Audio Research M-300 (circa 1986–1988)
Nearly everything documented about the Audio Research M-300 comes from two period magazine references. HiFI-Stereo (December 1986, p.200) introduced the M300 in its new-products pages. It rated the amp at 300 watts minimum continuous power into 8 ohms from 16 to 25,000 Hz, with less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion.
Two years later, Audio (November 1988, p.154) gave the M-300 a full review in its AURICLE column, the magazine's showcase for uncompromising high-end gear. The review framed the M-300 as an amplifier for the audiophile seeking the ultimate in detail, dynamics, and musical transparency. It noted that the amp was engineered to deliver the sonic advantages of Class-A operation without the usual efficiency penalties (p.156). The reviewer cautioned that those virtues would only be fully apparent with the best possible front ends, sources, and speakers. The M-300 offered a slightly forward listening position, very good though not outstanding depth, and excellent imaging (p.158).
Beyond that, the record is thin. No original price, production years, dimensions, or service literature have been confirmed. The review lists Audio Research's address as 6801 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Minneapolis.
- Type: power amplifier (per Audio's AURICLE review, Nov. 1988)
- Rated output: 300 W minimum continuous into 8 ohms, 16–25,000 Hz, <0.5% THD (per HiFI-Stereo, Dec. 1986)
- Period references: HiFI-Stereo new-products listing, Dec. 1986; Audio AURICLE review, Nov. 1988
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