of the amp, each with its own massive, many-finned aluminum heatsink. Overall, the design and construction of the MCA 525 appears to be of very high quality. Continuous power output, with one channel driven, is specced as … Warner/Rhino/HDtracks), as much because on it the band uses more synthesizers, particularly in such singles as “Velcro Fly” and “Sleeping Bag,” and has less of the straight-ahead blues-rock sound they’re known for. Please help me decide. 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. So if you end up with these Parasound A31 or A51 or A21 amps I would suggest you place them on the floor on the amplifier stand, or place it in an open hifi audio rack and leave a space above it. The MCA 525 may look unpretentious, but don’t underestimate it. Arcam PA240. Also available are the two-channel MCA 225 ($1999) and the three-channel MCA 325 ($2499). By all accounts, the preamp section of your receiver is top notch, basically the very well regarded AVM 60 with amplifiers. Designed to match, engineered for power. View and Download Anthem MCA 525 operating manual online. . So I am saving right now for new amps. I can’t say for sure whether the Anthem would match the Parasound for sheer output -- the Halo was a real beast in that regard -- but I had no complaints about the MCA 525’s ability to drive two or all five of its channels to high outputs when I needed it to. There are also two fuse bays, and an inlet for an IEC power cord. 3 dealers are authorized to ship anywhere in the USA: • Audio Advisor (authorized for all products) • Music Direct … Comparing Anthem MCA 525 and Anthem PVA 5? No Parasound dealer near you? I have an Anthem AVM 60 with Halo A51 and A23, the Halo sounds great with the Anthem. The Rotel RMB-1585 that was recommended by another forum member here is also another great choice but I would go with the Parasound Halo A31 of A51 if I were you. A switch on the rear panel sets the On Mode to Trigger-Only, Manual-On, or Auto-On. I've narrowed my decision to either the Anthem MCA 525 or Parasound Halo A52+. The MCA 525’s predecessor, the MCA 50, also had two toroidal transformers, one powering the two front channels, the other dedicated to the center and surround channels. With the MCA 525 driving my Definitive BP-8080ST surround speakers, the 360° soundfield was totally seamless and absolutely composed, with the musicality of a high-performance two-channel system. Unlocking the incredible sound sculptures, special effects and dynamics of today’s home theater and multichannel music recordings is no small feat, at least for the average amplifier. If you need more power, by all means buy a good amp like Emotiva or Monolith, but I would avoid buying a very expensive "audiophile" amp in the belief that it will somehow improve sound quality at low or moderate listening levels. The Parasound sounded more resolving with better details than the Rotel RMB-1585. Well I added a Rotel RMB 1555 amp to my Pioneer SC 57 receiver and don't regret it. Also for: Mca 225, Mca 325. SOLID BUILD/LOW DISTORTION LOTS OF POWER/GOOD FOR MONEY/VERY DYNAMIC. I went back and forth between the two amps with various films and two-channel recordings of music, and the differences between them remained pretty consistent, if occasionally they weren’t easy to hear. The soft blue LED surrounding the front power button illuminates when the MCA 525 is powered up, and flashes or glows red to indicate a fault. Its excellent all-around performance makes it my favorite midpriced multichannel amp. Hope many more users of these amps will chime in and provide their thoughts. In a particularly engaging scene that consists of a riff-off among dueling a cappella ensembles, the beat-boxing of Das Sound Machine and the other groups provided a constant catchy beat that was reproduced especially clearly in the surrounds. Guys, Anthem spends millions of dollars in the room correction and designing them to levels that others wish they could. . By all accounts the Anthem 1120 is one of, if not the, best receiver on the market with plenty enough power? Search for: Search 952.829.9700. But then, Anthem… 20% music, 80% Home Theater. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I'd try hooking the center channel output of the receiver to a different (known good) channel on your amplifier. To contact us, please e-mail info@soundstagenetwork.com, Rotel RB-1582 MkII Stereo Power Amplifier, Musical Fidelity M6i Integrated Amplifier, Definitive Technology Mythos ST-L SuperTower Loudspeakers. Outlaw 7500 or 755 2.) I wouldn't put it in a closed confined audio or AV rack if I were you. With Nerve, both amps provided a thoroughly involving experience -- I had a hard time telling them apart. Thanks for the feedback. The NAD’s cosmetics are quite striking, with its contrasting black panels and brushed-aluminum faceplate, especially compared to the unassuming appearance of the Anthem amp. Anthem MCA-525 for sale. Speakers comprised my usual assortment of KEF R-series models up front, Definitive Technology BP-8080STs as surrounds, and a pair of JL Audio E-Sub e112 subwoofers. New MCA multi-channel amplifiers are Crafted in Canada and perfectly match the new AVM 60 processor & MRX receivers.To complement the NEW AVM 60 A/V Processor, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525… Find a great deal on high-end audio equipment or music for sale. JJ . To complement the NEW AVM 60 A/V Processor, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 power amplifiers. I have a Pioneer Elite SC-61 receiver that I'm considering adding external amps to. Available, like its predecessors, in two-, three-, and five-channel versions, the MCAs are also made in Canada by Anthem, but have been completely redesigned. The KEFs can sound a bit loose at times, but the MCA 525 really controlled their woofers: the stomps started and stopped quickly without blending into one another, and sounded distinct from the simultaneous handclaps on every second stomp. Hi,,, So what is the benefit of the Parasound over the Anthem....? This site was designed by JoomlaShack, Karen Fanas, and The SoundStage! Give us a call today! Even with all of these sounds occurring, the soundstage remained layered in the surround channels to provide excellent ambience. New MCA multi-channel amplifiers are Crafted in Canada and perfectly match the new AVM 60 processor & MRX receivers. Continuous power output, with one channel driven, is specced as 225W into 8 ohms, 400W into 4 ohms, or 600W into 2 ohms, all from 20Hz to 20kHz with less than 1% THD. When I first listened to music through the MCA 525, I immediately knew that it sounded excellent. THE ANTHEM MCA-20 IS A PERFORMER IT BROUGHT MY HOME THEATRE AND STEREO TO A NEW DIMENSION. It fills the hole that was left in 2012 when Parasound … That would be a shame. I know that a Parasound … https://www.d-sonic.com/amplifiers/multi-channel/three-channel/, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Still have the original receipt, box, packing materials and all manuals that came … The new MCA … "The Parasound Halo A 52+ five-channel power amp offers 180Wpc into 8 ohms or 255Wpc into 4 ohms. However, the Anthem was better able to control the foot stomps in “Love Is,” which were not as tight through the M27. The aesthetics of the Anthem … Anthem MCA 525 Multichannel AmplifierPrice: $3499 USD.Warranty: Five years parts and labor. It was a certainty; that this house full of speakers, was powered by a big Parasound … ATI 2005 2.) I sent an email to Anthem asking some questions about the MCA 325 3 weeks ago, and still haven't heard back. Also, a new generation of Anthem’s Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) technology is included, to monitor the MCA 525’s temperature, current, and voltage to ensure safe operation over the long term. In the Sound&Vision test of the 1120, it measured 218.4 watts per channel with 2 channels driven simultaneously into 4 ohms. I don’t enjoy ZZ Top’s follow-up album, Afterburner (24/44.1 FLAC. Not too impressed by that. Thanks. Near Philly. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In extreme circumstances, ALM will shut down a channel to protect the amp and speakers from damage, but its circuitry is outside the signal path so as not to degrade the sound quality. Stereo setup: MSB Select ll DAC w/ 2 mono powerbases (PSU) & Femto 33 clock; Clearaudio Statement TT w/ Statement Goldfinger cartridge & separate PSU; D'Agostino Momentum phonostage; Naim Statement NAC S1 linestage preamp & NAP S1 monoblock amps; Magico M6. Not only that, its level of musicality is as good as or better than anything in its price class, and it will even challenge some more expensive amps. 5-channel power amplifier; 225 watts per channel continuous power into 8 ohms. The five-channel Anthem also costs only slightly more than the three-channel Halo A 31. Each channel uses eight high-current, bipolar output devices claimed to be run conservatively, to reduce stress on them; power-on inrush has also been minimized, to reduce stress on the parts. Parasound was founded in 1981 by Richard Schram, and the company has been offering audio products under their own name as well as for OEM sales since then. Get FREE 2-day shipping and free lifetime tech support with your order. Alas I cannot do that until I switch to a higher-end preamp!). There was also some delightful harmonizing by the Tonehangers, and an entertaining cameo by some of the Green Bay Packers performing “Bootylicious.” The MCA 525 let me easily hear the baritone (Josh Sitton) buried deep in the mix as he held down the rhythm, and to track the hulking NFL players as they moved around the stage. To complement the NEW AVM 60 A/V Processor, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 power amplifiers. I have been reading great things about the Parasound A 31 amplifier. The large, solid, custom-designed binding posts are claimed to be more conductive than what was used previously, and the redesign maximizes the contact with and grip on speaker cables. Nerve doesn’t boast a lot of the usual explosions and other bombastic sound effects, but the use of music is nearly constant, with plenty of loud, low percussion, especially in the surround channels. For Sale: JBL Studio 590's brand new, Local pickup, no separating. $2,500.00. MCA50 is £2700 A5 is … All rights reserved. That’s a great idea to isolate the variables. So, if you can afford it, go for it! Only used it for about 8 months. Anthem MCA 525 Power Amplifier. The cosmetics of the MCA amplifiers have been refreshed with a new front panel that matches the look of the AVM 60 and MRX ’20 series of receivers; otherwise, they look quite similar to the previous models. The benefits that I perceive is a tad warmer sound and a slightly better mid and low end. Reality is that with accurate testing methods, good amps/AVR’s don’t alter the sound of the speakers. True though, with the added power you would have plenty of headroom to play insanely loud! When I watched Pitch Perfect 2, the MCA 525 allowed me to clearly hear the intricate vocal harmonies in every channel. Anthem AVM 60, Parasound A51, SVS, 7.2.4, Anthony Gallo Speakers. With the Marantz had in a tall cabinet with amps on then bottom, now with a Anthem I have the credenza version of stand (it is long and short with TV above) the amps are still one above the other. I received for review the five-channel MCA 525 ($3499 USD). However, Afterburner has a bigger soundstage with more separation of instruments, and the MCA 525 did an excellent job of reproducing it all. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. In the MCA 525, the two supplies are shared among all five channels, resulting in more power being available to each channel, as required. While at $3499 the Anthem MCA 525 costs significantly more than an entry-level multichannel amplifier, that price is still relatively low when compared to higher-end products from other specialty audio manufacturers, and its understated looks might make you pass it by it when shopping for an amp for a high-performance multichannel system.