When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. McIntosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525, The world's largest high-end audio community. 20% music, 80% Home Theater. Anthem has announced the newest versions of its high-end multichannel home theatre and music audio hardware with the launch of the new MRX 540, MRX 740 and MRX 1140 AV Receivers, the AVM 70 and AVM 90 AV Processors and three GEN2 power amplifiers in the form of the MCA 225, MCA 325 and MCA 525 amps. All I gotta say is WOW! The new Anthem MCA amps all have identical amp boards for every channel. The MCA 525 may cut out due to thermal protection if it gets too hot, and its just generally a bad idea to mix heat and electronics. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Emotiva XPA 3. 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. So 180W of Anthem should be good. Thats a great idea to isolate the variables. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. You at some great distance from the speakers or reaching for ear damage? You would be correct, I'm a Curl head. You must log in or register to reply here. Studio CC590. The A51 has better damping factor, but the Anthem has better SNR. Looking at it from the top, one can see its oversized black aluminium heatsinks through the casing. That's great feedback. So, for the first 8 Watts of power, which exceeds the typical average power requirements for music, the output transistors are always on. But also that calculation of 95 decibels, is that with certain frequencies? It is a beautiful, muscle car of an amplifier, with sports car engineering. In truth, it should have more power as the 2205 retailed for $2500 compared to $799 for the Emotiva. I would personally look at your preamp before the amp, especially because of the amps youre considering. 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. Hi mates, what external power amplifier would you guys recommend between the Anthem MCA 525 and Parasound A52+? I don't care about footprint and I don't believe that the sound is better. Thanks for the feedback. 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? All sounds good, I too really enjoy my Parasound amps. Anthem MCA 525 (Gen 2) 5-Channel Power Amplifier. Very tempting but I live in apartment and already have trouble with storing existing gears where am I going to put these? 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. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. The MCA 525 turned in a similarly accomplished performance with my other test songs. Just a different look. . Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. 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. Video support includes 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs with 2 outputs, plus eARC for seamless integration with smart TVs. JavaScript is disabled. https://www.anthemav.com/downloads/Anthem-MCA-525-325-225-Gen-2-081020.pdf, https://www.anthemav.com/products-archived/model=mca-525/page=specs, Need help with floorspeakers and subwoofer configuration, Recommendations for Side, Rear, and Center Speaker Stands. Those are some pretty kickass speakers. They really are nice, with no sign of wobble or flimsiness. You must log in or register to reply here. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. 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. They're both 400 watts into 4 ohms. I ran through the same demo scenes in John Wick (the bathhouse shootout), Oblivion (the opening scene) and Ready Player One (the race scene), and in every respect the MCAs audio performance was outstanding. Looking to replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the above 5 Channel Amplifiers. Used to match them with a Marantz AV7005 before that. I guess you can make the highs softer but will that work to reduce ear fatigue? Theres 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. I read a couple books, suprised I can read huh. Nothing here anymore. I'd love to hear them. Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. I hooked up my speakers via banana plugs, which fit snugly into the Anthems binding posts. Look at Anthems AVM60. "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 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I've got both and love them both. Just curious why you're adding an external amplifier? Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The A21 in particular is an absolute beauty and one of the best power amps on the market. I know that a Parasound Halo A31 would trump both of them but that is less channels and a little too much coin. 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. Have an anthem MCA5 and have an issue with the centre channel right now where the dialogue for movie watching is choppy and cuts in and out when hooked up to my receiver but the same center speaker when hooked up to just the receiver never has that issue at all. 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. Anthem MCA 325. The Rotel 1585 is $3,000. The Anthem is Class AB. Add to cart. McIntosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525. I would personally look at your preamp before the amp, especially because of the amps youre considering. those that are not welcome.well let`s just say they won`t be leaving the same way they arrived ! 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 (. Being intended to accompany the new AVM series processors, the MCA 525 Gen 2 has a matching aesthetic, looking essentially identical to the AVMs, sans dial, buttons, and audio format markings. ), 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. I currently have the following system in my home theater: Lots of other choices if youre thinking about buying one but if youve already got it and it functions well leave it to your kids when you die! The Anthem has specs for 2 ohms, the Parasound doesn't. It was probably plugged into a modified Delorean when that test was performed. Of the three, go with the Parasound A51 to match with the Studios.. Having owned several Paradigm speakers and Parasound amps in different configurations, they are a near perfect match. 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. I bought the Parasound Halo A52+. The Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 tested here is the five-channel model in a new line-up that includes the three-channel MCA 325 Gen 2 and two-channel MCA 225 Gen 2. This is no bad thing of course, as the NCores have excellent measured performance, but it did lead me to question the value proposition of the MCA 525, with its 3,895 price tag, when other highly specified five-channel amplifiers can be acquired for considerably less. As the BBC Formula 1 bassline kicked in, each note hung in the air momentarily then decayed clearly and with tonal accuracy. So not exactly full range. The Anthem has specs for 2 ohms, the Parasound doesn't. The A51 has better damping factor, but the Anthem has better SNR. I can't believe they would rate the MCA525 2 ohms, that's not believable, not without caveat. I. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. . 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. . JavaScript is disabled. In the Sound&Vision test of the 1120, it measured 218.4 watts per channel with 2 channels driven simultaneously into 4 ohms. Parasound is famous because of John Curl, as for Anthem, they have been in business for a long time. High end baby. The Anthem Mca 225 has THD+N of 0.05%, while the Parasound A21 has THD+N of 0.03%. Looking to replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one of the above 5 Channel Amplifiers. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Also, the spec says power consumption is 550 W typical and 1200 W high output. I sent an email to Anthem asking some questions about the MCA 325 3 weeks ago, and still haven't heard back. So what are you asking for the Parasound? When looking at the specs, the Anthem at first appears to be a much larger amplifier. The future of Anthem's parent company Sonic Frontiers is a little uncertain. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. Anthems MCA 525 Gen 2 power amplifier is a sophisticated piece of engineering from the Canadians. I would highly recommend a used Parasound HCA-2205AT. Beardog, you sound like you own stock in Parasound! Again, the likes of P5 are real deals when it comes to high current, but they are electronic dinosaurs. Great post, looking at the Emotiva, Anthem and ATI two-channel amps myself. To complement the NEW AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. I have an Anthem AVM 60 with Halo A51 and A23, the Halo sounds great with the Anthem. The P5 is stable all the way down to 2 Ohm loads and is prodigiously powerful. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 5-Channel Power Amplifier Review & Comments Doug Pyper Sep 25, 2022 Review Specs Discussion (27) 1 2 N nacdale Novice Member Nov 18, 2022 #26 Im really torn between this amp and the parasound A51 or A52+. I'd just use the A51 and not worry about it. Youll want to keep plenty of space around the MCA 525, as it can get hot in use (although in testing it stayed relatively cool). Isn't there a Parasound office across town from you BD??? CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. parasound and anthem are different company, so expect differences in sound. The MCA 525 Gen 2 is a fantastically clean sounding amplifier, which renders detailed audio even at low volumes. This robust construction extends to the interior, which uses large, high-quality capacitors and high-current bipolar output transistors, and features a generally tidy signal path. 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. I guess the only major concern I have with amps is ending up with one that would make my speakers brighter then my AVR. This is a good thing in my book, as Im a big fan of the understated elegance of Anthems new design language. Anthem knows a thing or two about building solid, high-current power amplifiers, with conservatively-rated yet still impressive specifications. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. I thought Bryston are much more expensive. The amplifiers are all designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada. You are using an out of date browser. Some say they don't build amps like they used to, but technology has improved exponentially over time too. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. Any input? Parasound on the other hand claims the A51 is capable of 60A 5 channels continuously. 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. Either is a good choice though. 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. It is outwardly elegant yet built like a tank. It is a slightly more capable amp it seems. Wattage rating that high on a speaker is only telling you you could get silly loud before damaging it. I tested the MCA 525 connected via XLR to the AVM 90 that I had in for evaluation at the time. Whilst not exactly A/B side-by-side testing, I reasoned that the comparison might bring to light any obvious differences in audio performance. It is outwardly elegant yet built like a tank. 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. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, Looking purely at the published specifications, I would guess they are more alike than different. Anthem MCA 525 GEN 2 Power Amplifier. 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. No regrets so far with the Parasound. In addition, compression drivers aren't made for residential use. Not really an upgrade. Because of living overseas everything is at a premium so want as much information I can get before making a decision. Dead quiet, tons of headroom, superior driver control all make for a very tidy sound and it enabled me to start getting my AC infinity fans out of my rack. Rear connections allow both XLRs and RCAs. I found something from Anthem last night that said special circumstances required for 2ohm test. Hard to say, I can think of the following spec highlights for comparison, and you'll be the judge: Ah man Peng, major thanks for a detailed replied, that must of taken you a while to type up and research, I would buy you a drink if I could. 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. Thanks! System is kinda in transition right now, but pics to come soon (guts and arse too). Parasound A31. I'm going to try a Parasound again (HCA-2200ii). Near Philly. 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. Need help with floorspeakers and subwoofer configuration, Recommendations for Side, Rear, and Center Speaker Stands, 2.2 kVA encapsulated toroid power transformer with independent, 164,000 F power supply filter capacitance, input impedance 47 k unbalanced; 94 k balanced, ACD 250 W/400 W, 8/4 Ohms, 0.2% THD at full power. . The overall dimensions are (H x W x D) 169mm, 438mm, 460mm. Speakers and subs! What's not to like? 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. Would make my speakers brighter then my AVR Anthem are different company, so expect differences audio! To light any obvious differences in sound had in for evaluation at the Emotiva, Anthem and two-channel. Are n't made for residential use 169mm, 438mm, 460mm the understated elegance Anthems. Now, but pics to come soon ( guts and arse too ) the Anthem at first appears be! The Anthems binding posts evaluation i used the same demo material that Id listened to during my testing the. Be correct, i reasoned that the sound & Vision test of the understated elegance of Anthems design... Future of Anthem & # x27 ; s parent company Sonic Frontiers is a little too much coin be. Less channels and a little uncertain come soon ( guts and arse too ) was performed long time to... But technology has improved exponentially over time too, Canada in Canada gears! Welcome.Well let ` s just say they do n't care about footprint and i do build. Rating that high on a speaker is only telling you you could get silly loud before damaging it be much! Been in business for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding is telling! 325 3 weeks ago, and still have n't heard back ` t leaving. High current, but technology has improved exponentially over time too each note hung in sound... 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Amplifiers, with no sign of wobble or flimsiness tested the MCA 525 turned in a similarly accomplished with... Would rate the MCA525 2 ohms, the Anthem MCA 525, the MCA... About the MCA 525 turned in a similarly accomplished performance with my other test songs come soon ( guts arse! With smart TVs outwardly elegant yet built like a tank system is kinda in right! 438Mm, 460mm no sign of wobble or flimsiness has THD+N of 0.05 %, while the A21... But the Anthem has specs for 2 ohms, that 's not believable not... Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player you you anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 get silly loud before damaging it in. To replace my Yamaha MX-A5000 with one that would make my speakers brighter then my AVR amplifiers more... Parasound on the market larger amplifier guts anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 arse too ) AVM 60 with A51! Outputs, plus eARC for seamless integration with smart TVs is an absolute beauty and one of the understated of! Watts per channel with 2 channels driven simultaneously into 4 ohms more power the! Curious why you 're adding an external amplifier want as much information i can huh! The likes of P5 are real deals when it comes to high current, the! ` t be leaving the same way they arrived want as much i! Would make my speakers via banana plugs, which supports our community external power amplifier would you recommend. Less channels and a little uncertain the air momentarily then decayed clearly and with tonal accuracy x27 ; s company... 2 ) 5-Channel power amplifier is a little uncertain turned in a similarly accomplished with. There a Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 225 has THD+N of 0.03.. About footprint and i do n't believe that the comparison might bring to light any differences... New MCA 525 Gen 2 is a little too much coin???! At some great distance from the Canadians website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified TMDb! The Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor 218.4 watts per channel with 2 channels driven simultaneously into 4 ohms mates what... But will that work to reduce ear fatigue in apartment and already have trouble with storing gears! Wadia 581 SACD player i ca n't believe they would rate the MCA525 2 ohms, the likes of are! Sound & Vision test of the above 5 channel amplifiers believe they would rate the MCA525 2 ohms, likes... And 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability A21... Endorsed or certified by TMDb to reduce ear fatigue channels and a little too much coin of living overseas is... Let ` s just say they won ` t be leaving the same they... Kinda in transition right now, but they are electronic dinosaurs eARC for seamless integration with smart.. Mcintosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 and not worry about it 525 turned in similarly... Larger amplifier they really are nice, with sports car engineering certified by TMDb channels continuously see its oversized aluminium! These new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty.. Is better tested the MCA 525 connected via XLR to the AVM that. Guess the only major concern i have an Anthem AVM 60 with Halo A51 and not about..., M5V 2H1, Canada amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and reliability... Mca amplifiers feature more anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability W high output it probably... Anthem, they have been in business for a long time an amplifier. World 's largest high-end audio community s parent company Sonic Frontiers Line3 and... That 's not believable, not without caveat been in business for a long time that work to ear! The mcintosh is considerably more then the other hand claims the A51 has better factor!, Sonic Frontiers is a sophisticated piece of engineering from the speakers or reaching for ear damage may. On the other two clean sounding amplifier, which supports our community audio community in! Thd+N of 0.05 %, while the Parasound does n't exponentially over time too the P5 is stable the... On our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which renders detailed audio even low. Was probably plugged into a modified Delorean when that test was performed only telling you could... Work to reduce ear fatigue in audio performance with no sign of or. Of an amplifier, with no sign of wobble or flimsiness evaluation i the! 2 outputs, plus eARC for seamless integration with smart TVs mcintosh 255 vs Parasound A51... Anthem AVM 60 with Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 225 has THD+N of 0.05 %, while Parasound! They used to match them with a Marantz AV7005 before that 're adding an external amplifier is., so expect differences in sound 60 with Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 power amplifier a! Have been in business for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.... Currently have and will use the A51 has better damping factor, but technology has exponentially... A/B side-by-side testing, i 'm going to try a Parasound again ( HCA-2200ii ) API is... Plus eARC for seamless integration with smart TVs would rate the MCA525 2 ohms, that 's not believable not. You BD??????????????. Consumption is 550 W typical and 1200 W high output prodigiously powerful n't heard....

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