AMPLIFIERS
The Memphis 16-MC300 is one amplifier in Memphis Car Audio’s “MClass” series — its “high quality audio reproduction amplifier designed for the audiophile and everyday consumer alike.” If you’re interested in an amplifier that delivers performance instead of hype, the Memphis 16-MC300 deserves a closer look.
First Look
The Memphis 16-MC300 is a two-channel, Class AB amplifier. Memphis’ “Full MOSFET Design” means that both the power section and audio output section use MOSFET devices. (MOSFET stands for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). The company claims that these devices offer superior sound quality over bi-polar output transistors when used in the audio section. The MC300 has a continuously adjustable 18 dB-per-octave high-pass or low-pass crossover that you select via a switch on the endplate of the amplifier. The outputs can be used in stereo, bridged, or “Tri-Mode” operation. (Tri-Mode operation is where the amplifier runs both stereo and bridged configurations simultaneously.) The MC300 has gold-plated RCA connectors and nicely appointed power, ground, and speaker connections. The MC300 is wrapped in a compact aluminum chassis with a really slick black pearl finish.
Closer Look
At 6.5 inches wide, the MC300 is quite deceptive in its appearance. The amplifier has a much narrower footprint than other amplifiers in its class. While the amplifier looks small, it’s actually quite dense. To fit everything inside, all the power and speaker connections are on one side of the amplifier, while the low-level signal RCAs and adjustment controls are on the opposite side. Two 25-ampere fuses are located on the bottom of the amplifier. (There was no room on the end panel.)
The MC300 has both RCA inputs and outputs. The RCA inputs can accept voltage from your source unit from 250mV up to 5 V rms. This provides more than an adequate range of adjustment to accommodate all possible source units. The RCA outputs allow for the connection of multiple amplifiers in a “Daisy Chain” configuration. The MC300 also has RCA outputs for easy Daisy Chaining.
Installation
Installation of the Memphis 16-MC300 was straightforward and easy. The mounting feet extending from the amplifier are sturdy and well placed. The connections were easy to use and well made. The controls are legible and easy to use. One of the neat features of the Memphis 16-MC300 is the LED indicators. The green light indicated the amplifier is on and working properly. The red light means that one or more of the protection circuitry components has been engaged. This let’s you know that you overloaded the amplifier, shorted the speaker outputs, or reversed the battery polarity. (Have you ever known a blinking red light to be a good thing?) The yellow LED indicates that the on board fuses are blown or open. Either way, you need to uninstall the amplifier to inspect the fuses located on the underside.
Manuals/Web Support
The owner’s manual provides all the necessary information to install the amplifier properly. I particularly liked he section on setup and adjustment. Here, Memphis Car Audio accurately states that the gain control is not a volume control, but adjusts the amount of signal required to drive the amplifier to full output. The section also offers some insight to setting and using the 18dB/octave crossover in the MC300 properly. The Web site, www.memphiscaraudio.com, is informative. There, I downloaded a spec sheet for the amplifier. The owner’s manual was not available for downloading. For an amplifier of this caliber, it would be best installed by an Authorized Memphis Car Audio Dealer.
Sound Q & Performance
Refreshing — an amplifier where the company accurately reported its power specifications. This Memphis 16-MC300 produced 165 watts per channel into 4 ohms stereo, 272 watts per channel into 2 ohms, and 545 watts bridged into 4 ohms, respectively. This exceeds every spec provided. Given that the MC300 is a Class AB type amplifier; its maximum efficiency of 73.5 percent at 4 ohms stereo is quite impressive. At 1/3 power (typically where amplifiers are least efficient), the MC300’s efficiency dropped to 38.6 percent, drawing nearly 18 amperes of current to produce 50 watts of power per channel. The sound quality of the amplifier was equally impressive. It was smooth, well detailed, and sounded effortless.
Summary
The Memphis 16-MC300 is a fine example of how to build a great performing amplifier. While many amplifiers focus on a lot of extra features, Memphis Car Audio focused on performance and grace. Even when driving the amplifier hard, the MC300 never lost its composure. Combine the amp’s slick looking cosmetics, narrow footprint, and good performance, and the 16-MC300 is the perfect choice for running a pair of satellites or subwoofers. Can’t make up your mind which way to use the amplifier? Get two and have a great sounding system.
The Memphis 16-MC300 On The Sonoda Scale
Highs: Compact Design, Slick finish. Great full range performance.
Lows: Fuses located on bottom of amplifier.
Weight Factor: 545 watts at 8.5 pounds.
Best Use: With either a pair of satellites or subs, the 16-MC300 will work great.
Performance Value:
****
Performance vs. Weight
****
Power vs. Efficiency:
****
Manuals, Online Support:
***
Lies, Damn Lies And Amplifier Specifications
Hats of to Memphis Car Audio for the first electronic component I’ve tested that accurately reported its specifications. In fact, they quoted power ratings with 13.8 Volts input as opposed to the more common practice of 14.4 Volts. The only thing I could find incorrect in the manual was the different lower frequency ratings of the crossover. (In one section it’s 50 Hz, in another it was 40 Hz) I consider this a typo and not a reflection on the accuracy of what Memphis Car Audio claims. Memphis Car Audio is a company that delivers what they promise.
Memphis 16-MC300 SPECS
Operating Voltage: 14.4 Volts (11-16 Volts allowable)
Rated Power @ 13.8 Vdc, 0.03%THD: 150 Watts x 2 into 4 ohms, 240 Watts x 2 into 2 ohms, 480 Watts into 4 ohms bridged
Measured Power @ 14.4 volts, 0.035 THD: 164.6 watts x 2 into 4 ohms, 272.6 x 2 into 2 ohms, 545.2 watts into 4 ohms bridged
Current Draw @ Max Power: 31.1 amps @ 4 ohms stereo, 55.2 amps @ 2 ohms stereo and 4 ohms bridged
Efficiency @ Max Power: 4 ohms Stereo: 73.5% @ 4 ohms stereo, 68.6% @ 2 ohms stereo and 4 ohms bridged
Efficiency at 1/3 rated power: 4 ohms Stereo: 38.6% @ 4 ohms stereo, 36.0% @ 2 ohms stereo and 4 ohms bridged
Amplifier Weight: 8.5 Pounds (3.86 kg)
Amplifier Dimensions: 6.5 inches x 2 inches x 15.2 inches (165 mm x 51 mm x 386 mm)
Crossover: Continuously variable 18 dB/octave from 40 Hz-6000 Hz
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 50 kHz
Input Voltage Range: 250 mV to 5 volts
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