McCormack DNA-1 vs Odyssey Stratus vs Marsh 400

I'm running a Rotel 1066 pre-proc in 2ch mode most of the time but need it for 5.1 when I play DVD's. Am using a Denon 3910 as a universal player. Acoustic Zen Hologram II speakers cables and all Neotech 7N UPOCC silver I/C's (these are supposedly identical to AZen Absolutes). I want my Proacs to completely disappear. I want the deepest and widest soundstage possible (don't we all). Hope this helps benchmark what I'm working with.

Sempaul,

If you want your Proacs to completely disappear. ( which I don't think is possible ) then I would shift over to tubes. I have never heard proacs sound as good as when I have listened to them on a tube setup.

However if your are bent on your direction, you might try the Marsh with your pre. However I would add CJ and Classe to your list if I were you. I think Classe would beat out any of the amps mentioned with your pre. And as they say with CJ " It just sounds right " And both of these companies have been around quite a long time. Service wont be a problem.

Of course in the end you will need to finally take the time to listen to some different amps. Our opinions are based on our listening experiences and our likes and dislikes.

I can't tell you about the Oddyssey, but I owned a Rotel 200 watt (980?) a while back and I'm now using a DNA-1. Huge difference. Cleaner and sweeter.

Those Rotels are powerhouses, the DNA-1 will not be as powerful. You should keep the Rotel for your rears.

If the DNA-1 turns out not to be warm enough for you, try a Belles next.

Jerry

Both Aragon & McCormack are exceptional performers. In my setup I currently use an Aragon, however I found that the McC was better in my system than the Aragon (more refined, better solidity of image) with Aerial Acoustic 7s.

However, I received the Aragon at an "offer I couldn't refuse" price and went with it.

You would be hard pressed to find better bang per buck performers than them.

I am unfamiliar with Marsh but also heard positive things about it as well.

Good Luck!

I owned a pair of Odyssey monoblocks for nearly a year and was not at all impressed with them - it's fair to say that I actively disliked them, both for sound and build quality. The Odyssey preamp was even worse and made me swear off Odyssey forever. I would choose either of the others over the Odyssey.