McCormack DNA-225 Platinum and McCormack DNA-500


I own a DNA-0.5 Rev A but since replacing my Thiel CS1.6 with its bigger brother, the 2.4, i have felt this urge to upgrade. While I have read a plethora of kudos for the DNA-125, especially those touched with Steve's highest mods, I have read less reviews about the 225 and the 500. A fellow Audiogoner, 4yanx, had a splendid review of the 225. The DNA-500 has garned some high praise from Chip Stern and a couple of other audio magazines. Although the DNA-500 does not have upgrades to Platinum (yet?), Steve McCormack does have a package that includes cap changes, ect (but not transformer, and I beleive no carbon/siltech). probably the hefty power of the DNA-500 makes any upgrades quite superfluous and redundant. I am very curious to know how a DNA-500 (stock) would compare with the DNA-225 Platinum. After all, the DNA-500 is really TWO DNA-225s. And if we take the enquiry one step further, what would a DNA-500 sound like with the full monty upgrades!! I would value views from fellow Audiogoners!
denjo
Here's another possibility. How about 2 platinum DNA125s or DNA225s wired to monoblocks by SMc? Might be interesting as well!
I agree with Cmach's comments, but I think the SMC mods were not in any production amps.

He's also right that Steve would be the obvious person to ask about this, he's always steered me right.
If I remember correctly the stock DNA 500 includes all the mods already in the Platinum upgrade and then some.
Also I do believe that the DNA 500 is a different amp from
the 125/225 series. That being said I don't think you
could go wrong with either. I would recommend emailing Steve McCormack with your questions. He'll set the record straight.

For the record I own the DNA 500 and love it.

Good luck
Can't tell you about the 225/500 but with a .5, the upgrade from Rev A to Platinum (full monty...including transformer & siltech/carbon) made such a big difference (my components, my system...) that I'd bet on the Platinum.

Good luck,
brent