The Anthem MCA 225 Gen 2 is a 2-channel power amplifier from Anthem’s MCA Gen 2 series, designed, engineered, and crafted in Canada. Sitting alongside the 3-channel MCA 325 and 5-channel MCA 525 in the range, the MCA 225 delivers 225 watts per channel into 8 ohms, scaling to 400 watts into 4 ohms and 600 watts into demanding 2-ohm loads. It is designed to complement Anthem’s AVM processors and MRX receivers, providing the current delivery and low-noise performance that high-end home cinema and stereo systems demand.
Power Supply and Output Stage
At the heart of the MCA 225 is a custom low-noise, high-power toroidal transformer with a low-flux design that minimises stray magnetic field radiation. The output stage uses eight high-current bipolar transistors per channel, mounted on oversized aluminium heatsinks. This configuration delivers a damping factor of 300 from 20 Hz to 1 kHz, ensuring tight control over loudspeaker drivers across the audible frequency range. The power bandwidth extends to 90 kHz at −3 dB (200 W into 8 Ω), with a slew rate of 30 V/μs.
Noise and Distortion Performance
The MCA 225 achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB (IEC-A weighted, referenced to 225 W), making background noise practically inaudible. Total harmonic distortion measures 0.001% at 100 W and 1 kHz, rising to just 0.015% at 20 kHz. Intermodulation distortion is equally low: 0.0005% under ITU-R twin-tone testing (19 + 20 kHz) and 0.002% under SMPTE measurement (60 Hz + 7 kHz). Channel separation exceeds 65 dB from 100 Hz to 10 kHz.
Advanced Load Monitoring
Anthem’s patented Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) technology continuously monitors internal temperature, current, and voltage to ensure safe and uninterrupted operation. ALM eliminates the need for internal fuses in the signal path, engaging only during extreme conditions. Unaffected channels continue to play normally, and full-channel operation resumes automatically once conditions return to normal.
Connectivity and Control
The rear panel provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo inputs, with input impedances of 15 kΩ and 10 kΩ respectively. Input sensitivity is 1.5 Vrms for full rated output (225 W into 8 Ω), with a voltage gain of 29 dB. Speaker connections use Anthem’s larger, more conductive audiophile-grade binding posts. A 3.5 mm trigger input and output enable integration with compatible processors, and the amplifier supports three activation modes: manual front-panel switch, 12 V trigger, or automatic input signal sensing. Frequency response is flat within ±0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz into 8 Ω and 4 Ω loads, widening to ±0.2 dB into 2 Ω.
Construction and Efficiency
The Gen 2 redesign greatly reduces internal cabling for a smoother, more direct circuit path. The chassis is designed to aesthetically match Anthem’s AVM processors. In standby mode the amplifier draws just 1–2 W. The MCA 225 accepts both 120 V and 220–240 V mains supplies, and is available with an optional rackmount kit for 4U installation.
| Channels | 2 |
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| Amplifier Class | Class A/B |
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| Continuous Power (8 Ω) | 225 W per channel |
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| Continuous Power (4 Ω) | 400 W per channel |
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| Continuous Power (2 Ω) | 600 W per channel |
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| THD (100 W, 1 kHz) | 0.001% |
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| THD (100 W, 20 kHz) | 0.015% |
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| IMD (ITU-R, 19 + 20 kHz) | 0.0005% |
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| IMD (SMPTE, 60 Hz + 7 kHz) | 0.002% |
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| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 120 dB (IEC-A weighted, ref. 225 W) |
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| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB (8 Ω / 4 Ω), ±0.2 dB (2 Ω) |
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| Power Bandwidth | 90 kHz (−3 dB at 200 W into 8 Ω) |
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| Slew Rate | 30 V/μs |
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| Damping Factor | 300 (20 Hz – 1 kHz) |
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| Channel Separation | >65 dB (100 Hz – 10 kHz) |
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| Input Impedance | 10 kΩ (RCA) / 15 kΩ (XLR) |
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| Input Sensitivity | 1.5 Vrms (225 W into 8 Ω) |
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| Voltage Gain | 29 dB |
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| Output Devices | 8 high-current bipolar transistors per channel |
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| Transformer | Custom low-noise, low-flux toroidal |
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| Inputs | 1 × stereo RCA, 1 × stereo XLR |
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| Trigger | 3.5 mm input and output |
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| Activation Modes | Manual, 12 V trigger, auto signal sensing |
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| Standby Power | 1–2 W |
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| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 439 × 169 × 460 mm |
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| Weight | 18 kg |
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| Rackmount | 4U (optional kit) |
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| Designed and Crafted In | Canada |
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| Also Available As | MCA 325 (3-channel), MCA 525 (5-channel) |
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