If you like what you have I'd stick with the DNA 500. I personally have two of Steve's amps a 1 and .5, both with the full meal deal. For the dollar I feel they're hard to compete with. You have two guys building your amp paying special detail to you, quality work and quality customer service. I also use tube preamps with my amps and enjoy the sound the combos give. You may have a hard time finding an AMP you like as much, and will it mate well with your PRE? As mentioned above the amp after mods will be dead quiet, with a lot more smooth music coming through.
Best option for Amp upgrade...
I have a McCormack DNA 500 that I like. I'm considering spending about $4k to have it modded by Steve McCormack (SMC). Alternatively, I could sell the DNA 500 for about $3k and have $7k to spend on a used (or new) solid state amp. I'm inviting opinions on which would give me the best bang for the buck. I'm hoping to achieve greater resolution and detail. Bass control is not an issue! Here is the rest of my system:
Pre-amp - CJ ET3-SE
Speakers - Rockport Mira II with REL G2 sub
Source - Aurender A10
Cabling - Transparent Ultra MM2 speaker, Gen 5 Super interconnects, Reference power cords (mostly)
If you suggest a new amp, I'd be interested in your recommendations. Thanks!
Pre-amp - CJ ET3-SE
Speakers - Rockport Mira II with REL G2 sub
Source - Aurender A10
Cabling - Transparent Ultra MM2 speaker, Gen 5 Super interconnects, Reference power cords (mostly)
If you suggest a new amp, I'd be interested in your recommendations. Thanks!