Upgrade McCormack or...

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.  

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

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!

@cheeg.

This is your call.

You can spend a lot more money, or talk to Patrick, and tell him the sound you want, they will pretty much voice, and give you the sound your looking for, unlike mnay others who either are voiced to their house sound or a straight wire amp, which don’t sound like you want.

as,mentioned here, when Steve and Pat upgrade, the amp is %80-90 gutted and all new high quality stuff is used!

tough call, if me, I would call and talk to Pat or Steve himself, and really listen to what they will do for you!


my ONLY issue w McCormack is I would drive to commiefornia, or Seattle, or where ever their located at, as I will never ship another amp again.

just my .002

i will be driving to Indianapolis soon, to pick up my other mono blocks.

Thanks to all for the recent responses to my August post.  Following up, I decided to bite the bullet in October, and sent my amp in for an upgrade.  Patrick was extremely sensitive to my cost issues, and only recommended special additions when he was certain they would help my present setup and future expectations.  I drove away last week with a Gold Plus upgrade, including Steve's new Gravity Base Junior; it sounds amazing -- now I just need to think about what goes next (and when I can afford it)!