Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- The ratio of power output to size and weight is remarkable
- An internal heat-pipe cooling system allows multiple units to be stacked
- The M1 is mechanically silent
- It offers immense power reserves and complete control over the speakers
- The amplifier doesn't have much character in terms of frequency response aberrations or colorations
Product Considerations
- One reviewer found the initial sound quality 'among the worst-sounding amplifiers' they had ever heard, though this seemed to resolve after a break-in period
- The soundstage can be a touch flat compared to some other amplifiers
- Some listeners might prefer greater air and dimensionality in the high frequencies
- Frequency response may vary in the treble with impedance
- Class D amplifiers can run into trouble because of high-frequency harmonic distortion
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity Titan: The M1 lacked the initial 'shock and awe' bass presence of the Titan, but could deliver subterranean bass when the music demanded it
- Vs Halcro dm68 monos: The M1 was not as groundbreakingly quiet as Halcro, but still very quiet for the price
- Vs Gryphon Antileon Signature: The M1 did not have the lushness of the Gryphon
- Vs Simaudio Moon Evolution W-8: The M1 didn't have as huge a soundstage
Takeaway: The Anthem Statement M1 offers enormous power in a compact size and doesn't impart much of its own sonic character, making it a neutral amplifier. This amp will likely drive any speaker with great control.
All
M1
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Power Output (8Ω): 1,000W continuous
- Power Output (4Ω): 2,000W continuous
- Power Output (3Ω): 2,400W continuous
- THD+N: <0.1% (20Hz-20kHz)
- Frequency Response: +/- 0.1 dB (20Hz-20kHz), -3dB at 45kHz
- Inputs: RCA, XLR, Trigger
- Weight: 20kg
- Rack Space: 1U
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Anthem differentiates itself by including fully powered, independent-zone subwoofer connections in their MDX series, allowing for improved bass response in each listening area.
- A key differentiator for Anthem is their proprietary ARC (Anthem Room Correction) Genesis technology, which is simple to use yet highly effective in optimizing sound for individual zones, and is included across product lines from multi-room amps to preamps.
Select products
MDX Series
- Positioning: The entry-level distribution solution, designed for multi-zone audio setups.
- Description: Offers a great balance of performance and affordability, featuring fully powered independent-zone amplification with subwoofer connections. Unlike the more advanced AVM Series, focuses on simplifying custom audio installations with ARC Genesis room correction for each zone, making it ideal for users with multiple rooms and a moderate budget.
MRX Series
- Positioning: Serves as Anthem's line of high-end multichannel A/V receivers.
- Description: Features robust multichannel capabilities and 8K support, making it a strong choice for home theater enthusiasts. Compared to the STR Series, which focuses on stereo performance, includes Anthem Room Correction and supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced.
STR Series
- Positioning: Anthem's premium stereo lineup, offering integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, and power amplifiers.
- Description: Stands out with its high power output and advanced DAC technology, providing exceptional stereo performance. Unlike the MRX Series, which is tailored for multichannel setups, focuses on delivering high-fidelity stereo sound with Anthem Room Correction.
AVM Series 8K
- Positioning: Anthem's flagship line of A/V processors, designed for the ultimate home theater experience.
- Description: Features cutting-edge processing capabilities and extensive connectivity options, including 8K HDMI support. It surpasses the MRX Series in terms of processing power and flexibility.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Anthem
What if you spend more?
The A35.8 is Primare’s most powerful and flexible multi-channel amplifier, designed to serve the needs of virtually any high-performance multi-channel system through its ability for each pair of channels to be bridged to mono for an incredible level of power delivery and system building options, including 1500 watts of total output in a fully bridged bi-amped stereo configuration. Shipping June 2022!
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The A35.8 provides eight channels of 'unimpeachable Class D power in a fairly compact and very flexible package'
- Flexible configuration options for power output to speakers are available, such as bi-amping and bridging
- Each stereo pair can be bridged separately to make four times 375 watts (8 Ohms) from the eight times 150 watts
- Fault-free sound quality
- High quality fit and finish
- The A35.8 offers flexible connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The 20-amp power inlet is the seldom-seen variety with three horizontal blades
- The speaker output posts are spaced too widely for dual-banana plugs
- Cabling can be tricky
- A high current power cord is needed
- Lower gain is present, though this doesn't necessarily need to be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M28, the A35.8 gets you one more channel and more versatility for a 10% price increase
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Benchmark presented a more neutral tonal balance and undistorted soundstage
- Vs NAD C 298 stereo amplifiers, the Primare seemed slightly more forward, often conveying an appealing liveliness
Takeaway: The A35.8 power amplifier is a flexible and versatile product worth considering for anyone seeking a high-quality multi-channel setup. Its ability to bridge channels offers many ways to configure your speaker system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The EAR 890 produces 70Wpc in stereo, and can be bridged to 140W in monoblock
- Neutral sound that gets out of the way and lets the user enjoy the music
- Complex and dense music textures are handled with ease, and dynamically demanding passages are sailed through
- Articulate midrange
- Detailed and realistic bass
Product Considerations
- Removing/installing tube cages is difficult and time-consuming
- The loudspeaker binding posts are positioned too close to the output transformers, making it hard to tighten them properly
- Some assembly work appeared amateurish, specifically the use of silicone in various locations, such as fastening chassis wires
- The amplifier can operate quite hot
- May not have as much bass impact compared to solid state amps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The EAR 890 monoblocks achieve SET-like definition along with the authority and swagger necessary for most full-size speaker systems, when compared to Cary Audio 300B SET amps
- The EAR 890 is as textured as the top LAMM designs, but with noticeably better neutrality and more power
- The EAR 890 surpassed the deHavilland KE50As with a more articulate midrange, producing more color and separation in the microtones of instruments
Takeaway: The EAR 890 is easy to set up and sounds good with very little tweaking, making it easy to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. It's a good choice for people who want a tube amp that is both musical and powerful for their home listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers amazing quality of sound and detail
- Bulletproof amplification
- Has a rhythmically soulful sound with a tremendously rich and natural midrange
- The A51's bass is well-defined, extremely textured, and robust
- With 250 watts on tap, the Parasound A51 will power virtually anything
Product Considerations
- Due to its class A/AB design, the A51 does get a bit warm and should be installed in a properly ventilated space and/or rack
- The A51 is large and heavy, and is best moved and/or positioned by two people
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Rotel, the Rotel makes the M&K Sound system slightly bright with a bit of sibilance, while the Parasound is more neutral
- Compared to Acurus A250, the Parasound had tighter bass, which is probably attributed to a better damping factor
Takeaway: The Parasound Halo A51 is a high-performance amplifier with great sound quality, detail, and build quality, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Its ability to deliver power and control to speakers makes it a valuable addition to any high-end audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The AGD “TEMPO” Stereo Amplifier is the new addition to our state-of-the-art Hi-End Power Amplifiers family. TEMPO is our first compact Stereo Amplifier utilizing the same unique technology of Gallium Nitride Power-Stage design already in use with all its Hi-End AGD siblings.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- GaN technology allows for efficient power usage, with 94% of energy being turned into sound
- Compact size challenges the notion that high-quality amps need to be large
- Design and packaging create pride of ownership
- It can be run in bridged mode to deliver 400 watts into one channel
- Stability and ability to handle complex impedance loads
Product Considerations
- The slight sonic signature may not be for everyone
- If truly outrageous amounts of power are needed to drive speakers, a second AGD Tempo amp might be needed to run in a bridged configuration
- High-frequency noise was discovered when XLR cables were not connected between them
- Power cords can make a large difference, the included power cord doesn't flatter the amp
- Some traditionalists may find it hard to accept that it's a Class-D amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Peachtree Audio GaN400, the AGD Tempo reports to have better overall specifications
- Compared to Parasound Halo A21+, the AGD Tempo is simply superior
- Compared to Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers, the level of which the most subtle detail exists approaches reference Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers
Takeaway: The AGD Productions Tempo is a cutting-edge amplifier that offers a new take on audiophile amplification and rivals more expensive amplifiers. It can drive speakers easily while being energy efficient.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tangible feeling of pure power and speed of delivery
- Clean, neutral performance
- Fulsome, fast, and fun sound
- Thrillingly responsive to the dynamics of a sound mix
- Drive needed to partner floorstanders hungry for power
Product Considerations
- Chassis depth is a considerable 533mm
- Low-end delivery may not be the best compared to some rivals
- Green/blue aesthetic might not be for everyone
Takeaway: The MI502 is a powerful and responsive amplifier suitable for various applications and it looks good. It offers clean and neutral performance, making it a great choice for someone wanting to get a new amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive clarity, tighter bass, and more pinpoint accuracy of instruments in the soundstage compared to the SET 600
- Great dynamic range, definition, and transparency, while maintaining the nuances and details of the original music recording
- Designed to run cooler and last longer
- Relative bargain for its performance level
- Always sounded musical, a presentation which engaged the listener with music rather than calling attention to the gear
Product Considerations
- A pair of amplifiers can provide enough power to damage almost any speaker system if carelessly used
- Tone and timbre were not as rich and voluptuous as the reviewer tends to prefer, there seemed to be less meat on the bone
- One of the five-way speaker binding posts spun when tightening spades, but there were no electrical or other performance issues from that
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Audio by Van Alstine SET 600, the DVA M750 has more power, a quieter presence, more clarity, tighter bass, and even more pinpoint accuracy of instruments in the soundstage
- Compared to Pass Labs XA30.8, the M750s are slightly more intense sounding
Takeaway: The DVA M750 Monoblock is a powerful amplifier with finesse and a large, quiet soundstage presented with exceptional clarity. It delivers a compelling and engaging musical experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High power output
- Great sound
- Low noise
- Connectivity options
Product Considerations
- Lack of protection circuitry
- Users should never make any changes to input or output connections while the amplifier is turned on
- Under no circumstances should the speaker terminals be short-circuited or either of the speaker terminal(s) be connected to ground
- The storage capacitors inside continue to be 'powered-up' for many minutes after it's turned off
- The Adcom GFA-585se proved to be unstable into a highly reactive load, meaning it is not recommended for use with electrostatic speakers
Takeaway: The Adcom GFA-585se provides a lot of power and great sound for the price. It's a good option for anyone looking for a high-quality amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effortless presentation with great separation of instruments
- Very musical sound
- Has current to burn and sounds far more powerful than their rating
- Super quiet with a signal to noise ratio of 120 dB
- Advanced Load Monitoring ensures the amp stays in perfect condition
- RCA connectors are board mounted
Product Considerations
- Separate components cost more
Takeaway: The Anthem MCA amps deliver great sound and power for the price. You will get an effortless presentation with great instrument separation making your music sound fantastic.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Anthem MCA amps have current to burn, delivering more power than their rating suggests and excelling even when speaker impedance drops below 8 ohms
- The MCA amps are quiet, with a signal to noise ratio of 120 dB, making music sound like it's coming from a black background
- MCA Gen 2 models have a shorter signal path due to the elimination of internal wiring
- Anthem MCA amplifiers offer Advanced Load Monitoring (ALM) to protect the amplifier by monitoring temperature, current, and voltage, shutting down a channel if it goes out of spec
- The MCA 525 Gen 2 delivers an effortless presentation with great separation of instruments
Product Considerations
- One review wishes Anthem had used a chassis mount more solid RCA connector, though most will likely use the balanced connector
- Some may bemoan the limited number of channels at the price point
- While standby power consumption is low, any 'green' benefits disappear as soon as it is being used
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- While both the Anthem and StormAudio PA16 Mk2 amplifiers demonstrate a thrilling dynamism, along with headroom, the Anthem manages to produce a soundstage with genuine intimacy, unlike the potentially sterile sonic signature of the StormAudio
Takeaway: The Anthem MCA is a powerful amplifier built to deliver a musical sound with effortless presentation and separation, so your speakers can sound their best. With advanced features that ensure it lasts, the MCA is designed to bring a great listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
How to buy
Amplifiers
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.




































.png)











