Solid build quality, balanced inputs (although I don't use them); robust and articulate midrange; soundstage; price; value

Sounds a bit "zingy" in the treble at highest volumes; not as transparent as some; can sound congested on some material; not as quiet as some of the competition

Let me first say that, for the price, you can't buy a better amp. My unit is the original version, not the revised mKII version which is why I got it for nearly half off. I listened to both and heard no obvious difference in sound.

I purchase this unit to power the rear "center" channel surround once my dedicated home theater/listening room is complete. My THX processor will control 10 speakers, so I decided that I'd give the new DTS ES and THX ES formats a try in my new theater. If unimpressed with the new formats, I'll find a use for it somewhere. For now, I have removed my Madrigal/Citation gear and inserted the MCA-2 in a 2 channel only setup to evaluate its sound.

I have noticed that most reviewers here on Audioreview cite the bass performance as a weakness. While not the equal of my reference Madrigal/Citation 7.1 THX amp (but also not really in the same class either as the Citation is capable of delivery peak current at 130 amps per channel), I have found the bass quantity and quality to be as good as most and better than some amps under $1000. In fact, I would not hesitate to use this to drive two passive subwoofers as the current and power reserves appear to be quite good.

Like many, I have found the treble to be a bit tizzy, but only at high levels. Otherwise, the little Anthem keeps its composure quite well. The amp also emits more noise through the speakers. Where my Citation is dead silent without a signal and at high volume levels but low signal level, the Anthem produces an audible hiss. Ultimately, however, the Anthem is quieter than almost all of its competition (2 channel amps under $1000). It also tends to compress and congest a bit with my Magnepan speakers (4 ohm load, 85 dB sensitivity) at the highest volumes.

Where this little amp really shines is in the midrange and soundstage department. It nearly equals my Citation amp in both of these areas. Instruments are well placed side to side and front to back. Vocals are superb.

Is it fair to compare the MCA-2 against a much higher priced amplifier? Not really. On the other hand, it shows its strengths and it DOES have a lot of them. This is an amp that you can build a wonderful sounding system around, whether it be two-channels or ten. It lacks only the last 20% or so of the performance of many high-end, high-price units. You must audition the Anthem line if you are serious about getting the most for your buck.

Similar Products Used:

Madrigal/Citation 7.1 THX, Anthem MCA 5, Rotel, Parasound, Sunfire, Carver, etc.

Incredible definition
Good value for the money
Good build quality

Harsh sound
High-end is too forward
Maybe a little weak on the midrange and bass

I bought this amp to drive my NHT 2.5is. I needed more power and I was looking to get away from the harshness of so many solid state amps. (You know, your ears start hurting after you've listened for a few hours.) I was hoping that since Sonic Frontiers is a "tube" company, maybe their solid state amp would have a more relaxed sound. Was I ever wrong!

When I first turned on this amp I was struck by its incredible crispness and by the detail it revealed in my CDs. As the amp burned in a bit, its bass and midrange improved. Unfortunately this same crispness and forward high end made it almost painful for me to listen to after awhile. I even tried driving it with a mellow tube preamp (the ARC LS16) which helped, but not enough.

Anyway, I ended up returning this amp to the dealer. If you have somewhat dark speakers that need brightening up, this may be the amp for you. But if you have speakers that already have a strong high end (like the 2.5is), you may want to look someplace else for your amplifier upgrade.

Similar Products Used:

Rotel RB991
Audio Research 100.2

PRICE, SMOOTH SOUND, LAYERED SOUND STAGE & IMAGING, DETAIL

BASS COULD BE MORE DYNAMIC

FOR THE PRICE $699, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT. THIS PUPPY HAS 200 WATTS, WITH BALANCED OUTPUT. MUSIC COMES THROUGH WITH THE RIGHT SPEAKERS SMOOTH, DETAILED, WITH LAYERED SOUND STAGE, AND GOOD IMAGING AND MIDRANGE. THE BASS IS DEEP, BUT NOT AS DYNAMIC MAY BE FEEDBACK WAS USED LESS. THE SOUND IS LITTLE FORWARD, BUT AGAIN TUBE AMPS ALSO IS FORWARD IN THE MIDRANGE. USUALLY SOLID STATE AMPS ARE RECESSED IN THE MIDDLE, BUT DETAIED AND BRIGHT IN THE HIGH FREQUENCY. PERSONALLY I LISTENED MUSIC THROUGH AUDIO RESERCH VT-200 AMPS, SO I WAS SURPRISED WHEN I HEARD THIS AMP. WHEN I RETUBED MY A.R., OR WHEN MANY PEOPLE AROUND, THEN I PUT THIS AMP ON AND FULLY SATISFIED. I ALSO HAVE MY ANOTHER AMP ANTHEM AMP-2, IN MY VACATION HOME, WHICH I ALSO LIKE VERY MUCH. SO, GIVE THEM TRY YOU WILL LIKE IT.

Similar Products Used:

ARAGON, BRYSTON, EAGLE, ADCOM, B&K, KELL, MARK LEVENSION, CLASSE