McCormack DNA .5? Do I need more power?

I tried my old McCormack DNA.5 on a set of Maggie 3.5's. It sounded good, with a tighter bass than the ARC gear in the showroom. But it didn't have that tube bloom that the ARC provided and made the Maggie's sound magical. Of course the bass was plummy with the ARC gear, so that was a non starter for me also.

I've since upgraded to a DNA500 and will never lack for power, or finesse, again.

Jedinite24
"Anyone ever use a McCormack DNA .5 stock or Deluxe to power a pair of KEF 104/2 speakers?"

You might want to try contacting Bside123, I think he has that combination and likes the way they work together.

Hi: Yes, I really like the McCormack DNA 0.5 / KEF 104.2 combo. I've owned 3 pairs of 104s over the years. I really love that speaker. Even after I moved on to other speakers, whenever I've run into a good deal (deal that cannot be refused) on a set of KEF 104.2s, I've bought them.

I am also a fan of the DNA series of McCormack amps... particularly the 0.5. I've also owned several iterations of these over the years. Currently, I am using McCormack Mono Blocks that started out and .5's as well as I am using a DNA 0.5 Ultra Platinum Upgrade in another system.

I think that you'll find the DNA 0.5 is more than adequate to run the KEFs. As a matter of fact, I found it superb. Consequently, I sold my last pair of 104s to a nephew, who is driving them with a 0.5 Deluxe!

I am still a lover of the KEF 104.2s, but currently I am using Dunlavy towers. I also use a set of stand mounted Acoustic Zen Adagio Jr speakers, which in exception for a ribbon tweeter, are not too dissimilar to the 104.2s in their conception and design configuration.

Hope this helps.

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 Jedinite24: I have two pairs of Dunlavy speakers: SC-II & SC-III. They sound very different from each other in my opinion. I like them both fine. Both models image superbly. The IIs are 2-way and are very dynamic; the IIIs are 3-way and are a bit more hi-fi sounding but have a broader soundstage and give a fuller total presentation from top to bottom. Both models like power!

The Adagio Jr speakers do not have an internal woofer like the 104.2s down firing driver. However, the Adagios are also ported, but the port is in the rear. Even the Jr's move a lot of air and the bass response is a bit lower than the 104s. My experience is that placement of the Adagios is really critical and they are more demanding in placement than the 104.2s.

Best regards.