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McCormack DNA500 for Revel Salon 2? vs Lev/Mac?

I am close to pulling trigger on either used Levinson 532H or McIntosh mc452 for my Revel Salon 2's (would appreciate opinions on these too).

However, in recent explorations, I've come across rave reviews for the DNA500 as well as the Cary 500MB. How do these compare, and would they be good options? The DNA500 is especially interesting based on it's reported sound qualities, power, and comparative $/performance value.

I'd like more bass impact/depth, and more musicality and warmth. I dont care about ultra-accuracy or ultra detail (as long as it's still good) or soundstage depth. I also prefer a more front row close-up perspective than a mid-hall 30 rows back sound.
jeffkad
mitch2
3,731 posts
 
I owned both, the Carys after the McCormack. Both were nice with the McCormack being a touch more neutral with a bit better bass slam and definition and the Cary being a little warmer in the midrange, sweeter in the high frequencies, but a little looser and fuller in the bass and a touch noisy. The McCormack can have upgraded capacitors added by McCormack of Virginia, or can be upgraded by SMc Audio. I traded the Carys for Lamm M1.1s and those for Clayton amps.

I would like to hear a direct comparison between the newish McCormack DNA-750 monos and the new Cary SA500.1 monos, and also a comparison between those amps and their respective predecessors.
jeffkad OP
211 posts
 
Mitch, agree would be instructive to hear a comparo btwn the DNA 750 and the new Cary SA500, and how they compare to their predecessors. I'd love to hear some comments around that scenario.
jragsda
18 posts
 
After many, many amps, I always come back to McCormack. He is in the game for the music not the $. His designs speak for themselves. Listen closely, you will hear the difference.
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
I'd also vote for the DNA-500.
j_fav
26 posts
 
I went from a pair of DNA 750's to a BMC S1 on my Salon 2's and couldn't be happier with the change. The McCormacks were very smooth and refined, but often left me feeling as though the performance we being held back by a bit of a veil ... the BMC is a more open and resolving amp, but never lean at all. In fact i'd say the BMC is MORE musical and smoother overall then the DNA 750 monoblocks, but also has much great resolution. That's a great combination if you ask me.

I'm having a custom speaker built by Vapor Audio who turned me on to BMC, since they're a dealer. I'm glad they did.
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