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Choosing the Right EPIC Device for Every Space

Quick Reference QR-AE-034 · Audio Enhancement EPIC · Product Guide · Rev 1.0 · Oct 2026

Which Audio Enhancement amplifier or network interface goes in a classroom, an office, a gym or a hallway, and what replaced the older models.

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Written by: Brad Roy, VSC Director of Operations · Verified against: AE spec sheets and QSGs: MS-700 DC-40133.0124; MS-700-S DC-41139.0525 / DC-41151.1025; MS-720 DC-41099.1025 / DC-41098.1025; MS-775 DC-41100.1025 / DC-41101.1025; CZA-1300 DC-41133.0525; IP speakers DC-41301.0826, DC-41303.0926, DC-41321.0926; Campus Bridge DC-41310.0826 · Applies to: New EPIC projects and replacements of MS-300, MS-320 and MS-375 interfaces

Every EPIC space needs one device on the network that plays bells, pages and intercom, and (in classrooms) runs the wireless mics. The right one depends on how big the space is, whether teachers use XD mics there, and what kind of speakers it has.

1️⃣ Start with the space

Space	Use	Why
Classroom with XD mics	MS-700	Amp and XD receiver in one wall box. Teacher and student mics, SAFE alerts from the teacher mic, intercom, bells and paging. One PoE+ cable.
Classroom, receiver mounted separately	MS-700-S + XD Receiver	Amp only (metal enclosure). Add an XD Receiver where the mics need it; one splitter cable carries audio, power and RS-232 (QR-AE-014).
Office, small room, workroom (no XD mics)	MS-720	Paging, bells and two-way intercom for small rooms. Call button and room mic through the wall plate.
Small room that also needs SAFE coverage (hallway pod, locker room, fitness area)	MS-775	Everything the MS-720 does, plus it picks up non-paired SAFE alerts from XD teacher mics and alert badges. It extends SAFE coverage into areas classroom receivers don't reach.
Gym, cafeteria, auditorium, hallways (70 V speakers)	CZA-1300	300 W, 70 V rack amplifier for big spaces. Needs AC power and PoE. Add an XD Receiver for mics or SAFE (QR-AE-030, QR-AE-014).
A single speaker location, no amp	AE IP speakers	PoE IP ceiling tile (SP-1102), wall (SP-1103), outdoor horn (SP-1105) or IP Speaker Clock (EPIC 3.3+). See QR-AE-025.
Existing speakers and call switches to keep	EPIC Campus Bridge	Puts EPIC paging, intercom and bells on a building's existing speaker and call-station wiring. Ask VSC if it fits the building.

2️⃣ Replacing an older interface

If the room has	Replace with	Notes
MS-300 network interface	CZA-1300	The common-area replacement. Plan rack space, AC power and the 70 V speaker load (QR-AE-030).
MS-320 network interface	MS-720	Same job (paging and two-way intercom). Uses a WPA-70x wall plate and PoE+.
MS-375 SAFE alert range extender	MS-775	Same purpose: non-paired SAFE alerts from XD teacher mics, now also from alert badges.

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Before you swap: the newer interfaces need PoE+ (802.3at) switch ports (the CZA-1300 needs PoE plus AC). Check each switch's PoE budget, and check that the wall plates and speakers in the room match the new device. VSC confirms this on a walkthrough.

3️⃣ Side by side

	MS-700	MS-700-S	MS-720	MS-775	CZA-1300
Best for	Classrooms	Classrooms (separate receiver)	Offices, small rooms	Small rooms + SAFE coverage	Gyms, cafeterias, halls
XD mics	Built-in receiver	External XD Receiver	No	Non-paired SAFE alerts only	External XD Receiver
Power	PoE+	PoE+	PoE+	PoE+	PoE + AC
Speakers	Low-impedance (2 Ω overall min.)	Low-impedance (2 Ω overall min.)	8 Ω (4 Ω min.)	8 Ω (4 Ω min.)	70 V line, 300 W
Wall controls	3 RmtCtrl + WPA-70x	3 RmtCtrl + WPA-70x	1 RmtCtrl + WPA-70x	1 RmtCtrl + WPA-70x	RmtCtrl + WPA-70x
Media in	2 × 3.5 mm	2 × 3.5 mm	Line level in	Line level in	3.5 mm line in
Warranty	7 years	Check with AE	7 years	7 years	3 years

Warranty terms from AE's Combined Limited Warranty DC-40886.0626 (see QR-AE-020). The MS-700-S isn't listed by name in that document.

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VSC note: Not sure which device a room needs? Send VSC the floor plan with each room's use (classroom, office, gym) and whether teachers there use mics. VSC's estimators pick the device, speakers and wall controls for every space. Call (248) 926-2540 or email [email protected].

📚 Sources & credits

Compiled by Brad Roy, VSC Director of Operations. Replacement pairs (MS-300 › CZA-1300, MS-320 › MS-720, MS-375 › MS-775) per VSC.
Audio Enhancement spec sheets and QSGs: MS-700 DC-40133.0124; MS-700-S DC-41139.0525 and DC-41151.1025; MS-720 DC-41099.1025 and DC-41098.1025; MS-775 DC-41100.1025 and DC-41101.1025 (non-paired alerts from XD teacher mics and alert badges); CZA-1300 DC-41133.0525; MS-375 spec sheet DC-40936.01 (older AE document); SP-1102, SP-1103, SP-1105 and IP Speaker Clock spec sheets; Campus Bridge DC-41310.0826; Combined Limited Warranty DC-40886.0626