2. amps-preamps
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Considering new amp - Mccormack

I've got the itch to upgrade my amps.

Currently I'm horizontally biamping with two modified Adcom GFA 555 II.

Rest of system as follows

B&W 803 Matrix SII - Recently refurbished
Sonic Frontiers SF1 Preamp
Music Fidelity A3 24 Dac
PS Audio P1000 power conditioner

Favorite Bands are:

Radiohead
Bon Iver
Fleet Foxes
Massive Attack

What I don't like about system: Raspy... especially with radiohead vocals.. The B&W combo with adcom and vocals of peter york are Harsh.

I'm considering the Mccormack amps, anything from the DNA .5's modified to mono's or DNA 2 or DNA 500?? Currently there is a DNA 2 Limited edition on Audiogon for about the same amount as the DNA 500.

My max budget is around $3k, but less would be nice, maybe I could get away with a single DNA .5 or DNA 125?

Any advice would be much appreciated.
koryodell

Showing 1 response by amadeus

amadeus
8 posts
 
I once owned the Matrix 803s and drove them with the DNA .5 and it had more than enough to drive the speakers. I actually think the DNA .5 is a better sounding amp than the DNA 1 and much better than the DNA 2(standard edition). I think the treble of the DNA series is a little bright and hard. They have great dynamics and drive though. The 803s are a dry sounding speaker. I think they mate well with the old Aragon 4004 Mk2 which has a better midrange and a more liquid treble than the DNAs but not quite as much drive. The Adcom amps are inferior to both the DNAs and Aragon with cramped soundstaging and a very non-liquid presentation. They do have fine dynamics though.
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