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Cary Cinema 8 vs. Krell Showcase vs. TagMclaren AV

Can anyone help me figure out the comparison between these the processors? My dad is a big fan of Cary amps, but there is nowhere close for me to listen to their processor. I've found a pretty good deal on a Krell Showcase, and a good deal on the Tag Mclaren AV32R. I'm particularly interested in opinions on the Cary and Tag, because there a ton of comments already here on the Showcase.

Thanks in advance!
Ag insider logo xs@2xazkeith
ears
341 posts
 
I know nothing about the Cary, but the Parasound halo c2 is superior to the showcase and latest tag in every respect.

The c2 is available for around 3k street whith a 10 year warranty whith bug free operation, upgradability and is considered the pre/pro to buy in the 4k and under range.
There are even 5k pre/pros that were replaced by the c2.

Go to www.avsforum.com and you can find a huge thread on the c2 and which pre/pros it has replaced and/or been compared to.
kevy
3 posts
 
I own an AV32r from Tag, bought it in the year 2000, and adore it! it's great for movies, and a wonderful DAC for CD replay too... It looks "the business" as we say in England, I just wish I could afford more of their stuff...
lowrider
32 posts
 
Dont know the Cary, had a TAG for a couple of years, it is good, but after upgrading to the new TAG Dual Processor, couldnt live with it anymore...

Now have a Showcase, comparing with TAG DP, it is better with anything other than classic music, where TAG´s politeness has an edge over Krell´s forwardness and presence, the Krell sounds better at low volumes, but TAG´s TMREQ is more powerfull if you have a problem room...
rsmcphee
7 posts
 
I have a Cary Cinema 8. It is by far very good and very musical piece. It is better than the Krell in my opinion much smoother and warmer sounding. It has a good movie performance as well. I think that it is definitely one of the best out there. For those of you who do not know about Cary, check them out, I think they are one of the best out there it is sad that not many dealers have them. Also, check out the Simaudio Stargate, that sounds very very good too. My choice would have to come down between those two.

My components are:

AMP: Simaudio Titan 5 channel amp

Speakers: Martin Logan Ascent i, Martin Logan Theater i, and Martin logan Scenario for rears

SUB: Infinity HPS 1000 (1000 watts)

Powerconditioner: Monster HTS 1000 and Audioprisms

Sources:
Pioneer 563A universal player with Musical Fidelity A324 upsampling DAC

Samsung HD931 DVD player

Shanling T200 tube player

Monitor: 65" Hitachi TV S500

Cables: Nordost Blue Heaven and Nordost Red Dawns

I hope this helps people.
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