I recently purchased a McCormack RLD-1 & DNA-1. My previous set up was a Musical Fidelity CD-PRE24 and Adcom GFA-555 with B&W CDM9NT's & Velodyne FSX-12. When I swapped in the RLD-1 WOW! Even with the Adcom! The DNA-1 was not quite as dramatic an improvement to my ears (good power cord should help). This makes me wonder! Could I still get a decent return on preamp investment? SMCaudio upgrade or put it in the bedroom with the Adcom and move on? Max upgade & used RLD-1 = +/- $2400 (no phono).
Some things I love about RLD-1:(from my limited perspective)
sounds more believable at a lower apparent volumes and you can push the volume pretty hard before it starts to fall apart effortless presentation - never seems strained soundstage/imaging quite good bottom end extended and tighter mids smooth and lifelike top end good detail but not too crispy involves me and how 'bout that volume contol
That seems to be the consensus of (McCormack-upgraded gear) owners. I just shipped my RLD-1 off to Steve yesterday, and time is d r a g g i n g now as I anxiously await its return!
Having recently had my DNA-225 upgraded to Platinum status, the dragging of time will soon be over and the only dragging will be your employer dragging you out of your listening chair to attend work. :-)
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.