2. amps-preamps
  3. 1394473891

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
hudsonhawk OP
137 posts
 
Thanks Jim, that's incredibly useful.

I'm currently deciding if I will stick with the separates route (in which case I'd most likely get the Wyred) or get an integrated like the Hegel H100.

Unsound, that's fair, though I will say I'm not the first person whose described the amp that way. Either way it's a great amp, and a bargain for the money. I just want to make sure I find a replacement that is its better and hopefully gives me the warmth and intimacy I prefer from a system (if this system didn't have to double as our TV system I would just get a tube amp).
unsound
7,332 posts
 
^I agree; "Either way it's a great amp, and a bargain for the money."
I suspect the Bel Canto and Wyred monos might be warmer than the McCormack. But I'd also guess that the more forward nature of the McCormack might offer more intimacy.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,201 posts
 
I have been doing some research and it seems several sources say the
Very new Wyred MK-2 amplifiers are a clear improvement in several areas.
Better Bass,dynamics,upper midrange and treble more liquid sounding and full,more front to back layering ,all at similar pricing.
I asked about a integrated Mk-2 , not at this time maybe end of year.
Maybe even a SE integrated !!
audiozen
831 posts
 
I mentioned in another thread that the two new W4S stereo amps both employ the latest generation B&O ICE, using the ASX 250-2 amp in both models. Both amps use two ASX 250-2 modules. This is the same amp that is used in the Bel Canto
REF 500M which has raised a lot of eyebrows in recent years.
Hook the new W4S ST-1000 MKII to the new Emotiva XSP-1 Gen2
Preamp which costs only $999.00 and you'll have a combination of sonic excellence.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,201 posts
 
I have directly compared the older Ice modules in the St amps.
I bought the New St-500-MK-2 which use the exact latest Top of the line
Ice amps,as well as the complete new FET input stage,with full differential
Balanced inputs ,and where the St was a bit laid back .the latest Mamp
And St500,1,000 MK-2 has a very liquid tube like presentation ,but still
A firm grip on images top is very open and airy mids very controlled
The Bass is exception vise like grip snd controlled.I bettered any review sample for I spent the extra $180 on the 3 Synergistic fuses,the stock fuses have gold plated ends so are not bad,and a very good power cord
Wireworlds Silver Electra 7 is a excellent match. You can buy the new amps with yowl confidence .i will do a review after a couple more weeks.
More to discover