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Amp recommendation: Cary SS vs. McCormack vs. Ayre

I am building a system with a limited budget. I have some Sehring 703 speakers (86db sensitivity at 8 ohms) and a Manley Shrimp preamp on the way. I have limited space in my A/V cabinet, so do not have room for a tube amp. But I am looking for something that when paired with the Manley Shrimp will have a tube-like sound.

My budget is max $1,600. These are the three amps I am considering.

1. McCormack 125 -- the 500 gets good reviews, so this probably sounds pretty good as well (right?)
2. Ayre V3 -- also gets good reviews. Only concern is that it has been out of production for a long time and if it breaks it won't be serviceable.
3. Cary A-2 -- Cary has a very good reputation for their tube amps, but I can't find much on their "lower-end" solid state 2-channel amps.

Any thoughts/recommendations would be much appreciated.
mcondon
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
765 posts
 
Even though the Ayre V-3 is out of production, Charles and Co. will still support you if you ever have any issues. Plus, if you have an older version of the V-3, I believe Ayre can upgrade it for you to the latest version of the V-3. Give Michael a call at Ayre on Monday and ask him.

Every now and then I see a minty Ayre K-3 / V-3 combo come up for sale and I think "Damn...I bet that would be nice."
2002ss335
84 posts
 
I have been looking for a new amp and those are on my short list. I have also been looking at the Parasound A21, it is hard to find anyone who has found faults with it.

Regards,
Todd
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
I have the Mccormack DNA-125 driving Dynaudio Contour S1.4s with 86db eff and 4ohm impedence to great effect. The 125 is very nuetral in this system. Detailed, quick and full bodied with Classical Jazz and 70's rock. I am using Emotiva RSP-1 as stereo amp controller. The Mccormack is in excellent shape no issues, pics available if you are interested. Believe the reviews many can be found here and online.
eslaudio
118 posts
 
Though I haven't heard the Ayre or the Cary, I've owned the DNA-125 with the Manley Shrimp and can attest that they are an excellent match. Given your budget, I would recommend checking out a used DNA-225, which I've also heard and believe is worth the extra cash over the DNA-125. If you haven't already, you might want to check out the Stereophile review of the 225. Another plus with the McCormack amps is the option to send them to Steve McCormack for upgrades in the future if you want. Best of luck.
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