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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- The Anthem Statement P2 delivers subtleties, nuances, and harmonic delicacies of music without manipulating the signal it's amplifying, acting as an exceptionally neutral amplifier
- It has a firm grip, extension, and control in the lower registers, which translates into seriously slamming bass
- The amplifier is stable into any impedance, even a dead short, while running at full output
- The amplifier employs Anthem's Advanced Load Monitoring, which monitors temperature, current and voltage output to protect the amplifier
Product Considerations
- The processor has a complex configuration system
- At very high volumes, the P2 tends to sound hyperactive with some excess of energy at the frequency extremes
- The P2 can present a bit of a lean character, depending on the equipment that was feeding the amp
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity A300cr: The P2 has tighter bass and a more precise—accurate grip on the midrange and its attendant imaging
Takeaway: The Anthem Statement P2 is a powerful and neutral amplifier that will let listeners hear what their speakers can really do. It has plenty of power to handle demanding speakers, even at high volumes.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
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.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
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3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
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3/1/2022
P2
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No items found.
Manufacturer's notes
While the amplifier is the brawn behind every successful music and movie presentation, it is also the heart! Its role is as crucial as that of the speakers in its ability to render delicate musical detail one moment and deliver room-shaking explosions the next. The most exquisite piece of music falls flat without clean, quiet power to sustain it through to its natural, musical ebb. Movie special effects require an inordinate supply of stable, high current power to give visceral credibility to the "special" aspect of each effect!
Manufacturer Specs
- Power Output: 325 watts per channel continuous power into 8 ohms
- Inputs: RCA and XLR balanced
- Heatsink Area: 1125 square inches (7258cm2) per channel
- Chassis: 12-awg steel
- Output Devices: 14 bipolar output devices per channel
- Power Cord: 14-awg AC power cord
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Average Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used Products
85
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
64
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
18
Founded
1998
Our take on the brand
Anthem is a hifi brand best known for their AV receivers and preamp processors that feature their proprietary ARC Genesis room correction technology with a calibration microphone. Their flagship AVM 90 8K preamp processor, featuring dual ESS ES9038Pro DACs and quad independently calibrated subwoofer outputs, is praised for superior channel separation and lower frequency handling, while their MRX SLM AV receiver offers a uniquely slim design that fits behind televisions.
Brand Page
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Used
Anthem
What if you spend a bit more?
Nu-Vista 800.2
8999
8999
/
11
Reviews
Musical Fidelity
The Nu-Vista 800 was an amplifier that has enjoyed much popularity and use as a high end hybrid integrated over the past few years. Unfortunately, as with all things encompassing modern, as well as more traditional technology, parts were discontinued. The original “retro look” display was suddenly no longer produced at very short notice. We were therefore left with a choice - discontinue a popular amplifier or workaround and replace the original with updated version but as unchanged as possible from the original formula. The Nu-Vista 800.2 measures like a dream but, more importantly, it sounds incredible. It is silky smooth with enormous transients and an effortless feel that is at once relaxing and involving. Of special note how the Nu-Vista 800.2 projects images between the loudspeakers so that you can almost touch them.
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality and power output meters
- Hugely revealing performer with warm, rich, and smooth sound
- More power than most will ever need
- Dual-mono design with nuvistor tubes for the input stage and solid-state output stage
- New power transformers are rewound to have lower standing flux, making them less sensitive to mains DC offset noise
Product Considerations
- The remote control is difficult to read in poor lighting conditions
- The VU meters are distracting to some
- A very heavy and sizeable unit
- It does not have a phono stage or digital inputs
- Transient response was below that of the best integrated amplifiers, as was its resolution
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Hegel H590: The Hegel H590 offers similar level of performance
Takeaway: The Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800.2 is a powerful and well-built amplifier that delivers a smooth, musical, and detailed sound. Its exceptional power and unique nuvistor tube design make it a great choice for audiophiles who want a high-performing and visually impressive centerpiece for their system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Visit our
Nu-Vista 800.2
page
Product Page
A35.8
5247
5247
/
8
Reviews
Primare
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!
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
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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
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Visit our
A35.8
page
Product Page
EAR 890
6351
6351
/
5
Reviews
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EAR Yoshino
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
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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
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
Visit our
EAR 890
page
Product Page
Halo A51
5749
5749
/
5
Reviews
Parasound
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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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
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
Visit our
Halo A51
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
MCA 325 GEN2
2699
/
Released
2021
Anthem
To complement the NEW AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. The new MCA Series delivers lower THD (total harmonic distortion) for more clean, pure sound and lower noise for a supremely quiet background.
Anthem is a hifi brand best known for their AV receivers and preamp processors that feature their proprietary ARC Genesis room correction technology with a calibration microphone. Their flagship AVM 90 8K preamp processor, featuring dual ESS ES9038Pro DACs and quad independently calibrated subwoofer outputs, is praised for superior channel separation and lower frequency handling, while their MRX SLM AV receiver offers a uniquely slim design that fits behind televisions.
Expand Details
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
Anthem is a hifi brand best known for their AV receivers and preamp processors that feature their proprietary ARC Genesis room correction technology with a calibration microphone. Their flagship AVM 90 8K preamp processor, featuring dual ESS ES9038Pro DACs and quad independently calibrated subwoofer outputs, is praised for superior channel separation and lower frequency handling, while their MRX SLM AV receiver offers a uniquely slim design that fits behind televisions.
Visit
MCA 325 GEN2
Page
Product Page
MCA 525 GEN2
3799
/
Released
2021
Anthem
To complement the NEW AVM 90 and 70 A/V Processors, Anthem introduces the new MCA 525, 325 and 225 GEN 2 power amplifiers. Available in 5, 3 and 2-channel configurations, these new MCA amplifiers feature more robust and efficient power and heavy-duty reliability. The new MCA Series delivers lower THD (total harmonic distortion) for more clean, pure sound and lower noise for a supremely quiet background.
Anthem is a hifi brand best known for their AV receivers and preamp processors that feature their proprietary ARC Genesis room correction technology with a calibration microphone. Their flagship AVM 90 8K preamp processor, featuring dual ESS ES9038Pro DACs and quad independently calibrated subwoofer outputs, is praised for superior channel separation and lower frequency handling, while their MRX SLM AV receiver offers a uniquely slim design that fits behind televisions.
Expand Details
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
Anthem is a hifi brand best known for their AV receivers and preamp processors that feature their proprietary ARC Genesis room correction technology with a calibration microphone. Their flagship AVM 90 8K preamp processor, featuring dual ESS ES9038Pro DACs and quad independently calibrated subwoofer outputs, is praised for superior channel separation and lower frequency handling, while their MRX SLM AV receiver offers a uniquely slim design that fits behind televisions.
Visit
MCA 525 GEN2
Page
Product Page
M23
3749
/
Released
2022
NAD
Building on NAD's long tradition of identifying and developing cutting-edge amplification technology, the M23 HybridDigital Stereo Power Amplifier features Purifi Audio's Eigentakt™ design, a once-in-a-decade innovation that virtually eliminates harmonic and intermodulation distortion. Noise is inaudible, for a completely black background and exquisite micro-detail. Conservatively rated at 2x200W continuous into 8 ohms and 2x380W into 4 ohms, the M23 can deliver live performance levels through any loudspeaker.
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The M23's build quality feels solid and elegant, with impressive small design details
- The sound is striking in its purity and clarity
- It offers up to three levels of gain, switchable on the back panel, to best fit the system
- It provides a clear sound without sounding hard
- It features Purifi Eigentakt Class D amplification, which provides virtually unmeasurable distortion levels
Product Considerations
- The bass is clean but may be perceived as a little on the cool side and not as 'wompy-sounding'
- The M23 is not a forgiving amplifier that makes everything sound sweet and wonderful—it's not for those seeking a soft and mellow sound
- Bridging with speakers below 5 or 6 ohms is not recommended, as the amp will current limit and potentially shut down
- The reviewer found ergonomical challenges using fancy speaker cables in bridged mode due to wide terminal spacing
- The capacitive touch power button can accidentally trigger
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bel Canto C6i: The M23 offered a layer of refinement and better reproduction of the recording space
- Vs Pass XA25: The M23 had more transparent sound and detail, especially in the treble and upper mids, but lacked the organic quality of the XA25
- Vs HiFi Rose RS 520: The M23 sounded cleaner and had better separation/depth, HiFi Rose seemed to have an EQ built-in, emphasizing midrange and bass
- Vs NAD C298: The M23 is more neutral, deals with decay more naturally, and has better casework, making it look high-end
- Vs Anthem M1 monoblock amplifiers: The M23 was slightly more transparent throughout the entire frequency range
- Vs Bryston 4B 3: The Bryston had more grunt but the M23 is more neutral
Takeaway: The NAD M23 is a powerful and precise amplifier that delivers clean and clear sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want to hear their music as accurately as possible. It is especially well-suited for those looking to build a high-end system around a quality preamp or DAC.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
Visit
M23
Page
Product Page
Halo A52+
4199
/
Released
Parasound
The Parasound A52+ is a versatile five-channel amplifier, delivering 180 watts per channel at 8 ohms. Its high-current design ensures powerful, clear sound, making it ideal for multi-room audio setups or home theaters. The A52+ combines power, efficiency, and precision to bring out the best in your speakers, whether used in stereo, multi-channel, or surround sound configurations.
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers ample, clean, and dynamic power to all channels, ensuring speakers reach their full potential
- Designed by John Curl, featuring Class A/AB circuitry for a balance of warmth, richness, efficiency, and punch
- Pleasing sound for dialogue and music, with very high-quality and detail
- Versatile, suitable for both movies and music, with a low noise floor for quiet passages and great transparency—that doesn't color the sound
- Built to last, with high-quality internal components
- Signal-sensing power-on mode can be fussy and may require adjustment
Product Considerations
- Super heavy and large, potentially requiring rearranging a system or dedicated rack space
- Only available in anodized black
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The A52 Plus has bigger parts and bigger power than the Outlaw Model 5000, including balanced XLR connections
- A52 Plus is the 'teenager' compared to the elder Parasound A51
- Parasound A52+ sounds better, is more accurate, and more powerful than the Denon receiver's amplifier section
Takeaway: The Parasound A52+ Halo is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers clean, dynamic sound for both home theater and music systems, with a build quality designed to last. This is a worthy investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who seek high-quality audio performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
Visit
Halo A52+
Page
Product Page
Starkrimson Stereo Ultra
4249
/
Released
2021
Orchard Audio
The Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra DMC offers phenomenal sonic performance. Its advanced design and meticulous construction ensure exceptional clarity, power, and dynamic range. Experience the nuances of your favorite recordings with crystal clear detail and realism. A must-have for discerning audiophiles, and music lovers/enthusiasts seeking to elevate their musical experience.
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptionally transparent sound output quality
- Exceptionally powerful, capable of outputting 500W into a 4-Ohm load
- Delivers a remarkably clean, transparent sound with very little noise or distortion
- The amplifier's ability to reproduce bass is awe-inspiring and delivers deep, powerful bass without distortion
- Runs cool and weighs very little for its sound output, making it easy to move around
Product Considerations
- Options can be a little pricy, such as the 12v trigger and RCA inputs
- The Starkrimson Stereo Ultra may lead to further system upgrades
- Depending on your sources, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will play exactly what you feed it, good or bad, and if your source components are slow, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will not speed them up
- Power on only after all connections are properly made, including the power cord, analog inputs, and speaker outputs, and wait five minutes after powering it off before removing any of the connections
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Krell S550i integrated amp, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra showed a much faster and finer resolution of the upper frequencies of the human voice and a far greater ability to play more of the microdetails of a recording
Takeaway: The Starkrimson amplifier is well-built and provides a level of speed and transparency to hifi music that makes listening to music very fun. Its GaN modules can be upgraded and it is available in several configurations.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
Visit
Starkrimson Stereo Ultra
Page
Product Page
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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- The Anthem Statement P2 delivers subtleties, nuances, and harmonic delicacies of music without manipulating the signal it's amplifying, acting as an exceptionally neutral amplifier
- It has a firm grip, extension, and control in the lower registers, which translates into seriously slamming bass
- The amplifier is stable into any impedance, even a dead short, while running at full output
- The amplifier employs Anthem's Advanced Load Monitoring, which monitors temperature, current and voltage output to protect the amplifier
Product Considerations
- The processor has a complex configuration system
- At very high volumes, the P2 tends to sound hyperactive with some excess of energy at the frequency extremes
- The P2 can present a bit of a lean character, depending on the equipment that was feeding the amp
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity A300cr: The P2 has tighter bass and a more precise—accurate grip on the midrange and its attendant imaging
Takeaway: The Anthem Statement P2 is a powerful and neutral amplifier that will let listeners hear what their speakers can really do. It has plenty of power to handle demanding speakers, even at high volumes.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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