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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
chatta
314 posts
 
I have seen a lot the anthem, but never had the choice to try them out and listen...btw, here's a review on it:
http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/power-amplifier-news/anthem-reveals-225-integrated-amplifier.html
sonicbeauty OP
324 posts
 
Thanks, I knew about that review. its one of only two out there...
frazeur1
345 posts
 
I think the Anthem 225 is a very good value, and sounds good to boot. I think it has the basic "Anthem house sound" which isn't a bad thing at all. It does everything very well without calling attention to itself. It has good bass qualities and isn't bright sounding, maybe a little soft in the upper frequencies. Again, not a bad thing. It brings a lot to the table, great build quality, great power output, built-in phono stage(which I haven't listened to), remote control. Just a good all around solid buy.

I have listened to this amplifier on and off since it came out, mainly with Paradigm speakers such as the studio series 60/100's. Note I do not own one of the 225's, but when I have listened to it, it is a very likeable amp, and if I were in the market for an integrated, it would be put on my list to get serious about.

I also have heard it next to the Cambridge, and either one to my ears would do the job, both are very good amps. I didn't feel either one was "best", they both did the job of making good music. The Anthem is certainly not way below the Cambridge by any shot.

Just my 2 cents worth! If you get the chance, do the comparison for yourself, it is the only way you will know. Enjoy the music! Tim
sonicbeauty OP
324 posts
 
One thing about the Cambridge 840A series integrated is that awfull ratchet clicking sound when using the volume control. Went to a dealer for a demo, just could not get my approval.
frazeur1
345 posts
 
Yes, the stepped attenuator does make a bit of racket, but most importantly is, how did the amp sound to you? I do think most of the Cambridge line is good value for money, and the 840E/W are very good pre/amplifiers, and while a bit more expensive, still not out of line with some more expensive gear.

Again, between the Anthem or the Cambridge, I don't think you can go too far wrong. That being said, I don't know your system that you would use these with. If you can listen to them with your equipment or similar, that would always be best.

I should also say that while I do not own any Cambridge gear, I have listened to it about as much as I have the Anthem 225. I also do own several pieces of Anthem gear-TLP1, PVA2, MCA-20, AVM-30, and have been very pleased with the Anthem gear. Try to listen to the Cambridge and Anthem if you can, side by side. Tim
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