A Study In Sonic Contrasts

Our remarkable MCA multichannel amplifiers are a study in sonic contrasts. Hefty, with a weight and authority reminiscent of far more expensive amplifiers; able to play deep, tight and loud without breakup. They are capable of reproducing all of the multichannel magic and complex dynamics of the most demanding 7.1-channel surround-sound experience without ever losing control.

But they are also consummate musicians, delivering a transparency and clarity that brings out even the most elusive notes of an elaborate aria. Whether it’s the finesse required to satisfy the discerning audiophile, the power demanded by the home theater enthusiast, or the reliability required for professional installations, MCA amplifiers deliver it all!

Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM)

All Anthem® amplifiers are designed to perform flawlessly—offering stunning musicality, tonal neutrality and incredible dynamics while driving any speaker load reliably under real-world conditions! The power supply is conservatively rated and the amplifiers run cool for greater reliability, but we didn’t stop there.

MCA Series amplifiers feature our ALM circuitry which protects sensitive output devices by constantly monitoring temperature, current and voltage to ensure optimum long-term performance. ALM is totally non-invasive—it is not in the signal path and only engages in the most extreme circumstances to protect the amplifier from damage by maintaining the safe operating area of the output devices. Buyer beware however! Not all amplifier manufacturers have sophisticated load-monitoring provisions. Many have saved the added cost, leaving their output devices unprotected, choosing instead to use the amplifier’s output devices as “fuses.” At Anthem, ALM is just one of the ways in which our products provide owners with years of reliable service.

MCA Series Features

Sound Purity And Integrity

 

Our design for MCA amplifiers follows the “Keep-It-Simple” principle. We utilize the fewest possible number of parts in the signal path to maintain the integrity of sound. All parts are of the highest quality and tolerance. These remarkable amplifiers offer the profound sense of musical purity, transparency and naturalness demanded by the most discerning listener.

 

Eight Output Devices Per Channel

 

Solid state amplifiers get their power from the output devices used in the amplification stage. Just like cylinders in a car’s engine, the greater the number of devices per channel, the greater the available high-current power for the crescendos in music, or the thrills, thunder and explosions in movies. Performance is simply more effortless. It also means that the amplifier will run cooler, making it more reliable.

 

No Noise, Low Distortion

 

In a rare feat, transformer-induced noise at the bass frequencies of 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 180 Hz, has effectively been eliminated. MCA amplifiers boast vanishing noise and unbelievably low levels of Total Harmonic Distortion.

 

120 Db Signal-to-noise Ratio

 

Signal-to-noise ratio in MCA amplifiers is 120 dB … a truly remarkable feat! Music and movie soundtracks simply appear out of “dead” silence allowing you to become lost in the emotion of the original performance —the mark (and the end goal) of a truly high-end audio-video component. During even the most tranquil musical passages or dramatically quiet moments in a movie, the background is so ‘black’ that it is audibly gone.

 

Mirror-imaged Channels

 

Frequency response channel-matching in our amplifiers has always been far better than the norm. In fact, MCA amplifiers are virtually mirror imaged. All amplifier channels offer identical performance. The musical picture is incredibly vivid, seamless, and detailed, with a multichannel soundstage that is exceptionally clear, coherent and three-dimensional.

 

Massive Toroidal Power Supplies

 

MCA amplifiers deliver incredible dynamics thanks to massive “audiophile approved” conservatively rated power supplies designed with high rail voltages. Advanced-generation toroidal power transformers ensure ultra quiet performance by minimizing stray magnetic field radiation. This provides the pure, clean, low-noise power that is needed to reproduce the full dynamics of home theater and the most complex and dynamic music recordings.

 

Modular Design

 

Each amplifier channel is completely self-contained on its own board and heatsink. In the rare event that service should be required, it can be done quickly and easily by a qualified technician, minimizing the “down time” of your system.

 

Stable As A Rock

 

Our amplifiers are incredibly stable into difficult, low-impedance speaker loads, making these superb-sounding dynamos reliable performers in even the toughest circumstances.

 

Rca Inputs, Xlr Balanced Inputs

 

Gold-plated female RCA jacks provide a high-quality input connection. XLR balanced connections are commonly used in professional recording and broadcasting to ensure the lowest level of noise and hum possible. Now you can use this same high-quality connection for reference-quality high end sound since XLR balanced inputs are included on all MCA amplifiers. Our unique auto-sensing technology makes connecting inputs a snap. Plug in either the RCA or XLR connector and the technology automatically selects the right input.

 

50% Larger Power Supply Reservoirs

 

More Power! More space to store it! With 225 watts, large banks of capacitors are needed to store all of the energy required for the immense dynamic bursts of various special effects in a movie, or the taxing crescendo of a solo piano. These amplifiers are the most powerful MCA amplifiers yet, employing 16,400 micro farads (μF) of capacitance per channel (that’s over 80,000 μF for the MCA 50). With so many joules of energy in reserve, when called upon, the MCA 20, MCA 30 and MCA 50 are able to deliver full bursts of power instantly and effortlessly.

 

Better Output Connection

 

Our own custom-designed, oversized robust binding posts ensure full power delivery at all times. They’re easy to use and facilitate large speaker cable connectors.

 

Detachable Power Cord

 

While a detachable AC power cord comes in handy when connecting various components, its function is more than one of simple convenience. High-end products typically offer the freedom to use a variety of aftermarket power cords offered by specialty cable manufacturers. By including IEC detachable AC female sockets and high-power, high-quality 14-awg AC cords, MCA amplifiers further demonstrate their high-end pedigree.

 

Larger Custom Chassis And Heatsinks

 

A redesigned chassis and large custom heatsinks—33% larger than previous MCA Series amplifiers—ensure that these amplifiers dissipate the heat generated by their higher power levels quickly and efficiently. Our custom heatsinks are computer-designed and modeled to maximize contact area for exceptional heat transfer efficiency. Put simply, they run cooler for greater reliability.

 

Multiple Power Switches

 

MCA amplifiers can be powered On/Off three ways: manually with the On/Off switch on the front panel; remotely via the 12-volt trigger input on the rear; or automatically, with our patented Auto-On/Off circuit—an incoming audio signal immediately switches it on, and approximately 20 minutes after the audio signal ends, it simply switches off.

 

Superior Craftsmanship

 

Like all Anthem products the MCA 20, MCA 30 and MCA 50, designed and built in North America, are like no other amplifiers in the world: custom low-noise high-power toroidal transformers; high-current bipolar output transistors; high-quality filter capacitors; advanced power supply regulators; oversized aluminum heatsinks; custom-designed dual binding posts; and patented auto-on/off circuitry. Superior craftsmanship that is reflected in clean, clear, audiophile-quality sound from top to bottom of the frequency spectrum.