Those of you having experience with Manley Shrimp

I have Cary cad 200 with manley shrimp perfect match but you need to retubes.

Dumboat,

Our systems have similar pieces. I have the Tyler Taylo 7U. My source is the Cary 308t. My pre is the Shrimp.

I had been driving the 7u with a McCormack DNA-125 with what I though were fine results. I recently switched out the McCormack for a Tim Rawson Aleph 5+ and must say, I prefer the Rawson to the McCormack.

The DNA is a more forward presentation with defintiely more flesh on the bones. With the volume on the Manley at only 11 o'clock, it was ear splitting while still holding together nicely. With the Rawson, however, the soundstage is more seamless and coherent with a bit more detail and less congestion. For rock, the DNA is probably the way to go, for jazz, opera, & classical, I prefer the Rawson.

The Shrimp is a great piece and works well w/ SS or tubes. The Tylers are more efficient than their specs may indicate (86db, 4 ohm). My next move is to try a tube amp, maybe a CJ MV60 or ARC VS 55.

Keep us updated on your results.

I like McCormacks a lot, but have an Edge I like just as well. It did cost more, though.

What is your budget?

I've had a Shrimp for only a few weeks and have it paired up with an Ayre V3, a solid state 100 wpc power amp. The combo is quite good. I think the McCormack DNA-1 would make a great mate for the Shrimp. To quote the Manley Shrimp manual... "As a rule, power up your amplifier last, power it down first so it does not amplify any stray noises which could occur upstream from source components powering up or down."

Again, thanks for the input.

I am a big fan of the DNA-1 and would think you will be very happy with it for a long time. If you can find a DNA-1 Deluxe they already have some factory upgrading done. I was very pleased with my 1 before upgrading to the 225 and I do hear a difference but in hindsight I could have kept the DNA-1 and been vey happy with it and put my upgrade dollars into something else. Either way you go these are fine amps with a great support system behind them from SMC. You should go to Steve's website to see the upgrade chart for his amps before you invest in either one and read the history on his amps.

Brought home a used Mccormack DNA-1 to demo. Since the Shrimp has not yet arrived, I hooked it up to the pre outs of an old Marantz 2270 I have laying around. I was quite surprised at the sound. I suppose the next question down the road (and I mean a long road) will be whether to do an upgrade of this unit or go for a new 225. Thoughts on this? Thanks.

I have the Tyler Acoustics Super Towers. Sensitivity is 92db with an 8 ohm impedance not dropping below 6.5 ohms. Easy speaker to drive.

First, power up preamp, then power amp/amps. When shutting down, do the opposite; shut down power amp first, then pre.

As for amps, knowing what speakers they'll be used with might help w/good recommendations. Personally, I've always liked Pass Labs if you have to have ss amps. The older Aleph series are great value, but which model you need depends on matching to speaker.
I would go for tubes over any ss amp.
Cheers,

Spencer

I second what Dwhitt says. I had a DNA-1 powering my 3.5 maggies with a tube preamp and the sound was outstanding. I have since moved up the McCormack foodchain and have a fully SMC modded DNA-225 powering them. Another great point is that Steve McCormack is a great guy and will answer and help you on any matter concerning his gear. I say grap it and enjoy.

A question I need to ask. Is there a certain order to follow when turning on a tube pre and ss amp. Thought I read that if you didn't follow the correct order, you get a pop through the speakers. Thanks.

Thanks for your response.

the best bang for the buch is the mccormack. these amps are very under rated ,but those who know amps vs. bucks know about mccormack. i have owned alot of ss amps and they are some of the best from top to bottom end. if you can get a good reasonable price..then go for it, especially if your speakers need power. good listening....a audio goner along time...dwhitt