Current owner of an SMC modified DNA-1 here. Works great to this day.
Don’t buy used McCormack DNA 1990s amps
This is a public service announcement. There are some yahoos on other sites selling 1990s McCormack DNA amps, sometimes at ridiculous prices. While they’re great amps, and I happily owned a DNA 0.5 RevA for 20 years, they’re all gonna fatally fail. Why? Because their input board is at the end of its useful life, and when it fails your amp is dead and not repairable by anyone — not even SMcAudio. It’s a boat anchor. The only option is to sell it for scraps or get an SMcAudio upgrade that’ll cost around $2000. Given my love of my amp I chose to do full upgrades given what else I could’ve gotten for the same same price and just got it back and will forward thoughts if anyone cares. But the purpose of this post is to warn off any prospective buyers of a circa 1990s DNA amp that it’ll fatally fail soon, so unless you get a great price and plan on doing the SMcAudio upgrades just avoid these amps on the used market. You’ve been warned.
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@wturkey Just be aware that if your amp has the original input board it’s very likely to fail at some point. Hope yours holds on for a long time. 🤞 |
I have a DNA-225 that has a transformer hum, which (I think) is also seeping into the audio signal (i.e., coming through the speakers). This model does not appear to be subject to the troubled, double-sided input board issue. But, I recall reading somewhere that one maker of McCormack transformers from this time were particularly subject to hum; I can't find, or recall, which brand of transformer it was, although I think the brand name started with a 'C'. A while ago, I spoke on the phone with Pat about my issue, and he recommended trying a better power cord, and checking for DC noise on my main line. But, after trying a few different power cords (costing up to $900), and trying two different DC blocker devices, I still have hum. My next step is to get the amp serviced and/or upgraded. I'm able and willing to invest in this, but I wonder if a simple repair/replacement of the transformer makes more sense than a total upgrade. Other power amps in my stable are: - DIY clone First Watt Aleph J - Butler Audio TDB 2250 - Symphonic Line RG1 MK3 - McCormack DNA-125 (still present, but lesser amount of hum) I also have an Adcom GFA-555, and a Phase Linear PL-400 (with White Oak Audio upgrade), but these are really backups. My current 'itch' is a CODA S5.5 pure Class A amp, so trying to weigh options. Thanks in advance for advice. |
Hello Mccormack DNA folks, I have 3 DNA-1 since last June 2024 till now. I recapped the first one by my self with best sound stage and PSU capacitors Nichicon brand and sound is amazing. Then I upgraded it to Deluxe version by myself. The second DnA1 deluxe I bought as not working or $300. Then repaired and recapped it to have two deluxe and they play similar with original sound. The third one I bought was in last Dec 2024 as Deluxe Rev.A for just $800. Then I recapped and beeak in. Sound is more bass and more treble than original Rev.A (Nichicon KG 6800uF /100V. I had best Nichicon KG and others for each stage of the main board, output and psu. Before recapped, I contacted CJ and Steve SMC for price but too much and out of my budget. I have 30 years repair skill but in hi-end sound is totally different. Luckily I have a friend from Greece whom has 35 years experience in sound stage with capacitors sound affects. Thanks John. I have preamp with Krell KRc-3 and Phantom III (arriving soon). Before that I had Adcom and Aragon 24K and Krell Kav-250p. now I have 3 “brand new” DNA-1 that can play for another 20-30 years |
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