Upgrading from Cary Six Pacs

Andy2, you need to give more information in your question in order for anyone to give any recommendations. For a starter, I would list all the components, including cables, that currently comprise your system. Secondly, a brief description of your room size and acoustic treatments would also help to determine your power requirements.

Thanks Andy, for the info. Since I don't know what kind of speakers you have since they are DIY, if you know their efficiency rating, that would help to determine your power requirements. I have read that your Conrad Johnson preamp has a slightly warm sound to it. Maybe a good solid state amp just might be the ticket for balancing. McCormack amps are known to have good power as well as having an overall neutral character. You can find good used McCormack amps here in the ads daily. If you try one out and it doesn't "float your boat" then the McCormacks usually retain their resale value well. Good luck in your quest.