The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·24003·Announced 2023-10-05

Russound MCA-88 Multizone Controller Amplifiers Recalled for Fire Hazard

Russound is recalling about 3,170 MCA-88 Multizone Controller Amplifiers because internal circuit board components can overheat and catch fire. The firm has received 16 reports of smoking, charring, and burning, though no injuries have been reported.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states no injuries have been reported and the hazard is theoretical (components "can" overheat). However, the firm has received 16 reports of actual smoking, charring, and burning, demonstrating the hazard is not merely theoretical but has manifested in real-world incidents. This qualifies as a high-risk product where fires have occurred, placing it at severity level 3 per the rubric criteria for risk-of-harm products.

Plain-English summary

Russound/FMP Inc. is recalling the MCA-88 Multizone Controller Amplifier, a distributed audio system that provides up to eight zones of audio control. The units measure approximately 17 inches wide by 3.5 inches high by 17.2 inches deep and weigh 28.8 pounds.

The internal circuit board components in the recalled units can overheat, posing a fire hazard. The recall affects units with serial numbers beginning with four digits ranging from 2047 through 2307. Serial numbers are located on a label on the front of the unit under the clear plastic cover. About 3,170 units were sold in the United States (an additional 245 units were sold in Canada).

The recalled amplifiers were sold to wholesalers, who sold them to installation professionals for consumer purchase and installation from January 2021 through July 2023 at approximately $4,000 per unit. The firm has received 16 reports of smoking, charring, and burning. The damage has been contained to the units only, and no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled amplifiers and contact Russound at 800-638-8055 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday), by email at [email protected], or visit https://russound.com/MCA88 or https://russound.com and click on "Product Recalls" to arrange for a free replacement unit to be installed at no cost by a certified professional installer.

The recalled product

Product
Russound MCA-88 Multizone Controller Amplifiers
Manufacturer
Russound/FMP Inc., of Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Category
Consumer Product — Audio Equipment
Hazard
  • fire
  • overheat
Affected units
3,170

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same category