your ears are the ones you have to please but I would go with the Cary
Help me decide Comments appreciated :
So, after admittedly swapping gear more than any sane person has a right to, I thought I had found my keeper system (at least for awhile) with a NAD M2 acting as DAC and integrated amp. Unfortunately I had repeated technical difficulties with the M2 and after much hand wringing, had to move on. So now I've settled on the new Benchmark DAC2 as my DAC and preamp feeding my 2 channel amp and my Dynaudio Focus 340 speakers. I am in the lucky position that I have 2 amps here that both seem to have outstanding synergy with the Benchmark and the Dynaudios. I'm going to pick one, sell the other and this system will be sticking around as is for awhile. I've listened to both amps in my system and love them both. I literally cannot find anything to criticize. They both sound fantastic top to bottom. So help me decide which one to keep. Both amps are solid state high power amps.
Amp1: Cary SA-200.2. This amp has 200 w/ch into 8 ohms. Incredibly smooth sound. Mid-range is spot on. Voices are lifelike. Bass is excellent, but never boomy. Highs are good, but 1 notch below translucent.
Amp2: Perreaux Prisma 350P. This amp has 350 w/ch into 8 ohms. Also amazing bass. Probably just a smidge stronger bass than the Cary, but both amps have very satisfying and very well controlled bass. The Perreaux also is just a hair more transparent up top but lacks a smidge of the mid range magic that the Cary has as it's strength.
Both amps sound amazing to me and only a cat's whisker separates their performance. They are worth about the same on the used market so money is not really an issue.
The Cary looks better and matches my room better.
Any thoughts much appreciated!
Amp1: Cary SA-200.2. This amp has 200 w/ch into 8 ohms. Incredibly smooth sound. Mid-range is spot on. Voices are lifelike. Bass is excellent, but never boomy. Highs are good, but 1 notch below translucent.
Amp2: Perreaux Prisma 350P. This amp has 350 w/ch into 8 ohms. Also amazing bass. Probably just a smidge stronger bass than the Cary, but both amps have very satisfying and very well controlled bass. The Perreaux also is just a hair more transparent up top but lacks a smidge of the mid range magic that the Cary has as it's strength.
Both amps sound amazing to me and only a cat's whisker separates their performance. They are worth about the same on the used market so money is not really an issue.
The Cary looks better and matches my room better.
Any thoughts much appreciated!
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