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Bel Canto and Wyred monos

Hey all,

I've got a Mccormack DNA-125 driving my Martin Logan EM ESLs that I really love. Were it not for one big issue, I wouldn't even think about upgrading - and that issue is that it's really big. Like, too big for my rack, meaning it has to sit on top under my TV.

I decided recently to look for amps that were either standard component width or less, and two amps that keep popping up are the Wyred and Bel Canto monoblocks. Both would fit comfortably in my rack, and seem to be very well regarded.

My only concern is that I regard the McCormack so highly I'm concerned that these amps may not represent a significant upgrade in performance, despite the difference in price. I love it's almost tube-like warmth and musicality, and am a little concerned that with the Class D amps paired with my great but neutral speakers and my tonally similar Class D preamp (the underrated PS Audio GCP), things might get too clinical.

Has anyone compared either of these amps to any of the classic Mccormacks or similar AB amps?
hudsonhawk
soix
9,456 posts
 
Wouldn't it be a lot easier and cheaper to just get another rack instead?
ecruz
402 posts
 
I've owned a few different McCormack amps. DNA 1.0, DNA 0.5 and DNA 0.5 with SMc upgrades. All VERY nice amps for the money.

I don't remember which model, but I did try a Wyred. I found it to be a little too, for lack of a better word, soft. Meaning, in my system it wasn't as dynamic sounding as the McCormacks. The low end was a little soft & the highs were a little laid back.

I also owned a Bel Canto integrated. It was in a different system, so not really apples to apples, but I really liked the Bel Canto. Very smooth, clean, clear, dynamic sound. Where sometimes the standard McCormacks (more so the DNA 1, never the 0.5 with SMc upgrades) could get a little harsh when pushed, the Bel Canto was always composed. Always smooth and easy to listen to.

Hope this helps.

As always, just my opinion. YMMV
hudsonhawk OP
137 posts
 
Soix,

My buddy said the exact same thing. The thing is I really like my rack (a Sanus JVF65) and it also doubles as my plasma mount (as pictured here: http://www.sanus.com/en_US/products/furniture/jfv65/) so the switching cost would probably be pretty similar to switching amps.

Ecruz - thanks, that does help. Which BC integrated was it? I'm hoping that going "big" on wattage, which is easy to do from the Class D's, will prevent dynamics from being an issue. And I do most of my listening at low volumes and they seem like good candidates for that. But you're right, the Mccormack's are amazing amps for the money which makes it hard to switch.
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