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McCormack DNA-750

I have noticed that recently some pairs of these mono amps with 650 watts/channel/8 ohms have come up for sale. I had not heard of these before but they seem like a good value product at the prices listed. I also understand that these amps were designed by the Conrad Johnson folks, not Steve McCormack. Has anyone heard these? I have liked the C-J Premier 350 in the past and wonder if the DNAs are similar. Any information or experience you have with these would be appreciated. I am looking for a high power amp with a bit of a warm sound. I am considering a BAT 600se and a Premier 350 as well.
teeshot
mitch2
3,711 posts
 
These have been introduced very quietly. No reviews that I am aware of although they seem like they could be similar to a pair of bridged DNA 225 monos. I do have a picture of the insides and there are a few of the CJ capacitors in them. CJ also offers an option to fully upgrade capacitors - as indicated on the CJ website and by one of the current sellers on this site. I would like to see more information about these amps.

The other amps you may consider are the new monoblocks by Cary - SP500.1. These are a post-Dennis Had design and include some power supply upgrades and a modular design/construction approach. The folks at Cary say they sound better than the former MB500's, while maintaining a similar warm sound with better resolution. Again, no review information that I am aware of except a very short comment on the S'phile blog from CES 2011.
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Hi Teeshot,

Any update here? Have justed started to investigate and would appreciate learning anything from your pursuit. Thanks!!!
teeshot OP
123 posts
 
LLOYDELEE: I gave up on these because there was virtually no market information about them. Conrad Johnson's person said he thought they were inferior to the Premier 350 unless you did the cap upgrade. I purchased Marantz Reference monoblocs instead and am quite happy with them. I strongly considered Cary 500MB amps (about $3000 used) and Classe CAM400s (about $5800 used) before settling on the Marantz.
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Thanks Teeshot. i have emailed CJ about this...if i thought they were going to be stupendous, i would consider buying a demo pair at a big discount and then upgrading them to "CJ spec"...but only if i thought this would make them "SOTA keepers"...will speak with CJ next week about this.
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
BTW, Teeshot, i also have heard from a major distributor of McCormack they dont compare to the 350SA (which was also more expensive as a stereo than the mono).

Still, i also know CJ are super-great on service...and since they own both companies and do upgrades to older equipment...i am very intrigued to find out if they feel a "fully tricked out" pair of 750 monos would be superior to 350SA...or even superior to "350SA monos" if you know what i mean.
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