McCormack DNA amp options....


I currently own a McCormack DNA 0.5, standard, that I have not yet sent to SMC for upgrades. Before I schedule with SMC I wanted to get some opinions from others with experience with the DNA amps. Is it really worth the time and money to consider getting a second 0.5 amp and have them converted to monoblocks? Would there be any advantage, other than the added power, to maybe finding a couple of 1.0's and doing this as opposed to the 0.5? Are there any sonic differences between the 1.0 and the 0.5 amps? Please keep in mind that over time these would be upgraded to a Rev. A or better. I really love my 0.5 and am pretty well set on staying with the McCormack DNA's for SS. Any advice would be a big help. Thank you. Zach
zspradlin

Showing 1 response by labtec

With 93db efficient speakers, I question the need for another amp - much less a conversion to monoblocs on top of that. (You do realize you can use two stereo amps on a pair of speakers without converting them to monoblocs.)

IMO, you would be better served allocating that money to upgrading your existing .5 to the max - Rev A Gold. In particular, you can now get the Plitron toroid transformer for the .5 which significantly improves bass performance (among other things) and makes the .5 seem even more powerful. Also, I would strongly suggest the soft recovery diode upgrade. You won't even recognize the sound of your old amp after these upgrades.

One other thing. If you still want more power and upgrades, I would stick with adding a .5 versus just getting the bigger models. The primary reason is that shipping a .5 to get upgraded does not require crating and is much less susceptible to shipping damage via regular means. In addition, two DNA.5 probably sound a little better than one DNA 1 due strictly to the traditional benefits of biamping.