Upgrade McCormack or...


I have a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe that I've been very happy with for the past two years, but I'd like to see if I can do better within a limited budget.  Steve McCormack's folks at SMC will upgrade it for ~$1850 (Gold upgrade), but is there a better amp I can find for less than $3000 used (the approximate value of my amp plus upgrade cost), that might make more sense; any suggestions? 
128x128cheeg

@cheeg - I am glad to hear things worked out for you, but after working with Steve and Patrick for years, I am not surprised.

Very interesting tread. Thank to all of you for the input. I have a stock McCormack DNA-1. Need to call SMc Audio. Just scared of shipping the amp from the East Coast to the West Coast.

 

Happy New Year everyone

The new posts on this thread couldn’t have come at a better time. I currently have my DNA-1 amp at SMC getting a complete upgrade of the interior. Bought this amp in 1999 and had Steve upgrade it a couple years later. Talked to Patrick a few months ago about a complete upgrade. To be honest, I was ready to pull the trigger on a new amp I had been eyeing. After multiple conversations he convinced me that Steve was absolutely sure the new DNA-1 would match perfectly with my new speakers I am expecting in February (Salk Audio Song3 Encore). I am now about 30 days from getting my amp back along with the Salks. Patrick has been outstanding relaying advice on power cables, interconnects, and speaker cables. I can’t say enough good things about the information and advice he and Steve have given me. I am not a technical savvy audiophile, so Patrick and Steve’s input has been extremely helpful and reassuring throughout this process. I now nervously await for February to arrive. 

@muskyman1 Congratulations on your choice -- I'm sure you won't be disappointed!  Please let us know how it sounds with your Salks -- what are you using for a pre, and do you use a DAC?  Happy New Year, Casey