McCormack DNA1 power ratings

When Stereophile reviewed this amp several years ago, their bench tests showed that it was actually putting out 185 wpc into an 8 Ohm load (both channels driven I think). The DNA-1 will double into a 4 Ohm load also-- and probably double again into a 2 Ohm load. Steve McCormack just rated it conservatively in the specs. I've also seen it listed as a 175 wpc amp. The DNA-1 is an excellent amp, I used one for about 3 years. Cheers. Craig.

My copy of owner's manual & 1993 Product Brochure both say 150 wpc.

Sometimes I run out of oomph into Thiel 2 2's.

I originally rated the DNA-1 at 150W per channel just because I am conservative about this sort of thing. The design of the DNA-1 did not change, but the marketing folks did decide to change the power spec to more accurately reflect the amp's power at clipping. Most DNA-1s will hit clipping at about 185 - 190 Watts into 8 Ohms, but quite a few will put out over 200 Watts.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
McCormack Audio
SMc Audio

Well, I guess that settles it!