Amp upgrade recommendations


I am considering having a pair of DNA 0.5s upgraded to Rev A and converted to monoblocks to run balanced off of my BAT VK3i, which is driven by a CAL CL-10/Classe' DAC also running balanced. Speakers are Vandersteen 3Asigs. Or I could sell the amps and buy something else. The mono-block conversion and upgrade is $1800; amps would yield about $1400-1500.00 (one is already Rev B) if I sold them. Any thoughts on which route might be better? I do not want to get involved with a tube power amp. Thanks for your ideas.
128x128swampwalker
I had your amp and went for more beef with a BAT VK500...I found it did everything the McCormack did only much better....IMHO
Swampwalker, Since you already have a pair of DNA-.5 it would make some sense to have them converted to mono if they will provide adequate power for your speakers. The pair would be easier to handle than a single DNA-2. I did not like the DNA-1 dlx monos (non-rev) as well as the DNA-2 dlx, but most reports I have heard is the DNA-.5 is a better sounding amp than the 1, and the same is said of the 125 over the 225.

Tok, This cracks me up:
"the Pass X-1000 amps or probably even the Pass X-600 amps will make the Magnapan 3.6's sing better than any McCormick amp made EVER (Rev A or LAE or otherwise). No ifs ands or buts. ..."
If I want cloves, I'll get McCormick. I'll Pass ;)
Some of the things I'm trying to get a handle on, and maybe I didn't post it clearly, are:
1. Is there a big advantage in the 0.5s monoblock conversion vs. using them in a vertical biamp mode? In addition to the increase in power, it would provide balanced operation.
2. Is this outweighed by the decreased usefulness of the amps which would have to be marketed as monopairs later.
3. Is there a big advantage in a fully balanced set-up. Maybe this is the first question, and then decide on the 0.5s or other power. I know the Gamut is balanced and the Classe' 301 can be run balanced (is it just XLR input, or is it a fully balanced circuit?).

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and help.
I agree with Tok2000. Nobody should ever rate their equipment or especially equipment that they have read about as being perfect. This is not the first time that this person has indicated that their equipment is perfect or the best (smiley faces or not). There are many different amps out there and not 1 will do justice for everybody or every situation. You need to go out and audition for yourself and if you think this sounds the best to you, great, buy it. But remember, because you cannot audition every amp out there, your neighbor across the street might have an amp that might be better suited to your setup than what you just purchased. That is the beauty (or curse) of this hobby. You can "always" upgrade in the future, even if it for a different sound: tube vs. ss, bi-amp, mono's, etc.....
Stehno,

based on your postings in this thread and some others, if I didn't know better I'd swear you are being stalked.

What up with that?

bf