2. amps-preamps
  3. 1319406327

Mccormack DNA-1 deluxe vs PASS X150.5 amps??

Though, this question maybe a "no brainer" I would like some input from members who have owned a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe and/or a PASS 150.5 amp. There is about a $1500 difference in the selling price between these "used" units. The McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe was the "upgraded" model issued in 1998 (and followed by several numbered amps after) that so the design is old and the "particular unit" on sale could maybe at least 10 years old. THe PASS is current and look almost mint.

I have read some excellent reviews about this model McCormack....but also about the PASS X-150.5. As always it is a question of money vs performance. I have a pair of Acoustic Zen Adagios and a Bel Canto Pre-3 pre-amp and a pair of Red Dragon M-250 digital monoblocks. Sounds nice, but also not consistently coherent or qualitatively the SAME at each listening session.(BTW, I have done as much as possible to correct some of the acoustic aberrations in my room)

Overall, the sound lacks musicality and can lean to the bright side I realize musicality can't be quantified nor is there any tweeks to magically produce it, and so it is one of those allusive qualities we seemed to all chase from time to time.....I am not going to start unraveling what I put together recently to get it. If the amp does not solve the problem, then I am going to just quit audio and sell the entire rig.

Is there is a amplifier of 100-150RMS that would possibly be an excellent alternative between the McCormack and the PASS??? I prefer not to attempt tubes because I have a FM transmission tower nearby. Thanks again, Jim
sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by ig316b

ig316b
107 posts
 
Putting together a good synergetic system can seem like a daunting task but when you hit upon one that works for you, the chills up your spin and the back of your neck will make all the hard work worth it.

As a suggestion if you are looking at the McCormack amps you might want to consider the DNA 0.5 Deluxe. I have both the DNA-1 Deluxe and a pair of the 0.5 Deluxe and I prefer the sound of the Vandy 3A Sig's bi-amped better than with the 1.0. I find the 1.0 to seem a little harsh compared to the 0.5’s, Plus if you like the sound with the McCormack’s you can have them upgraded or just wait for an upgraded unit to come up for sale here.

Someone just got a steal on a pair of DNA-125 Platinum mono-blocks the other day, I would have purchased them but I have a pair of 0.5’ at SMc Audio getting their Ultra upgrade as it is.
ig316b
107 posts
 
The DNA-0.5 is a lot more powerful than the 100 RMS would lead you to believe, unless you are trying to fill a large room with sound, your 89 db rated Adagios should work well with the McCormack.

Do some research here and on the web and you will see the McCormack's are some very well backed product's. Conrad Johnson now offers upgrades to the DNA amps as well as SMc Audio which is owned by Steve McCormack the original designer of the amps.

If your in a real hurry for a Deluxe there's one on Canuck Audio Mart for sale.
More to discover