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 3 responses by phd

The McCormack 0.5 has a very conservative rating of 100 watts per channel, sounds much more powerful. I have had other power amps rated at 200 watts per channel that can't keep up with the 0.5. This amp has unlimited power reserves & I have yet to clip mine. By the way, I own the DNA 0.5 Rev A, offers a world class sound and easily beats most everything I have heard before it. Your above speakers at their efficientcy of 91 db would produce concert hall levels with the 0.5.
Koestner, you are correct sir, there is a limit to what even the McCormack DNA 0.5 can do. Seven years ago on my above post (wow where did the time go?) I was using very efficient speakers that had a sensitvity of 102 db. It was no wonder I thought the 0.5 might have unlimited power reserves. Your Maggies are much more difficult to drive as you mentioned. I could see how ice power did the job nicely. If you or anyone else on this thread sends me an email, I will send an interior picture of analog amps that can drive any speaker regardless of its efficiency rating to high volumes without clipping!
Jedinite24 is correct. Under the new audiogon it would be impossible to send pictures directly to you. But if you contact my email address: phdunn355@comcast.net I will respond with pics.