2. amps-preamps
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McCormack SMC Audio upgrades: how good are they?

Does anyone know, or can tell me, how good the McCormack stuff sounds when upgraded by SMC audio? I was trying to determine whether to keep my DNA-125 Gold revision, or to go to a higher-end SS or tube amp. Budget would be $3k for an amp, or $4k for an integrated, both used. Has anyone had or heard a DNA-125 or 225 Gold and compared it to other amps? The stock amps sound a lot worse than the Gold revision (it costs $1700 for the upgrades), and I have never seen one used on here, which probably tells me something right there. Still.....

I can't listen to any high-end pieces around here, and have the upgrade bug again, but it may be unjustified at this point. Are there better units available at that price? Preamp TBD as well, but looking to spend $2k. Currently using a Dehavilland in my system. The problem with audio is that it seems that there is always something a little better lurking around the corner....
chiho
tlcshop
3 posts
 
Of course it can be left on. Not sure that's the route I want to go and that was suggested by SMC.
4hannons's avatar
4hannons
187 posts
 
FWIW I have run my McCormack amp continuously for a couple years, no problems; I prefer to think I'm extending its useful lifespan.

I could live with the thump if it meant my amp sounded better -- that's the point of it all, right?

I'm not sure why you mentioned it? Do you seek reassurance the amp will be fine? Are you concerned about speaker damage? No disrespect, just wondering.
tlcshop
3 posts
 
Concerned about tweeter damage more than anything. Also would like to hear the theory behind Steve's removal of the relay
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
11-12-15: Tlcshop
Concerned about tweeter damage more than anything. Also would like to hear the theory behind Steve's removal of the relay
That would be my concern too. There's a reason systems should be turn on and off in the proper sequence.

What;s Steve answer to your concern?
stevemcx
166 posts
 
Hello Audiogoners,

I would prefer that my amps turn on-and-off silently but the nature of the design allows for a bit of a turn-on thump, and the amount varies somewhat from one amp to another. I find a small thump acceptable and I would never ship an amp that I thought was doing anything that could cause damage. But I am listening with speakers in the 90dB sensitivity range, and anything higher will make the noise louder. Even so, this should not ever be any problem - your speaker crossover will eliminate any low-frequency energy from getting to the tweeter, and there usually isn't much high-frequency energy in the thump. I realize that a turn-on thump can be annoying, but I have never heard of any damage of any kind being caused.

The new circuit board I use in the DNA amp upgrades no longer requires the mute relay of the original, so it was eliminated. This will not have any consequence at turn-on unless your preamp has some DC offset, and this is unlikely.

Tlcshop, I'm sorry that your turn-on thump is causing concern. If you would like to call me to discuss this, we can see if there is something that might be done to reduce or eliminate the problem.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
SMc Audio
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