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Rotel RB1080 vs Odyssey Stratos vs McCormack DNA

I recently purchased a used Rotel RB-1080, but I am not satisfy with it. It has a click sound occasionally due to expansion/contraction because I put it in a tight cabinet, although it doesn't affect my listening, but it bothers me. I am planning to get another amp around $800. I did some research and found 2 candidates - Odyssey Stratos and McCormack DNA-1. It seems both of them are in a different class. However, they also seems to be a lot older, the Rotel I have is 2 yrs old, while I found a 9 yrs old Odyssey for $800, and I believe the McCormack is even older. I believe the capacitors degrade over time, should I keep the newer Rotel, or go for the older Odyssey or McCormack? Which one would you pick?
gte357s

Showing 1 response by bdgregory

bdgregory
1,721 posts
 
I run amps older than the DNA1s and have zero issues with them. If you're hearing popping and clicking noises I doubt it's from your amp.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned here related to your cabinet situation is ventilation. If it's as tight as you say, I'd be worried about cooling with many amps (and I think the DNA needs ventilation).

Another option is a new class D or hybrid amp. I have a PS Audio HCA-2 that sounds great. They can be found used in the $600 +/- range. They are recent production and run very cool, and consume little energy at idle. The also aren't terribly big.
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