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McCormack DNA amp options....

I currently own a McCormack DNA 0.5, standard, that I have not yet sent to SMC for upgrades. Before I schedule with SMC I wanted to get some opinions from others with experience with the DNA amps. Is it really worth the time and money to consider getting a second 0.5 amp and have them converted to monoblocks? Would there be any advantage, other than the added power, to maybe finding a couple of 1.0's and doing this as opposed to the 0.5? Are there any sonic differences between the 1.0 and the 0.5 amps? Please keep in mind that over time these would be upgraded to a Rev. A or better. I really love my 0.5 and am pretty well set on staying with the McCormack DNA's for SS. Any advice would be a big help. Thank you. Zach
zspradlin
eagle
154 posts
 
If the single stereo DNA.5 is satisfactory for sound level with your speakers, get all the SMc upgrades you can for the one amp except the mono conversion. Get a good power cord on it and enjoy. If it was the choice of getting two DNA.5 Rev A monos or a single DNA.5 Gold...go for the gold! You will know it's the upgrades that have improved the sound and can decide later to go Gold monos if you wanted more power. If you do both monos and upgrades at the same time you won't know which improved the sound more (if that's important).
Have you ever heard your speakers with 200w or 300w power?
jim63's avatar
jim63
27 posts
 
Zach,
You have received somer very good advice, the best of which was to call Steve McCormack at SMc. He is very accessible and helpful. Let us know how you make out.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Labtec sez: "In particular, you can now get the Plitron toroid transformer for the .5 which significantly improves bass performance (among other things) and makes the .5 seem even more powerful."

Is this a fact? I notice the website says it availale only for the 1.0. This would eb good news if available and may well change my thinking strategy......
maggieowner
44 posts
 
I spoke to Steve about 2 weeks regarding upgrading my .5 Rev A to a maxxed Rev A Gold. The Plitron toroid transformer is available for the .5. He has not updated the website to reflect the availability.
stevemcx
166 posts
 
Hello friends -

Maggieowner is correct - the Plitron toroid transformer upgrade is now available for the DNA-0.5. The cost is $450 when done as part of an upgrade. While this transformer makes a very nice improvement to the DNA-1, its effect on the DNA-0.5 is startling.

I need to update my website with this info and several other tidbits, but I am so busy it's hard to find the time! Please call me if you have questions or just want to discuss getting the best from your McCormack gear. My office number is 760-732-0352, and the best time to call is after 10AM PST (California).

Best to all,

Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com
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