More bang for the buck
Written: Nov 30 '00 (Updated Dec 19 '00)
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Pros: Sonic Quality, price, wattage
Cons: needs separate power source for ultimate sound, heavy
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| vivisector's Full Review: Anthem MCA 5 Multi-Channel Amplifier |
When I went to buy my amp, I tested and compared many different types of amplifiers. I finally picked the Anthem MCA5, and am happy I did.
The Anthem MCA5 has the same sonic qualities as the Bryston 9B, It amplifies without any colorization. If you have any flaws in the cd, or a poor pre-amp/cd player, this may not be the product for you, as you will be able to hear every flaw in the recording. In 2 channel mode, this amp pumps. CD's sound as close to live as being there. When I first got the amp and put it in 5 channel home theater mode, it sounded a bit sluggish. After playing around with it for a while, I found it wasn't getting enough juice. After all this amp has 5 output transformers each rated at 200W each at 8 ohms or even 350W at 4 ohms which happens to be 1750 Watts output without counting lost power. The other benefit of owning this amp, expecially in the winter, is it doubles as a heater. I believe you could roast marshmallows on it when it's cranked. Anyways, after I got a separate power line installed, things dramatically improved. Now movies like The Matrix or Jurassic Park really shake the walls and it makes you wonder why you would ever want to sit in a movie theater again.
The MCA5 has only 1 button on the front, being power. It can be switched into 3 modes (on/off/signal on), and you have the choice of either RCA or balanced XLR inputs. And make sure you have a sturdy shelf/table where you intend on placing this unit, as it weighs approx. 56 lbs. Good for hernias when moving it around :)
As far as price goes, I found the MCA5 to be cost much less than most other 5 channel amps with the same features, and power output is rated higher than most. And this is RMS output, not the peak or burst output wattage as some other amp manufacturers use to bump up their specs. The only amp I have listened to that had a noticeably better sound was the Bryston 9B, but it is at 4X the price. Highly recommended.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 900
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Epinions.com ID:
vivisector
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Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Reviews written: 39
Trusted by: 20 members
About Me:
Computer Geek
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