Усилители мощности стерео — Anthem MCA 525 GEN 2

The MCA 525 Gen 2 is the five-channel model in the second-generation MCA amplifier family from Anthem, sold alongside two- and three-channel versions with the same power per channel. Anthem builds it in Canada, and its styling matches the AVM 90 and AVM 70 processors, which Anthem says can drive setups of up to 15.4 channels when stacked with MCA amplifiers.

Key specs that matter

Each channel delivers 225 W into 8 Ohm, 400 W into 4 Ohm and 600 W into 2 Ohm, continuous over the 20 Hz to 20 kHz band at less than 1% THD. Distortion at a 100 W level is 0.0010% at 1 kHz and 0.015% at 20 kHz, and intermodulation figures are 0.0005% ITU-R and 0.002% SMPTE. Noise sits 120 dB below 225 W with IEC-A weighting. Across 20 Hz to 20 kHz the response stays within 0.1 dB unloaded or into 8 and 4 Ohm, widening to 0.2 dB into 2 Ohm. Power bandwidth extends to 90 kHz (-3 dB, 200 W, 8 Ohm), slew rate is 30 V/us, damping factor from 20 Hz to 1 kHz is 300, and separation between channels exceeds 65 dB. Sensitivity for 225 W is 1.5 V RMS with 29 dB of gain, and input impedance is 15 kOhm balanced or 10 kOhm unbalanced. Dimensions are 43.8 cm wide, 16.9 cm high (4U rack height) and 46 cm deep, and the amplifier weighs 27.5 kg.

Engineering and use context

Unlike five-channel designs with one supply, the MCA 525 Gen 2 shares two oversized power supplies across all channels so any channel, or all of them together, can draw bursts of power without harming separation. The transformers are low-flux toroidal types, and every channel carries 8 high-current bipolar output devices on oversized aluminium heatsinks. Gen 2 changes include less internal cabling and improved input transistors. Advanced Load Monitoring checks temperature, current and voltage from outside the signal path, removing the need for internal fuses, keeps healthy channels running if one faults and restores all channels automatically, with an LED on the front panel. Consumption is 2.0 W in standby, 80 W at idle, 550 W typical and 1200 W at high output.

Pairing

Each of the five channels has an XLR and an RCA input and a pair of enlarged binding posts. Turn-on can be manual, by 12 V trigger or by sensing an incoming signal. A detachable 14 AWG IEC power cord is included, and versions exist for 120 V and 220 to 240 V mains.

Alternatives

The Anthem MCA 325 Gen 2 is the three-channel model in this Gen 2 family, rated for identical power per channel in a lighter chassis.