Anthem's amp of power and glory

This high-grade five-channel amplifier tops the Canadian maker's lineup, and shows Steve Withers the true meaning of dynamic range

ANTHEM'S NEW LINEUP of power amplifiers has been designed to complement its range of AVM processors, with matching livery and enough onboard grunt to fill an enormo-dome.

The MCA Gen 2 catalogue offers the two-channel 225 2,295), three-channel 325 2,795), and five-channel 525 3,895) reviewed here. This Class A/B trio share the same design and build, with the only difference being the number of channels. All three are also pricey considering the channel count, but that will be less of an issue if they deliver in terms of overall performance.

Total overhaul

The Canadian brand certainly knows its bacon when it comes to building amps, and the MCA Gen 2 represents a ground-up redesign over the previous generation, with reduced cabling for a smoother circuit path, and new 'low noise high-power' toroidal transformers for greater transparency. Anthem has also refreshed the output transistors, capacitors, and heatsinks as part of the upgrade.

Of particular note is the power supply, because while some five-channel amplifiers use one for front left and right channels and another for centre and surround channels, the MCA 525 Gen 2 shares its two power supplies between all the channels. Anthem claims this allows the device to instantaneously deliver bursts of power without affecting channel separation.

Look through the grilles on the top and you'll see the two toroidal transformers at the front, along with the five heatsinks, all of which explains why the 525 clocks in at a chunky 27.5kg. This amplifier might weigh enough to have been forged in the heart of a neutron star, but there's something pleasing about this level of build quality, even if there's also a danger of putting your back out.