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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
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.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
conrad johnson should be on your short list. They are known for making tube sounding ss and they run cool as a cucumber. They can be had within your budget used here on the gon.
steidlguitars
90 posts
 
Wireless200, are you sure about Cary not making Class D amps? I thought that the amps in the "Concept Series" were Class D, and the website backs that up.

Is Cary dropping that line?
wireless200
415 posts
 
I'm going back over there tomorrow or the next day. I'll try to remember to ask about the concept series.
wireless200
415 posts
 
I was over there today. We were taking a look at something else and when I asked the service guy, he was pretty clueless about the Concept series. He's just not that familiar with some of the product line. I would have like something more definitive but I guess they depend on the sales outlets for that. I'd like to hear more Cary stuff. I know their CDP sounds great and the 120S tube amp I have sounds quite good. I'm wondering how the SS stuff sounds.
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