2. amps-preamps
  3. 1099377297

McCormack DNA .5? Do I need more power?

Hi. I have been thinking about picking up a used McCormack DNA 0.5, which I may upgrade in the future. Will it be powerful enough at only 100w? I am currently using a B&K Reference 4420 (225wpc) and while it sounds good, I am sure I will get better sound out of the McCormack, especially once upgraded. My speakers are 91db, pretty efficient, but they have a big 10" driver along with a 6.5" driver, 1" driver, and tweeter, so I don't want to under-power them. Manufacturer recommends no less than 30w. I don't play real loud (no higher than 10 o'clock, which is plenty), but I don't want the lows to be muddled by a lack of power. What do you think?
chiho
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
It's more a matter of efficiency and impediance than raw power wattage. Your speakers are pretty efficient at 91db, and I'll bet they are considered 4 ohm's. That makes the McCormack a 200 watt amp into 4 ohms.

Plenty of power there to control your woofer. The McCormack's are also known for their tight and tuneful bass, so I wouldn't think you would have a problem.

And yes, the upgrades steve offers are not to be dismissed lightly. If you like the DNA .5 in its stock form you will be amazed at a Rev A or B unit. Never to upgrade again is what most of us think of those mods.

Enjoy,
Bob
eagleman6722
217 posts
 
I have Vandersteen 2CE Signatures @ efficiency of 86DB. I had the B&K 4420 driving them but moved to a McCormack DNA-1. 150 channel into 8 but probably running close to 200 because the Vandys are 7 ohms I think. The unmodded DNA-1 provides plenty of power with more to spare so I think your 91 DB spendors would mate well with the DNA .5 as long as your room isn't too big and you are not looking to blow the roof off your house....

Eagleman
steveaudio
331 posts
 
I don't know if you'll "need" more power, but a DNA-1 is not that much more expensive than a DNA .5. More power is usually "better", even if you don't absolutely need it.....
phd
1,307 posts
 
The McCormack 0.5 has a very conservative rating of 100 watts per channel, sounds much more powerful. I have had other power amps rated at 200 watts per channel that can't keep up with the 0.5. This amp has unlimited power reserves & I have yet to clip mine. By the way, I own the DNA 0.5 Rev A, offers a world class sound and easily beats most everything I have heard before it. Your above speakers at their efficientcy of 91 db would produce concert hall levels with the 0.5.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Anyone ever use a McCormack DNA .5 stock or Deluxe to power a pair of KEF 104/2 speakers? Anyone care to share their thoughts on how the combination sounded? Did the DNA .5 provide enough power to them?

Specs of the KEF 104/2s.

Model 104/2 Specifications:
Frequency Range: 55Hz - 20kHz ( 2dB)
Drive Units:HF: T33 25mm (1") Impregnated fabric dome
MF: 2 x B110 100mm (5") Doped Bextrene cone
LF: 2 x B200 200mm (8") Paper cone
Crossover Point:150Hz, 3kHz
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Characteristic Sensitivity Level: 92dB
Amplifier Requirements: 25-200W into 4 ohms
Maximum Output: 112dB
Internal Volumes: LF 50 litres, MF 3 litres
Net Weight: 32kg (70.5lbs)
Dimensions: (H x W x D)900 x 280 x 415mm, 35.5 x 11 x 16.4 ins

Thanks
More to discover