2. amps-preamps
  3. 1232823653

Amp recommendation: Cary SS vs. McCormack vs. Ayre

I am building a system with a limited budget. I have some Sehring 703 speakers (86db sensitivity at 8 ohms) and a Manley Shrimp preamp on the way. I have limited space in my A/V cabinet, so do not have room for a tube amp. But I am looking for something that when paired with the Manley Shrimp will have a tube-like sound.

My budget is max $1,600. These are the three amps I am considering.

1. McCormack 125 -- the 500 gets good reviews, so this probably sounds pretty good as well (right?)
2. Ayre V3 -- also gets good reviews. Only concern is that it has been out of production for a long time and if it breaks it won't be serviceable.
3. Cary A-2 -- Cary has a very good reputation for their tube amps, but I can't find much on their "lower-end" solid state 2-channel amps.

Any thoughts/recommendations would be much appreciated.
mcondon
eslaudio
118 posts
 
Though I haven't heard the Ayre or the Cary, I've owned the DNA-125 with the Manley Shrimp and can attest that they are an excellent match. Given your budget, I would recommend checking out a used DNA-225, which I've also heard and believe is worth the extra cash over the DNA-125. If you haven't already, you might want to check out the Stereophile review of the 225. Another plus with the McCormack amps is the option to send them to Steve McCormack for upgrades in the future if you want. Best of luck.
ferrari
617 posts
 
Very nice speakers indeed, not many audiophiles have them. But I dare say to drive those properly your budget of $1,600.00 is a bit optomistic. In my opinion to do justice to those speakers I would be looking at a Pass Labs X 250.5 at the very least, or an amp in that range. Just a thought.
mcondon OP
233 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback/recommendations. I will look into the Parasound amp as well.

It is strange that there are so few reviews and online comments of the "lower-end" Cary solid state amps. Maybe that is all I need to know about them (?).
ferrari
617 posts
 
Many of the Cary lower end amps are Class D amps (digital)I would investigate further.
petek
34 posts
 
I had a DNA-125 driving my Harbeth M30s (85 db sensitivity, 8 ohms). It drove them with ease and to great effect. Importantly, the amp ran cool even during summer conditions.

I ended up upgrading to a DNA-1 Revision A, which sounded fuller and slightly warmer. For a little more money, you should audition the DNA-225 or a DNA-1 Rev A.

In all the above cases, the MAP-1 was my pre-amp.

good luck!
More to discover