Anthem STR Preamplifier
Anthem STR stereo preamplifier with MM and MC phono inputs, built-in DAC and extensive balanced and digital connectivity.
Description
The STR is a stereo preamplifier designed and manufactured in Canada by Anthem. It combines the functions of a classic analogue preamplifier with those of a modern digital processor, featuring a built-in DAC, Anthem ARC room correction and dedicated MM and MC phono inputs.
Its frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 80 kHz. The MC input has an input impedance of 100 Ω and a gain of 61 dB, while the MM input offers an impedance of 47 kΩ combined with 270 pF and a gain of 41 dB: these values allow the preamplifier to be matched to moving coil as well as moving magnet cartridges without an external phono stage.
The connectivity covers a wide range of uses: four RCA line inputs, one MM phono input, one MC phono input, two balanced XLR inputs, two coaxial inputs, two optical inputs, one asynchronous USB input, one AES/EBU input and one Ethernet input, complemented by two balanced XLR outputs and three RCA outputs. This diversity allows a turntable, digital sources, network player and audio processor to be connected to the same unit.
The unit features a 4-inch TFT screen with a dedicated navigation interface, allowing speaker and bass management, channel level and delay, tone controls, as well as input source levels and assignments to be adjusted. The Ethernet connection also makes it easier to update the firmware and perform ARC calibration without connecting the microphone directly to the unit.
This preamplifier is aimed at high-end stereo systems with several analogue and digital sources, particularly systems that include a turntable fitted with an MM or MC cartridge, as well as users looking for fine control over bass and acoustic correction in their listening room.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 80 kHz |
| Input impedance | 100 Ω (MC), 47 kΩ || 270 pF (MM) |
| Gain | 61 dB (MC), 41 dB (MM) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 43.2 x 9.93 x 37.9 cm |
| Weight | 7.6 kg |
| Connectivity | 4 x RCA line inputs, 1 x MM phono input, 1 x MC phono input, 2 x balanced XLR inputs, 2 x coaxial inputs, 2 x optical inputs, 1 x asynchronous USB input, 1 x AES/EBU input, 1 x Ethernet input, 2 x balanced XLR outputs, 3 x RCA outputs |
What to check before buying used
On this preamplifier, the TFT screen and navigation interface deserve a thorough test on power-up, as a display or backlight fault is indicative of an ageing circuit board. It is also worth checking that the Ethernet input and the ARC room correction function work properly, as these are sometimes disabled or unstable following an incomplete update. Finally, checking the MM and MC phono inputs (absence of hiss, hum or intermittent contact) is essential before any purchase.
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