Phoenix Gold Phorum

I read in many places here and elsewhere that some people consider M25 a reference amp. It's not perfect or terribly powerful, but it sounds very neutral. That seems to be the point.

What about the other M-series? They probably have the same amp topology with more power so shouldn't they sound even better? M50 looks like M25 with double the power capability in its power supply.
M44 and M100 have some onboard processing, so that might add some coloration in the signal path.

So why do I "always" find M25 mentioned as a reference and not the other M amps?

Mr. Wild,

I will definitely talk about M amps with you. I love 'em! Check out my system on the "Installs" page.

I am using an M44 to power my all-original and complete set of MB Quart QSD 216 6 1/2" comps - each front channel powers a tweeter and each rear channel powers a mid. Then I have the M25 bridged to power the Punch 12.

I am extremely happy with the transparency and power of both amps. In fact, I have the gains on the M44 turned to their absolute minimum settings. On the other hand, I have the gain on the M25 turned to slightly less than 1/2 of it's maximum. Also, I am not using the M44's crossover functions because I have a old AX406A doing the duty.

Another interesting thing I discovered about the M44 is that, if you're using all four channels, you don't need to run interconnects to all four (front and rear) inputs. You only need to run interconnects to the front channels. In other words, you don't need to run interconnects to the rear channels inputs to use the rear channel outputs.

I am not a technically-inclined person and I have not owned dozens of different brands of amps, but I think the transparency and power of the M-series is terrific and I would be hard-pressed to let them go. Plus, I think they look great!

Lowcountry PSU Lion

I am probably the only guy who considers the M25 a reference amp, but I have been using my M25 as a baseline for so long I just keep using it.

The M50 is every bit as good as the M25 but with more power.

I don't think the M100 sounds as good as the M25 or M50, but chances are this is just in my head. The M100 is the exact same design, other than the addition of the crossover, which is defeatable, so it should not matter at that point.

I like mine so much I have another set in the closet for that rainy day

As far as I can tell M-series amps are every bit as high quality as MS-series. MS just has more current capability judging by the size of the power transistors and heat sink.

I've had an M50 driving components for over 3 years and it has given me zero issues. The sound is absolutely neutral and clear. I can't seem to drive it into clipping because my tweeters sound so harsh I can't turn it way up. I listen to heavy rock so most of my records tend to sound harsh and distorted.

My problem is tweeter placement. They are in the corners of window "sails" which act like sound guides amplifying mid to high range frequencies. I'm hoping to find time to change my tweeter install, so I can enjoy every bit of power M50 is capable of.

either move them onto the a pillar or go down in the kicks and it should make a huge difference. My mustang has tweeter pods up by the mirrors as well and all I can think to do with the is to maybe mount some switches in them for when the new doors are finished