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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
13 responses Add your response
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.
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
I'd also vote for the DNA-500.
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.
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.
mitch2
3,969 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.
jwpstayman
399 posts
 
Jeff - the DNA 500 is a terrific amplifier that will drive the Revels with ease and authority. It will give you detail (resolution) as well as great bass weight - BUT... the reason why the DNA got some (minor) bad raps is that it has a low input impedance of 10k ohms. If your preamp has a low output impedance ( below 500 ohms would be good), then all is fine and the DNA 500 will be great in your system. If the output of your preamp is higher than that, however, you might want to look elsewhere.
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
Jeff,

The JC1' are absolutely NOT lean!

I don't have time to go into all the details now, but am happy to discuss this further via email or over the phone.

Please send me an email if you're interested.

Thanks,
Jim
jeffkad OP
211 posts
 
Jim, I heard the JC1'a were abit lean. How would you describe their sound, and can you compare to say, Levinson or Mac house sound?
ellyjr
97 posts
 
I had the DNA-500, and Cary 500MB. I kept the Cary mono's.
I have the Salon v1 not the Salon 2.
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
You owe it to yourself to add the Parasound JC1's to your list of contenders.
p59teitel
312 posts
 
I personally wasn't crazy about the ML 532H with the Salon 2s when I heard them together, even though both are Harman products and you'd think there'd be some synergy. The combo was clean and clear but seemed way too polite on dynamic recordings.

A friend has the big 500 watt Carys driving his Vandersteen 5As and seems very pleased. And not that you asked for additional suggestions, but I am extremely happy with my Plinius SB301 driving the Salon 2s - IMO the Plinius provides much better bass and dynamics than did the ML.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
To my ears the McCormack or Cary will more musical than either the Mac or Levinson. I have heard Mac on several occasions and never cared for their sonic character.
jeffkad OP
211 posts
 
Anyone able to comment on DNA500? Will it match well with Salon 2? How does it compare to the Levinson and Mac amps?
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