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Hi guys. My son is getting ready to pull the trigger on an integrated amp in the next 1-2 days.
He is looking at a Cary SI300.2d, Primare I35 Prisma and a Marantz pm-KI Ruby reference Integrated. He wants to stay in the $3500-4000 range.
The cary normally sells for $5900 but is being heavily discounted at $3500 and includes a good dac as does the primare. The problem is that he can't audition it. He actually heard the primare briefly at RMAF with his speakers last year. He is going to hear the marantz tomorrow.
The Cary has 3 excellent pro reviews. Has anyone heard the Cary?
He also loves the Pass sound and there is an INT-30a for sale but he is worried about dynamics and bass slam due to the low power even though his Wharfedale Evo 4.4's are easy to drive at 89 db 8 ohm, 4 ohm nominal. The Evo's need a dynamic amp. His current amp is a Parasound A21 which is just ok. We heard them with a pair of prototype Van Alstine mono blocks that I reviewed for Frank and posted on the AC forum. We were blown away at the difference with the AVA monos which sounded better than my Pass X250 in most respects. Ideally, a used Pass INT-150 would fit the bill but they are just above what he is willing to spend.
One concern about the primare is service if something breaks and resale if he decides to sell it. Primare is not a household name and there are just a few dealers.
Thanks,
Larry
He is looking at a Cary SI300.2d, Primare I35 Prisma and a Marantz pm-KI Ruby reference Integrated. He wants to stay in the $3500-4000 range.
The cary normally sells for $5900 but is being heavily discounted at $3500 and includes a good dac as does the primare. The problem is that he can't audition it. He actually heard the primare briefly at RMAF with his speakers last year. He is going to hear the marantz tomorrow.
The Cary has 3 excellent pro reviews. Has anyone heard the Cary?
He also loves the Pass sound and there is an INT-30a for sale but he is worried about dynamics and bass slam due to the low power even though his Wharfedale Evo 4.4's are easy to drive at 89 db 8 ohm, 4 ohm nominal. The Evo's need a dynamic amp. His current amp is a Parasound A21 which is just ok. We heard them with a pair of prototype Van Alstine mono blocks that I reviewed for Frank and posted on the AC forum. We were blown away at the difference with the AVA monos which sounded better than my Pass X250 in most respects. Ideally, a used Pass INT-150 would fit the bill but they are just above what he is willing to spend.
One concern about the primare is service if something breaks and resale if he decides to sell it. Primare is not a household name and there are just a few dealers.
Thanks,
Larry
