Amp away for 20 year upgrade...back-up amp to the rescue


I just sent my SMc Audio Revision A+ modified McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe amplifier to SMc for an apparently much needed upgrade.  I bought the amp in 1997, had a Revision B mod done in early 1998 and then the A+ revision done in 2002.  On a whim I decided to call Steve McCormack two days ago to find out what was current with their modifications for the DNA-1.

In the course of a 25 minute chat I learned that virtually none of the mod parts in my amp are part of their current upgrades and that for a reasonable price (approx. $1300) I would get an entirely new motherboard, upgraded soft recovery diodes as well as new output caps., resistors, input and output jacks and wiring scheme.  So away it went today via Fedex.

Out of the closet comes my Musical Concepts modified Adcom GFA-555.  In listening through it right now, I remember how endearing this amp can be as it flatters the music with good ebb and flow and a recessed soundstage so the music never seems to "come at you".  Very enjoyable.  So why own and upgrade my full service amp?  Verisimilitude!!   That you are there or even better, they are here presence to the sound.  The lack of transient attack and air around instruments also belies a sense of realism.  Again, don't get me wrong, I'll be enjoying music for the next month or so that my main amp is getting a spa treatment, but it will be exciting to hear the music back in the room with me and the open soundspace where the music seems here again.
128x128hifiman5
That sounds like a good approach.  In all of my modded and stock equipment, I have opted for the modifiers or designers who emphasized the robustness of the power supply.  Music has an "effortless" quality to it through such gear.

Guys-


I am a big Conrad Johnson fan.  I have not had a demo of any McCormack designs, yet, it could be on my radar.  Anyone here owned both and chose SMc  amps?


There is a sweet -looking DNA LAE for sale here, but, I would not know its sonic signature?  Would it mate well w/ a CJ pre-amp?


Happy Listening!

If I am not mistaken, didn't Conrad Johnson build the McCormack amps in their factory?  If that is so, I would think it would match up well with  a CJ preamp.  Is the preamp tube or solid state?