2. amps-preamps
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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 2 responses by rtn1

rtn1
535 posts
 
David,

For some reason, Wadia units take a few days to reach their characteristic sound. This has been commented upon extensively, and it includes everything in their line. I find a cold player to be unlistenable until at least 24 hours. Some claim it takes 7 days. Bottom line is that you should ask your friend to keep it in your system for a week without touching the power or interconnects. It may still not be your thing, but I think it is hard to do a quick A/B comparison.

The Esoteric P01 transport is a real statement piece.
rtn1
535 posts
 
I'll be the first to say that the Wadia is not for everyone. I've never heard the 581, so I cannot speak to that. For me, an emotional connection with a piece of music requires a system to dig-deep into the recording and present all the information. This includes the musicians technique, the communication between the musicians, subtle alterations in tempo and dynamics, and the space which contains the musician, extending to the stage and the hall. There are CD players that may present a more pleasant or even intoxicating attack and decay of notes, and a more full harmony. The Wadia tells me whether the violinist is playing a Stradiverius, what part of the arms are pressing on the piano keys, how a soloist interacts with the conductor and orchestra in a concerto to create a searing performance. I have over a dozen recordings of Mahler 2, and I like to hear all the differences of each interpretation that go beyond 'a little faster in this movement', 'a little slower in that movement', and 'you can hear the clarinets more in that one'. There are pianists that create beauty from the inside purely from incredible technique, such as Moravec or Bolet. There are also great pianists that have such command of power and phrasing, they make a piece into their own, such as Richter and Horowitz. The Wadia tends to be of the former approach. Perhaps it is a bit more cerebral, but that is what gets me involved whether live or recorded. (BTW, I love Richter and Horowitz and many others, don't get me wrong!)

My DAC is still getting power updates and voltage output rewiring to better match the massive power of the Karans. It should be back together by the end of the month.
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