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

Showing 1 response by mcarroccio

Outstanding Service from Ayre on discontinued product...

I have an Ayre V3 that was damaged by lighting last year. After calling the factory, they asked me to return it to them. They repaired the V3 AT NO COST and shipped it back to me AT NO COST! I would not hesitate to buy a used Ayre piece.