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Anthem STR Integrated Amplifier vs McIntosh MA5300
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Anthem STR

Integrated Amplifier | 200 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Anthem STR Integrated Amplifier
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McIntosh MA5300

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

McIntosh MA5300
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Anthem STR Anthem STR
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McIntosh MA5300 McIntosh MA5300
See at AMAZON
Anthem STR
See at AMAZON
McIntosh MA5300
See at AMAZON
Anthem STR vs McIntosh MA5300 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing STR Integrated Amplifier and MA5300, two Integrated Amplifiers from Anthem and McIntosh. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Anthem STR and McIntosh MA5300 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Anthem STR Key Specs

  • 200 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Weight: 40.00 lbs / 18.18 kg
  • Built-in Room Correction
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):6-13/16inch x 17inch x 17-9/16inch

McIntosh MA5300 Key Specs

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Weight: 38.00 lbs / 17.27 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):6inch x 17-1/2inch x 22inch

What size room are the Anthem STR and McIntosh MA5300 Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment Anthem STR McIntosh MA5300
Near-field Are you nuts? Poor
Small Room Bad Poor
Mid-size Room Poor Good
Large Room Good Good
Very Large Room Good Average

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Anthem STR and McIntosh MA5300 compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Reasons to choose Anthem STR Integrated Amplifier over McIntosh MA5300
MSRP Price(*) 5,000USD vs 6,000USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Built-in Room Correction Yes vs No Adjusts audio output to compensate for acoustic anomalies in a listening space
Watts into 8-ohms 200 watts vs 100 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms 400 watts vs 160 watts Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Signal to Noise Ratio 120 dB vs 110 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Minimum Impedance 2 ohms vs 4 ohms Compatible with 2-ohms speakers
Base Surface Area 1931.0cm2/ 299.3inch2 vs 2487.6cm2/ 385.6inch2 takes less space in your room

Reasons to choose McIntosh MA5300 over Anthem STR Integrated Amplifier
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.005% vs 1% Less Harmonic Distortion
Headphone Output 1/4 vs No Connect your headphone to the amplifier
Max Sample Rate 384kHz vs 192kHz Play higher resolution media
Height 153mm vs 174mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the Anthem STR and McIntosh MA5300 differs from each other.

Anthem STR Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
  • Phono Input
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-B(connect to your computer to playback files)
  • Ethernet Port
  • XLR Input Port
McIntosh MA5300 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
  • Phono Input
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-B(connect to your computer to playback files)
  • XLR Input Port
Anthem STR Back View
Anthem STR Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • 2 Preamp Outputs
  • Subwoofer Output
Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • Pre-out/Main-in Loop
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
McIntosh MA5300 Back View
McIntosh MA5300 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Anthem STR?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of STR Integrated Amplifier:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • AC power cord
  • Remote control (RC-ST 1)
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • USB-B to USB-A cable
  • miniUSB-to-USB cable
  • 3.5mm Microphone cable
  • USB microphone
  • Mic clip
  • Telescopic stand w/ boom
  • Ethernet cable
  • Operating Manual
  • What's in the Box of McIntosh MA5300?

    Here are the items that come with the MA5300:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • Owners Manual
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