McCormack DNA 125 vs. DNA .5

The bluebook on the std 0.5 is $700 and the 125 $900 - not a big difference. The 125 stock sounds better than the unmodified 0.5. In fact, the basic rev C upgrade for the 0.5 primarily brings that amp's topology to match the 125, and costs $450 + 2-way shipping. And the 0.5 (mfg'd '93-'99) can potentially be 10 years older than a 125. Stock for stock, $ for $, buy the 125 - upgrades are now available for that amp too should you want to chase the best possible sound.

I had my '99 0.5 deluxe modded to rev C, though the 'deluxe' parts selection makes it somewhere between a rev C and B. Steve suggests my sound to be "slightly more transparent" than a 125; I've no complaints about the sonics or his work. Descriptions of a modded 0.5 being "the best at any price" apply to >>$1K work. The 125 has the potential to be every bit as good.

I bought the DNA 0.5 Rev-A last year and is still amazed by its ability in music reproduction. Enough had been said about the legendery 0.5 and it really is that good, considering its lower price in the 2nd hand market.

I suggest that you try out a used 0.5 rev-A (about $1300 used) and if you don't like it, just put it back for sale in the audiogon, it should sell quickly.
But then again, you probably would keep it.(IMO)

Old thread I know but in case someone happens across this as I did, here is my two cents:
I have owned both amps. To me, the 0.5 is the better of the two, and as a result I have owned two 0.5's and was happy to sell off the 125. While the 125 was "good", the 0.5 was the far more musical of the two. The 125 never seemed to be in the same league as the 0.5.