Anthem MCA Gen. 2 Power Amps Review | MCA 225, MCA 325, MCA 525

[@MidFiMan]

Picked up the MCA 225 last night at Audio Advice of Raleigh. It's an immediate winner! Even my wife was impressed and she doesn't get impressed by these things LOL. Thanks guys.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for stopping by 😁 that is awesome to hear! We hope you enjoy!

[@dlcphoto]

Thanks for a great review. I'm increasingly impressed by what Anthem is bringing out in this new generation of products.

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

It's fulfilling to sit across the media and look at the Amps I built when I was there. - Kudos Anthem.

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

PS - the photos you've posted for the inside are old models.. the new internals look WAY better. - you're welcome.

[@mengirex]

How do this amplifier compare to the Parasound A51?

[@bocfo]

Just got a 525 gen 2 fantastic sound!!

[@chrisgargiulo304]

Anthem hits it out of the park again!

[@jordanmacfarlane5807]

Just ordered one can’t wait!

[@AudioAdvice]

You will enjoy it! Thanks for watching

[@tylercontarino3523]

Amazing! Thanks for the great review! 👍🏻

[@Novilicious]

Anthem is great! Parasound is as well! Only two power amps for audiophiles need without breaking the bank 🤞

[@mengirex]

Thanks

[@salvajilovelegend]

CineNova grande 7 is very excellent.

[@rickguenther1013]

B&K HTA 7.150 is the best 💪🎬

[@fubartotale3389]

ATI/Monoprice, built like a tank.

[@P-LOWN1997]

Emotiva is great as well

[@bassproable]

I run an Anthem 3 channel for my front stage and use my receiver for the rest.

[@AudioAdvice]

Frank, that is a great way to go, especially now with the power amp re-routing available. Thanks for watching.

[@chadl1142]

Killer amps!

[@larsv6144]

Can RCA and XLR cables be connected to the amp at the same time, and switch between sources (e.g. XLR from hifi preamp) and RCA from AV processor), without having to take out/switch cables all the time when going from stereo music listening to home cinema movie watching?

[@AudioAdvice]

There is not a switch for the two inputs. In theory you could do that, but the other source should be completely off when playing the other one. You could also run into a ground problem.

[@mikepringle3275]

How is the warranty? How many authorized service centers does Anthem have in the USA? I am trying to decide between Parasound and Anthem but the warranty will make my decision.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

Did you get some good info about this?

[@mikepringle3275]

No went with the Rotel Michi instead. Tried the Parasound and hated it@@cosmicheretic8129

[@cosmicheretic8129]

I run my Paradigm Prestige 75F's from my MCA 225 Gen 2 which is connected to clean 4 volt pre outs from my Denon X3700H receiver. Audioholics has a video on here explaining how this is a match made in heaven. Sonic Bliss!

[@AudioAdvice]

That is a great pairing, thanks for sharing!

[@Kiloptero]

Maybe a silly question. 1 option ) add a MCA 225 to my MRX720 and buy 1pair of persona 3f. And the other is adding STR integrate amplifier to the mrx720 and the same persona 3f. its really a great dif?

[@scottnewnam6976]

I think you could do either one. I slightly prefer the concept of adding the MCA 225 to your 720. The reason is that increasingly people are enjoying 2 channel using Dobly or other surround sound formats. So this fully gives you the option of listening in true 2 channel or in one of those formats. Even hardcore audiophiles are starting to embrace Dolby for 2 channel as it moves a lot of the voicing to the center channel so no matter how many people are in the room or where you sit, you still get great imaging. So this way would get you a killer setup for both 2 channel and surround and a killer amp to boot. I also don't think you would go wrong with the STR route. It's probably best to just give our team a call at www.audioadvice.com and we can walk through your exact setup and what you are trying to achieve and give you the best advice.

[@Kiloptero]

@@scottnewnam6976 thanks!! With that in mind.. I will go for the MCA 325 and use for the Center too.. plus a long term investment for a future upgrade to a 740 or a av70!.

[@westcoast708]

awesome review

[@troyfrost6166]

I’m thinking about pairing my KEF R series setup with an Anthem 525 amp and Anthem MRX receiver. The combo should push my drivers effortlessly providing peak power and sound quality while making my home theatre ready for 8k in the future.

[@AudioAdvice]

Sounds like a good choice, thanks for watching!

[@Reggaebeatman]

You might want to check your links, i click on power amp keeps taking me to the guy that keeps rambling on about recievers? I want to understand more about how the amp can be used as seperate, an add on using the Denon x4000 reciever as a pre amp? You mentioned briefly in your sales pitch about a bypass? How does this improve sound quality? More info and less sales talk is welcome

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you, we will check. The Denon X4000 does have preamp outs for most of the channels, so you could add a better power amp for better performance. The MCA325 would be a good choice. Please check with our experts at www.audioadvice.com Thanks for watching

[@arshadMehmood-e8k]

For stereo audio quality, an avr receiver + an anthem mca 225 and only anthem str integrated amp which option is better for quality, same audio quality is received or different or almost same.

[@AudioAdvice]

That is a really good question and there are lots of variables. Please reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com to discuss your system in more detail.

[@arshadMehmood-e8k]

Sir,thanks a lot please inform me if anthem str integrated amp can be used with an avr receiver for two front channels using kef R11 floorstanding loudspeaker.

[@AudioAdvice]

If your AVR has front preamp out yes

[@westcoast708]

would the mca 225 be too much for premier paradigm 800 towers ?

[@AudioAdvice]

MCA 225 would totally rock those towers. In general you want to have extra power so that the performance of the system is effortless versus underpowering the speakers where you end up hearing it strain on powerful passages or big dynamic swings. Here is a link to the MCA 225 detail page: www.audioadvice.com/shop-by-brand/anthem/anthem-mca225-2-channel-power-amp-gen-2. If you have any other questions, give us a call or chat with us www.audioadvice.com and we'd be happy to help you out.

[@westcoast708]

@@AudioAdvice thx u !

[@rkelez]

Does anyone know if this comes with the rack mounting brackets?

[@AudioAdvice]

They are an optional accessory www.audioadvice.com/shop-by-brand/anthem/anthem-rack-kit-for-mca-gen-2-series-power-amplifiers

[@rockp5396]

Do you have experience with Monoprice Class AB amps? If yes, how does the MCA compare? I would be hooking the amp up to Paradigm Founder Series 100Fs. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@AudioAdvice]

Sorry, we do not. We can say the MCA amps sound great for their cost and are made in Canada. Thanks for watching

[@XxMETALJAREDxX]

Do you think the 525 will properly power 705s2 rears and 702s2 fronts? I plan on pairing it with the AVM70 with all XLR.

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes. It will easily drive that combo. We should have more in stock soon. www.audioadvice.com/anthem-mca525-5-channel-power-amp-gen-2. Thanks for watching

[@Kiloptero]

it is possible to remove the "foots" im having some space issue and without the foots the size is the exact amount I need. 15cms

[@AudioAdvice]

Only if you rack mount it, you need the clearance for ventilation and we would not suggest having a shelf right on top of it, it does generate some heat Thanks for watching

[@nattawutthipayapornkul3326]

Could MCA225 be suitable for listening music? I plan to use MCA225 to be the main power amp for 2ch audio system.

[@AudioAdvice]

It is a great sounding two channel power amp, yes! Thank you for watching.

[@lesterlefton7895]

Newbie here. Would you add an mc325 to an mrx 740? Or better to add to something else?

[@AudioAdvice]

Lester, absolutely! With its channel rerouting you could use the left and right in the MRX740 for two other channels. Thanks for watching

[@owisun85]

If i keep my av receiver on rca and my stereo pre amp on xlr to mca 225 and use one or the other for movies or music using trigger or auto sense, is anthem capable to do this ? Switching imputs between rca and XLR? Of course, not at the same time !

[@AudioAdvice]

We do not recommend this, but you could try at your own risk. Since there is no switch, both inputs are hot at the same time. You would be best to physically turn off the power to all three units, then turn on the receiver or preamp, then turn on the power amp. You still could have a ground issue.

[@owisun85]

@AudioAdvice But then why this product have two options just to choose one of them? 🤔

[@AudioAdvice]

Different applications

[@anjeneyasharma6345]

Hi, please advice how i can connect my Cambridge Audio CXN V2 to MCA 225. I also want to hook my Marantz 7015, to this MCA 225. Your assistance will be of great help. I wait to hear from you.

[@AudioAdvice]

You just put the CXN in variable output mode and use it as a preamp. The Marantz would connect to the front left and right preamp outs. - but you can only do one Thanks for watching

[@rudykraker4905]

I just picked up the Anthem 225 integrated amplifier is there supposed to have a thump sound though speakers when powering off

[@AudioAdvice]

There might be a small one. Thanks for watching

[@rudykraker4905]

@@AudioAdvice do you have any idea when the Anthem integrated 225 amplifier come out

[@AudioAdvice]

@@rudykraker4905 Do you mean the power amp or integrated amp?

[@rudykraker4905]

@@AudioAdvice integrated

[@AudioAdvice]

@@rudykraker4905 1st quarter of 2017 is what we remember.

[@jagsingh1361]

Thx for great videos , learned a lot. I am currently in process of buying paradigm founder series 120h. I am not sure what to pair it with. From looking at you videos it seems like if I buy MRX740 and MCA GEN 2 325 it will work good. Will MCA 325 will run 120h effortlessly or they need str power amp?? Also how much quality will buying a preamp will add to mrx 740 and MCA 325. Will really appreciate any help. Thx

[@jagsingh1361]

Or is it good just to buy 100f founder series to run them to their upmost capacity by the above mentioned set up ??

[@AudioAdvice]

Hi Jag. Come have a chat with one of our home theater install experts at audioadvice.com so we can better understand your setup. With enough info about your setup, we have recommendations specifically tailored for your room. Thanks for watching!

[@benfits8768]

What did you end up getting ?

[@Samzep]

Great review if i want 325 to come on and off with my 1140 what do i set the switch on at the back ?

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you. You put the switch on the amp to trigger only, connect the trigger cable to the input on the amp and trigger out on your receiver, confirm that trigger is set to come on in the settings of the receiver. Thanks for watching

[@dokhilogh2749]

Sir my question was that i know that anthem SRT integrated amplifier is a pure stereo amp and it is very expensive for me but i want to purchase Anthem MCA 325 or other of its series, mca 225 or mca 525 and want to connect one of them to RCA ports of denon AVC-X 6700H as pre amp or want to connect it to RCA ports of my oppo udp 205.Then would audio stereo music quality be same to that quality if i use my audio system( a pair of kef R11 ,oppo udp 205 and denon AVC-X 6700H) with anthem SRT integrated amplifier .

[@AudioAdvice]

What audio sources do you want to use?

[@arshadMehmood-e8k]

Using rca cables i want to hear spotify audio contents.So what will be the audio quality by using a system of denon avc-x6700h , oppo udp-205, apple tv mca 225 with 225w and KefR11 only front two channels and 2nd system as Apple tv,oppo udp-205 ,anthem str integrated pure stereo amplifier with 200w,KefR11 .Stereo quality will be same or different according ly wattages

[@dokhilogh2749]

Sir, i have a pair of kef R11 ,oppo udp 205 and denon AVC-X 6700H and want to connect MCA 325 2 GEN TO oppo player or denon amp.Would my audio system produce the same audio music quality in stereo form in two channels or not.having anthem str integrated amp

[@AudioAdvice]

We are not sure of your question. Do you want to connect a 3 channel MCA 325 directly to your Oppo? Or do your Denon. It would be a huge step up over the amps in your Denon? You can technically connect it to your Oppo since it has variable audio out, but you would need amps for the other channels. Thanks for watching

[@romanlewandowski9616]

Great 👍 review. Are they fully differential?

[@mrmichaelk1969]

I would like to connect the mca 325 gen 2 to my denon avc-a110, do you have experience in that? and do you think it improves my music quality

[@AudioAdvice]

The Denon has preamp outs so it would connect. Yes, it should greatly improve music and theater. The MCA325G2 is a fantastic sounding power amp, plus by using it for the front three channels, you take the load of the power supply in the receiver, making its other channels sound more dynamic. www.audioadvice.com/anthem-mca325-3-channel-power-amp-gen-2

[@mrmichaelk1969]

@@AudioAdvice Thanks,I hope to improve my 2 Channel stereo

[@arshadMehmood-e8k]

For stereo audio quality option like spotify audio contents or youtube contents etc .Recently i have an audio system consisting of denon avc-x6700h, oppo udp-205, a pair of kef r11 loudspeakers, old model not meta,apple tv 4k and a pair of subwoofer like SVS pb16 ultra .So please suggest me what option should I adopt to purchase anthem str integrated amp or anthem mca 225 which is very cheep as compared to anthem str integrated amp.will Stereo 2 channels audio detail quality be same or different what is better ,anthem str integrated amp or anthem mca 225 using my audio system mentioned above . Further,please guide me about the compatibility of anthem mca 225 with KefR11 old model not meta.w.r.t.power wattage .Can I use this option easily without any problem?

[@AudioAdvice]

As we said earlier, please reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com to discuss.

[@adamarczynski1546]

Does MCA 225 gen. 2 have the same cool VU meter as STR PWR?

[@AudioAdvice]

Adam- great question. It would be great if it did. But none of the MCA have meters. Thanks for watching

[@adamarczynski1546]

@@AudioAdvice Pity. But thanks for such a quick response.

[@AudioThings]

@@AudioAdvice So sad. Really! Should have had them even with 100$ more! With that glossy screen like screen there, it feels incomplete as design goes. But maybe it sounds great.

[@AudioAdvice]

@@AudioThings yes it would have been nice. These do sound great though

[@nikkilalexander7015]

Hi my name is Nick. I live in Italy. I am planning to buit a home theater system in my house, so I was in research for some good quality receivers, processors and amplifiers. After watching this video I decided to choose Antham products, but I have a doubt. Antham mca 525 Amplifier have XLR IN connectors, but Antham mrx 1140 Receiver have RCA OUT connectors. Although I like using only XLR connectors, please can you tell me that if I use one of those XLR IN - RCA OUT connectors can I get good quality sound or is there any other way that I can solve this issue? Thank you.

[@AudioAdvice]

You would be find just using RCA to RCA. Thanks for watching

[@hypoSTAR]

Will stacking these result in a lot of heat?

[@AudioAdvice]

You could stack, but spacing in between would be better, thanks for watching

[@danielk563]

Your comment about the unbalanced RCA ports being board mounted has scared me a little. Will these digrade over time not being chassis mounted ?

[@AudioAdvice]

Good question, but no, most consumer electronics are done that way. Its when you get into the higher end gear you see nice, really solid chassis mount RCA jacks. Thanks for watching

[@danielk563]

@@AudioAdvice thank you for your quick response !! Great educational video! Would you reccomend the Parasound Halo A31 over the Anthem MCA 325? I'm stuck between these two.

[@lextr3110]

does it beat parasound JC5?

[@AudioAdvice]

Great question! The answer requires more information about the goals someone wants to achieve with their setup. Please feel free to reach out to one of our surround sound experts in chat at audioadvice.io/aa-chat so we can help you sort out the best solution for your needs. Thanks for watching!

[@cosmicheretic8129]

It's probably more competitive with the a21+.

[@dragonstone6594]

What class are these?

[@AudioAdvice]

Class AB. Thanks for watching

[@josaphcj7199]

My center channel speakers are placed lower than other speakers due to placing it under tv. Does this affect the dolby atmos accuracy?. Plss answer ..

[@josaphcj7199]

Coz i lowered my tv...so i had to bring down the center speaker..

[@dan_hitchman007]

And yet again... this is a PRODUCT OVERVIEW not an objective review.

[@chadl1142]

😄