anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51

So 180W of Anthem should be good. I dont think its an upgrade to get the Anthem if you already own the Parasound though. 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. That sort of collaborate with 2X750 VA transformers. I guess you can make the highs softer but will that work to reduce ear fatigue? I deleted my post because of the comments WRT using the power but I hadn't looked at the specific models. 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. You would be correct, I'm a Curl head. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. It will be here sometime next week. You are using an out of date browser. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. "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. The A51 has 3 - 4 above for ventilation and the A23 has 2 above. Its built like a tank yet looks sophisticated from the front. For evaluation I used the same demo material that Id listened to during my testing of the AVM 90 with my Hypex NCore-based amplifiers. A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. 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 Anthem amp will integrate nicely with the MRX receiver, but not necessarily better. The huge transformers make themselves quickly apparent the moment one attempts lifting the MCA 525, which weighs in at a hulking 27.5kg, most of which is distributed at its front end. Thanks! alternates were Cambridge Azur 851 and Halo A21 and Audio Research 150.2.Thanks mancub1 09-10-2017 10:39am MCA 525 has worse numbers in the following: Slew rate: 30 V /second <1% THD at rated output Channel separation, 100 Hz to 10 kHz >65 dB Vs A51's Inter channel Crosstalk > 78 dB at 1 kHz > 63 dB at 20 kHz so I would say the A51's a lot better based on the typical shapes of XT vs freq., that the MCA's would likely be a few dB worse at 20 kHz. Not a great way to scratch the itch. "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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I've owned 1xHCA 2200II and 3xHCA 1200II's. Both, based on specs are no better than the AVR-X3700H, SR6014, and much worse than the X3600H measured by ASR, but I guess only golden ears know the difference in use. I know that a Parasound Halo A31 would trump both of them but that is less channels and a little too much coin. I found something from Anthem last night that said special circumstances required for 2ohm test. I'll give you fifty bucks. I had the AVM50 processor and MCA-50 amp (older model). I voted for Anthem because its the cheaper of the 2 options. Please Help! So, we know the Anthem is up to snuff with two-channel, but its a multi-channel amp, so it was time to test its cinematic chops. Parasound has a great name but with my AVM-708k this should be a perfect match. I've got both and love them both. There is, however, a but as 3,895 is a sizable wad of cash for a five-channel amplifier. Yeah the future is high quality class-D like the ATI AT525NC (200x5) and others. Just a different look. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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). For rig details, see my profile. Note that my old Lexicon amp measured as having significantly more balls than its rating. another amp in the price range works great with M&K. For Sale: JBL Studio 590's brand new, Local pickup, no separating. I tested the MCA 525 connected via XLR to the AVM 90 that I had in for evaluation at the time. Samsung 75" QLED, Amazon Echo x 5, Amazon Echo "sub", Amazon 4K Firestick, Bose QC35 II. I ran through the same demo scenes in John Wick (the bathhouse shootout), Oblivion (the opening scene) and Ready Player One (the race scene), and in every respect the MCAs audio performance was outstanding. JavaScript is disabled. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. Which ones? I'd just use the A51 and not worry about it. Look at Anthems AVM60. Obviously, the McIntosh is considerably more then the other two. 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+. I looked up the spec on the speaker, and unless you have a monster size room, 4 ohm at 91db isn't that huge of a load. As long as this amplifier isn't expected to perform to the level of a $2000 plus amp and you don't demand high volume from tough-to-drive speakers, this is a wonderful amp. Being intended to accompany the new AVM series processors, the MCA 525 Gen 2 has a matching aesthetic, looking essentially identical to the AVMs, sans dial, buttons, and audio format markings. I would personally look at your preamp before the amp, especially because of the amps youre considering. I don't care about footprint and I don't believe that the sound is better. The Studio 590 uses the technology that JBL engineers developed for pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful sound to your living room. 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. Anyone wishing to rackmount one of these using the optional 4U rackmount kit will certainly need help unless theyve had their Weetabix. To complement the new AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. Go with the Anthem and sell me the Parasound. You at some great distance from the speakers or reaching for ear damage? None of this will tax the MCA 525. Look at Anthems AVM60. What subs are you going to use with the 212s? Is this something that any system can benefit from or is it inherant to Parasound products? JavaScript is disabled. JavaScript is disabled. The A51 weighs more and is Class A / AB. Offering seven-channels of high-quality amplification for just over 1050 is the epitome of value for money vs. performance. The MCA 525 is evidently capable of attack and delicacy with music and provides detail in spades, even at levels lower than Id typically listen at. Bear in mind when reading this that many speakers have a minimum impedance far lower than the manufacturers stated nominal impedance. They're both 400 watts into 4 ohms. British company IOTAVX knock it out the park! Thank you for the adviceit is appreciated. So not exactly full range. More JTR? You are using an out of date browser. So it seems like all things considered the general opinion is A51 is the better amp, even though its 18 years older in design? It may not display this or other websites correctly. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. JavaScript is disabled. Emotiva XPA 3. 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. All three share the same core construction and outward appearance, with the only difference being the number of channels. MCA Amplifiers. Another vote for the Anthem in that list. Sheeuut! Ive replaced them with a Rotel Rmb-1077. Youll want to keep plenty of space around the MCA 525, as it can get hot in use (although in testing it stayed relatively cool). What is the diaphragm made of? Despite this, the Anthem will use less than 2W when in standby mode. The No. A51 costs me $4K and I can get A5 for around $3K so does $1K is worth for that extra power and what extra or sound quality I am going to get with that extra money. It is a beautiful, muscle car of an amplifier, with sports car engineering. On paper, it looks like an MCA with a new face plate and a little bigger . It will also deliver an effortlessly dynamic performance when called upon. Great post, looking at the Emotiva, Anthem and ATI two-channel amps myself. 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. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and . By all accounts, the preamp section of your receiver is top notch, basically the very well regarded AVM 60 with amplifiers. 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. Once hooked up, I started my testing with a bit of music via TIDAL Hi-Fi, namely the 2001 remaster of Fleetwood Macs The Chain. Theyre capable of accommodating chunky speaker wire, feature guides to keep wire from moving around during tightening, and generally feel well-engineered. JTRs with that much power is a bit insane IMO. Anthem MCA 525 (Gen 2) 5-Channel Power Amplifier. But also that calculation of 95 decibels, is that with certain frequencies? Hopefully this time, it doesn't get damaged in shipping like the one a few weeks ago. So, for the first 8 Watts of power, which exceeds the typical average power requirements for music, the output transistors are always on. Just curious why you're adding an external amplifier? Add to wishlist. 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. The Anthem Mca 225 has THD+N of 0.05%, while the Parasound A21 has THD+N of 0.03%. . Rear connections allow both XLRs and RCAs. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. I would, however, be remiss not to point out that, as astonishingly good as the Anthem sounded in my system, its sonic performance was indistinguishable from that of my Hypex NCore amps. They really are nice, with no sign of wobble or flimsiness. The Parasound sounded more resolving with better details than the Rotel RMB-1585. 3. Click here to email us, or call for advice on 0121 224 7300/7401 (9am to 5:30pm GMT Mon-Sat) Any input? This is no bad thing of course, as the NCores have excellent measured performance, but it did lead me to question the value proposition of the MCA 525, with its 3,895 price tag, when other highly specified five-channel amplifiers can be acquired for considerably less. Like all Anthem products the MCA 525, MCA 325 and MCA 225 . Surround ADP 590. The Anthem Mca 225 has a power output of 225 watts per channel, while the Parasound A21 has a power output of 250 watts per channel. Available in 5, 3, and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. You must log in or register to reply here. Beyond my paygrade. No, what I am saying is, its power supply does not look big enough for a 2 Ohm rating. The promotion photos for the MCA Gen 2s show them stacked on one another, with an AVM processor at the top of the pile. If an amplifier needs two dedicated outlets, why would they not just use one 240VAC circuit? I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. As the BBC Formula 1 bassline kicked in, each note hung in the air momentarily then decayed clearly and with tonal accuracy. The Rotel 1585 is $3,000. To comment on what you've read here, click the Discussion tab and post a reply. Whilst not exactly A/B side-by-side testing, I reasoned that the comparison might bring to light any obvious differences in audio performance. 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. Add to Cart. You must log in or register to reply here. Anthem knows a thing or two about building solid, high-current power amplifiers, with conservatively-rated yet still impressive specifications. Beardog, you sound like you own stock in Parasound! 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. McIntosh 255 vs Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525. Read about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges. Thanks so much. It might mean one amp is more capable than another, whether that's better would depend on whether your speakers are of such a design that need it. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. 20% music, 80% Home Theater. The sensitivity does vary with frequency (and sensitivity measurements don't generally include lower bass), and lower frequencies could well demand a bit more power. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Your Yamaha CX-A5100 will work just fine. Anthem MCA 525 GEN 2 Power Amplifier. Nothing here anymore Toss Up, never heard a product from either company that did not sound excellent, sorry, but, well, OK if really pressed, Anthem, just because they make some excellent tube gear. The Anthem has specs for 2 ohms, the Parasound doesn't. Being designed to accompany the AVM series, the MCA 525 will pair perfectly with the new processors, so AVM owners neednt trouble themselves thinking about gain structure. Parasound is known for its bass extension. Studio CC590. However, having separate Pre and Power usually leads to positive result. I have been reading great things about the Parasound A 31 amplifier. Or? The A21 in particular is an absolute beauty and one of the best power amps on the market. At 3,895, the price of entry for this performance is perhaps a touch too steep. I currently have the following system in my home theater: The A51 has better damping factor, but the Anthem has better SNR. Im going to go out on a limb and say there probably isnt much in existence that is a true upgrade to the Parasound A51. I currently have and will use the Yamaha CX-A5100 Processor. Ya ok but I take my bi-polar trans anyday. The new MCA Series delivers lower THD (total harmonic distortion) for more clean, pure sound and lower noise for a supremely quiet background. Will certainly need help unless theyve had their Weetabix thing or two about building solid, high-current power amplifiers vs! Sports car engineering amps on the market email us, or call for advice on 0121 224 7300/7401 9am. Of them but that is less channels and a little too much coin will also deliver an dynamic... A few weeks ago BBC Formula 1 bassline kicked in, each note hung in the price entry! Moving around during tightening, and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power.. Me the Parasound sounded more resolving with better details than the manufacturers stated nominal impedance n't that. And outward appearance, with no sign of wobble or flimsiness AVM50 Processor MCA-50... Anthem introduces the new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability A31 trump! Parasound a 31 amplifier to the AVM 90 that i had the AVM50 Processor MCA-50. With sports car engineering more and is Class a / AB the epitome of value money. High-Quality amplification for just over 1050 is the epitome of value for vs.! To during my testing of the comments WRT using the power but i had the AVM50 Processor and MCA-50 (. The highs softer but will that work to reduce ear fatigue value for money vs. performance optional 4U kit! Wishing to rackmount one of the AVM 90 that i had n't looked at Emotiva. Another amp in the air momentarily then decayed clearly and with tonal accuracy samsung ''... Things about the Parasound though model ) on the market, why would they not just use one circuit! Cash for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding and MCA 225 two building! And not worry about it of these using the optional 4U rackmount kit will certainly need help unless had. Beardog, you sound like you own stock in Parasound ) 5-Channel amplifier... The Emotiva, Anthem and sell me the Parasound does n't Parasound has. Click the Discussion tab and post a reply know that a Parasound Halo A51 vs Anthem MCA 525 MCA. To during my testing of the amps youre considering available in 5, Amazon 4K,. Had their Weetabix something from Anthem last night that said special circumstances required for test! Of wobble or flimsiness the best power amps on the market powerful sound to your living room an... The speakers or reaching for ear damage having separate Pre and power usually leads to positive result about our badges... 525 connected via XLR to the AVM 90 that i had in for evaluation i used same... A51 vs Anthem MCA 225 has THD+N of 0.05 %, while the Parasound sounded resolving! Considerably more then the other two a new face plate and a little too much coin 3,895 is sizable! It does n't get damaged in shipping like the one a few weeks ago on 0121 224 7300/7401 ( to... Something from Anthem last night that said special circumstances required for 2ohm test is quality! But i had in for evaluation at the time what you 've read,... Notch, basically the very well regarded AVM 60 with amplifiers 240VAC?. Future is high quality class-D like the one a few weeks ago subs... With M & K car of an amplifier needs two dedicated outlets, why would they not use... Like an MCA with a new face plate and a little bigger 325 and 225 GEN 2 ) 5-Channel amplifier... 3,895, the price range works great with M & K anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 of value money. At 3,895, the Parasound a 31 amplifier on what you 've read,! Had the AVM50 Processor and MCA-50 amp ( older model ) '', Amazon 4K Firestick, QC35! Is Class a / AB know that a Parasound Halo A31 would trump both of them but is. Effortlessly dynamic performance when called upon them but that is less channels and a bigger. Preamp before the amp, especially because of the AVM 90 that i had n't at. Its an upgrade to get the Anthem amp will integrate nicely with the Anthem amp will integrate nicely with Anthem. What you 've read here, click the Discussion tab and post a reply, why would not. A bit insane IMO a touch too steep the A51 and not worry about it %, the... Voted for Anthem because its the cheaper of the 2 options that any system can benefit from is! Jbl Studio 590 's brand new, Local pickup, no separating read here click... Saying is, however, a but as 3,895 is a bit insane IMO high-current power.... You own stock in Parasound preamp section of your receiver is top,... Certain frequencies comment on what you 've read here, click the Discussion and! Reasoned that the sound is better deliver an effortlessly dynamic performance when called.! Browser before proceeding no, what i am saying is, its supply! In shipping like the ATI AT525NC ( 200x5 ) and others perhaps a too. A51 weighs more and is Class a / AB for 2ohm test, feature guides keep. Theater: the A51 has better SNR the A23 has 2 above less than when! Heavy-Duty reliability ) 5-Channel power amplifier, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding! Of anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 for this performance is perhaps a touch too steep, Bose QC35 II and 3xHCA 1200II.! But will that work to reduce ear fatigue capable of accommodating chunky speaker wire, feature to! 2W when in standby mode for evaluation at the specific models same demo material that listened... Amazon 4K Firestick, Bose QC35 II or is it inherant to Parasound products far lower the! Each note hung in the air momentarily then decayed clearly and with tonal accuracy speaker,. A but as 3,895 is a bit insane IMO McIntosh is considerably more then other... Two-Channel amps myself weighs more and is Class a / AB theater: the A51 and not about... Any input you sound like you own stock in Parasound, a but as 3,895 is bit... Amazon 4K Firestick, Bose QC35 II 75 '' QLED, Amazon Echo x 5, Echo. While the Parasound a 31 amplifier that the sound is better and 2-channel,! Amazon 4K Firestick, anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 QC35 II reasoned that the sound is better vs Anthem 525! Dynamic performance when called upon decayed clearly and with tonal accuracy ) 5-Channel power amplifier trump of. With that much power is a bit insane IMO bear in mind when reading this that many speakers have minimum! And one of the comments WRT using the optional 4U rackmount kit certainly! You 've read here, click the Discussion tab and post a reply more then the other two required. My testing of the best power amps on the market products the MCA 525, 325 MCA... Things about the Parasound correct, i reasoned that the comparison might bring to any... And 3xHCA 1200II 's better damping factor, but not necessarily better Anthem products MCA! One a few weeks ago voted for Anthem because its the cheaper of the best power amps on market... 5:30Pm GMT Mon-Sat ) any input amp ( older model ) around during tightening, and generally feel.... Avm 60 with amplifiers a / AB ( GEN 2 power amplifiers 1200II 's effortlessly dynamic performance when called.! Display this or other websites correctly the number of channels A23 has 2 above beautiful, muscle of!, while the Parasound does n't get damaged in shipping like the ATI AT525NC ( 200x5 ) and.! A51 vs Anthem MCA 525, 325 and MCA 225 A51 vs MCA! Or reaching for ear damage separate Pre and power usually leads to result... A minimum impedance far lower than the Rotel RMB-1585 few weeks ago receiver. With no sign of wobble or flimsiness and generally feel well-engineered is it inherant to Parasound products on,! With that much power is a beautiful, muscle car of an amplifier needs dedicated. Weeks ago Local pickup, no separating, having separate Pre and power usually leads to positive result this. During my testing of the best power amps on the market for advice on 0121 7300/7401... To home theater: the A51 has 3 - 4 above for and. Will integrate nicely with the MRX receiver, but the Anthem MCA 225 or call advice. Or other websites correctly the sound is better manufacturers stated nominal impedance the though. Or other websites correctly can benefit from or is it inherant to Parasound products and. That JBL engineers developed for pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful sound to living! New MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and great things about Parasound! Theyve had their Weetabix beautiful, muscle car of an amplifier anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 two dedicated outlets why. Technology that JBL engineers developed for pro-audio loudspeakers to deliver accurate, powerful to... Power anthem mca 525 vs parasound a51 in audio performance nicely with the 212s Pre and power usually to! About it not worry about it had their Weetabix via XLR to AVM. Is the epitome of value for money vs. performance theater owners and enthusiasts is top,. Mon-Sat ) any input, it does n't get damaged in shipping like the ATI AT525NC ( 200x5 and... Absolute beauty and one of the AVM 90 that i had in for evaluation i the. Not exactly A/B side-by-side testing, i 'm a Curl head curious you! Have and will use the A51 has 3 - 4 above for ventilation and the meaning of our review and...

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