M203 replaces M202 - More fins for cooler operation - Bigger transformers for better sound - User replaceable power module for better reliability!

MSB does it once again! This 200 watt monaural Amplifier uses the MSB strategy of design simplicity with a totally new architecture.  There is not another AMP in the world like it.

Built out of Desperation  

Designing the Platinum DACs we found that there was not an amplifier available that could let us hear everything that our DAC is capable of.  Some amplifiers would hold an image together well with multiple instruments playing but were not capable of fully resolving the individual instruments. Other amplifiers would simply sound wonderful until more than two or three things started happening at once!  We even listened to a few amplifiers that were completely missing notes in low frequencies!  The M-200 amplifier was designed from the ground up to be full of resolution, dynamics, to hold a solid image for each instrument no matter how many are going at once, with out being harsh or edgy.  We needed a Reference Amplifier, and that is what we built! Next we listened the suggestions of our customers and added some more features and the M202 was launched. Now with another year of experience we have further refined the AMP. The M203 is a little bigger, with lots more heat sink area so it runs cooler, and with bigger transformers so it sounds even better. Finally, in the M203 we have consolidated all the AC power componants into a user replaceable module.

Not Square!

As you've probably noticed, the M203 Amplifiers are round!  This design allows us to keep the signal paths as short as possible for the best possible performance.

Truly Balanced Architecture

Both the inputs and the outputs of this Amplifier are completely Balanced.  There is no funny business going on here! The M-203 also offers a single-ended input, that is treated separately from the balanced input.  A simple switch located near the input jacks allows you to switch the Amplifier between Single-Ended operation, Balanced (high gain, + 6dB) and Balanced (low gain). 

Control Features

Based on customer requests, the M203 has both a total power on / off and standby mode all selected by the lighted toggle on top and via a remote jack on the back. It also has a high/low Bias switch allowing the Amplifier to run in a cooler mode for hot environments, and hot as a pistol for the very best sound possible, even at the expense of a high air conditioning bill.

M-203 Amplifier
(per Mono AMP)
 Specifications

Inputs:
True Balanced (XLR)
Input Impedance 36kOhm

Single-Ended (RCA)
Input Impedance 18kOhm

Input Sensitivity:
4.34 Vpp @ 200W
  (High Gain +28db)

8.68 Vpp @ 200W
  (Low Gain +22db)

Common Mode Range:
+/- 20 V

Max. Linear Input Range:
10 Vpp

Max. Input Voltage:
20 Vpp

Transistors:
All Bi-Polar

Feedback:
0 Negative Local Feedback
0 Negative Global Feedback

Damping Factor:
80

Signal to Noise Ratio:
>120 dB

Power Rating:
>200 Watts at 8 Ohms
Capable of driving
a 1 Ohm load

Static Power Consumption:
250 Watts

Filter Capacitance:
220,000 uf 

Transformers:
Dual 600W Toroidal Transformers.