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Anthem 225 integrated: Anyone knows anything ?

Hello,

I am building a smaller system and I came to find out about this seemingly amazing bargain in the Anthem 225.

Now, the dealer also sells the YBA Design line, Cambridge Audio and Musical Fidelity.

I have no experience with those lines (except with a MF A5 integrated).

I have experience with higher-end (tubes and SS) but nothing from those manufacturers mentioned.

Now the dealer says that the Anthem 225 - is WAY BELOW a cambridge 840A and YBA Design - maybe so, but since he has no demo unit for me to listen to, its hard to say.

On reputation alone, maybe he's right, but look at the Anthem closely, build quality and all. Looks like a bargain for a 1,500 retail price doesn't it ? Any comments?
sonicbeauty

Showing 1 response by andrei_nz

andrei_nz
192 posts
 
All the positive reviews of the Anthem are in the context of its price.  I have had one and I found it was pretty decent, but not great, at mid and high volumes.  At low volumes - lifeless.  I have had Cambridge Audio and that was similar.  I did hear a 840 at a dealers and that was better.  When I got my ATC SIA150 it was in another league - another league in price too :-<
I would go for an Exposure.  Don't be mislead by Watts.  Class A biasing and circuit design are way more important.
Incidentally I had another curious problem with the Anthem.  Occasionally the Volume Control would start increasing of its own accord. Very scary! It took ages to diagnose but there was an interference between the remote control and the fluorescent lighting!  I would not worry about that though, the chances of that being replicated are too small.
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