Anthem launched the second-generation MCA series power amplifiers as an addition to the new AVM 70 and AVM 90 AV processors. According to the developers, they are in harmony both in hardware and aesthetic terms. However, this does not cancel the use of MCA amplifiers with other signal sources. The new products are available in two-, three- and five-channel configurations — they are called MCA 225, 325 and 525, respectively.
“Rock-solid” – this is how this two-channel power amplifier is described in the Anthem catalog. Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2 develops an output power of 2 x 225 W at a load of 8 Ohms, and maintains its functionality when the impedance of the connected acoustics decreases to almost zero, after which its protection circuit simply triggers.
Such impressive load characteristics of the MCA series amplifiers are due to the use of powerful toroidal transformers in their power supplies, as well as a bank of filter capacitors with a total capacity of 16,400 μF for each channel. The use of several parallel-connected capacitors instead of one, with the same total capacity, allows for an increase in the speed of “pumping” energy into the load, and, thus, significantly expands the dynamic range of the amplifier.
The output stages of the Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2 employ eight powerful bipolar transistors, which ensures the ability to transmit significant peak currents and good compatibility with various types of acoustics. These transistors are located on effective heat sinks developed using computer modeling, which made it possible to abandon the use of cooling fans in the amplifier design. Both amplifier channels are assembled on identical printed circuit boards, which ensures an excellent stereo image with precise positioning of sound images. In addition, the amplifier has a record signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB, which allows you to hear the smallest nuances of musical performance.
Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2 is equipped with single-ended and balanced inputs, and long cables can be used to connect it to the preamplifier, placing the power amplifier itself as close as possible to the speaker system. To turn on the amplifier, you can use the button on the front panel, or send a control signal from the 12-volt trigger output of the connected device to the corresponding input of Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2. There is also an automatic power-on circuit for the device, which switches it to operating mode when an audio signal appears at the input, and turns off the amplifier after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2
Specifications Number of channels 2
Power 8 Ohm, W 2 x 225
Power 4 Ohm, W 2 x 400
Power 2 Ohm, W 2 x 600
Frequency range, Hz-kHz 20 – 20
S/N ratio, dB 120
Harmonic distortion factor, % 0.015
Input impedance 10/15 kOhm (RCA/XLR)
Sensitivity, dB 1.5 V
Channel separation, dB 65
Damping factor 300
Inputs
Analog audio 2 x RCA, 2 x XLR
Others 1 x 3.5 mm trigger
Outputs
Acoustic 2 pairs
Others 1 x 3.5 mm trigger
Dimensions, mm 439 x 169 x 460
Weight, kg 18
