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McCormack DNA-1 vs Odyssey Stratus vs Marsh 400

I am thinking about trying to upgrade my front end amp. I am running 2 of 5 channel from my Rotel 1095 (200WPC) to my Proac Studio 200.

My budget. I am trying to stay below $1K for the amp any a mid-level aftermarket power cord (Am using VH Flavor 4). That said my budget is around $750 -$850.

After reading thru several forums McCormack DNA-1 or DNA-1 deluxe, the Odyssey Stratus Plus or Extreme and the Marsh A400s all appear to be viable options. I need your help. Which of these would you recommend and why? Any other suggestions?
sempaul
jerrym303
54 posts
 
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
deecee's avatar
deecee
108 posts
 
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!
augwest's avatar
augwest
43 posts
 
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.
foeraus
34 posts
 
I wish I had seen this earlier. I have a pair of ProAc Studio 200's. Had an Aragon 4004 Mk II and the speakers responded much better to tubes. I have a Golden Tube Audio SE-100 (2x100W EL-34) amp.....works wonderfully!
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