Upgraded McCormack DNA-1 or Dennis Had Inspire SEP?

cornwalls with a 150 wpc mccormack solid state amp... hmmmmmmmm

glad op can read and type, he might be deaf soon

I own the KT88 Fierebottle amp by Dennis Had. I have had a blast with it but I am a bit of an odd fish to say the least. My system sounds amazing with it but for me being able to try different tubes is a big draw. I love the tubes themselves and I enjoy hearing how they sound. Output tubes I've used so far include KT88, 7189A, KT66, El38, 6ar6, 807, and 6v6. I've used 6bx7, 6sn7, and 6sl7 in the input plus loctal versions of this and the 6v6. Lots of fun. But I do understand how that could be frustrating for some people. 

In my system (Topping D90, Supratek Cabernet, KT88 Firebottle, Phase Technology PC 3.5 speakers) I can get a variety of different sounds depending on what tubes I use. I'm currently using a pair of 7c5 tubes in the output and a tall 7n7 for the input. It's a. big, warmish sound. I can go very hi-fi if I put in the new KT66 with a Raytheon 6f8g. I love being able to change the sound of the system. It isn't a purist approach but a SEP will never appeal to the 100% accuracy crowd. 

I am wrestling with the same question— keep the McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe that I’ve had for 25 years and get it upgraded or change up and try something new.  I’ve only used tubes in my headphone rig ( Bottlehead Crack) but might be ready to try them for speakers.  Or maybe I just need to do both.  I’ve read on this forum that people who’ve worked with SMC loved the results.

 

@jsbw "But...I need...more."

 

@jsbw, before jumping ship altogether, which [if any] of the optional Jolida upgrades did you have installed for your Fusion 3502P tube amp?

https://www.jolida.com/upgrades/upgrading-your-equipment

• Upgrade I: Resistor, diode, capacitor and tube upgrade.
• Upgrade II: WBT Speaker Post, Cardas Input Jacks
• Upgrade III: Addition of bybee rails. Please note that not all units can have the bybee rail installed.
• Upgrade IV: Changing internal wire to ultra high grade signal wire.
• Upgrade V: Use of Hi End Capacitors eiither in the output stage or the coupling cap stage or both. Regarding the placement of hi grade capacitors, we primarily use Rike oil and paper capacitors, Audyn True Copper Capacitors. Call for pricing if the capacitors are not either Rike or Audyn.

I’ve heard upgrades II, V on the Jolida and I’m a former DH SEP Hot Rod amp owner, fwiw. Upgrades I through V on the Jolida is worth the price of admission. Add PSVANE KT88 output tubes and good matched NOS small signal tubes, and it sounds nice!

I have a Dennis Had Universal SET amp with a bunch of different tubes that I'm not using.  If you decide you want one you might PM me.  I've been too lazy to list in on US Audio Mart.