2. amps-preamps
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Bel Canto and Wyred monos

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 decided recently to look for amps that were either standard component width or less, and two amps that keep popping up are the Wyred and Bel Canto monoblocks. Both 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.

Has anyone compared either of these amps to any of the classic Mccormacks or similar AB amps?
hudsonhawk

Showing 1 response by audiozen

audiozen
831 posts
 
I mentioned in another thread that the two new W4S stereo amps both employ the latest generation B&O ICE, using the ASX 250-2 amp in both models. Both amps use two ASX 250-2 modules. This is the same amp that is used in the Bel Canto
REF 500M which has raised a lot of eyebrows in recent years.
Hook the new W4S ST-1000 MKII to the new Emotiva XSP-1 Gen2
Preamp which costs only $999.00 and you'll have a combination of sonic excellence.
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