Adcom, Acurus or McCormack


I am in need of a new amp. Am familiar with Adcom and was going for the 5400 or the 5500 but have come across a good deal on an Acurus A200. How do these two compare? I really want a McCormack but don't know if I can afford at this point since I am upgrading much of my old system. My System now includes Adcom GTP 450 HK 730 twin powered amp (over 20 yrs old to be replaced) Infinity RS 5 (About 11 Yrs old w/ new surrounds) Mag CDB 650 (will be replaced after amp) Thanks for your help.
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I have a McCormack DNA-1 with a McCormack ALD-1 pre amp both of which have been upgraded by Steve McCormack. They provide plenty of smooth bass into my Dahlquist DQM9s. You can pick up a DNA-1 in the $900.00 range and upgrade it later. The B upgrade makes a very noticeable difference in both the amp and pre-amp.
The new generation McCormack DNA-125 is an absolute best buy, read the reviews on audioreview.com and stereotimes.com. Better, listen for yourself. I had this amp for 2 months now. It is truly amazing.
McCormack vs. others mentioned? Slightly softened bass..yes. but the elusive quality that others do not possess. MUSICALITY, EARTHY VOICING,AIRY. When i upgrade to a power cord Synergistic.. IT WAS THE MOST RESPONSIVE! adcom- compressed width of stage. acurus- akin to audiolab, fast but fatiguing with high volume classical music. McCormack-(check the above configuration) AND BY THE WAY...McCormack is better of without a CHANGLIGHTSPEED. Check if it is consistent with other line conditioners.
Thats an interesting thought Tbridges. I have "upgraded" that HK 730 once before when a channel went out only to find that I had taken a step backward instead of forward. Interestingly enough that product gets a high rating on audioreview