In a timeless review, The Absolute Sound's Andrew Quint explores the enduring performance of the Anthem STR Preamplifier and Power Amplifier. While praising the amplifier's immense power and excellent low-frequency control, the review heavily emphasizes the transformative role of Anthem Room Correction (ARC) Genesis. Quint concludes that this proprietary technology is essential to achieving true high-end audio, noting that ARC Genesis immediately elevates the listening experience from "good to superior" by effectively neutralizing room effects. This review remains a powerful endorsement of the STR Series' unparalleled combination of engineering and adaptable sonic precision.Table of Contents
Tested by Time: Why the STR Series is Still a Benchmark
Great engineering doesn’t fade with time—it establishes a benchmark. We are looking back at a seminal review from our friends at The Absolute Sound (TAS), where writer Andrew Quint explored the capabilities of the Anthem STR Series, and more specifically, the flagship STR Preamplifier and STR Power Amplifier.
Published in late 2019, this review remains one of the strongest endorsements of the STR Series’ enduring value and, specifically, the transformative power of Anthem Room Correction (ARC) Genesis.
The Timeless Advantage of ARC Genesis
Quint’s thorough assessment proved that the STR system is engineered for longevity. While the STR Power Amplifier delivers immense, uncompromising power, the intelligence of the system lies in ARC Genesis. This proprietary technology ensures that the formidable power and sonic detail of the STR are translated flawlessly into your listening space, regardless of its acoustic quirks.
The review confirms that ARC Genesis is not a luxury, but a necessity that permanently elevates the listening experience:
“The new Genesis software works extremely well to neutralize problematic room effects. This is easy to assess, as ARC can easily be turned on and off in the preamp's ‘Preferences’ menu, the sonic quality transforming from good to superior with the press of a button on the remote.”
Uncompromising Power and Control
The review further validates the STR Power Amplifier’s engineering—a dual-mono, high-current design built to drive any loudspeaker with authority. Quint’s commentary on the amplifier’s low-frequency performance remains a powerful statement on its control:
“With the grip that the Anthem amp applied to the Magico S3 Mk2's woofers, I was happy to forgo the subwoofer... Spatiality and low-end weight were excellent.”
We thank Andrew Quint and The Absolute Sound for providing an article that continues to demonstrate the Anthem STR Series's lasting commitment to accuracy, authority, and adaptability.
Read the Full Review
Publication: The Absolute Sound
Writer: Andrew Quint
Original Review Date: October 8, 2014
Full Review Link: Read the Full Review on The Absolute Sound
