Anthem MCA 525 vs Emotiva XPA-5 Gen3 5 Channel

I have in my main system an Emotiva XPA-3 Gen 1 (purchased back in 2009), XPA-200 Gen 1 (purchased in 2011), XPA-200 Gen 2 (purchased in 2013) and a BasX A4 (purchased last week and it's on the way). Also have a BasX A2 in my bedroom and waiting for the A3 to be back in stock to order one for my bedroom as well. My XPAs amps have been trouble free since day one but I have read that the last generation of XPA amps (Gen 3) have had some issues so I will let others that own Gen 3 to chime in. I was about to purchase a Monoprice Monolith amp but my OCD tells me to get an Emotiva amp so all my amps match. But if I needed to do it again from scratch, I may go with either Monoprice Monolith (ATI) amps or other brand like Nord or Parasound.

Id go Monoprice monolith over the Emotiva .. the build quality is pretty amazing .. its a tank. Anthem will put out more power ... same with parasound a51 but it comes with a pretty big price increase. The monolith is cheaper than the Emotiva and better built IMO.

joxr said:

Id go Monoprice monolith over the Emotiva .. the build quality is pretty amazing .. its a tank. Anthem will put out more power ... same with parasound a51 but it comes with a pretty big price increase. The monolith is cheaper than the Emotiva and better built IMO.

Click to expand...

A tank is right. Sound Quality I doubt one is better then the other. They both have plenty of power IMO. Emotiva has the advantage because it is lighter, More efficient, Runs Cooler. But yes it is more expensive

bonscott said:

A tank is right. Sound Quality I doubt one is better then the other. They both have plenty of power IMO. Emotiva has the advantage because it is lighter, More efficient, Runs Cooler. But yes it is more expensive

Click to expand...

I actually found the Emotiva 7 and monolith 7 both ran cool.

Thanks for the recommendation.
I checked the Monoprice, but it was out of stock.
Very heavy ! ~80lbs...

The Emotiva can be upgraded from XPA-5 to XPA-7 adding two additional High Power Modules, the Monolith not. That's may be something you need to consider.

My XPA-9 Gen 3 has been rock solid with absolutely zero issues. I can't speak to whether the price differential is "worth it" for anyone else, but I've been completely satisfied and wouldn't hesitate in the least to purchase another one should the opportunity/need arise.

My XPA-5 Gen 3 has been effortlessly running cool and issue free.

Bruno Scribe said:

Thanks for the recommendation.
I checked the Monoprice, but it was out of stock.
Very heavy ! ~80lbs...

Click to expand...

More like over 90lbs .. It is a major pain to move but worth it. Monoprice also has B-stock sometimes for hundreds cheaper and free shipping. I got a 7X b-stock for $1499 shipped. And it was mint .. nothing wrong. If you are interested in going that route .. just keep checking their site for b-stock.

I agree with the others. I'd stick with either the Emotiva or the Monoprice. I'd normally recommend the Anthems, but if you are worried about price, then the others should suffice nicely. Plus, as the Paradigms are fairly efficient speakers, you hopefully shouldn't have too many issues with overheating, unless you like things very loud, for long periods of time (not recommended; long-term hearing issues and that sort of stuff). Good luck.

Bruno Scribe said:

I need to buy a multi-channel amp for my front speakers, and I was looking at Anthem MCA 525 and Emotiva XPA-5
The Anthem is double the price of Emotiva...
My Receiver is a Marantz 8015, and my speakers are Paradigm CI Elite.
I'm a novice and would need advice.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Anthem all the way. They are in a different league. The question is do you need all that effortless efficient power on tap.
If you have the gear for it and you like to listen loud you will hear the difference.

Phil.

Another vote for Anthem. I have listened to many ATI built amplifiers and find them bright and harsh. Ymmv

Got 525 today, it is clean sound at loud volume, ran Anthem ARC, it sounds great. I am comparing to parasound classic which was no slouch, it is pricey though, it last long time though so good investment. I was considering parasound A52+ but it is not available for three plus months, not disappointed at all.

Another vote for anthem.

Nice ! I ordered my 525 Gen2 last week....Not cheap, but should improve from my Marantz SR8015 !
I have Paradigm in wall speakers...same company...
Also ordered the OREI DP-UB9000P-K Region Zone Code Free 4K Ultra HD Blu Ray Player

Great choice. I use 3 of the older Anthem 525s and have the same Panasonic 4k blu-ray player. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Good luck.

Mark Beileiter said:

Great choice. I use 3 of the older Anthem 525s and have the same Panasonic 4k blu-ray player. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Good luck.

Click to expand...

I have the delivery and installation scheduled for July 19th
Hopefully, this will do great with the Sony 715 projector !

Bruno Scribe said:

I have the delivery and installation scheduled for July 19th
Hopefully, this will do great with the Sony 715 projector !

Click to expand...

You will not be disappointed with Anthem Amp. they are built to last, I am very impressed with MCA 525 gen2 working with MRX1120.

Assuming you are using the Amp for HT use. IMO Unless you listen at extremely high volume levels. And have very power hungry speakers There should not be any difference in Audio Quality between the Anthem the Emotiva and the internal Amps in your Marantz.