Upgrade McCormack or...

Since you asked, I will be glad to share my thoughts on how the SMc monos compare with the Class A Clayton M300 monos but I first want to spend some more time with the SMc monos before posting.  In advance of my more specific impressions, I can share that both sets of amps sound excellent in their own way, but they do sound somewhat different from each other and they do each have their own unique strengths.  Below are a few links to reviews of the M300s for those of you who want to know more about the Clayton amps.  The Clayton S2000 stereo amp discussed in the IAR review is actually two M300s in one chassis. 

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue40/clayton_m300.htm

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue42/clayton_m300.htm

http://www.iar-80.com/page6.html

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/hegel-h30-stereo-vs-clayton-m300-monoblocks

There is another glowing M300 review out there that was written by Martin DeWulf at Bound for Sound Report, a former Hi Fi Newsletter (that is no longer published) that covered reviews of equipment without taking any advertising money.  I don't think you could find the review on-line but the author thought it was one of the best amps he had heard. 

a bit more but if you can stretch a bit a used Wells Audio Inamorata

I am really enjoying this thread and wanted to get some opinions from you all.  I have owned my DNA 1 for 18 years and had it upgraded to gold in 2008.  It currently has an intermittent power switch issue that is getting worse, so i figured if i send it for repair, I would also send it in for a gravity junior upgrade.  But then a friend emailed me today and is selling his McIntosh MC152 amp, which is less than a year old for a very fair price.  So i was wondering if anyone has compared their McCormack amp with a a McIntosh or more specifically a MC 152 ?  I love my DNA1 and never considered a different amp, but this has me curious.  BTW, I have a McIntosh C49 preamp and Kef 104/2 speakers.  Thank you for any input/opinions/advice!  

McCormack and McIntosh typically have a very different presentations. McCormack's tend to be somewhat forward, McIntosh's tend to be laid back. Either might be better suited to different speakers. The Kef 104/2's are somewhat reticent;. I think the McCormack would be a better match for them.

 

I had a DNA1 and not for a million dollars would I risk swapping it out for a Mac. You can take a pass on the unsound advice above. 

Sorry, but

 

Send it in to have Steve work his magic. No regrets.