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Mccormack DNA-1 deluxe vs PASS X150.5 amps??

Though, this question maybe a "no brainer" I would like some input from members who have owned a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe and/or a PASS 150.5 amp. There is about a $1500 difference in the selling price between these "used" units. The McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe was the "upgraded" model issued in 1998 (and followed by several numbered amps after) that so the design is old and the "particular unit" on sale could maybe at least 10 years old. THe PASS is current and look almost mint.

I have read some excellent reviews about this model McCormack....but also about the PASS X-150.5. As always it is a question of money vs performance. I have a pair of Acoustic Zen Adagios and a Bel Canto Pre-3 pre-amp and a pair of Red Dragon M-250 digital monoblocks. Sounds nice, but also not consistently coherent or qualitatively the SAME at each listening session.(BTW, I have done as much as possible to correct some of the acoustic aberrations in my room)

Overall, the sound lacks musicality and can lean to the bright side I realize musicality can't be quantified nor is there any tweeks to magically produce it, and so it is one of those allusive qualities we seemed to all chase from time to time.....I am not going to start unraveling what I put together recently to get it. If the amp does not solve the problem, then I am going to just quit audio and sell the entire rig.

Is there is a amplifier of 100-150RMS that would possibly be an excellent alternative between the McCormack and the PASS??? I prefer not to attempt tubes because I have a FM transmission tower nearby. Thanks again, Jim
sunnyjim
digepix's avatar
digepix
121 posts
 
Jim..I think your biggest concern should be getting doused with EMF from the transmission tower. If tubes can receive the signal so can your body, just a thought.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
SunnyJim...I hear your frustration. I am quite sure, the changing of your amp will do little to really make you happy. If I shared your predicament, I would borrow a good pair of earphones and a good headphone amp ...the only way I know of to hear what your system is capable of without room interactions. I am amazed at what my system COULD sound like through my headphones. If indeed the music you hear from the phones pleases you, you can determine how the room needs to be treated. On another note, if you go to Vandersteen's suggestions on speaker placement (to be found online amongst the information in the owners' manual of the model 5A), you might find that helpful as well. If you do go that route, do the math and measurements accurately, and follow the chart. I did that and like the way my speakers sound. I don't know if they can sound better in a different place in the room, but one has to live with one's wife and her acceptance.
ig316b
104 posts
 
Putting together a good synergetic system can seem like a daunting task but when you hit upon one that works for you, the chills up your spin and the back of your neck will make all the hard work worth it.

As a suggestion if you are looking at the McCormack amps you might want to consider the DNA 0.5 Deluxe. I have both the DNA-1 Deluxe and a pair of the 0.5 Deluxe and I prefer the sound of the Vandy 3A Sig's bi-amped better than with the 1.0. I find the 1.0 to seem a little harsh compared to the 0.5’s, Plus if you like the sound with the McCormack’s you can have them upgraded or just wait for an upgraded unit to come up for sale here.

Someone just got a steal on a pair of DNA-125 Platinum mono-blocks the other day, I would have purchased them but I have a pair of 0.5’ at SMc Audio getting their Ultra upgrade as it is.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Sunnyjim

I say you should also give the McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe a listen if possible or consideration. I too have had a McCormack DNA 1 Deluxe and a McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe and enjoyed the music from a DNA .5 Deluxe more. At times I felt the DNA-1 Deluxe was a little more forward and could be a bit grainy in the upper end with the DNA .5 everything sounded just right.

I wish I could give an opinion on the Pass Labs X150.5 amp but the only Nelson Pass amp I've had was a re-built Threshold 400A.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Thanks to all who responded to this thread. Every member offered good advice. In particular to Jed and Ig. The 0,5 deluxe been recommeded to me before Unfortunately, it is only 100RMS, and the Acoustic Zen Adagios cannot be bi-amped. However, I could live with only 100RMS if amp exceeded that in actual operation

The consensus seems to suggest that0.5 Deluxe is smoother and ungrainy compared to the 1.0 Deluxe. Upper end smoothness is one of the virtues I am looking for in a new amp, and musicality. My other concern is whether McCormack still in business, or now Conrad Johnson's satellite compnay like Sonograph used to be.

BTW, there is a McC 0.5 nondeluxe for sale on AG, but the seller has some questionable feedback. Hopefully, we will have other responders to this thread. Jim
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