2. amps-preamps
  3. 1383823682

McCormack 225 vs AR 135 SD

I'm looking for a power amplifier for my Proac 140 MK2.
The pre is an Aesthetix Calypso.

I have found at about the same price the McCormack 225 and the Audio Research 135 SD (both used).

I heard both but in different stores, so comparison is very difficult.

The 135 was playing with an Electrocompaniet pro and Sonus Faber Cremona M speakers. It sounded a little lean in the bass and maybe was not enough powerful for these speakers.

I liked more the sound of the 225 but in this case the pre was an old (tube) AR and I can't remember what the speakers was but definitely cheaper than the Sonus Fabers.

I can't undestand if I liked more the 225, or the whle setup including the tube pre.

Any comments please on these two amplifiers?
kiriak

Showing 2 responses by kiriak

kiriak OP
12 posts
 
Thanks for the responses.

I'm looking for a used amp, and I didn't come across an Ayre yet (I am in Europe).

Last weekend I had a McCormack 225 in my home. It was a good match with the Calypso and the Proacs.
Maybe I'll buy it. I don't know if a have to demo the 135 also. Based on what I heard at the shop, the 225 is superior, but this maybe is a false impression due to the different setup.
kiriak OP
12 posts
 
After more listening I settled with the McCormack.
The match with the Proac and the Aesthetix is very good and I'm very happy with how the system sounds now.

Thanks again for your response.
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