Mc 303

[Msegal]

I am planning to upgrade my midfi HT from B&W on wall to Focal Electra Be in walls. I will go from 5.1 to 7.1.
I will be changing my Sony ES receiver to a Marantz AV 8805 and a MM8807 7 channel amp (150 rms).

I am contemplating adding a MC 303 for the front 3 speakers. There is not much in cyberspace about these amps except for KR’s brief but positive account. There are some reports of how great it works as a stereo amp due its robust power supply.

Does anyone here of any experience with this 155 pound behemoth ?
I would think it would sound much better then the Marantz amp but any first hand experience is most welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Mike S.

[RaceCarDriver]

I have an AV8805. Previously I had an MM8077. I replaced that with a pair of MC303s which I am currently using with the plan of adding a 3rd and a pair of monos for a total of 11 channels.

There was a brief moment where I was using the MM8077 to power my 800D3 and HTM1D3. I knew it wasn’t enough, but it had to do as this room has been a project for the last 12 months.

The upgrade to the MC303 was great and immediate over the MM8077. I’ve been using the pair of 303s for the last 6 months and if this all I ever had I could be content. But when is content enough

I have read that a dedicated 20amp outlet and this amp is capable of 1000 watt peaks. It’s on the roadmap.

Ron C has stated the MC303 amp is capable of keeping up with bigger monos.

Could it be too much for those in-walls?

[Vintage Pete]

I don't own an MC303, I don't have the space or budget for such and amp. However I can tell you that if I did have the space and budget for a larger multi-channel setup this amp would be at the top of my list. It is a massive, beautiful beast...no question about it.

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by Msegal

I am planning to upgrade my midfi HT from B&W on wall to Focal Electra Be in walls. I will go from 5.1 to 7.1.
I will be changing my Sony ES receiver to a Marantz AV 8805 and a MM8807 7 channel amp (150 rms).

I am contemplating adding a MC 303 for the front 3 speakers. There is not much in cyberspace about these amps except for KR’s brief but positive account. There are some reports of how great it works as a stereo amp due its robust power supply.

Does anyone here of any experience with this 155 pound behemoth ?
I would think it would sound much better then the Marantz amp but any first hand experience is most welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Mike S.

I had a 303...great amp. BUT be careful if buying used. Mc had a quality issue with a run of them.... Mine overheated due to some defective “Motorola board” issue. If you buy used, be sure to check with Mc if the serial number was part of the bad batch.

[RaceCarDriver]

If I recall that was an issue with very early builds? Which was 10 years ago.

[Robc33]

I had a 303, it was great amp, and very impressive looking. I replaced it with 3 Parasound JC-1s. Not everyone will have room for 3 mono blocks in their racks, but they bested the 303 in every way, and for less money.

[Msegal]

Originally Posted by RaceCarDriver

I have an AV8805. Previously I had an MM8077. I replaced that with a pair of MC303s which I am currently using with the plan of adding a 3rd and a pair of monos for a total of 11 channels.



There was a brief moment where I was using the MM8077 to power my 800D3 and HTM1D3. I knew it wasn’t enough, but it had to do as this room has been a project for the last 12 months.



The upgrade to the MC303 was great and immediate over the MM8077. I’ve been using the pair of 303s for the last 6 months and if this all I ever had I could be content. But when is content enough



I have read that a dedicated 20amp outlet and this amp is capable of 1000 watt peaks. It’s on the roadmap.



Ron C has stated the MC303 amp is capable of keeping up with bigger monos.



Could it be too much for those in-walls?

I was concerned about “needlessly “ driving the Focals with “unnecessary “ power but my intent is for quality over quantity. If I just idle those output transformers that is fine.

BTW what does need have to do with any of this.

Mike S.

[Msegal]

Originally Posted by JWJW

I had a 303...great amp. BUT be careful if buying used. Mc had a quality issue with a run of them.... Mine overheated due to some defective “Motorola board” issue. If you buy used, be sure to check with Mc if the serial number was part of the bad batch.

Thanks for the heads up.

Mike

[Msegal]

Originally Posted by Robc33

I had a 303, it was great amp, and very impressive looking. I replaced it with 3 Parasound JC-1s. Not everyone will have room for 3 mono blocks in their racks, but they bested the 303 in every way, and for less money.

Getting mono blocks rather than a three channel amp offers more versatility but at greater cost with Mcintosh. I am sure the JC-1s are awesome, congrats.
I prefer to stick with Mcintosh at this time.

Mike

[RaceCarDriver]

Originally Posted by Msegal

I was concerned about “needlessly “ driving the Focals with “unnecessary “ power but my intent is for quality over quantity. If I just idle those output transformers that is fine.

BTW what does need have to do with any of this.

Mike S.

I didn’t say anything about need. Not familiar with those speakers or the power handling, however if overkill is desired you came to the right place! I say go for it!

And if MC303 ends up not getting the bid, maybe a Rotel in place of the Marantz? I love Marantz, just think their HT amps could be better.