POWER AMPLIFIER REVIEWS

Anthem Statement M1 Amplifier HT Labs Measures

HT Labs Measures

Driven continuously into an 8-ohm load:
0.1% distortion at 1,029 watts
1% distortion at 1,223 watts

Frequency response RCA input:
–0.14 dB at 10 Hz
–0.04 dB at 20 Hz
–0.16 dB at 20 kHz
–7.25 dB at 50 kHz

Frequency response XLR input:
–0.13 dB at 10 Hz
–0.03 dB at 20 Hz
–0.16 dB at 20 kHz
–7.33 dB at 50 kHz

This graph shows that the M1’s single amplifier channel, driving an 8-ohm load, reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 1,029 watts and 1 percent distortion at 1,223 watts. Unfortunately, the dedicated 20-ampere branch circuit and transformer that supplies power to our test bench was not up to the task of measuring the full continuous power capabilities of the M1 with a 4-ohm load, so we can’t state the true maximum power output accurately. (At the point where our variable transformer cried uncle while the M1 was driving a 4-ohm load, the amplifier reached 0.1 percent distortion at 1,558 watts and 1 percent distortion at 1,757 watts. Be aware that the M1 appears to be capable of producing even more output with a 4-ohm load if more mains power is available.) An input level of 100.9 millivolts was required to produce an output of 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load, indicating an overall gain of +28.97 decibels using the RCA input. When using the XLR input set to 0 dB, a level of 104.1 mv was required to produce an output of 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load, indicating an overall gain of +28.70 dB.

THD+N from the amplifier was less than 0.017 percent at 1 kilohertz when driving 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load using the RCA input. When using the XLR input under the same conditions, THD+N was also less than 0.017 percent. The signal-to-noise ratio with an 8-ohm load from 10 hertz to 24 kHz with “A” weighting was –94.18 dBrA using the RCA input and –94.74 using the XLR input.—MJP

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COMMENTS
henryhbk's picture
Submitted by henryhbk on November 2, 2012 - 2:13pm

This would seem to be a good choice for the bottom end of a biamp setup. Staggering power that will never exceed any bass demand of it. Then use a much smaller A/B setup for the top end.

I seem to remember that Carver actually put a small A/B amp on top of their class-d to handle the fine tuning of the frequency. Or at least they implied that in their marketing materials in the early 90's. Was this true?

On also wonders how much break in it needs. If it's a day or 2 of flat out running, they can do that at the factory!

LordoftheRings's picture
Submitted by LordoftheRings on November 2, 2012 - 7:30pm

First, you guys at HT.com get a dedicated AC outlet, so you can make meaningful measurements.

And second, as much as I love my country (Canada), Anthem is simply playing games with China; that just won't fly!
No way Jose, not at this 'boosted' price!

Thx to Mr. Fremer for the review.

zeeman1's picture
Submitted by zeeman1 on November 6, 2012 - 10:29am

Anthem surround receivers are manufactured in China.

Anthem preamp/processors and power amps are designed and manufactured in Canada.

The price/power/performance ratio on the M1'a is extraordinary by high end standards.

DS-21's picture
Submitted by DS-21 on November 4, 2012 - 6:15am

The one legitimate knock on Class D amplification is that the output filter often causes the amp's frequency response to vary in the treble with impedance.* So loudspeakers that present a higher-impedance load in the treble than the filter is designed for would lead for the treble issues MF found in his review.

Given that MF knows or really should know about issues with output filters and Class D amps, I was surprised not to read anything in his copy about the nature of the output filter. Moreover, I was very surprised to see no measurements of the Statement M1's treble frequency response into different loads. That measurement would indicate which speakers are good and bad matches for this amp. Did you measure the amp's frequency response into various loads? And, if so, what result?

*See, e.g. the measurements in Stereophile's review of the Bel Canto Ref1000M monoblock, which clearly shows an output filter optimized for a 4Ω load: the treble is recessed when driving an 8Ω load, is basically flat when driving a 4Ω load, and is elevated when driving a 2Ω load. (Into the Kantor simulated speaker load, it's a mess.) See also the measurements in Stereophile's review of the NAD M2 integrated, with its switchable output filters that clearly lead to large variances in treble frequency response.

MatthewWeflen's picture
Submitted by MatthewWeflen on November 4, 2012 - 7:31am

I think HomeTheater ought to write a guide for non-audiophiles that explains all of the jargon in this and other reviews like it. As someone who is primarily experienced with HTIB products, and has bought a few free standing speakers (I know what a woofer and a tweeter are!), I'm curious to know what all of this stuff means.

Rich67's picture
Submitted by Rich67 on June 26, 2014 - 9:52am

I liked the conclusion to this review. I have never heard any difference between well designed A/B amplifiers unless they were overloaded. Sorry audiophiles, but that's just me. These are, however, somewhat different. Class "D" obviously provides new challenges for the designers. They may be better or maybe not depending on what you like or are used to. Listen to them if you are in the market for $3500 amplifiers.

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