McCormack Upgrade reviews

Definately a significant upgrade in sound from dlx to Rev B on my DNA 0.5

I would like to add a few comments...

1) While I certainly appreciate Bob B's input, he is incorrect about the relationship between my "Revision B" and the earlier "Deluxe" upgrade. In fact, there is no relation whatever. I originally developed the Deluxe parts upgrade package for the DNA-1, back around '92 or '93. All current SMc Audio upgrades (A, B, & C) are based on circuit revisions to improve the fundamental performance of the DNA circuitry. Broadly speaking, Rev C includes ONLY the core circuit upgrades. Rev B builds on Rev C with an extensive parts and wiring upgrade, considerably beyond the original Deluxe package. Revision A is a complete rebuild of the entire amplifier, and the "Gold" level options were added after the original development of Rev A, and are available separately.

2) Balanced inputs and monoblock conversion are available options for all DNA amps. The techniques I now use for balancing and phase-splitting are much more sophisticated than those used in the original amps.

3) Different levels of revision (along with various options)exist for people with budget constraints and/or special needs. There is a clear progression of performance from Rev C, to B, to A, to "Gold." Each individual gets to decide what level makes the most sense for them, but there should be no confusion about the fact that the highest performance does cost the most.

4) The majority of my upgrade customers have chosen Revision A, usually with some mix of "Gold" level options. Revision B has certainly been popular, and the owners have been very pleased with the result - so much so, in fact, that several have opted to have their Rev B amp upgraded to Rev A.

5) As others have pointed-out, the original amps "are no slouch," and many people will be perfectly well-served by them. The upgrades exist for those who basically like my designs, but are looking for even higher levels of performance. The upgrades offer very high performance, indeed.

All of this is spelled-out pretty well on my website at www.SMcAudio.com Anyone who would like to discuss these issues in greater depth is welcome to call me at 760-732-0352, M-F, 9-6 PST (California).

Best regards,

Steve McCormack, designer
McCormack Audio
SMcAudio

Steve,

I think I speak for everyone when I thank you for your time and input to our questions about your current and previous products. It shows amazing dedication and interest in our/your hobby and I know everyone appreciates your involvement. I'm sure your one of the only designers staying this close to your end user. I am currently at an executive education class and Wharton reading all kinds of business case studies. Your story would be a great one to tell!

All the best.

Sounds as though Steve has considering upgrades to all DNA's. Hopefully this includes the 225, which I have and love. Will post what I find out later.

I own a DNA-2 LAE (Limited Anniversary Edition) and thoroughly enjoy it's many qualities. Peter Moncrief of Intern'l Audio Review rated the DNA-2 LAE as the top ss state amp back in 1999 if that means anything.

It's my understanding that the DNA-2 Rev. A would offer slight sonic improvements over the LAE version. Better relays (or no relays), etc.. From what I understand the LAE used a certain Toshiba transistors that were extremely fast and Toshiba no longer makes.

Anyway, I have no intention to upgrade the LAE. Instead, I intend to one day purchase a base DNA-2 and send it to Steve McCormack for a Rev A gold upgrade.

Have any of you DNA-2 (any version) guys converted your amp to 230 volts? If so, I'd love to hear about it. I've got the circuit breaker, the romex, and the schematic. Just lacking the guts as I'd hate to blow the thing up.

-IMO