Crown
Professional power amplification, full stop
History
Crown International was founded in Elkhart, Indiana in 1947 by Clarence C. Moore, an amateur radio operator and engineer who built his first amplifier in a converted chicken coop. The company name "Crown" came from Moore's desire to make the "crown jewel" of audio equipment.
Crown's early products were tube amplifiers for amateur radio and public address. The company established a reputation for conservative power ratings and exceptional reliability—characteristics that would define Crown for decades.
The DC300 (1967) became the most influential solid-state power amplifier in history. Delivering 150 watts per channel (conservatively rated), the DC300 established solid-state as viable for professional audio. It remained in production for over 20 years.
The Macro-Tech series (1980s-2000s) represented Crown's ultimate professional amplifiers. Used in concert sound systems worldwide, Macro-Tech amplifiers delivered massive power with the reliability that touring acts required.
Crown also produced consumer products including the Power Line series, bringing professional quality to home audio. The company was acquired by Harman International in 2000.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|
| Founded | 1947, Elkhart, Indiana |
| Founder | Clarence C. Moore |
| First Location | Converted chicken coop |
| Most Influential | DC300 (1967) |
| Professional Standard | Macro-Tech series |
| Current Status | Part of Harman International |
Legendary Products
Crown DC300 (1967)
The most influential solid-state power amplifier ever made. The DC300's conservative 150WPC rating, exceptional reliability, and clean sound established solid-state as the future of professional audio.
Crown D150 (1970s)
A smaller sibling to the DC300 that brought Crown quality to smaller applications. The D150 became popular in recording studios and home audio systems.
Crown Macro-Tech 1200 (1980s)
A professional amplifier delivering 400 watts per channel with exceptional reliability. The Macro-Tech series became the standard for concert sound systems.
Crown Power Line Four (1980s)
A consumer amplifier that brought Crown's professional engineering to home audio. The Power Line series offered DC300-derived performance in consumer packaging.
Classic Models Reference
| Model | Era | Type | Power | Key Features |
|---|
| 30M | 1950s | Tube Amp | 30W | Early tube |
| 60M | 1950s | Tube Amp | 60W | Early tube |
| DC300 | 1967 | Power Amp | 150WPC | The legend |
| DC300A | 1970s | Power Amp | 150WPC | Updated DC300 |
| D75 | 1970s | Power Amp | 40WPC | Smaller DC300 |
| D150 | 1970s | Power Amp | 75WPC | Mid-range |
| D150A | 1970s | Power Amp | 75WPC | Updated D150 |
| D300 | 1970s | Power Amp | 150WPC | DC300 successor |
| Power Line Two | 1980s | Power Amp | 100WPC | Consumer line |
| Power Line Four | 1980s | Power Amp | 200WPC | Consumer flagship |
| Macro-Tech 600 | 1980s | Power Amp | 200WPC | Pro series |
| Macro-Tech 1200 | 1980s | Power Amp | 400WPC | Pro flagship |
Sound Signature
Crown equipment is characterized by:
- Conservative ratings - More power than rated
- Exceptional reliability - Built for touring
- Clean power - Low distortion, wide bandwidth
- Professional heritage - Studio and concert proven
- American engineering - Indiana manufacturing
Collecting Crown
Vintage Crown gear is valued for:
- DC300 - The classic
- Power Line series - Consumer classics
- Working condition - Reliability key
- Professional use - Studio/touring provenance
- Conservative power - Underrated performance
Most collectible models:
- DC300 - The legend
- D150 - Popular smaller amp
- Power Line Four - Consumer flagship
- Macro-Tech - Pro series
Restoration Tips
Common Crown service items:
- Replace electrolytic capacitors (age-related)
- Check output transistors
- Clean controls and switches
- Verify bias settings
- Check protection circuits
- Professional service recommended for high-power units
Competitors & Comparisons
Crown vs Phase Linear: Both high-power; Crown more reliable
Crown vs Bryston: Both professional; different markets
Crown vs consumer amps: Crown professional heritage
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