Anthem AV MCA 525 GEN 2 – Power Amplifier

To complement the AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, we introduce the next generation of our acclaimed power amplifiers: the MCA 525, 325, and 225. These new MCA Gen 2 amplifiers, available in 5, 3, and 2-channel configurations, deliver more robust, efficient power and heavy-duty reliability than ever before. With lower Total Harmonic Distortion and a supremely quiet background, they provide a cleaner, purer sound. Designed and crafted in Canada, the new MCA Series is built like no other amplifier in the world. Each one features a custom low-noise, high-power toroidal transformer, high-current bipolar output transistors, and oversized aluminum heatsinks. This superior craftsmanship is reflected in a clean, clear, audiophile-quality sound that spans the entire frequency spectrum.

A Clean Path to Perfection

MCA Gen 2 has been completely redesigned with a single goal: to deliver pure, unobstructed audio. By greatly reducing internal cabling, we have created a smoother, more direct circuit path. The use of low-flux toroidal transformers and improved input transistors provides a greater sense of transparency, revealing every detail, even in the most dynamically complex material.

We have pushed every performance benchmark further, including power bandwidth and slew rate. With a signal-to-noise ratio of a stunning 120 dB, background noise is practically nonexistent. What’s left is nothing but pure, natural sound reproduction, allowing you to hear the music exactly as the artist intended.

A New Standard in Power Efficiency

In addition to reduced inrush current, MCA Gen 2 Amplifiers consume just 1-2W in standby mode, proving that exceptional power can also be exceptionally efficient. As with all Anthem amplifiers, they can be switched on manually, via trigger, or by sensing an input signal, giving you total control. We’ve added new, larger, more conductive audiophile binding posts to maximize contact and ensure a firm grip on your speaker cables. If you’re looking for cutting-edge component separates, the MCA Gen 2 series delivers. It balances the complex dynamics of today’s most demanding media with the finesse required to satisfy the most discerning audiophile. The MCA Gen 2 Amplifiers provide an abundance of conservatively rated power into demanding low-impedance loads, incredible reliability, and a new design aesthetic that perfectly matches our sleek AVM A/V Processors.

Power on Demand

Our MCA 525 Gen 2 redefines power delivery. While most 5-channel amplifiers use separate power supplies, our design shares two massive power supplies across all channels. The result is instant, full bursts of power to any channel—or all of them at once—without affecting channel separation. This ensures every dynamic moment is reproduced with absolute authority and without compromise.

Limitless Possibilities

Today’s premium home theaters demand support for as many as 15 speakers and 4 subwoofers to handle the latest object-oriented audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Pair an AVM 70 or AVM 90 A/V Processor with a stack of MCA amplifiers, and you’ll hear sound that rivals the best commercial cinemas. The MCA series’ scalability means you only need to purchase the channels necessary to power your vision. Our AVM Processors can now manage configurations up to 15.4 channels with ARC Genesis Room Correction, ensuring the best possible sound at every seat. And you won’t need to hide your gear. Anthem’s modernized design extends to every component in the MCA and AVM lines, allowing your equipment to be as visually stunning as the sound it produces. Like all of our MCA power amps, they are proudly crafted in Canada.

Massive Toroidal Power

MCA amplifiers deliver incredible dynamics thanks to massive, “audiophile-approved,” and conservatively rated power supplies designed with high rail voltages. Our low-flux toroidal power transformers minimize stray magnetic field radiation, ensuring ultra-quiet performance. This provides the pure, clean, low-noise power necessary to reproduce the full dynamics of home theater and the most complex music recordings with absolute clarity and control.

Technical Specification:

• hannels

  5

• Power Output RMS (Per Channel) 8Ω

  225 W

• Power Output RMS (Per Channel) 4Ω

  400 W

• Power Output RMS (Per Channel) 2Ω

  600 W

• Power Bandwidth

  90 kHz (-3 dB at 200 W into 8 ohms)

• Input Sensitivity

  1.5 Vrms (225 W into 8 Ω)

• Input Impedance

  10kΩ (RCA), 15kΩ (XLR)

• Voltage Gain

  29 dB

• Slew Rate

  30 V/μs

• Frequency Response

  8Ω = 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.1 dB 4Ω = 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.1 dB 2Ω = 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.2 dB

• Channel Separation

  —

• Crosstalk

  —

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio

  120 dB (IEC-A, ref. 225 W)

• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise

  0.0010% (1 kHz), 0.002% (20 kHz) @ 100 W

• Intermodulation Distortion

  ITU-R (19 kHz + 20 kHz) 0.0005% @ 100 W SMPTE (60 Hz + 7 kHz) 0.002% @ 100 W

• Front Display

  LED Status Indicator

• Construction

  Anodized Aluminum Faceplate with Steel Chasis

• Switches

  Front Panel: Power (On/Off) Rear Panel: 3 On/Off Modes (Trigger, Manual, Auto)

• Weight

  61 lb (27.5 kg)

• Dimensions (D) (excluding Power Cord)

  18-1/8″ (46 cm)

• Dimensions (W)

  17-1/4″ (43.9 cm)

• Dimensions (H) (with feet)

  6-5/8” (16.9 cm)

• Height with Rackmount Kit

  4U

• Idle

  80 W

• Typical Playback Levels

  550 W

• High Playback Levels

  1200 W

• Low Power Standby

  2.0 W

• Damping Factor

  (20 Hz – 1 kHz) 300