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Anthem Integrated 225 -opinions

Hi group,
I want to upgrade my system, which is currently an older pair of Arcam amplifiers (Alpha 9 integrated and Alpha 9 power), which I bi-amp with B&W 805 Nautilus speakers.

My audio dealer suggests the Anthem integrated 225: much better power than the older Alpha's (Anthem: 225 w/ch) ....; says it will be a much better fit for my speakers.

Looking for opinions on the Anthem;

Also, I've been a big fan of bi-amping: doing that with my Arcams sounds quite good. Does anyone know if that's possible with the Anthem integrated? (Or, would the Anthem offer such a sound improvement that bi-amping would be unnecessary?)

Thanks in advance for your input,
Jeff
arcamguy
uncledemp
779 posts
 
Hi, maybe too late but I own the Anthem 225i. I find it sounds great with plenty of power. I'm not an expert with tubes vs ss, but it gives me everything I want.

I went from a tubed preamp and ss amp, and the Anthem is plenty transparent to my ears. I don't find it harsh or edgy. I use it with tone controls bypassed. Sounded great with Usher, Sonus Faber, and Silverline Minuets.

Hope this helps.

Gary
runnin
397 posts
 
The 225 is from Anthem's entry level line up. I had their entry level TLP-1 pre and found it veiled and underwhelming. I'm not sure if the pre amp section is the same as the TLP's was, but you can certainly do a lot better.
arcamguy OP
83 posts
 
Thanks for resurrecting my thread; my journey took me to a Rega Elicit-R integrated and not the Anthem. Now...I'm about to upgrade the Rega, searching for an amp with more power.

Currently looking at Parasound's new Halo integrated, along with amps from Wyred4Sound and Bel Canto.
J
uncledemp
779 posts
 
Did you ever listen to the Anthem? I'd be interested In the difference you noticed between the Rega and Anthem.

No brick and mortar shops around me... I live vicariously through others!

Best,
Gary
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,700 posts
 
I hear ya (no pun) Gary.

Yes, I have spent much time w/ both the Rega & Anthem.
In short, the Anthem offers much more power and much more
current. It is powerful enough to drive Thiel (my reference)
loudspeakers to concert levels.

The Rega is much less powerful in this regard. It should be utilized in a smaller system that will not be driven to concert spl.

Keep me posted and Happy Listening!
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