Belles 350a or Mccormack DNA -1 Deluxe?

Heard them both a lot, owned a Belles 150a and a Mcc DNA-1.
I'd make it simple as this, if acoustic music, jazz, classical, folk , buy the Belles.
If you rock, the Mccormack .

I was a McCormack dealer for many years and have owned most of the amps that Steve has made. Excellent build quality and sound. Couldn't go wrong.

IMHO, Belles is one of the most underappreciated and unknown high end manufacturers. I have owned alot of David's gear and find it top notch. Just SUPERB and deserves to be held amongst the best out there.

The Belles gear tends to the yin side of things. Warm, open, a little dark and romantic, (my kind of equipment). The McCormack is the yang. Fast, bright, clear, detailed.

If your system is already a little bright, the Belles would be the way to go. But if your system is a little dark and slow, the McCormack would be better.

I have owned literally hundreds of amps and the Belles is one of my favorites. In fact, once I can afford it, (I'm going back to school), I plan on buying a Belles 350A Reference or a pair of MB-200s or a MB-500 and calling it quits. My last amp(s). I'm just smitten with the Belles stuff.

I have the belles ref.150 v2 and I have heard the McCormack dna 1. I agree with both Shubert and Mofi. Two good choices.

Never heard the Belles but his designs are universally praised. Owned the McCormack and it was an excellent piece. Only comment I can add to those above, is that Steve McCormack is still active in providing support and upgrades to his designs through SmcAudio.com. He and his technician (Curt, maybe?) are readily accessible to respond to questions and provide honest, un-biased advice. The DNA amps are very good and exceptional bang for the buck. When upgraded, they are quite remarkable, world class products.

If going McCormack I'd highly recommend holding out for one that already has one of Steve's A or gold revisions. When buying used the premium is not that much and you get a much superior amp. Best of luck.