Anthem Stereo Pre-Amp / Amplifier with Phono Stage (INT 225) - Black

Best Value Integrated Amplifier 2011 - Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity
"The Anthem Integrated 225 amplifier blows us away with its combination of brilliant engineering and solid value." Digital Trends

As usual our “keep-it-simple” philosophy lies front and center. The Integrated 225 is sleek, its outlook minimalist. It doesn’t call attention to itself in any overt way yet when it sits in the A/V rack, you can’t help noticing just how good it looks. The inside story is similar: high-quality component parts; critical inputs are buffered to prevent crosstalk; a combination active/passive “EQ” technology in the phono stage unlocks all of the magic hidden in those vinyl grooves … with a transparency, refinement and detail that should be far more expensive, but isn’t.

HIGH-QUALITY, CLOSE-TOLERANCE PARTS

As with all Anthem components, the Integrated 225 boasts all parts of high quality and close tolerance, including metal film resistors and high-quality film signal capacitors. The result is the lowest possible total harmonic distortion plus noise. To prevent one source from interfering with another, critical inputs are individually buffered.

BUILT-IN PHONO STAGE

Designed specifically to accommodate today’s high-quality Moving Magnet phono cartridges, the Integrated 225’s built-in phono stage will delight even the most die-hard vinyl enthusiast. Since the job of the phono stage is to supply most of the gain, two factors are critical in achieving the highest level of playback quality: a superior approach to RIAA equalization and the quality of amplification used to step-up cartridge output to line-level voltage.

The Integrated 225’s phono stage benefits from a split active/passive equalization topology. Active equalization of the low-frequencies occurs at the 50 Hz and 500 Hz roll-off points (as defined by the RIAA equalization curve). At the 2122 Hz mark (also defined by the RIAA curve) however, high-frequency equalization remains passive. The original signal passes through the curve in tact and with perfect linearity; no musical information is lost or distorted and the nuances of the original recording remain completely preserved.

In an effort to keep component parts to a minimum within the signal path, the non-inverting series feedback topology in this stage is designed around only two dual high-quality op-amps. The first provides all of the gain, while isolating the feedback network from the cartridge to ensure accuracy in frequency response. The second is configured as a buffer, isolating the equalization filter network from the volume control to prevent even the tiniest variation in frequency response when the volume level is adjusted.

The final result? Exceptional retrieval of all of the magic hidden in those vinyl grooves … from a silent background emerges tight, accurate bass, lightning fast transients, and a high-frequency detail and extension that will leave the listener aching for more.

THE POWER WITHIN

The integrated 225’s main power supply boasts an advanced generation toroidal transformer, a major contributor to the low-noise floor. This massive transformer is conservatively rated and designed with high rail voltage. It feeds two oversized (51 mm x 80 mm) low-ESL, low-ESR Nichicon filter capacitors employing a total capacitance of 30,000 microfarads. The main power supply also features ±15 V rails for the preamp audio circuits fed by two precision voltage regulators. An additional precision voltage regulator is used in the standby power supply. The Integrated 225’s main power supply is active during “on” mode while standby power supply remains active in both “on” and “standby” modes.

Input and voltage amplifier stages are a differential design, however the output power stage, the stage most crucial to ultimate playback, benefits from Anthem’s proven output stage topology: a fully symmetrical complementary Class AB design with three pair of high-quality bipolar output devices per channel. Designed to dramatically reduce distortion, this arrangement also ensures extreme linearity, effortless response and extensive bandwidth while minimizing power consumption.

HEATSINKS … COMPUTER-DESIGNED AND MODELED

Large custom heatsinks, one for each amplifier channel, ensure that the Integrated 225 dissipates heat quickly and efficiently. Computer designed and modeled, their job is to maximize heat transfer for efficient heat dissipation. The resulting cool operation means long term dependability and “no fans required.”

105 dB SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO

With a 105 dB signal-to-noise ratio, the Integrated 225 rivals the achievements of more expensive separates. Anthem’s always meticulous attention was paid to groundplanes and the design of the power supply (see section on Power Supply). Circuit board traces were laid out by hand. From a rich and silent black background, the only thing the audiophile is aware of is the music—rich and refined, full and enveloping, leaving you to wonder why anyone would contemplate spending more.

AN ANALOG APPROACH TO VOLUME

In keeping with its audiophile purist roots, the Integrated 225 features a large motorized analog potentiometer style volume control which tracks exceptionally well, rivalling the performance of a stepped attenuator. Volume can be adjusted three ways: manually, with the remote control, or through the RS-232 interface.

TONE CONTROLS WITH BYPASS FEATURE

The Integrated 225’s bass and treble controls have been designed to affect the tonal extremes in a fairly undramatic way. They are particularly useful for taming poor recordings, without upsetting the musical balance. To adjust tone, Bass and Treble knobs are provided on the front panel. And for the purist (and the best recordings), the option is there to bypass these controls completely.

HIGH-QUALITY OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

The Integrated 225’s robust binding posts ensure full and uninterrupted power delivery to the loudspeakers at all times. They’re very easy to use and will facilitate large speaker cable connections. In addition to these speaker outputs, the Integrated 225 also includes Pre-out (for possible bi-amping applications) and Rec-out line level outputs.

A TRIGGER RESPONSE

The Integrated 225’s trigger feature allows the unit to be turned on or off remotely via a trigger from another component or control system. The 3.5 mm (.125 in) mini-jack input receives a 12 V signal from the upstream component or system controller. The same trigger signal can be linked to other components through the trigger output.

PORTABLE MEDIA INPUT PLUS 7 MORE INPUTS!

A handy portable media input plus seven more stereo audio inputs include: Phono, CD, Balanced, AUX 1, AUX 2, AUX 3, and Recorder (Tape In). Each input can be connected via pairs of RCA connectors on the back panel of the Integrated 225, with two exceptions. The Balanced Input consists of two XLR connectors on the back panel and a portable media input is a 3.5 mm stereo jack and selector located on the front panel for quick and easy access. Any one of the inputs can be selected by pressing the appropriate button via the front panel, remote control or RS-232 command.

XLR BALANCED CONNECTION AND GOLD-PLATED INPUTS

XLR balanced connections are common in both professional recording studios and broadcasting to ensure the lowest level of noise and hum. Now you can use this same high-quality connection since the Integrated 225 includes an XLR balanced input. Gold-plated female RCA jacks on this unit also provide high quality single-ended input connections.

Anthem Stereo Pre-Amp / Amplifier with Phono Stage (INT 225) Reviews

Digital Trends - Caleb Denison - 19 Dec 2011 - 9.5/10 - Editors' Choice
The Anthem Integrated 225 amplifier blows us away with its combination of brilliant engineering and solid value.

Until recently, it seems the integrated amp has remained the darling of a slim segment of an already sparsely populated 2-channel music enthusiast community. But with vinyl records making resurgence, high-end media streamers becoming more affordable and iPod/iPhone owners demanding better sounding gear, the integrated amp has an opportunity to attract a new fan base.

Anthem A/V’s Integrated 225 appears to be just the sort of unpretentious stereo-based solution a new crowd of music fans could get into. It offers a high-quality phono input, a headphone output, a bunch of power, and a sleek, clean design.

The Integrated 225’s phono input can handle moving magnet and moving coil cartridges and was specially designed by Anthem to incorporate both passive and active EQ to maximize the vinyl audio reproduction.

The Anthem Integrated 225 floored us with the very first note it produced. The very first second we heard the Integrated 225 doing its work, we knew we had a winner on our hands.

In all the time we’ve spent reviewing A/V receivers, pre-amps, amplifiers and integrated amps we’ve never heard this track reproduced with such purity and pinpoint precision ... we’ve used the same source and speakers with other receivers and integrated amps, none of which were able to match the Integrated 225’s authority, truth and pure muscle.

The Integrated 225’s muscle proved useful whether we were listening to delicate, acoustic music or raw, highly energized rock.

Later, we cranked the Integrated 225 up to eleven with AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. What a ride that turned out to be! The infamous guitar lick that is sustained throughout the entire song starts out on its own and can be a very telling clip. Good amps won’t just reproduce the notes, but expose sympathetic string noise and the subtle harmonics that go with it. Great amps will do all of that, then smack you right in the face when the rest of the band comes in. The Integrated 225 just about blew us out of our chair.

After hours of SACD and CD listening, we turned our attention to our vinyl collection. The phono pre-amps built into most hi-fi equipment (even high end pieces) are little more than a courtesy input. Anthem insists in its product literature that a great deal of thought and care was put into the Integrated 225’s phono pre-amp. Based on our listening tests, we’d have to agree.

The Integrated 225 worked with our turntable to provide a big, warm, highly detailed sound with powerful bass and wonderfully liquid midrange. We particularly enjoyed the big dynamic swings on the Dire Straits cuts while the guitar effects on the Steely Dan selections showered us with analog goodness.

We had to work hard to find fault with the Integrated 225 but we did dig up a singular issue. When adjusting the volume with the remote control, we found it impossible to make small adjustments. Just a tap on the remote’s volume up or down button resulted in really large swings on the volume control itself. For fine adjustment, you must turn the knob manually. That’s it, though. Were it not for that one rather minor issue, the Integrated 225 would score a perfect 10, which we don’t dish out lightly.

We’ve heard $15,000/pair single ended tube amps that sounded glorious, but left us wanting a sound that was a little more “authentic”, if you will. The fact that Anthem’s entirely solid state Integrated 225 is able to take listeners to that magical place for less than $2,000 is not just a testament to its value, but also to the brilliant engineering involved in its design and construction.

Whether this integrated amp will turn the heads of those currently on course for a high-end A/V receiver will probably come down to a matter of exposure because once you hear what this remarkable integrated amp can do, you will be forever spoiled.

We enthusiastically offer our Editor’s Choice Award to this fine piece of gear from Anthem.

Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity - Chris Heinonen - June 2011 - Best Value Integrated Amplifier 2011
A good-sized toroidal transformer is inside, along with two massive Nichicon filter capacitors in the middle of the board. Two massive heatsinks, one per channel, are visible through cut-outs in the bottom of the chassis which add to the weight, but also allow it to run without any fans to dissipate heat and interfere with the music.

The Integrated has a good selection of inputs as well, with 5 pairs of gold plated RCA inputs, a MM phono input, and a pair of XLR inputs. There are a pair of line level outputs for connecting to a recording device or to an amplifier, and two pairs of binding posts that will accept bare wire, bananas, and most spade lugs. There is also a an RS232 port, 12V triggers, and IR ports for easy integration with all control systems. The included remote has a nice rubberized surface with a nice feel to it and can be programmed to control your source devices in addition to the 225.

Anthem Stereo Pre-Amp / Amplifier with Phono Stage (INT 225) Specifications

PHONO PREAMPLIFIER

The phono preamplifier is suitable for moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartrdiges
Input Impedance    47 kΩ
Input Capacitance    100 pF
Maximum Input    18 mV at 20 Hz, 140 mV at 1 kHz, 160mV at 20 kHz
Gain (At 1 KHz)    35 dB
Crosstalk (At 1 KHz)    80 dB
RIAA Response    +/- 0.5 dB (100 Hz to 20 kHz); -1 dB (20 Hz)
THD+N (at 1 kHz, 5 mV input)    0.05%
S/N Ratio (ref. 5 mV at 1 kHz, IEC-A filter)    83 dB

PREAMPLIFIER

Input Impedance    30 kΩ
'Pre-Out' Output Impedance    560 Ω
'Rec-Out' Output Impedance    100 Ω
Rated Input    1.0 Vrms
Maximum Input    7.6 Vrms
Minimum Load    5 kΩ
Rated Output (100 k1 load)    1.0 Vrms
Maximum Output (100 k1 load)    7.6 Vrms
Headphone Output    500 mW into 32 Ω at 0.03% THD+N
Channel Separation (at 1 kHz)    75 dB
Crosstalk Between Inputs (At 1 KHz)    72 dB
XLR Pin Configuration    Pin 1: Ground; Pin 2: Positive; Pin 3: Negative
Frequency Response And Bandwidth    20 Hz to 20 kHz (+0, -0.1 dB); 1 Hz to 170 kHz (+0, -3 dB)
THD+N (at rated input and output, 80 kHz BW)    0.003%
IMD (CCIF at 15 kHz and 16 kHz)    0.0005%
S/N Ratio (A-weighted, ref 2.0 Vrms)    105 dB

POWER AMPLIFIER

(per channel, continuous RMS, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, <1.0% THD)
Frequency Response    20 Hz to 20 kHz (+0, -0.15 dB)
Bandwidth    1 Hz to 200 kHz (+0, -3 dB)
THD+N    0.01% at 1 kHz, 0.03% at 20 kHz (100 W into 8 1)
Power Bandwidth    < 10 Hz to 100 kHz (+0, -3 dB, 200 W into 8 1)
Slew Rate    25 V/µs
Headroom    1.4 dB (8 1), 2.8 dB (4 1)
Damping Factor    80 at 1 kHz (ref. 8 1)
S/N Ratio (A-weighted, ref 225 W)    105 dB
Crosstalk    > 57 dB (100 Hz to 10 kHz)
Voltage Gain    29 dB

CONTROL

Infra Red
Carrier Frequency    38 kHz

Max. Emitter Current    Pass-through of input
Trigger    Input Polarity    Non-polarized

Output    Pass-through of input

POWER REQUIREMENTS

Impedance    8Ω    4Ω
# Of Channels Driven    1    Both    1    Both
*Short Term    240 W    225 W (FTC)    330 W    310 W*
Power Consumption (8 Ω load)    Maximum    800 W
 Typical    300 W
Fuse Rating (Fuse is internal)    Anthem serviceable only
Low Voltage Version: In countries where the line voltage is 120V, this product operates from a single phase AC power source that supplies between 108V and 132V at a frequency of 60 Hz.
High Voltage Version: In countries where the line voltage is 220V, 330V or 240V, this product operates from a single phase AC power source that supplies between 216V and 264V at a frequency of 50 or 60 Hz.

DIMENSIONS

Width    14.9 cm including feet
Height    Width 43.8 cm
Depth    45.7 cm
Weight (Unpacked)    19.4 kg

ADVANCED LOAD MONITORING (ALM)

Anthem® integrated amplifiers are designed to perform flawlessly - offering stunning musicality, tonal neutrality and incredible dynamics while driving any speaker load reliably under real-world conditions! The power supply is conservatively rated and the amplifiers run cool for greater reliability, but we didn't stop there.
These amplifiers feature our ALM (Advanced Load Monitoring) circuitry which protects sensitive output devices by constantly monitoring temperature, current and voltage to ensure optimum long-term performance. ALM is totally non-invasive - it is not in the signal path and only engages in the most extreme circumstances to protect the amplifier from damage by maintaining the safe operating area of the output devices. Buyer beware however! Not all amplifier manufacturers have sophisticated load-monitoring provisions. Many have saved the added cost, leaving their output devices unprotected, choosing instead to use the amplifier's output devices as "fuses." At Anthem, ALM is just one of the ways in which our products provide owners with years of reliable service.