The Parasound sounded more resolving with better details than the Rotel RMB-1585. I had forgotten about these. All sounds good, I too really enjoy my Parasound amps. Either is a good choice though. Look at Anthems AVM60. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I currently have the following system in my home theater: It It does appear to be very well designed and optimized for very good output. The benefits that I perceive is a tad warmer sound and a slightly better mid and low end. Well I added a Rotel RMB 1555 amp to my Pioneer SC 57 receiver and don't regret it. Read about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges. Great post, looking at the Emotiva, Anthem and ATI two-channel amps myself. Wattage rating that high on a speaker is only telling you you could get silly loud before damaging it. Yeah the future is high quality class-D like the ATI AT525NC (200x5) and others. The Emotiva XPA-11 Gen3 11-channel power amplifier brings plenty of American muscle to your system thanks to the company's modular design and SMPS technology. They really are nice, with no sign of wobble or flimsiness. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIYs, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I'm wide open to suggestions. For your purposes the A5 would probably be better suited, or even an old Arcam P7 / P777. Thanks! So, if you can afford it, go for it! I agree the MCA amp is the best among those but in my opinion it's transformer and the power supply as a whole, is actually not "huge" at all relatively speaking (to Outlaw, Monolith, Parasound's etc in the similar price range). Power ratings start at 225 watts into 8 ohms and go up to . Some say they don't build amps like they used to, but technology has improved exponentially over time too. So not exactly full range. 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. 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. Also, the spec says power consumption is 550 W typical and 1200 W high output. Another vote for the Anthem in that list. JTR 215/212s are some of the few speakers I might consider without using subs, but that would only be with all 5ch with the same speaker (okay, maybe a mix of 215s up front and 212s for surround, Capable in what sense would you say? I sent an email to Anthem asking some questions about the MCA 325 3 weeks ago, and still haven't heard back. The Studio 590 uses the technology that JBL engineers developed for pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful sound to your living room. It was probably plugged into a modified Delorean when that test was performed. Related products McIntosh MI254 $ 5,000.00 Meridian G65 $ 5,500.00 Datasat LS10 I've got both and love them both. 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. The 2205 has almost twice as large of a Toroidal Transformer (2.0 versus 1.2) and almost triple the Filter Capacitance (150,000uf versus 60,000) as the XPA-5. Your Yamaha CX-A5100 will work just fine. What subs are you going to use with the 212s? I have decided to purchase a 5 channel amp and like the Parasound HCA-2205AT, but haven't quite figured out what the differences are between the Anthem PVA or MCA models. Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. Add to Cart. For lower listening levels I prefer the tubed Anthem, but when needing to rock out a bit the PSound has the balls and headroom needed. The amplifiers are all designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada. fatstrat New Member Thread Starter Joined Feb 21, 2020 Messages 8 Location Pa More Do you find them fatiguing? It will be here sometime next week. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. Parasound A51 (click on specs) https://parasound.com/a51.php Anthen MCA 525 Gen2 (PDF spec download) I give Parasound a plug, but sorry I haven't heard both. The speakers I'm looking to power are 4 ohms with compression driver if that makes any difference, JTR to be exact. From available pictures it looks like it has 10X8,200 uf or 82,000 uf filter capacitance total. Theres also the expected 12V trigger option, as well a useful auto-on facility which powers on the MCA 525 when a signal is sensed. Thanks for the help! 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. "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. Must be the local Bay Area influence. .120 dB Vs A51's 112 dB IHF A-weighted (Note: no idea what IHF is, probably an old standard, so this may be be an apples to apples comparison). Looking purely at the published specifications, I would guess they are more alike than different. A simple frequency measurement will not tell you much about how the speaker sounds, let alone that it sounds just like another based on such (but the measurements I doubt would be identical either). I'm a lover of the tube hybrids from Anthem as they are just fun to listen to and enjoy..Parasound is all about brutality and power. "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. 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! Click here to email us, or call for advice on 0121 224 7300/7401 (9am to 5:30pm GMT Mon-Sat) I voted for Anthem because its the cheaper of the 2 options. Anthem MCA 225 (Gen 2) 2-Channel Power Amplifier. JTRs with that much power is a bit insane IMO. Offering seven-channels of high-quality amplification for just over 1050 is the epitome of value for money vs. performance. More JTR? I'm going to try a Parasound again (HCA-2200ii). That sort of collaborate with 2X750 VA transformers. I agree with you on the high levels they might achieve and your hearing.but there are many compression drivers used in home audio, I am right now using a set of speakers with such. Support your locals eh? Another good choice is Parasound, the A51 and A21. I was using a Parasound A52+ for my 5 base channels and recently went to NAD C298 for my LR channels (I also playback all 2CH music via analog path as described above) and I really like the NAD. So, for the first 8 Watts of power, which exceeds the typical average power requirements for music, the output transistors are always on. I know that a Parasound Halo A31 would trump both of them but that is less channels and a little too much coin. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. Because of living overseas everything is at a premium so want as much information I can get before making a decision. 5-channel power amplifier; 225 watts per channel continuous power into 8 ohms. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. So it seems like all things considered the general opinion is A51 is the better amp, even though its 18 years older in design? No question about it. 3. Anthem 225 vs Parasound A21 vs Emotiva Xpa 7 Gen 2 Hey guys, I am looking for a very detailed sounding amp for Sacd playback.I am not interested in power output ,just smooth natural sound.These are my choices so far. It is a beautiful, muscle car of an amplifier, with sports car engineering. The MCA 525 took firm grip of my speakers as the familiar kick-drum beat filled the room, sounding punchy and dynamic, while every resonance of Lindsey Buckinghams dobro guitar played out across a deep front soundstage. Hi mates, what external power amplifier would you guys recommend between the Anthem MCA 525 and Parasound A52+? Parasound has a great name but with my AVM-708k this should be a perfect match. On paper, the Rotel appears to have less power than my receiver amp but my room is not large and the Rotel plays really loud really clearly. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. I have decided to purchase a new 5 channel power amp and would like some advice from our forum members. Quick view Parasound Halo A52+ 5 Channel Power Amplifier. Pro amp for sure, but a 61 lbs class AB amp you and I both know there is something fishy about this one. I don't care about footprint and I don't believe that the sound is better. . Thanks so much. Or is this a full range system without subs? I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. Not a great way to scratch the itch. I'm very happy with the results. Whilst not exactly A/B side-by-side testing, I reasoned that the comparison might bring to light any obvious differences in audio performance. 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. None of this will tax the MCA 525. System is kinda in transition right now, but pics to come soon (guts and arse too). So, if you're looking for more power, the Parasound A21 is the way to go. A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. MCA Amplifiers. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. To complement the NEW AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. What's not to like? Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. So theyre not quite telling the whole truth. those that are not welcome.well let`s just say they won`t be leaving the same way they arrived ! The MCA 525s input sensitivity is 1.5Vrms and voltage gain is 29dB, which is fairly typical for power amplifiers of its kind. For rig details, see my profile. 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. I was thinking of the pro-style compression drivers with extreme sensitivity. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. Look at Anthems AVM60. Here is a list of companies that make units with IcePower amps.. Of the two amps you mention in the original post, go with the Parasound. You at some great distance from the speakers or reaching for ear damage? 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. So what are you asking for the Parasound? I dont think its an upgrade to get the Anthem if you already own the Parasound though. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. There is, however, a but as 3,895 is a sizable wad of cash for a five-channel amplifier. Yet for Anthem fans, particularly AVM 70 or AVM 90 owners, there is a lot to love here. 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+. Anthem | MCA 525 GEN 2 | Overview (anthemav.com) "Higher Power into More Demanding Loads While most 5-channel amplifiers use a single power supply for front left and right channels and another power supply of the centre and surround, the new MCA 525 GEN 2 shares its two power supplies between all channels. Introduction: What Is the Anthem MCA 525 Generation 2? Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. Theyre capable of accommodating chunky speaker wire, feature guides to keep wire from moving around during tightening, and generally feel well-engineered. True though, with the added power you would have plenty of headroom to play insanely loud! You must log in or register to reply here. Yes a great deal of difference is made when you put that much power to a pair of speakers!:D. JavaScript is disabled. Other than that a fan of bipolar over MOSFET, Ted I'm still waiting. 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. Feb 23, 2016. You must log in or register to reply here. 20% music, 80% Home Theater. NAD's latest Master Series power amplifier delivers seven channels of Class D grunt thanks to Purifi's new Eigentakt technology. JavaScript is disabled. If it is, there was something wrong with the other amps. Recommend between the Anthem MCA 525 Generation 2 fans, particularly AVM 70 or AVM 90,! A lot to love here muscle car of an amplifier, with no sign of wobble or flimsiness name... 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