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Opinions on Various McCormack amps

I recently obtained my first McCormack amp, a HT5 5 channel amp.  Im considering picking up one of there stereo amps to run my mains to take some of the load off the HT5. Im researching all the McCormack stereo amps and I’m a little overwhelmed. Im looking at the DNA .5, DNA1, DNA125 and DNA225 and Id love to get some user feedback on these.

The DNA .5 seems to have many variations, what is the sequence of these? Deluxe >Rev b >Rev a? Was there a standard version before the deluxe? What was changed in these different versions?

DNA125 and DNA225, are these improvements over the stock DNA.5 and DNA1? The reviews from the time seem to indicate they are, yet the DNA.5 seems to have quite a following on the used market.

Thanks!

Nick


128x128nickwin
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
I have a DNA-1 with Revision A+.  At the time SMc Audio performed the revisions, the Rev. A+ was the top level of revision.  The Rev. B was a lower level of modification.  I would assume the current Signature upgrades are a step up from what I have.
nickwin's avatar
nickwin OP
6 posts
 
I wonder how much difference there is between .5 and 1 rev a, and the dna125 and 225? 
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@nickwin   If I were you I would just call SMc Audio and talk to Steve McCormack.  He's a very nice guy to talk to and should be able to supply you with accurate information.  Their # is 760-732-0352.

Good Luck!
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
+1 hifiman- Steve is very approachable and you can count on him to give you accurate recommendations if you give him specific information. 

@nickwin- The .5 and 1 w A level revisions from SMc Audio are substantial improvements over the 125/225 stock amps. 
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
Thanks for chiming in on that swampwalker!  I suspected the revised amps to be superior to the production units as Steve had explained the limitations he was under with the production units to hit specific price points.  I believe, that was in large part, one of the key reasons Steve started SMc Audio.  He really wanted the opportunity to put out statement pieces.  I have had my Rev. A+ for years and I still absolutely love it.  It has no discernible sonic flaws that I've been able to perceive.
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