I'm a huge fan of McCormack upgraded amps and have had multiple amps upgraded by him to platinum level. In fact, I just talked to him a couple days ago and will be sending my DNA125 to him soon for a new upgrade he just discovered which he says is his biggest improvement yet.
However, based on your system, I'm NOT going to recommend spending money on upgrading your DNA1 (or buying the parasound).
I also own your Benchmark DAC1 (although it's long been retired and just used for gaming PC/headphones now). I would swap out that DAC before messing with amps. Trust my experience. You won't fully appreciate the upgrades of the McCormack amps until your source is up to par.
I'm trying to help you with priorities if you're on a limited budget.
Your existing DNA1 is plenty good enough for your associate gear right now. It's true that your existing amp won't be to the level of McCormack upgrades which bring things to true reference levels at an affordable price, but you have far more deficient gear at this point. If I had your system, my upgrade priorities would be...
1. Subwoofer (ideally a Vandersteen sub) to give full range performance unless your room is really small and the Usher's GENUINELY deliver full-range performance which I highly doubt.
2. Room treatments/Dirac - Take measurement and treat your room accordingly
3. New DAC - the DAC 1 is long in the tooth and it is a little harsh. Benchmark didn't solve the problem with intersample overs until the DAC2, but even that DAC isn't my favorite. Bottom line...It's time to get a true state of the art DAC. DACs depreciate much faster than amplifiers because advancements are much more prevalent and audible with new technology. The DAC1 is no longer SOTA.
Once you have a full-range speaker system with a room treated to deliver near optimal response, then you should get the new DAC. After that it will be the optimal time to get the DNA1 upgraded, IMO.
However, based on your system, I'm NOT going to recommend spending money on upgrading your DNA1 (or buying the parasound).
I also own your Benchmark DAC1 (although it's long been retired and just used for gaming PC/headphones now). I would swap out that DAC before messing with amps. Trust my experience. You won't fully appreciate the upgrades of the McCormack amps until your source is up to par.
I'm trying to help you with priorities if you're on a limited budget.
Your existing DNA1 is plenty good enough for your associate gear right now. It's true that your existing amp won't be to the level of McCormack upgrades which bring things to true reference levels at an affordable price, but you have far more deficient gear at this point. If I had your system, my upgrade priorities would be...
1. Subwoofer (ideally a Vandersteen sub) to give full range performance unless your room is really small and the Usher's GENUINELY deliver full-range performance which I highly doubt.
2. Room treatments/Dirac - Take measurement and treat your room accordingly
3. New DAC - the DAC 1 is long in the tooth and it is a little harsh. Benchmark didn't solve the problem with intersample overs until the DAC2, but even that DAC isn't my favorite. Bottom line...It's time to get a true state of the art DAC. DACs depreciate much faster than amplifiers because advancements are much more prevalent and audible with new technology. The DAC1 is no longer SOTA.
Once you have a full-range speaker system with a room treated to deliver near optimal response, then you should get the new DAC. After that it will be the optimal time to get the DNA1 upgraded, IMO.