2. amps-preamps
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Pass amp vs McCormack with Silver/Gold upgrades...

OK, I'm trying again. My purchases in the past have benefited and been guided from help here, and I hope my first SS amp purchase might benefit similarly. I've read a lot and my interest has focused on two amps (thought the Blue Circles are intriguing).

For the cost of buying a DNA-1 or .5 and getting $1000 to $2000 of upgrades, I can buy a pair of used Pass Aleph amps (more or less) such as the ones on Ebay right now. I have not heard either, but am going on lots and lots of reading.

Is anybody able to contrast the sound I might get with these two options? Or make an educated guess? Uneducated guess? Toss a coin?

Any comments would be sincerely appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim
river251

Showing 3 responses by phd

phd
1,330 posts
 
Sorry River251, it was not my intention to redirect this thread but jmcgrogan2 mentioned the economy previously and got me going.

I could not find the DNA 0.5 with upgrades only the deluxe model. It has probably already been sold as items are automatically deleted upon a final sale. It is also important to find out when the upgrades were performed as Steve McCormack added star grounding which lowers the noise floor thus allowing the most intricate details to come through.
phd
1,330 posts
 
Without any upgrades to the stock DNA-1, I would most definately go with the Aleph's as they will sound more refined and sweeter.

The economy is still dragging along and I believe since the price of gasoline has dropped, this may be the booster shot the economy needs. But them wallstreet bankers are still determine to destroy any headway made. JP Morgan/Chase just lost 4.4 billion on a bad deal but did fire the executives responsible. Boy that definately makes me feel better.
phd
1,330 posts
 
I know it has been discussed before as to the Mccormack DNA .5 versus the DNA 1 but honestly after owning both I thought they sonically sounded the same accept I would give the DNA 1 the final nod because of its power and like Chris said, you will not have to worry about upgrading to a higher power amp in the event you make a speaker change.
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