Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 - 5-Channel Power Amplifier
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Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 - 5-Channel Power Amplifier
Overview
A full surround system only sounds as good as its weakest channel, so every speaker needs equal power behind it. The Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 is a Made-in-Canada, 5-channel power amplifier that gives all five channels in a surround layout the same power, without asking a receiver's internal amps to do it.
Each of the five channels delivers 225 watts into 8 ohms, 400 watts into 4 ohms, and 600 watts into 2 ohms, and Anthem's design delivers full bursts of power to any channel, or all of them at once, without affecting channel separation. Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) protects the amplifier and engages only in the most extreme circumstances, without fuses in the signal path.
Greatly reduced internal cabling gives the signal a smoother, more direct circuit path, and oversized aluminum heatsinks are built into the chassis. The amplifier can switch on manually, by trigger, or by sensing an input signal, and balanced and single-ended inputs connect to almost any processor or receiver.
Simcoe Audio Video Insight
We spec the MCA 525 Gen 2 for full home theatre builds where every channel needs to hold up during sustained, high-volume listening, not just the front three. Moving all five main channels onto a dedicated amplifier leaves the processor or receiver to focus on decoding and room correction.
More Info
Why the Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 Stands Out
Five-Channel Surround Power
225 watts per channel into 8 ohms across all five channels keeps a full surround layout equally powered.
Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM)
Protects the amplifier without fuses in the signal path, engaging only in the most extreme circumstances.
Power on Demand, Any Channel
Full bursts of power reach any channel, or all five at once, without affecting channel separation.
Balanced & Single-Ended Inputs
XLR and RCA inputs on every channel, with balanced connections helping reject noise on longer cable runs from a processor.
Larger Binding Posts
New, larger, more conductive binding posts maximize contact and keep a firm grip on your speaker cables.
Oversized Aluminum Heatsinks
Oversized aluminum heatsinks are built into the chassis alongside high-current bipolar output transistors.
Buyer's Guide
Who It's For
- The Full Surround System Builder: Needs all five channels of a home theatre equally powered rather than relying on a receiver's internal amps.
- The Flagship Theatre Owner: Wants a reference-level surround layout powered by a dedicated, Made-in-Canada amplifier.
- The Architectural Speaker Installer: Needs the current to drive demanding in-wall or tower speakers across a full five-channel setup.
How It Compares
The MCA 225, MCA 325, and MCA 525 Gen 2 amplifiers share identical per-channel power specs and the same ALM protection circuitry, differing only in channel count. The MCA 525 covers a full five-channel surround layout; step down to the MCA 325 for a three-channel front stage or the MCA 225 for a stereo pair.
Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2 - 5-Channel Power Amplifier Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Series | MCA Gen 2 |
| Brand | Anthem |
| Amplifier Type | 5-Channel Power Amplifier |
| Construction | Anodized Aluminum Faceplate with Steel Chassis |
| Front Display | LED Status Indicator |
| Country of Origin | Made in Canada |
| Power Output (Per Channel, RMS) | |
| Into 8 Ohms | 225 Watts |
| Into 4 Ohms | 400 Watts |
| Into 2 Ohms | 600 Watts |
| Power Bandwidth | 90kHz (-3dB at 200W into 8 Ohms) |
| Audio Performance | |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.1dB (8Ω/4Ω), ±0.2dB (2Ω) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 120dB (IEC-A, ref. 225W) |
| THD+N (at 100W) | 0.0010% (1kHz); 0.002% (20kHz) |
| Intermodulation Distortion | 0.0005% (ITU-R) / 0.002% (SMPTE) @ 100W |
| Damping Factor | 300 (20Hz - 1kHz) |
| Slew Rate | 30 V/µs |
| Voltage Gain | 29dB |
| Inputs & Outputs | |
| Analog Inputs | 5 x Single-Ended (RCA), 5 x Balanced (XLR) |
| Input Impedance | 10kΩ (RCA), 15kΩ (XLR) |
| Input Sensitivity | 1.5 Vrms (225W into 8Ω) |
| Speaker Outputs | Large audiophile binding posts |
| Trigger | Relay Trigger In/Out (3.5mm Mono Jack) |
| Power-On Modes | Manual, Trigger, Auto (Signal Sensing) |
| Power & Protection | |
| Circuit Protection | Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) |
| Power Supply | Custom Low-Noise, High-Power Toroidal Transformer |
| Idle Power | 80 Watts |
| Typical Playback Levels | 550 Watts |
| High Playback Levels | 1200 Watts |
| Standby Power | 2.0 Watts |
| Power Requirement | 120V Version: 108V - 132V (60Hz) |
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 17" x 18-1/8" x 6-5/8" (43.18 x 46 x 16.9cm) |
| Weight | 61 lb (27.5 kg) |
| Height with Rackmount Kit | 4U |
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