Looking for a standard width replacement for McCormack DNA-125.... Bel Canto? Wyred? Job 225?

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HudsonHawk

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[TD]Hey all,

I've got a Mccormack DNA-125 driving my Martin Logan EM ESLs that I really love. Were it not for one big issue, I wouldn't even think about upgrading - and that issue is that it's really big. Like, too big for my rack, meaning it has to sit on top under my TV.

I'm rather fond of the rack - and it doubles as my Plasma TV mount - so I decided recently to look for amps that were either standard component width or less, and the amps that keep popping up are the Wyred and Bel Canto monoblocks, and the Audioshark-beloved Job 225. All of them would fit comfortably in my rack, and seem to be very well regarded.

My only concern is that I regard the McCormack so highly I'm concerned that these amps may not represent a significant upgrade in performance, despite the difference in price. I love it's almost tube-like warmth and musicality, and am a little concerned that with the Class D amps paired with my great but neutral speakers and my tonally similar Class D preamp (the underrated PS Audio GCP), things might get too clinical.

And in the case of the Job 225, I have some concern that it may be too small to drive the Martin Logans (although it has the same rated output as the DNA-125, its performance doesn't scale the same at lower ohmage. Though I'll admit that concern might be misplaced.

Has anyone compared any of these amps to any of the classic Mccormacks and can comment as to what I can expect? Any other amps I should consider that are standard component width or smaller?[/TD]
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Thanks!
 
Welcome to AS !

I'm sure someone will chime in and try to help you, I have no experience with McCormack
 
HudsonHawk - with a 1.6ohm dip at 20hz, I would NOT suggest the JOB225. It's a great little amp, but you need something that can handle such a dip and tough load. I half wonder about the Anthem M1's. Sleek profile. Long(ish) break in. But not tube like sound. Tube like sound out of a slim profile amp is going to be a tough one.

1212anthem.promo_.jpg



anthem_paradigm_system.jpg
 
That Anthem M1 is sexy and wasn't on my radar. And thanks for confirming my concerns about the Job, that's exactly what I was afraid of.

Anyone have experience with the 500m? Seems to have a great reputation for being one of the warmer Class D's. I'll admit I also like the idea of Class D's because a lot of my amp time is spent on TV where a hot, power-sucking Class A or AB amp seems like overkill. My wife would appreciate the reduced power bill - and I wouldn't catch my cat trying to sleep on the amp anymore :)

To be clear, it's only amp width that's an issue, not height. Here's a pic of my setup to give you an idea of what I mean:
imgur dot com slash B9GX1Ee (sorry, it won't let me post images because i'm so new, so you'll need to paste in the link manually).

Currently the PS Audio GCP occupies the middle shelf, but it could easily be moved into the bottom left or top right spots to accomodate an amp in the center.

I'd love the VPI to be all by itself centered on the top of the entertainment center, both for aesthetic and RFI reasons.

Thank you all for your sage advice.
 
Hadn't looked at Modwright, but those would fit. Unfortunately only the 100 watt model is probably in my budget which wouldn't be enough juice for the MLs.
 
Look and see if Sanders sound systems has anything that fits your fancy. That stuff is great sounding and great for tough loads.

Hegel is another one to look at. Amazing amazing amazing sounding!!!! One of my favs.
 
Another option is a complete consolidation with a Rowland S2 integrated. Sell your amp, preamp and DAC and get the Rowland S2. Just a thought.

yzebemuh.jpg
 
Wow, food for thought Mike, thank you. The Hegel integrateds could be in my budget as, like you point out, I could fund it by consolidating pieces. And they're stunningly beautiful.

Love the other pieces but even used they're probably out of reach for me. If I get a power amp only my limit would be around $2k, if I get an integrated maybe around $2500 or $3000 since it would let me sell the PS Audio.

This is is a great site by the way, it's so nice to see another high end audio forum as Audigon seems to have really diminished in the last couple of years.
 
Welcome to the forum.

Hegel is outstanding. Seriously check them out. The Job is not right for your application.

HudsonHawk said:
Wow, food for thought Mike, thank you. The Hegel integrateds could be in my budget as, like you point out, I could fund it by consolidating pieces. And they're stunningly beautiful.

Love the other pieces but even used they're probably out of reach for me. If I get a power amp only my limit would be around $2k, if I get an integrated maybe around $2500 or $3000 since it would let me sell the PS Audio.

This is is a great site by the way, it's so nice to see another high end audio forum as Audigon seems to have really diminished in the last couple of years.
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Would the Hegel H100 have enough gusto for the Martin Logan's? It seems like it would on paper anyway.
 
Hi hudsonHawk,

The Job 225 work very well with my ML Accent i, you can go for it !
 
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