2. amps-preamps
  3. 131401-709

Is there a better integrated amp than the Cary SI-300.2d for the money?

Hi all,

I have a very large stereo system from PBN that I love.  The two amps each weigh 200 lbs (with 4 kva transformers each) and there is a separate very large power supply for both the preamp and phono preamp.  Top notch quality.  But, too big for our new house.  Again, I love that system (2 Olympia amps together with the Olympia LX and Olympia P preamps) but need to switch.  Does anyone have experience with the Cary SI-300.2d integrated amp?  What are some good solid state amps at the $4k - $5k price range?  Thanks in advance for your help.


ozfly
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,467 posts
 
Neal at Sound Science will loan you his to demo for the cost of shipping. 
ozfly OP
887 posts
 

Thanks grannyring. I’ll look into it and try to compare it to the Cary provided the pricing is in the ballpark. I do have one or two analog inputs so I’ll ask Neal about that.

sfseay, thanks for the suggestion.  I'm a little nervous about class D -- maybe I'm just old fashioned. 

sfseay's avatar
sfseay
496 posts
 
Classe Classe claims it isn’t standard Class D, and they designed their own amplifier.  They have a white paper out that explains the technical details.  Also, look at the Stereophile review to get some insight.  I bought a used demo so I got a good price.  
sfseay's avatar
sfseay
496 posts
 
Classe claims it isn’t standard Class D, and they designed their own amplifier. They have a white paper out that explains the technical details. Also, look at the Stereophile review to get some insight. I bought a used demo so I got a good price.  I’m coming from a Mcintoshe preamp and amplifier and I like the sound of the Classe better, especially since I listen to digital exclusively.
ozfly OP
887 posts
 

I remember listening to McIntosh 30+ years ago and was blown away. It was a Crown and McIntosh combo driving a combination of JBL horns and 15" woofers in custom designed cabinets (my friend was an Electrical Engineer who later owned a recording studio -- he got me into the audiophile world).  I’ll look at some of the Classe reviews again. If it beats McIntosh, well ...

However, I have a couple of analog inputs so I need to consider that as well.

Again, thanks Audiogon community for the input.  Much appreciated.


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