McCormack DNA 125

So what I’m trying to say here is if one is looking for 125 to mod, go straight to 225 and just enjoy the music because that amp is truly special. Don’t bother with mods. CJ did a super fine job with DNA series amps. The 225 just makes music…bottom line. The stock 225 is one of the components in my audio journey I regret getting rid of. It was that good.

That’s good info and very interesting.  I’ll just add that it’s all about system synergy. IME DNA amps get much better with upgrades, not worse.  My opinion, the modded 225 was just showing more of the character of your 803s, and the fact that you like Pass amps with your speakers then would make a lot of sense.  Again, this is the first ever account I’ve heard of someone saying SMcAudio upgrades were downgrades.  Again, system synergy is everything. 

@slaw Never. I’ve never seen a modded 125 or 225 ever for sale.  Frankly, I rarely see any 125 or 225 for sale so if you see one, grab it.  That’s just my opinion.  

Hey @gdnrbob who are you?  Were you part of the CJ/McCormack partnership?   Either way  I’d love to pick your brain as I’ve currently got an old 0.5 RevA in for full upgrades.  I almost think this deserves its own ongoing discussion thread as there are so many of us DNA owners out there.  Thoughts?

In general, I agree totally with @audphile1 but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a modded DNA-125 or 225 come up for sale.  I’m on the other side where I don’t care how much the mods cost cause I’m keeping the amp forever.  I’d say either buy a fully modded used amp if you can find one.  If you’re more of a taste tester try and find a used stock amp and if you really love the sound and wanna take it to near SOTA levels on the relative cheap go for the mods.  That was my route.  

@slaw ask them about a gravity base among other things.  FWIW. 

I actually regret selling that amp, it was damn good.  I would leave it alone, the money spent to buy that and mod it is $$$   others may disagree but for me I would leave it stock. 

@oddiofyl I agree, upgrades are pricey but I liked the sound so much in stock form I decided to take the hit and make it my forever amp.  Steve told me a while back the 125 is similar to a 0.5 RevB, I think. 

The DNA-125 is excellent — it’s got the detail and bass you’d expect from a solid state amp, but it has tonal heft as well so never sounds thin or sterile.  Also excellent 3D imaging/soundstage.  And you can always send it back to SMc Audio for upgrades and turn it into something pretty special.  I’ve got my DNA-0.5 RevA there now getting full upgrades.  I have no idea how it would compare sonically to your ST2140.