2. amps-preamps
  3. 133720-1973

Amp away for 20 year upgrade...back-up amp to the rescue

I just sent my SMc Audio Revision A+ modified McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe amplifier to SMc for an apparently much needed upgrade.  I bought the amp in 1997, had a Revision B mod done in early 1998 and then the A+ revision done in 2002.  On a whim I decided to call Steve McCormack two days ago to find out what was current with their modifications for the DNA-1.

In the course of a 25 minute chat I learned that virtually none of the mod parts in my amp are part of their current upgrades and that for a reasonable price (approx. $1300) I would get an entirely new motherboard, upgraded soft recovery diodes as well as new output caps., resistors, input and output jacks and wiring scheme.  So away it went today via Fedex.

Out of the closet comes my Musical Concepts modified Adcom GFA-555.  In listening through it right now, I remember how endearing this amp can be as it flatters the music with good ebb and flow and a recessed soundstage so the music never seems to "come at you".  Very enjoyable.  So why own and upgrade my full service amp?  Verisimilitude!!   That you are there or even better, they are here presence to the sound.  The lack of transient attack and air around instruments also belies a sense of realism.  Again, don't get me wrong, I'll be enjoying music for the next month or so that my main amp is getting a spa treatment, but it will be exciting to hear the music back in the room with me and the open soundspace where the music seems here again.
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Showing 6 responses by hifiman5

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5 OP
1,826 posts
 
@stereo5   Glad you posted here.  How is your cj amp doing?
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5 OP
1,826 posts
 
@arcticdeth   Good question about faceplate.  I saw pics on the SMc site where the faceplate is changed.  I guess I'll leave that to Steve and Patrick.  


hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5 OP
1,826 posts
 
 @minorl           
 Congrats on owning so much fine gear! Those are some amazing amps in your bullpen.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5 OP
1,826 posts
 
@whitestix   The Adcoms are ripe for modifying. They are a good, solid, robustly built amp with room inside for a modifier to work his/her magic.  You are fortunate to have a DIY friend with the expertise to do the mod.  It was many years ago that I had Musical Concepts modify mine.  The results as I recall them were a sweeter, more musical amp maintaining the tight grip on the bass of the original.

Steve McCormack's DNA concept struck me as right as soon as I became aware of it. It makes the amp quick, real quick, like few others you will hear.  It was fun to talk with Patrick at SMc as he discussed how relentless Steve is about maximizing his designs.  In fact, he mentioned that they have been designing some custom amps for very well-healed customers and that as they work on the circuits of these beauties they have discovered some cost effective improvements to implement in the DNA series as they modify them.

"Trickle-Down Technology"
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5 OP
1,826 posts
 
@whitestix   I hope you post the results of the 5400 project. There are quite a few A'Goners who are prejudiced against modifying gear as they fear it will reduce the resale value when they decide to move on to other gear.  Perhaps some will rethink their stance if they hear enough success stories.

I have really taken a big bite of the modification apple as my SACD player, line stage and amp are all extensively modified.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5 OP
1,826 posts
 
That sounds like a good approach.  In all of my modded and stock equipment, I have opted for the modifiers or designers who emphasized the robustness of the power supply.  Music has an "effortless" quality to it through such gear.
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