2. amps-preamps
  3. 1232823653

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
petek
34 posts
 
I had a DNA-125 driving my Harbeth M30s (85 db sensitivity, 8 ohms). It drove them with ease and to great effect. Importantly, the amp ran cool even during summer conditions.

I ended up upgrading to a DNA-1 Revision A, which sounded fuller and slightly warmer. For a little more money, you should audition the DNA-225 or a DNA-1 Rev A.

In all the above cases, the MAP-1 was my pre-amp.

good luck!
semi
649 posts
 
I own a CAD-200, basically a stereo version of CAD-500MB which was favorably reviewed by 10 Audio.

http://www.10audio.com/cary_500mb.htm

there is no "best" amp out there, all are good and Cary is better than McCormack or Ayre in some areas. it's not a class D, it has very nice tone and texture like an old fashion class A/B. for the money, they can't be beat considering they are most likely newer than most Ayre or McCormack you are consider and Cary also has the convenience of both RCA & XLR inputs.
wireless200
415 posts
 
I was in the Cary factory the other day and was told they don't even make class D amps anymore. I was also under the impression they made mostly if not all their SS amps class D. I often thought that class D amp they did make for a while hurt their overall SS amp reputation. Class D is basically a plug and play module.

Another misconception about Cary I've often read on the 'gon was that only their tube amps are made in the US. I was told that some of the preprocessors and DVD players are made overseas (at Cary Hong Kong). All their SS amps and pre-amps and I think their CD players are still made in Cary, NC.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I have a Cary 500mb and man, I love it. The best amp I have ever owned, well for my set up, and I have had a bunch of them!!
dawgcatching
139 posts
 
I have an upgraded DNA-125 (Gold) that is absolutely stellar for the price of the amp used plus upgrade. I haven't heard anything that beats it at that price. Very musical, detailed, big soundstage, powerful, can listen for hours. I did have trouble mating to a tube preamp, due to high input sensitivity, but it can be done, just choose wisely. For a few more $, the Platinum revision can give you the current required for demanding loads. Dehavilland Ultraverve/Superverve pre and upgraded DNA-125 made a great combo in the $3,500 separates (used) range. The ARC LS26 was also nice, but a little noisier than the Dehavilland.
More to discover