McCormack REV B upgrades. Better than a new amp?

Thank you to all memebers who responded so far to this thread. There was a REV B DNA .05 for sale weeks ago, but I passed on it because I was making other upgrades to the system, and the seller would not budge on price It was modded in 2004.

However, it could be a long, long, wait for a REV A DNA.05 to surface on AG, and I am getting too old to play the kid looking in the candy shop window at Christmas. Also, it will probably be about $1800. which..seems like alot of money for a 100RMS amp

The other important issue is HOW MUCH BETTER can/or will REV A DNA-.05, or REV A DNA-1. sound. We all have a level of higher expectation, especially if he have owned more than one expensive SS amps, like a Pass, Boulder, Krell, BAT, Levinson. Personally, I have not. I had an Aragon 4004 MK II which in 1988 retailed for $1800, and I bought for $950 on a salesman's accomodation. It was a very good to almost great amp, though somewhat bright.

So what is the criterion of improvement, that gets one to say..." WOW, this is a spectacular sounding amp, better than any amp I ever owned or heard". The big gun brand names I mentioned above are at least 10 to 15 times more expensive than REV A+ Gold McCormack.

I currently have a pair of Red Dragon M-500 digital mono blocks(driving Acoustic Zen Adagios) which are remarkable for the money I paid. Yet, like other members, I am always curious about pushing the performance envelope a bulge or two more. No, the $27,000 Boulder or Levinson is not in my budget range or insanity border.

However, I like to hear what other members consider the basis of the WOW factor in amplifier performance. Thanks again, Jim

You should consider contacting Steve McCormack. I've found him to be most helpful, and I'm sure he or Chris would be upfront with you on the differences you can expect between the Rev. B and Rev. A, etc. When I spoke to Steve a looooong time ago he implied there is a big difference between B and A, but can't remember specifics (I think the power supply was significant) and what the final effect on sound was.

I seem to see 0.5 Rev. As come up from time to time, so the wait might not be as bad as you think if it's truly a big stepup on performance. I'll certainly keep my fingers crossed for ya.

Old thread but related question.
Have  an opportunity to buy a DNA 0.5 rev B. 2nd Owner  and does not know when the rev B was done.  Was talking to an eng at CJ (CJ have taken over support for McC) and he told me that after 20-30 years, some of the caps have to replaced.Is it worth buy this DNA 0.5 with rev B given that the rev B was probably done 20 years ago?I am planning to power my Vandersteen 3a signatures. I would have preferred DNA 1 or DNA 225 as they have more pwer but harder to comeby.
My alternative is to buy a new MF integrated  for around 2K.New Belles Aria separates would be a very fantastic fit for my Vandys 3a  but they are $4.5K and out of my budget

Unfortunately the caps by far are not the biggest problem.  McAmps of that age have input boards that are now failing, which is fatal because there’s no repair for it so the amp is basically toast and requires a total rebuild.  You can speak with Steve McCormack about it at SMcAudio (I did) where they still do their awesome mods for the DNA amps and their other stuff, but I wouldn’t touch that amp if I was you.  Caveat emptor. 

If you planned on going the SMC upgrade path, buy a McCormack amp, and upgrade it.

 Heard lots of people buying non working McCormack amps for a steal, sending to be upgraded, your getting a new amp, which is of top tier quality and workmanship.