Mccormack DNA-1 describe the sound characteristics


I own a DNA-1 (unmodified), TAD 150 signature, and Jolida 100 cd. I am using Morrow interconnects (MA2 & MA1) and the sound is fatiguing it is bright with little mid and low end. The sound is flat.

I tried rolling tubes in the TAD using the stock chinese, Mazda and Sylvania 12AT7, but the sound doesn't seem to change that much.

I am thinking the amp is the problem......??? Your help is needed in my delemia...

Do I invest 600 - 1K on moding the amp by Steve to improve the mids and low end?? Or do I just swtich gears to purchase a different amp with the sound qualities i desire???
dvdgreco

Showing 1 response by sufentanil

What speakers are you using? I demoed the DNA-1 in my system about 10 years ago and would never have described it as fatiguing. It's a solid and well-respected amp, and is capable of a firm bass and articulate mids. I just found it to be a little uninvolving compared to my tube amp, but it really wasn't bad.

You have well-respected electronics that should sound good. However, I suspect the synergy just isn't there, and I'm suspecting it's the TAD 150 / DNA-1 pairing, although the output impedance of the TAD 150 is < 600 ohms and the input impedance to the DNA-1 is 100K ohms, which should be fine. That is, of course, if the amp is appropriate for your speakers, although the DNA-1 should drive most speakers well. Are you using Apogee's or some other difficult to drive speaker?

This person on Audiogon found your exact pairing to sound good with Vandersteen speakers.

Can you borrow another source and/or preamp to experiment? Also, try calling Steve McCormack; he will likely be able to guide you here, as well.

Michael