McCormack dna-1 upgrade or no

I had my DNA-1 Deluxe upgraded by SMc Audio 21 years ago.  The improvements were considerable resulting in a more refined, nuanced sound yet with much more responsive dynamics.  Music really came to life.  Last year, the 20th anniversary of the original upgrades I called Steve on a whim just to pick his brain about what had been happening with their upgrades for the last two decades.  Steve's story to tell was quite compelling. He had the good fortune of running across some well healed audiophiles who wanted the best regardless of cost leading him to have to carefully consider such a challenge.  High customer expectations!  Steve talked of all SMc was able to learn about the possible and fortunately many of those innovative circuit designs were able to trickle down to the  amps of those of us who have budget constraints.

So away my amp went again!  Once back and run in a bit, for what I paid, I realized what a bargain SMc had offered me.  Now a finely polished diamond was amplifying with authority across the frequency spectrum.  The soundstage or space was as vast or limited as intended by the recording artist.  A fantastic value!  I will never part with this amp.  Is it the best amp one can get?  Who knows?  I'm sure there are many designs that are its sonic equal or maybe even better but as I listen to the vinyl of Pink Floyd "The Later Years" enveloped in a vast wash of great tunes I just relax and enjoy as the music takes over the room.  Good stuff indeed.

I’m glad to read about your experience’s and am glad you guys are honest.

I have no doubt that once I send it off it will be the best I can afford.I put together my system on a budget and have done what I can to upgrade through the years,I have always said that’s it’s really nice to be able to pick up the phone and talk to the man who’s name is on the amp.

I had my 22 year old DNA-1 deluxe fully rebuilt last summer. It sounds amazing - quiet, relaxed (and detailed at the same time), with an impressive, life-like three dimensionality to voices and instruments.

My original DNA-1 was purchased in 1994 and gone through 3 upgrades. The only remaining original part is the heat fins. I am considering the power block upgrade because separate power supplies on my LTA preamp and Lumin streamer do make quite a noticeable improvement. Any DNA-1 owners have experience with the power block update. I can easily live with my present DNA-1 which has great clarity, musicality, tonal balance and deep slams.

re comment by mickeyb

McCormack audio is now part or wholly owned by Conrad Johnson. 
I put the money in a newer amp.  

McCormack (the brand name) was sold to C-J. That is a totally different entity than SMc Audio, which is independently owned and run by Steve McCormack. SMc builds their own amps and preamps, which are high-dollar products and hang with the best of them. They also completely upgrade older McCormack amps etc like the DNA-1 and make them brand new and better (I want one, and should have kept my old DNA-1 when it died, for a future upgrade). The new "Gravity Base" that they install in the amps is said to be amazing, and was a byproduct of the work Steve has been doing with designer David Berning. 

FYI