Description

Experience exceptional audio control and signal purity with the Anthem STR Preamplifier, a high-performance stereo preamplifier engineered and manufactured in Canada.

Combining advanced analogue circuitry with sophisticated digital signal processing, the STR Preamplifier is designed to preserve musical detail and deliver accurate, transparent sound reproduction from a wide range of audio sources.

Featuring a high-resolution DAC, asynchronous USB audio input, dedicated Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) phono stages, balanced XLR connectivity and Anthem Room Correction (ARC®), it offers a comprehensive solution for premium two-channel audio systems.

With flexible bass management supporting up to two subwoofers, Home Theatre Bypass and up to 30 configurable virtual inputs, the STR Preamplifier provides exceptional versatility for both dedicated stereo listening rooms and integrated home theatre systems.

Key Features

Premium Stereo Preamplifier: High-resolution analogue and digital preamplifier designed for two-channel audio systems.

Advanced Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC): High-performance digital processing with asynchronous sample-rate conversion.

Anthem Room Correction (ARC®): Optimises in-room frequency response to compensate for room acoustic characteristics.

ARC Genesis Compatibility: Advanced room correction software for Mac and PC, with up to four storable listening profiles.

High-Resolution USB DAC: Supports PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD audio up to 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz.

Digital Upsampling: Upsamples lower-resolution digital sources to 32-bit/192kHz.

Comprehensive Digital Inputs: AES/EBU, two coaxial and two optical digital inputs supporting stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Dedicated MM and MC Phono Inputs: Separate, shielded inputs for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges.

Adjustable Phono Equalisation: Six pre-RIAA curves and adjustable settings for playing older vinyl records.

Balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs: High-quality balanced connections for professional and audiophile audio equipment.

Four RCA Analogue Inputs: Flexible connection for multiple analogue audio sources.

Dual Subwoofer Outputs: Supports up to two subwoofers in mono or independent stereo configurations.

Advanced Bass Management: Integrates subwoofers with main speakers for improved low-frequency performance.

Analog Direct Mode: Allows analogue signals to bypass digital signal processing.

Home Theatre Bypass: Integrates a dedicated stereo system with a separate home theatre processor.

Up to 30 Virtual Inputs: Flexible source configuration and input management.

Adjustable Analogue Input Levels: Helps match connected sources and minimise unwanted noise or distortion.

Digital Jitter Reduction: Asynchronous sample-rate conversion and data reclocking help reduce source-related jitter.

Flexible System Control: Supports Ethernet, RS-232, infrared remote control and 12V trigger output.

Graphic Front-Panel Display: Convenient access to volume, source selection and system settings.

Made in Canada: Designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada.

Complete Technical Specifications

1. General Specifications

Specification

Details

Model

Anthem STR Preamplifier

Series

Anthem STR Series

Product Type

Stereo Preamplifier

Number of Channels

2

Digital-to-Analogue Converter

Integrated High-Resolution DAC

Room Correction

Anthem Room Correction (ARC®)

Room Correction Software

ARC Genesis

Bass Management

Supports up to 2 subwoofers

Home Theatre Bypass

Yes

Analog Direct Mode

Yes

Virtual Inputs

Up to 30

Available Finishes

Black and Silver

Country of Manufacture

Canada

2. Preamplifier Performance Specifications

Frequency Response

Input / Operating Mode

Frequency Response

Digital Input – 192kHz

10Hz–50kHz (+0.00, -0.50dB)

Digital Input – 96kHz

10Hz–45kHz (+0.00, -0.50dB)

Digital Input – 44.1kHz

10Hz–20kHz (±0dB)

Analogue Input – DSP Mode

10Hz–40kHz (+0.00, -0.20dB)

Analogue Input – Direct Mode

10Hz–80kHz (+0.00, -0.10dB)

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N)

Operating Mode

THD+N

Digital Input – 44.1kHz, 0dBFS

0.0008%

Analogue Input – DSP Mode, 1Vrms Input

0.0020%

Analogue Input – Direct Mode, 1Vrms Input

0.0020%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

Operating Mode

SNR

Digital Input – 44.1kHz, 0dBFS

112dB

Analogue Input – DSP Mode, 2Vrms Input

110dB

Analogue Input – Direct Mode, 2Vrms Input

120dB

Output Specifications

Specification

Details

Maximum Output Level (RCA)

2.2Vrms

Maximum Output Level (RCA – Analog Direct)

3.3Vrms

Maximum Output Level (XLR)

2.2Vrms

Maximum Output Level (XLR – Analog Direct)

3.3Vrms

XLR Pin Configuration

Pin 1: Ground; Pin 2: Normal; Pin 3: Inverted

3. Phono Preamplifier Specifications

The STR Preamplifier includes dedicated Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) phono inputs for connecting compatible turntables.

Specification

Moving Coil (MC)

Moving Magnet (MM)

Input Impedance

100Ω

47kΩ

Input Capacitance

—

270pF

RIAA Response (20Hz–20kHz)

±0.1dB

±0.1dB

Gain (1kHz)

61dB

41dB

Maximum Input (DSP Mode)

3.6mV

38mV

THD+N (DSP Mode)

Less than 0.015%

Less than 0.003%

THD (DSP Mode)

0.001%

0.001%

SNR (DSP Mode, IEC-A)

86dB

103dB

Maximum Input (Analog Direct Mode)

11.8mV

129mV

THD+N (Analog Direct Mode)

Less than 0.008%

Less than 0.002%

THD (Analog Direct Mode)

0.001%

0.001%

SNR (Analog Direct Mode, IEC-A)

90dB

110dB

Measurement conditions: THD+N and THD at 1kHz, 20Hz–20kHz bandwidth and 2Vrms output. SNR measured using IEC-A weighting at 2Vrms output. Maximum input values are measured at 1kHz.

Additional Phono Features:

Separate, shielded MM and MC inputs.

Dedicated turntable grounding terminal.

Six pre-RIAA equalisation curves.

Continuously adjustable phono curve for older vinyl records.

User-adjustable phono gain and equalisation settings.

4. Digital Audio Inputs

Digital Input

Quantity

Supported Formats

Asynchronous USB DAC

1

PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz; DSD up to 5.6MHz

AES/EBU

1

Stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz

Coaxial Digital

2

Stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz

Optical Digital

2

Stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz

5. Analogue Audio Inputs

Analogue Input

Quantity

Details

Balanced XLR Inputs

2

Balanced stereo analogue connections

RCA Line Inputs

4

Unbalanced analogue connections

Moving Magnet Phono Input

1

MM and high-output MC cartridge compatibility

Moving Coil Phono Input

1

Low-output MC cartridge compatibility

Phono Ground Terminal

1

Turntable grounding connection

6. Audio Outputs

Output Connection

Quantity

Details

Balanced XLR Outputs

4

Front left/right and two subwoofer channels

RCA Left/Right Outputs

1 Pair

Variable-level stereo preamplifier outputs

RCA Subwoofer Outputs

2

Mono or independent stereo configurations

RCA Line Outputs

1 Pair

Fixed-level outputs suitable for headphone amplifiers or recording equipment

The balanced XLR outputs include the front left/right and two subwoofer channels.

7. Digital Processing and Audio Functions

Feature

Details

Digital Upsampling

Up to 32-bit/192kHz

Asynchronous USB PCM

Up to 32-bit/384kHz

USB DSD Playback

2.8MHz and 5.6MHz

AES/EBU PCM Support

Up to 24-bit/192kHz

Coaxial PCM Support

Up to 24-bit/192kHz

Optical PCM Support

Up to 24-bit/192kHz

Internal Analogue-to-Digital Conversion

32-bit/192kHz

Digital Sample-Rate Conversion

Asynchronous 32-bit/192kHz

Digital Reclocking

Yes

Analog Direct Mode

Yes

Bass Management

Yes

Subwoofer Configuration

1 Mono, 2 Mono or 2 Stereo

Listening Modes

Stereo, Mono, Both = Left, Both = Right

Input Configurations

Up to 30 virtual inputs

ARC Room Correction

Yes

ARC Profiles

4 storable profiles

8. System Connectivity and Control

Connection

Details

Ethernet

Network connection for IP control, ARC and firmware updates

RS-232

Serial connection for system integration and control

IR Input

External infrared receiver connection

12V Trigger Output

12V DC / 50mA

USB DAC Input

Asynchronous USB audio connection

USB Mini-B

ARC and firmware updates via PC

Power Connection

IEC C18 power cord inlet

Chassis Ground

Dedicated phono grounding terminal

9. Home Theatre Bypass

Feature

Details

Home Theatre Bypass

Yes

Front Channel Inputs

RCA 3 or XLR 1

Subwoofer Inputs

RCA 4 or XLR 2

Power Requirement for Bypass Operation

Bypass functions while the STR is in standby

Signal Path

Relay-based direct connection

System Integration

Shares front left/right amplifier and up to two subwoofer channels with a home theatre processor

10. Power Consumption

Operating Mode

Power Consumption

Standby (120V Version)

0.38W

Standby (240V Version)

0.45W

Standby + Network (120V Version)

1.1W

Standby + Network (240V Version)

1.2W

Idle

40W

Typical Use

10W

11. Power Requirements

Specification

Details

Power Supply Type

Single-phase AC

Operating Voltage Range

108–264V AC

Operating Frequency

50/60Hz

120V Supply Range

108–132V AC, 60Hz

220–240V Supply Range

198–264V AC, 50/60Hz

Automatic Voltage Selection

Not specified

12. Physical Specifications

Specification

Details

Height

9.93cm (3-8/9″)

Width

43.2cm (17″)

Depth (Excluding Power Cord)

37.69cm (14-5/6″)

Weight (Unpacked)

7.6kg (16.8lbs)

Available Finishes

Black and Silver

Country of Manufacture

Canada

Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) – Optimised Sound for Your Listening Room

The STR Preamplifier incorporates Anthem Room Correction technology to optimise audio performance according to the acoustic characteristics of your listening environment.

Using a precision measurement microphone and advanced correction algorithms, ARC analyses how your speakers interact with the room and applies adjustments to improve frequency response, reduce unwanted resonances and enhance bass performance.

ARC Genesis is compatible with Mac and PC and supports up to four storable listening profiles, allowing different configurations for different listening preferences or room arrangements.

Advanced Bass Management – Flexible Subwoofer Integration

The STR Preamplifier provides two dedicated subwoofer outputs with three configuration options:

1 Mono: Sends a mono bass signal to the connected subwoofer output(s).

2 Mono: Sends a mono signal to both subwoofer outputs, allowing separate calibration of each subwoofer.

2 Stereo: Sends the left-channel bass signal to the left subwoofer and right-channel bass signal to the right subwoofer.

Combined with Anthem Room Correction, the system helps integrate subwoofers smoothly with the main speakers.

High-Resolution USB DAC

Connect a compatible Windows PC or Mac directly to the STR Preamplifier through its asynchronous USB DAC input.

Supported audio formats include:

PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz.

DSD audio at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz.

Windows computers require the appropriate XMOS USB audio driver. Compatible Mac computers support plug-and-play USB audio.

Dedicated MM and MC Phono Inputs

The STR Preamplifier features separate, shielded Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono inputs, allowing direct connection of compatible turntables without requiring an additional external phono preamplifier.

Its adjustable phono equalisation also accommodates older vinyl records that were produced using equalisation standards other than RIAA.

Home Theatre Bypass – Seamless Stereo and Cinema Integration

The Home Theatre Bypass function allows the STR Preamplifier to integrate into a combined two-channel music and multichannel home theatre system.

When configured, the home theatre processor can connect directly through the selected bypass inputs to the corresponding front-channel amplifier and subwoofer connections.

The bypass function operates while the STR Preamplifier is in standby, so the unit does not need to be powered on separately during home theatre playback.

Premium Construction and Canadian Engineering

Designed and manufactured in Canada, the Anthem STR Preamplifier combines sophisticated analogue circuitry, high-resolution digital processing and extensive system integration capabilities.

Its graphic front-panel display, intuitive controls and elegant Black or Silver finish make it a premium addition to a dedicated stereo listening room or high-end home entertainment system.

Package Contents

According to Anthem’s operating manual, the standard package includes:

1 × Anthem STR Preamplifier

1 × Remote Control

2 × AAA Batteries

1 × USB Type-B Cable (USB Audio)

1 × USB Mini-B Cable (ARC and Software Updates)

1 × Dual-Jack Microphone

1 × 3.5mm Microphone Cable (ARC Mobile App)

1 × IEC Power Cord

Additional ARC Measurement Kit (where supplied):

USB Measurement Microphone

Microphone Clip

Telescopic Stand with Boom

USB Mini-B Cable for Microphone

CAT5 Network Cable