Anthem MCA 2 Series II User manual

THE KEY TO HIGH END AUDIO-VIDEO
™
™
MCA Series II
MULTI–CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

For more than a decade, Sonic Frontiers International (SFI) has
manufactured award winning, high-end Preamplifiers, Power
Amplifiers, CD players, CD transports and Digital-to-Analog
Converters of the finest quality under both the Sonic Frontiers™ and
Anthem™brand names.
Throughout this time we have built an enviable reputation for
products that truly recreate the passion you experience with a live
musical performance; or the emotion, thrills and chills of a great
movie. Our products allow you to virtually ‘be there’ every time you
listen to music or theater surround-sound in the comfort of your
own home. This success comes from a steely determination to
deliver the best performance and value you can find in high-end
product, anywhere in the world! Sonic Frontiers™and Anthem™
offer, by far, the highest level of craftsmanship, design sophist-
ication, quality of material, sleek industrial design and
contemporary intuitive ergonomics — all of which make our
products easy to operate and enjoy, and a pleasure to own.
Our reputation in both analog and digital design is legendary and
respected globally — establishing new high-end reference
standardsofperformance,regardlessofprice.FromEuropetoAsia
to North America, our products have received many international
awards and have been acclaimed in the best known magazines.
In the USA, Stereophile has praised us with numerous “CLASS A”
recommendations and even honored us with their coveted, ‘Digital
Component of the Year’ award!
Our products are used internationally at all levels of music
reproduction, not only in homes but also recording studios and
even in broadcasting! Europe 1, France’s national radio station,
uses three SFD-2 MKII D/A converters atop the Eiffel Tower for all
their broadcast transmissions. NASA uses a Power 2 power
amplifier for the Space Shuttle program in its testing laboratory in
Key Largo, Florida. (These are just a couple of our more notable
professional-use owners).
Anthem™is “The Key To High End Audio-Video™” and MCA Series II
amplifiers have the finesse, precision and seemingly unlimited
power to unlock all of the great sound and dynamic capability of
today’s music recordings and home theater movie presentations.
MCA Series II amplifiers are, in a word, overachievers, easily able
to withstand the scrutiny of direct comparisons — both sonically
and in build quality — with amplifiers costing two to three times as
much! They are, by far, the best performance and best value
amplifiers available!
The mark of a truly superior high-end amplifier is one that fulfills its
task with complete ease and transparency. MCA Series II
amplifiers are true to this ideal with stunningly clear and musical
sound that appears out of a background of utter silence. They give
you and your family the power and grace to enjoy high-end home
entertainment as never before!
THE NEXT REVOLUTION
IN HIGH-END SOUND

Eight Output Devices/Channel!
Solid state amplifiers get their
power from the output devices used
in the amplification stage. Like cylin-
ders 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.
MCA Series II amplifiers have a
whopping EIGHT bipolar output
devices per channel – that’s 40
devicesintheMCA 5alone, ensuring
tremendous current reserves and
outstanding reliability.
Purity of Sound
MCA Series II amplifiers are designed
following the ‘Keep-It-Simple’ princi-
ple, whereby we utilize the fewest
possible number of parts in the
signalpath tofully maintaintheinteg-
rity of sound. All parts are of the
highest quality and tolerance. As a
result these remarkable amplifiers
offer the profound sense of musical
purity, transparency and natural-
ness demanded by even the most
discerning listener.
Mirror Imaged Channels
Already better than the norm in its
previous series, frequency response
channel-matching has been further
improved in MCA Series II amplifiers
making them virtually mirror imaged.
This ensures that all channels have
identical performance. The musical
puzzle is even more seamless and
detailed, and the multi-channel
sound-stage more three dimensional
and coherent.
Modular Design
MCASeriesIIamplifiersallsharethe
benefitofa commonmodular design.
Each amplifier channel is complete
on its own self-contained board and
heatsink. In the rare event that
service should ever be required, it
can be done quickly and easily by a
technician, minimizing any possible
‘down time’ of your system.
Vanishing Noise and Distortion
The noise spectrum of MCA Series II
amplifiers has been even further
improved; and in a rare but very
important feat, transformer-induced
noise at the bass frequencies of
60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 180 Hz has been
effectively eliminated. In addition,
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) has
been cut in half from its previous
very low level.
The reproduction of subtle harmonic
structures are now vastly improved,
allowing for a much more complete
recreation of spatial ambience and
soundstage dimension – it’s enough
to give you goose bumps!
A New Level of Quiet!
Signal-to-noise ratio is an incredible
-122 dB, making these amplifiers
the quietest you can find! At last,
during even the most tranquil of
musical passages, or dramatically
quiet moments in a movie, the
background is so ‘black’ that it is
audibly gone. Music or movie sound-
tracks simply appears out of dead
silence, allowing you to become
completely lost in the emotion of the
original performance.
Toroidal Power Supplies
MCA Series II amplifiers are capable
of incredible dynamics thanks to
massive ‘audiophile-approved’, con-
servatively-rated power supplies.
Advanced-generationtoroidalpower
transformers are used to ensure
ultra-quiet performance by minimiz-
ing stray magnetic field radiation.
This provides the pure, clean, low-
noise power that is needed to
reproduce the full dynamics of home
theater or the most complex and
dynamic music recordings.
Power to Spare
When it comes to power output,
Anthem™ MCA Series II amplifiers
are immense, muscular and fast. At
200 watts per channel into 8 ohm
speaker loads (and 500 watts into 2
ohms, one channel driven), these
amplifiers will ‘Rock’ your speakers
and fill your room with the full
dynamics of your favorite music or
the thunderous effects of an adven-
ture movie!

“ … the MCA 5 sounded exceedingly clean and detailed with plenty of
power and excellent frequency extension on both ends … able to deliver
unexpected thrills … exceedingly clean and tight without being
the least bit bright or edgy. The MCA 5 sounds fast and transparent,
meaning it paints a vivid sonic picture that has excellent clarity. As
well, this amp is quiet, perhaps quieter than any other I've heard … ”
- Doug Schneider, SoundStage! on the MCA 5*
“ … one of the few true high output, audiophile quality, multi-channel
power amplifiers on the market today … seems to be an endless
supply of sheer power!” - Alan L. Maier, SMR Home Theater on the MCA 5*

“ … the MCA 5 is built like the proverbial tank … really struts its stuff
with action movies … did an excellent job of making me wince along
with actors. In summary, the Anthem MCA 5 is a very good amplifier
regardless of the criteria for comparison, but at its price … it is a
remarkable one.”
- John Johnson Jr. , Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity on the MCA 5*

* Quotes are from previous models. MCA Series II amplifiers have been further improved for even better sound!
RCA Inputs, XLR Balanced Inputs
High-quality gold-plated female RCA
jacks provide a very high-quality
input connection, but MCA Series II
amplifiers give you even more. XLR
Balanced connections are commonly
used in the professional recording
and broadcast industries to ensure
the lowest level of noise and hum
possible. Now you can use this same
high-qualityconnectionforreference-
quality high-end sound, since XLR
Balanced inputs are included on all
MCA Series II amplifiers!
Our unique auto-sensing circuit also
makesinput selectioneasy. Itsdefault
setting is the RCA input – plug in your
RCA connector and it operates. If you
choosetouse theXLRBalanced input
instead, just plug it in and our auto-
sensing circuit automatically switches
to the XLR input. No switches, no
problems, it’s simple.
Stable as a Rock
MCASeriesIIamplifiersareincredibly
stable into difficult, low-impedance
speakerloads,making thesesuperb
soundingdynamos alsofantastically
reliable performers, even in the tough-
est of circumstances.
Joules of Power
With 200 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 store an incredible 20,000
microfarads(µF) ofcapacitance, per
channel (that’s 100,000 µF for the
MCA 5 Series II!). With so many
Joules of power in reserve, when
calledupon, MCASeriesIIamplifiers
are able to deliver full blasts of
power that are both instantaneous
and effortless.
Massive Heatsinks
To deliver full power and do so
reliably, an amplifier must be able to
dissipate the heat generated by its
output devices quickly and efficiently.
MCA Series II amplifiers use massive
custom heatsinks that are computer
designed and modeled to maximize
contact area for exceptional heat
transfer efficiency.
Better Output Connection
We have even improved our binding
posts. They’re easier to use and they
now facilitate even larger speaker
cable connectors. These oversized
robust binding posts ensure full
power delivery at all times.
Multiple Power Switches
MCA Series II amplifiers can be
powered on/off three ways.
Manually with the On/Off switch on
the front panel, remotely via its 12
volt trigger input, or automatically
with its patented Auto-On/Off circuit
– with an audio signal (from
Preamplifier or SSP) it immediately
switches on; and when there is no
audio signal after 20 minutes, it
simply switches off.
Detachable Power Cord
While a detachable AC power cord
is a welcome convenience when
connecting various components, it
is also more than that. High-end
products have always offered
consumers the freedom to use a
variety of after-market power cords
offered by various specialty cable
manufacturers, if they so choose.
MCA Series II amplifiers further
showtheirtrue high-endpedigree by
including IEC detachable AC female
sockets and high power, high quality
14 awg AC cords.
Superior Craftsmanship
Whether it’s our custom low-noise
550 VA toroidal power transformers
(two in the MCA 5!), high-current
bipolar output transistors, high-
quality filter capacitors, advanced
power supply regulation, over-sized
aluminum heatsinks – for cool
operation and long life, custom
designed dual binding posts, or
patented auto-on/off circuitry, MCA
Series II amplifiers – designed and
built in North America – are like no
other amplifiers in the world!

A FEW WORDS ON RELIABILITY
MCA Series II amplifiers are created to perform flawlessly, offering stunning
musicality, tonal neutrality and dynamics, while driving any speaker reliably
under real world conditions! Although our power supplies are conservatively
rated and our amplifiers run cool for greater reliability, we didn’t stop there.
Thesefabulous amplifiersalso featureourALM™AdvancedLoadMonitoring
circuitry which protects sensitive output devices, constantly monitoring
temperature, current and voltage to ensure optimum long term performance.
ALM™istotallynon-invasive– it isnot inthe signalpath, anditonly engages
in the most extreme circumstances where it will prevent the amplifier from
playing any louder, thereby maintaining the safe operating area (SOA) of the
output devices to give you years of uninterrupted service.
Buyer beware! Not all manufacturers have a sophisticated load monitoring
provision. Many save the added cost, take a chance and leave their output
devices unprotected. If their outputs fail, it will require disconnecting the
amplifier, shippingit backtothe factoryand thensufferingthe inconvenience
of having your system ‘down’, simply because the manufacturer effectively
chose to use the amplifier’s output devices as ‘fuses’. ALM™ is a far better
design choice, and it is included with all MCA Series II amplifiers, making
their value even that much more remarkable!
MCA Series II amplifiers are another stunning example of how Anthem™ is
thekey tohigh-endAudio/Video.Their soundrivalsthefinestavailable, atany
price; but then account for price and their value is simply unprecedented!
Designed and manufactured in North America by Sonic Frontiers International.
2790 Brighton Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6H 5T4 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Sonic Frontiers can be reached from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (E.S.T.), or 24 hours a day by Fax.
E-MAIL: [email protected] Website: www.sonicfrontiers.com/Anthem
Copyright © 2000/2001, Sonic Frontiers International. All rights reserved. The information contained
herein may not be reproduced in whole or in part without our express written permission.
ANTHEM™and SONIC FRONTIERS™are trade marks of Sonic Frontiers International.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Sonic Frontiers International reserves the right to change specifications and/or features without
notice as design improvements are incorporated.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
INPUTS
MCA 2 Series II 2 Balanced, 2 Single-ended, 1 Relay Trigger (3.5 mm Stereo Jack)
MCA 3 Series II 3 Balanced, 3 Single-ended, 1 Relay Trigger (3.5 mm Stereo Jack)
MCA 5 Series II 5 Balanced, 5 Single-ended, 1 Relay Trigger (3.5 mm Stereo Jack)
OUTPUTS
MCA 2 Series II 2 Pairs Speaker Binding Posts, 1 Relay Trigger (3.5 mm Stereo Jack)
MCA 3 Series II 3 Pairs Speaker Binding Posts, 1 Relay Trigger (3.5 mm Stereo Jack)
MCA 5 Series II 5 Pairs Speaker Binding Posts, 1 Relay Trigger (3.5 mm Stereo Jack)
SWITCHES (2) Front Panel: Power On/Off
Rear Panel – 3 Modes: Auto-On/Off, Manual-On, Trigger-On
DIMENSIONS
MCA 2/3 Series II 17.25” (44 cm) Wide x 5.25” (13.5 cm) High x 12” (30.5 cm) Deep
MCA 5 Series II 17.25” (44 cm) Wide x 5.25” (13.5 cm) High x 17” (43 cm) Deep
NET WEIGHT (Unpacked)
MCA 2 Series II 36 lbs., (16 kg)
MCA 3 Series II 42 lbs., (19 kg)
MCA 5 Series II 56 lbs., (25.5 kg)
POWER OUTPUT
(Continuous RMS, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, <1.0% THD, AC line voltage held constant at full load)
8Ω4Ω2Ω
# of Channels Driven One All One All One All
MCA 2 Series II 200 W 185 W 350 W 270 W 500 W 400 W
MCA 3 Series II 200 W 170 W 350 W 250 W 500 W 325 W
MCA 5 Series II 200 W 170 W 350 W 250 W 500 W 325 W
HEADROOM 265 W (8 Ω); 475 W (4 Ω)
POWER BANDWIDTH 10 Hz - 80 kHz (-3 dB)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 0.5 Hz - 20 KHz (-0.15 dB), 0.5 Hz - 80 kHz (-2 dB)
THD&N 0.03%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz at half power into 8 Ω
0.0015%, 1 kHz at half power into 8 Ω
INPUT SENSITIVITY 1.35 VRMS for 200 Watts into 8 Ω
INPUT IMPEDANCE 21 kΩ(RCA), 15 kΩ(XLR)
DAMPING FACTOR 130 @ 8 Ω
HUM & NOISE -122 dBW, A-weighted @ 200 W
VOLTAGE GAIN 29 dB
SLEW RATE 20 V/µs
POWER REQUIREMENTS
MCA 2 Series II 800 VA @ maximum power output
MCA 3 Series II 1100 VA @ maximum power output
MCA 5 Series II 1800 VA @ maximum power output
NOTE: Measurements were performed with an Audio Precision System Two @ 120 VAC.