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McCormack amp upgrade / midbass warmth?

Hi I'm seeking some experiential advice from McCormack amp owners who have had their amps upgraded by SMC Audio. I was seriously considering upgrading my stock DNA-1, until I read the recent McCormack DNA-225 review in Stereophile. He mentions that the DNA Rev. A upgrade, although being a significant overall improvement, resulted in smoothing out the midbass warmth of the stock design. I suspect the "midbass smoothing" may result from revision of the DC servo circuit? This concerns me, because I prefer that midbass-warmth sound in my system (that's why I bought this amp). Of course I am going to consult with Steve McCormack in that regard. Would just the Rev. C, or maybe even the Rev. B upgrade also affect the midbass? I don't want to lose this warm sonic signature, it works nicely in my rig. I hope to hear from others who have done upgrades please? Thank you for sharing any opinions.
bob_bundus
kleiman421
62 posts
 
I haven't heard the 225. I do have a DNA-1 Deluxe that was upgraded to full Revision A Gold, except for the balanced inputs, this past summer. I absolutely love this amp and the difference is incredible. I would easily do it all over again. I also believe that there are a lot of very good products out there and many factors that might influence your preference. If it helps, I'm using CAL Delta transport into a Classe DAC 1, and an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A with Thiel CS3.6 speakers. My room is 16x24 with a cathedral ceiling. All power cords have been upgraded and the interconnects are Transparent Ultra XL's.
john_l
782 posts
 
I find it hard to believe that a 2700 retail amp can compete with a hot-rod amp that has had 1500 in upgrade parts alone. I talked to steve's technician, and he said I would have higher performance from a hot-rod dna amp. His argument being that the quality of parts found in the Rev A gold would only be seen in 7-8000 amps. I have to agree with him. I'm sure the markup is 30-40% at the retail level. I have not heard the dna225, but I did own the RevAGold and I think it's one of the best solid state amps I've ever heard. Tremendous bass with excellent soundstaging. Good imaging, very neutral with very little solid state grain. I thought it was very enjoyable to listen to. For a big speaker like the vandersteen 3a's, this is a top wonderful choice.
kr489ec
12 posts
 
"He mentions that the DNA Rev. A upgrade, although being a significant overall improvement, resulted in smoothing out the midbass warmth of the stock design." Smoothing does not mean that the Rev. A lacks warmth, only that it is forward in the midbass. "I suspect the "midbass smoothing" may result from revision of the DC servo circuit?" Or it's removal!
bob_bundus OP
1,834 posts
 
Thanks for your comments: I'm still unsure about this, but the ONLY way to determine the answer is via home audition (duh). However I'm first going to try out the Belles 150A Bartha Mod amp, at about the same $. From what I've read this Hitachi mosfet output amp may be just what I want.
kr489ec
12 posts
 
Yikes! What i meant to say is that the Rev. A DNA-1 is NOT forward in the midbass. It does not lack warmth. I prefer it to the DNA-225. BTW, I have heard that late-production DNA-1s had reliability problems related to the PCB used. This is hearsay. OTOH, my two early ones have been trouble-free.
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