Power amplifiers stereo — Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2

The MCA 225 GEN 2 is a stereo power amplifier from Anthem, a well-established Canadian manufacturer known for accomplished, measurement-focused electronics engineering, built with an exceptionally low distortion figure. The MCA 225 GEN 2 brings Anthem's considered engineering to dedicated stereo power amplification.

Key specs that matter

Input sensitivity is 1,500mV. Input impedance is 15,000 ohms balanced or 10,000 ohms single-ended. Output power is 225W into 8 ohms, rising to 400W into 4 ohms. Gain is 29dBu. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is an exceptional 120dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at an exceptionally low 0.0010% at 100% global feedback. Maximum power consumption is 1,200W, with damping factor at 300. At 169 x 439 x 460mm and 27.5kg, the MCA 225 GEN 2 represents a substantial power amplifier commitment reflecting Anthem's measurement-focused engineering standards.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, transparent amplification reflecting the exceptional 120dB signal-to-noise figure combined with the near-immeasurable 0.0010% distortion figure, consistent with Anthem's broader measurement-focused Canadian engineering philosophy.

Pairing

The damping factor of 300 combined with the 400W-into-4-ohms output suits a wide variety of loudspeaker loads with excellent bass control.

Alternatives

Anthem's own MCA 325 GEN 2 offers a related model within the same broader MCA power amplifier catalogue.