{"product_id":"anthemmca225","title":"Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2 – 2-Channel Power Amplifier","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2 is a two-channel Class AB power amplifier that delivers 2 × 225 watts at 8 ohms and works as a pure power stage behind a preamplifier or A\/V processor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the MCA Gen 2 series, it's the focused variant. The three- and five-channel models spread their reserves across several paths – here, they go to exactly two channels. For serious stereo, for the two front channels of a bigger home theater, or for a bi-amped speaker, that's the cleanest equation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the MCA 225 GEN 2?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEight bipolar high-current transistors per channel hang off a low-leakage toroidal transformer with high rail voltage. The signal-to-noise ratio is 120 dB, the damping factor 300 – the background stays black, the grip on the bass driver stays tight. And the reserves are real: 2 × 400 watts at 4 ohms, 2 × 600 watts at 2 ohms. A power supply this size for just two channels is extravagance in the very best sense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMostly what goes in at the front. The MCA 225 GEN 2 doesn't color the sound and doesn't push itself forward, it simply holds the speaker firmly – even once the level is well past room volume. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs are on hand, plus oversized, doubled-up speaker terminals. Anthem's Advanced Load Monitoring continuously watches temperature, current and voltage and steps in before anything gets hot – with no fuses that end your evening mid-climax. Power-up happens manually, via 12-volt trigger, or automatically via the input signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the MCA 225 GEN 2 for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStraight talk: this here is a power amp, not an integrated amplifier. Without a preamp or A\/V processor in front of it, it stays silent – anyone expecting a volume knob and source selection will rightly wonder where the buttons are. For small, highly efficient speakers in a twelve-square-meter room, it's simply overkill. Its territory: demanding floorstanding speakers, larger rooms, a bi-amped pair, or the front channels of a home theater that wants more than the receiver can give.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoise without a show. The MCA 225 GEN 2 delivers power, calm and control and otherwise makes no fuss about itself – exactly what you expect from a good power stage. Whether it suits your speakers and your preamp is something we're happy to work out: HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/41765342200\"\u003e076 534 22 00\u003c\/a\u003e (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat the specialist press says: \"This is the easiest recommendation I've made in a long time.\" – Philip Beaudette, SoundStage! Hi-Fi, October 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: 2-channel power amplifier, Class AB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower: 2 × 225 W (8 Ω) \/ 2 × 400 W (4 Ω) \/ 2 × 600 W (2 Ω)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput stage: 8 bipolar high-current transistors per channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower supply: linear, low-leakage toroidal transformer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB (IEC-A, referenced to 225 W)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal harmonic distortion (THD) at 100 W: 0.0010% (1 kHz) \/ 0.015% (20 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDamping factor: 300 (20 Hz to 1 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlew rate: 30 V\/µs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInputs: 1 × XLR balanced (15 kΩ), 1 × RCA unbalanced (10 kΩ)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput sensitivity: 1.5 Vrms for 225 W at 8 Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker terminals: oversized, doubled up\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtection circuit: Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) for temperature, current and voltage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower-up: manual, 12 V trigger (3.5 mm jack) or signal sensing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower consumption: 1 W standby, 35 W idle, 240 W typical, 500 W at high drive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions (W × H × D): 43.9 × 16.9 × 46.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 18 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: designed and built in Canada, visually matched to AVM 70 and AVM 90\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional: rackmount kit, 4U\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScope of delivery: power amplifier, power cord, user manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much power does the Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2 have?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt delivers 2 × 225 watts at 8 ohms and 2 × 400 watts at 4 ohms, and 2 × 600 watts at 2 ohms. Anthem states these figures conservatively. Together with the large toroidal power supply, the amplifier drives even impedance-critical speakers stably and without audible compression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need a preamplifier with it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The MCA 225 GEN 2 is a pure power amplifier with no volume control and no source selection. It needs a preamplifier or an A\/V processor in front of it – an Anthem AVM matches both visually and functionally. Alternatively, it works off the preamp-out of an integrated amplifier if you just want to add power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I bi-amp with the MCA 225 GEN 2?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, for one speaker. In passive bi-amping, one channel handles the tweeter, the other the woofer of the same speaker. For a bi-amped stereo pair, you'd need two MCA 225 GEN 2 units, or a larger model in the series. Whether the effort pays off with your speakers is something we'll tell you honestly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the MCA 225 GEN 2 suitable for the front channels in a home theater?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, that's one of its signature strengths. It takes over the two front channels, which do most of the work in a home theater, while the A\/V receiver keeps center and surrounds. It powers up automatically via the 12-volt trigger, and standby draw is around one watt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Anthem MCA 225 GEN 2 from HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause a power amplifier only convinces in context. We're an authorized Anthem dealer in Wädenswil, we look at preamp, speakers and room together, and tell you whether the power really matches your chain. Mauri, our own technician, handles installation and service. Call us or write to us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA power amplifier needs a brain in front and a diaphragm behind: preamps and processors from the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/anthem\"\u003eAnthem world\u003c\/a\u003e, matching \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/lautsprecher\"\u003espeakers\u003c\/a\u003e, additional \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/endstufen\"\u003epower amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e for expanding to more channels, and proper \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/kabel\"\u003ecables\u003c\/a\u003e so the reserves actually get through.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Anthem","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52989480632656,"sku":null,"price":2599.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/anthem-mca-225-gen-2-2-kanal-endstufe-frontansicht.png?v=1785421601","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/anthemmca225","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}