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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
dr3's avatar
dr3
33 posts
 
Are these fully balanced amps or, like the DNA-500, only a difference circuit on the input?
stevemcx
166 posts
 
The DNA-500 and DNA-750 monoblocks are fully balanced, fully differential designs. The inputs are transformer-coupled which allows (among other things) the use of both balanced and unbalanced input drive.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
SMc Audio
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Hi Steve. I understand that you and c-j staff codesigned these; is that correct?

How would you compare the sounds of the '750s v. the DNA-500?
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jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Mitch2, could you pls send those pics of the '750 to jeffreybehr(at)cox(dot)net?

TYVM.
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mitch2
3,713 posts
 
Hello Jeffrey,
Pictures are zipped and sent.
I find it discouraging the lack of attention and reviews of big iron amps these days. Neither the DNA-750 or the new Cary SA-500.1 monos have had a single professional review that I have seen, and they have both been out for a while now. Think about 10 years ago, we had the DNA-500, CJ 350, Halo JC-`s,Cary MB500s, Belles 350A Ref., and others I am sure to be missing, that were all well covered in the audio press. It's almost like they are trying to keep these DNA-750s (and the new Cary amps) a secret, either that or they really suck. 10-Audio did do a recent review of the smaller Cary SA-200.1 and had some good things to say. If these companies really want to sell some amps, IMO it would help them to generate some press coverage. BTW, I doubt Steve had much to do with the design of the DNA-750s, except what they borrowed from his earlier designs, but I could be wrong. The last picture I sent to you showed a shot of the insides with the CJ capacitor upgrade. You should call CJ directly to find out whether they still offer that upgrade. I believe the capacitor upgrade option was on their website. Please post your findings if you get to hear a pair of either the McCormacks or the Carys.
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