McCormack DNA .5? Do I need more power?


Hi. I have been thinking about picking up a used McCormack DNA 0.5, which I may upgrade in the future. Will it be powerful enough at only 100w? I am currently using a B&K Reference 4420 (225wpc) and while it sounds good, I am sure I will get better sound out of the McCormack, especially once upgraded. My speakers are 91db, pretty efficient, but they have a big 10" driver along with a 6.5" driver, 1" driver, and tweeter, so I don't want to under-power them. Manufacturer recommends no less than 30w. I don't play real loud (no higher than 10 o'clock, which is plenty), but I don't want the lows to be muddled by a lack of power. What do you think?
chiho

Showing 4 responses by jedinite24

Anyone ever use a McCormack DNA .5 stock or Deluxe to power a pair of KEF 104/2 speakers? Anyone care to share their thoughts on how the combination sounded? Did the DNA .5 provide enough power to them?

Specs of the KEF 104/2s.

Model 104/2 Specifications:
Frequency Range: 55Hz - 20kHz ( 2dB)
Drive Units:HF: T33 25mm (1") Impregnated fabric dome
MF: 2 x B110 100mm (5") Doped Bextrene cone
LF: 2 x B200 200mm (8") Paper cone
Crossover Point:150Hz, 3kHz
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Characteristic Sensitivity Level: 92dB
Amplifier Requirements: 25-200W into 4 ohms
Maximum Output: 112dB
Internal Volumes: LF 50 litres, MF 3 litres
Net Weight: 32kg (70.5lbs)
Dimensions: (H x W x D)900 x 280 x 415mm, 35.5 x 11 x 16.4 ins

Thanks
Hi Koestner

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with the DNA .5. I'm hoping to get a DNA .5 soon and see how the little guy does with my KEFs. I had a DNA 1 Deluxe before with the KEF 104/2s and I liked the sound was really revealing but it may have been too much power for the speakers.
Thanks you guys for chiming in.

Ptmconsulting
I saw your response in the thread about best homemade tweaks and when I get the DNA .5 I may try that EAR Isodamp under the transformer and some rope caulk in the corners. No way am I trying to apply caulk to the caps or PCB.

Ig316b
Thanks again for the help. Man you have a lot of McCormack gear.

Bside123
Many thanks for sharing your experience. It definitely does help. I think you have more McCormack gear than Ig316b. What Dunlavy's are you currently using? The AZ Adagio Jr's look quite nice and can see the resemblance to the KEF 104/2s. I haven't had a chance to investigate the AZ Adagio line but I wonder if they are using internal woofers as well. I never really looked at them as they are just too expensive for me.

So you can't pass up the KEF 104/2s either. I have a pair of KEF Q-90 speakers and saw a pair of KEF 104/2s in great condition at a fair price not too far away from my house. I had to scoop them up. I initially thought they looked ugly in pictures but when I saw them in person they really grew on me.

I can't wait to get my DNA .5 Deluxe and hook them up to the 104/2s.

Thanks again.
Hi Luis

When PHD made that post it was a different time on Audiogon. You could contact members privately and correspond with them via e-mail in addition to the forum. Nowadays the only way you can contact a member is if that person has an classified ad posted.

If you want to run the risk of posting your e-mail address in the forum you can do that as well so PHD or anyone else can send you what you want.