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Cary 303/300 or Musical Fidelity A5 with Mac gear?

Looking to upgrade from my Arcam cd player. Looking for a better source to match my Mac MC-207 and C-2200. The Arcam is ok but it isn't the smoothest or the fullest sounding player out there. Does have good detail though. Looking for some insight from other Audiogon members. Have borrowed a Mac MCD-201 and like it. It is better that the Arcam but its fuctions are alittle odd. Went looking for an Ayre CX7e but was told that Ayre isn't producing them currently and will not take orders for any (by my local dealer). I am open minded too, for other options, but top loaders will not work in my system. Any thoughts?? Would like to keep it at or under 4k too. Thanks!
hawkeye43
hawkeye43 OP
32 posts
 
I am all over the place with this decision. Tonight I was wondering if a good DAC would do the trick? Something like the Benchmark or the PS Audio. Just a thought.

Still playing with the MAC MCD-201. Has good soundstaging and depth and is very smooth. But it doesn't seem to have the speed and detail of the Arcam. Would love the get the Cary in my system just to see how well it works with the rest of the gear. Also have always been into the Musical Fidelity gear. Have there tube buffer and its great. The search is on.

Thanks guys!

David
jburidan
803 posts
 
I love my Cary 303/300. I'm not familiar with the A5, but have been disappointed with other Musical Fidelity gear.
steidlguitars
90 posts
 
I didn't like the A5 amp very much but I do like the A5 CDP.

Buying a DAC could certainly be a smart choice, especially if you wanted to try PC-based audio at some point where it would be offer some flexibility. I have a Paradisea that I use in my bedroom set-up.

Like CDPs, different flavors of DAC appeal to different tastes, so no simple decision there either!
wireless200
415 posts
 
I'd go with the Cary. I haven't owned one but every time I've heard a Cary CD player it sounded suprisingly good in the system. I've heard them sound great with Krell. I have Mc gear myself and I'd go with Cary or Rega if I were buying another CD player.
hawkeye43 OP
32 posts
 
Taking back the Mac MCD-201 tomorrow and my borrow a Primaire cd31. Many odd little issues with the Mac. Curious to see how it sounds. Read a good reivew of it in the absolute sound. But also considering the MF A5. Does anyone with Mac gear have one?

Thanks

David
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