Specifications

Edge-of-the-Art Multi-Mono
Design: Less Talk, More Power!
By design, P2 and P5 amplifiers
are actually powerful independent
“monoblock” amplifiers. Each
channel is self-contained on its
own glass-epoxy circuit board
and heatsink. Each channel also
benefits from its own independ-
ent power supply. Since there is
no common audio path between
channels there is a complete absence of crosstalk. Regardless of
whether one channel or all channels are driven, there is no penalty in
performance—even when all channels are operating at maximum output!
Frequency-response channel matching is superb. The musical picture is
seamless and exquisitely detailed with a multichannel soundstage that is
astonishingly transparent, cohesive and three dimensional.
In the rare event that servicing is required, the modular design allows it
to be done quickly and easily by an authorized technician.
Active-Load Cascoded Complementary Feedback Input Stage
P2 and P5 amplifiers benefit from our proprietary input topology—a
unique departure from the classical differential input stage. Eight low-
noise bipolar input devices, hand-matched for superior balance, are
configured in a complementary active-load cascoded feedback
arrangement. Heat shrink tubing applied around each critical input pair
ensures superior thermal tracking. Designed to reduce distortion, this
arrangement not only ensures exceptionally linear response but also
superior bandwidth and superb reliability.
Independent Power Supplies:
Maximum Power and a Whole New Level of Quiet
Due to the high costs involved in incorporating sophisticated independent
power supplies many high-end designs have only one power supply—
unregulated and common to the input/driver and output stages. The
drawbacks to this design are a reduction in maximum power output and
overall efficiency when all channels are operating. The constant charging
and discharging of the power supply filtering capacitors can introduce
noise into the audio path. Anthem
™
Statement designers opted for a
more expensive, but ultimately more effective, cleaner and quieter power
supply design.
Each amplifier channel features two separate and autonomous power
supplies fed from separate transformer windings. A regulated high-power
supply used in the driver stage facilitates an overdesigned output stage,
allowing for highly efficient use of the unregulated high-power supply. P2
and P5 amplifiers are able to deliver stable, continuous power at maximum
output, regardless of the number of channels being driven. Even when
challenged by the most demanding musical transients, output remains fluid
and continuous. Dynamic bursts of power called for by explosions and various
taxing special effects in movies are delivered instantly and effortlessly.
While some amplifiers tend to oscillate when driving lower-impedance
loads, the P2 and P5 remain perfectly stable under all conditions. If pushed
into clipping, our proprietary anti-saturation tracking power supply circuit
takes over to ensure seamless recovery.
Since the use of a regulated power supply in the driver stage removes
any noise emitted by the bridge rectifier (often heard as an audible hum
at 120 Hz and its harmonics), the P2 and P5 achieve an utterly white
noise floor. Signal-to-noise ration in P2 and P5 amplifiers is outstanding
at 125 dB.
Massive Toroidal Transformers: An Audible Difference!
Conservatively rated, in a low-profile design, these low-impedance toroidal
power supplies—one per amplifier channel—make no sacrifices when it
comes to delivering a continuous supply of pure, clean low-noise power.
They are shaped to minimize stray magnetic field radiation and tuned to
minimize hum. A sequence-controlled soft turn-on significantly reduces
power line transients and in-rush current during start up, preventing
accidental tripping of circuit breakers.
Fourteen Bipolar Output Devices Per Channel
An amplifier’s ultimate performance for music and movies is directly
related to the the number of high-quality, high-current devices used in
the output stage. The greater the number of devices employed, the lower
the dissipated power on each device and the more power available for
the crescendos in music and the demanding special effects in movies.
While some manufacturers cut corners to save costs in this area, our
designers incorporated fourteen rugged bipolar output devices per channel
for an overdesigned output stage. This results in tremendous current held
in reserve and unsurpassed amplifier reliability.
2-oz Copper Traces on Hand-
Designed Circuit Boards
Our 2-layer FR-4 glass-epoxy
circuit boards feature plated
through-holes and heavy 2-oz
thick copper traces to promote
excellent conductivity. Extensive
use of power- and ground- planes
ensures exceptionally low noise
and increased protection from
stray electromagnetic energy—
internally, as well as externally
from other devices.
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