2. amps-preamps
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Preamp for McCormack DNA-125 Gold? Budget $2k

Any ideas for a preamp match for my McCormack DNA-125 Gold upgrade? It is actually just short of Gold (I didn't have $1750 to spend on the upgrade, but did have $1500, so it is close). My speakers are Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signatures (not very demanding). I have been using a CJ PV5a preamp: not the best unit, I know.

My budget is $2000 used (or new). Should I pursue a balanced preamp and then consider getting the amp upgraded with balanced IC's as well? That adds another $500 to the cost of the amp, but I could always do it at a later date.

My other option would be to sell the McCormack and get a good integrated for $3500 used. Not having heard any good ones, I don't know if this would best a decent preamp and the DNA-125 Gold.

My musical tastes tend to be classical and jazz.
chiho
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
My DNA-225 Platinum, matched with a Bent NOH passive, sounds both transparent and dynamic through Vandersteen 5's. As I've mentioned previously, the only amp upgrade I'd really consider is monoblocking with a second 225. I'd also like to try the new McCormack pre.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
I should have said that I'd like to try the new SMc Audio pre (designed by Steve McCormack), NOT a new McCormack (of Virginia) pre.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1232331348&/SMc-Audio-VRE-1-reference-prea
jp11801
13 posts
 
Steve, thanks for you response, so far with a 1.2k cadddock based resistor axion passive I have no loss in dynamics from my active pre and better clarity. I will try the transformer units as well.

When my cash flow improves I'd love to try the RLD fully upgraded as that may be the best of both worlds.
stevemcx
166 posts
 
Hey - whatever works! Glad to hear the Axiom is working for you. It's about as simple as a passive volume control can get (while still including "features" like a chassis), but if that's all you need for now, you're all set. I'll be happy to talk with you about the RLD-1 when the time comes.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
SMc Audio
bbopman
53 posts
 
I have a similar issue. I have a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe with Steve's gold upgrade. Ran an Audible Illusions for years and loved it until it fried itself and AI took a year to fix it and only returned it to me after I threatened to turn them in to the Colorado Attorney Generals consumer protection division. Went with a Rogue 99 Magnum about halfway through the AI debacle. Using Martin Logan Ascents with a Depth sub, Wadia 830 (only occaisionally) and an Apple TV/ PS Audio Digital Link III 'server" combo.

My wife hates this system since it's complicated and the Rogue has enough background noise to drive her (and me also) crazy.

I am looking for some sort of preamp or integrated that will drive these speakers and has a lot of remote switching capabilities since my DVD and television are also hooked up. I also want a dead silent background.

I've thought about a McIntosh C45 or C46 pre or a MA 6500 or 6900 integrated.

Any suggestions in the less than than $3000 range?
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