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? 
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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

 

@unsound I know how you feel, unsound, it looks like he wrote that without reading your post.  Apparently, his sh*t seems to have written itself!  All I can say is let it go, and have a Happy New Year.

@patrico200 I understand your fear of shipping the rebuilt amp cross-country.  All I can say is call Steve and Patrick -- they have a lot of experience with such things, and if they think they can ship it to you safely, I wouldn't doubt it.  Good luck, and have a Happy New Year.