Anthem STR
Canadian stereo integrated amplifier featuring ARC acoustic correction, a high-resolution DAC and an MM/MC phono preamplifier, designed for demanding hi-fi systems.
Description
The Anthem STR is a stereo integrated amplifier that combines a preamplification section, a digital DAC and power stages capable of driving low-impedance speakers within a single chassis. It is aimed at hi-fi systems built around a single or multiple sources, whether digital or analogue, without the need for separate components.
Its distinctive feature is the integration of ARC (Anthem Room Correction), an acoustic correction system originally developed by the brand for home cinema. It compensates for the frequency response of the installation by taking into account the room's geometry, speaker placement and their individual characteristics, allowing listening to be tailored to actual installation conditions rather than an ideal configuration.
The built-in DAC accepts PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz and DSD 2.8 / 5.6 MHz via the asynchronous USB input, and 24-bit / 192 kHz on the S/PDIF, optical and AES/EBU digital inputs. A direct analogue mode is also available for users wishing to bypass all digital processing. On the power side, the power supply relies on a large toroidal transformer: the amplifier delivers 2x200 W into 8 ohms, rising to 2x400 W into 4 ohms and up to 2x550 W into 2 ohms, indicating strong current capability into difficult loads. The power stages employ 8 bipolar transistors per channel.
Connectivity covers a wide range of uses: coaxial and optical S/PDIF digital inputs, AES/EBU, an asynchronous USB port, MM and MC phono inputs, balanced analogue inputs, as well as an Ethernet port and an RS-232 port for remote control. The unit can also manage two subwoofers in mono or stereo with bass management control.
This type of amplifier suits demanding hi-fi installations combining several digital and analogue sources, including a turntable, and speakers with low or variable impedance requiring substantial current reserve. It is well suited to enthusiasts seeking a built-in acoustic corrector rather than an external DSP treatment.
Technical specifications
| RMS power (8Ω) | 2x200 W |
| RMS power (4Ω) | 2x400 W |
| RMS power (2Ω) | 2x550 W |
| THD+N (MC) | 0.008 % |
| THD+N (MM) | 0.005 % |
| SNR (MC) | 82 dB |
| SNR (MM) | 96 dB |
| Gain (MC) | 55 dB |
| Gain (MM) | 35 dB |
| THD+N digital in | 0.0008 % |
| THD+N analogue in, DSP mode | 0.0020 % |
| THD+N analogue in, direct mode | 0.0020 % |
| SNR digital in (44.1 kHz, 0 dBFS) | 112 dB |
| SNR analogue in, DSP mode (2 Vrms) | 110 dB |
| SNR analogue in, direct mode (2 Vrms) | 120 dB |
| Connections | 2x coaxial digital input, 2x optical digital input, 1x USB type B input, 1x AES/EBU input, 4x RCA analogue input, 2x MM/MC phono input, 2x RCA output (Front left), 1x Line RCA output |
What to check before buying used
On such a densely packed integrated amplifier, the large toroidal transformer and power stages run hot: check that ventilation has never been obstructed and listen under a low-impedance load to detect any hum or distortion indicating worn capacitors. The DAC board and ARC module should be tested on every digital input, including USB, as well as the direct analogue mode. Finally, check that the original ARC calibration and any firmware updates are still accessible, without which the acoustic correction loses its whole purpose.
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