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Upgrade McCormack or...

I have a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe that I've been very happy with for the past two years, but I'd like to see if I can do better within a limited budget.  Steve McCormack's folks at SMC will upgrade it for ~$1850 (Gold upgrade), but is there a better amp I can find for less than $3000 used (the approximate value of my amp plus upgrade cost), that might make more sense; any suggestions? 
cheeg
mitch2
4,228 posts
 

To update my post from August, I recently received my new SMc Audio DNA-1 Ultra G monoblock amplifiers and they have been warming up over a week now.  To get the ball rolling on the project, I simply sent SMc two used DNA-1 amplifiers I purchased on-line.  The upgrades included a new main board designed by SMc Audio and specifically manufactured for them, a large Plitron Low Noise power transformer, new capacitors, many other new parts and connectors, and special wiring.  As indicated in my August post, very little remains from the original amplifiers except for the chassis and heat sinks.  Steve and Patrick told me these represent their best work and they sure sound great.  I just received the recommended Stillpoint Ultra Minis from Steve yesterday that will replace the original ModSquad Sorbothane footers.  The amps are positioned on SRA platforms that were recalibrated specifically for the weight and footprint of these SMc amplifiers. This weekend will be my first chance to give the amps a serious listen so I am looking forward to that.    

soix
10,169 posts
 
@mitch2 — I’d be very interested in what you find in terms of improvements as I’m considering sending my DNA 0.5 RevA in for upgrade, and I also believe my input board may have finally crapped the bed so I need to do something anyway.
mitch2
4,228 posts
 
I never had the stock DNA-1s in my system so I will not be able to compare before and after the upgrade.  I have owned a stock DNA-2 and, many years later, a Platinum DNA-2.  I also owned the DNA-500 that Peter Moncrieff called "the best solid state amp on the planet."
What I can tell you is that these DNA-1 Ultra G monos definitely better the DNA-500 in every respect and particularly with respect to midrange texture and body and in the high frequencies where the DNA-500 could exhibit a touch of whispiness.  The DNA-1 Ultra Gs have (at least) the same iron-fisted control of the DNA-500 but within the envelope of a more even-handed, tactile, overall presentation.  I have owned several really good amps (Class A, AB, and D) and my first impressions are that these SMc monos are right there with the best, plus they have the massive amount of power that my Aerials work best with (something like 600/1200/2000 into 8/4/2 ohms)! 

So far, my experience with amplifiers is that the good ones do a couple of things really well. The trick is finding an amp who's strengths best match up with your primary needs based on your system, music, and listening preferences while still playing at a relatively high level in every other respect.  
gdnrbob
4,491 posts
 
I concur with Mitch2, 
SMcAudio converted my DNA-1's to monoblocks and also converted a pair of Micro power amps to monoblocks, and upgraded a Micro preamp.
Their work is 1st class.
@soix ,
I would call SMc and provide them with your related equipment. I know it helps if they know what they are dealing with. In every case, Pat has helped direct me during the upgrade path.
Bob
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
DNA -750 owner!

 Proud and love them.
they are my grail, and I will upgrade when the time calls, I still have many more years of listening.

stay healthy all!
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