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Cary 303t Pro or Ayre c5xemp

Want to upgrade my Arcam FMJ cd23 and have narrowed it to the Ayre or Cary. Rest of system is Rowland Concentra integrated and Dynaudio c1 signature.

Prefer a warmer analog type sound without giving up dynamics. Also want a detailed wide 3d soundstage. I listen for hours so don't want something that would be fatiguing.

If anyone has heard both in a similar system would sure appreciate your comments.

Thank you...
yashu
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Is the Concentra based on the model 2 or 112 amp? I forget.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
I have a C5xemp and love it. Works best using balanced connections. Cary is probably warmer if that's your pleasure.
yashu OP
196 posts
 
Concentra 2
zd542
5,339 posts
 
The 2 is based off the 112. I happen to have one although its not in use right now. The reason I bring it up is that the Rowland is very forgiving and possibly even laid back in the high frequencies. I wouldn't consider either the Ayre all Cary to be all too warm sounding. They are both pretty neutral and much more detailed.

One other thing you mention as important is imaging. The Arcam is good in this regard. The Ayre and Cary are much better, especially the Ayre. The Rowland, however, is not so good. (I'm talking about my 112 which basically has the same power amp that your integrated does.) I really have no idea why but I thought I would mention it because imaging is one of the qualities you point out as important.
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