2. amps-preamps
  3. 1234446850

Power Amps with High Current or High Damping

A fellow Audiogoner and I have the same monitors. He's run into the same problem that I did when trying to fill a 14' x 35' room.

I found out, completely by accident, that when I replaced my Herron preamp and monoblocks (150 wpc) with a Karan integrated (170 wpc), the Karan solved the problem.

Though the wattage was similiar, the high current and/or damping factor of the Karan took a hold of the speakers and made them play whatever it was sending. The monitors are completely up to the task and never broke up.

Jim is trying to keep his cost for an amp that will control his monitors like this to around $3,000.00, give or take. He asked me about a McCormack DNA 225, but I don't know anything about McCormack amps.

I would like everyone's thoughts about the McCormack DNA 225 and suggestions for other amps that would fit the bill.

Thanks,
Chuck
krell_man

Showing 4 responses by krell_man

krell_man OP
827 posts
 
Harmonic Precision Caravelles from Star Sound Technologies. You can see them if you look at my system photos.
krell_man OP
827 posts
 
Dev, hey David, concerning the Karan versus the Burmester. The Karan KA I-180 is a hair darker than the Burmester 036.

That said though, Gary, the importer told me that the I-180 and S-180 sound a bit darker than any of the bigger power amps. I don't want to sound like I'm taking anything away from Karan, so I'd try to audition one in your system before taking my word for it. I haven't heard any of the Karans other than my KA I-180, but it was the best I'd ever had until I heard the Burmester.

I have heard the Burmester 036 and the 956 Mk 2, they have the same sound, just different power. I just happen to be one who's captivated by the Burmester sound. I'd definitely talk to Tonypdb1 since he's selling his 911 Mk 3's and running them with the MBL speakers.

Chuck
krell_man OP
827 posts
 
Thanks Juancgenao. While I've never heard anything about the McCormack amp at all. I've never actually heard the Belles amp, but I've heard very good things about it.

So, as far as the damping factor:

McCormack amps - I can't find the damping factor

Belles 350A ref - 2,000 df

Karan KA I-180 - 1,200 df
Karan (bigger ones) - 6,000 df
Karan (biggest ones) - 10,000 df

Burmester 036 - 1,800 df
Burmester 956 Mk 2 - 2,000 df
Burmester 911 Mk 3 - 3,000 df

Chuck
krell_man OP
827 posts
 
Dev,

No, I don't know Tony. I just saw his ad.

I left the Accustic Arts digital for three reasons.

1. The man who upgraded my speakers and his partner suggested that I switch to the new Wadia 581 se, and then run it straight into a power amp. I have great respect for both of them, so I did it blindly. It's one of the best pieces of advice I've ever gotten.

2. Brian Ackerman told me that the jump from the DAC 1 Mk 3 to the Mk 4 was a really good jump, but the Mk 4 jump to the Tube DAC wasn't worth the extra $4,000.00 unless money was of no concern to me.

3. One AA transport, one AA DAC, one Stealth Varidig Sextet balanced digital cable and two Dream State power cords, that's $20,000.00. The Wadia 581 se and one Silent Source power cord, that's $10,500.00. And to me, the Wadia blows the AA pieces that I had, as good as the whole setup was, completely out of the water. You have to hear it to understand how much better the Wadia 581 se is, plus it can be upgraded to the 781 se (when the se model is released).

I didn't sell the Karan integrated because I wasn't happy with it, I just needed a really, really fast and good power amp to mate with the Wadia. I bought the Burmester for less than the Karan that's here on Audiogon. Either one would have been fine with me.

Chuck
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