McCormack DNA500 and DNA2

And maybe just one more question, ho do the upgraded DNA225 to platinum and the DNA500 compare?

Thanks for the comment Rootman. I'm actually in process of building my 2 channel system. Speakers are Dali Helicon 800 MKII, no pre yet, no CD player either. At first I thought I could do a temporary system, just kind of "something" for the time being until I figure out what to do but I think this (McCormack)is the direction I want to go. There is a DNA2 for sale here but I can't get any info on it, the ad says it has some upgrades but nothing specific and the seller doesn't know either. I wrote to SMc Audio asking for any type of info on it but so far no reply. I wander if there was a way of determining if this unit was upgraded just from looking at pictures but then again I don't know what to look for. I too think that it would be great if this unit was already upgraded.

Well thank you very much for this very insightful description and I'm sorry for not responding to your post earlier (family functions can take a lot of time). I should mention that I'm extremely flattered that you in person replied to my question and I think it speaks volumes about you and your dedication to your own creations. Back to business now ) I wish I could hear both of them then decide which works best for me but I think the DNA500 might have the edge over the DNA2 just based on your description, I might be wrong but as once someone said finding the right sound is a journey no a destination. In terms of the preamp I think something like Modwirght SWL9.0 should do the trick, what other preamps would you or anybody here recommend that work well with this amp?

Thanks a lot guys, that's very valuble info. The LS is a bit out of my budget for now but used SWL might be just the right fit.