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Power Cord for my McCormack DNA-500

Paging all McCormack DNA-500 owners...

Santa was very good to me -- I landed a slightly used and very well cared for McCormack DNA-500 over the holidays. What an amazing amp! It has proven to be a substantial step-up from my Levinson 331 and really brings out the best in my Aerial 10Ts.

Here's the thing... because of the 20amp IEC component connector, I'm stuck using it with the original power cord for now. It's much more difficult to find PCs to "try" with the 20A IEC much less find one used here on Audiogon (although there are a few).

So, can any DNA-500 owners speak to the improvements your PC provides over the stock PC? I've seen lots of recommendations for the VH Audio Airsine. I love this PC and am using one on my orig Hydra. But... it took every penny I could scrape to buy the DNA-500, so a $700+ Airsine just isn't gonna happen anytime soon.

What about a Flavor 4 with 20A IEC on the component end? There is also a used Audience PC with 20A IEC. Anything else in the ~$300-$400 range that would be a substantial upgrade over the stock PC?

Thanks!
mdconnelly
1markr
594 posts
 
I used a DCCA power cable with my DNA-500 when I had it, and it was a great match. Don of DCCA has some cables listed now that he's selling as demos, so ping him to see what you can get in your price range.

The Extreme REF worked very well, being quite neutral, and the cheaper REF-1 worked well too, albeit at a slightly fuller sound with more bass.

Even though I downsized to a BAT VK-500, I use DCCA Extreme power cables on it, and have no desire to change.
tms0425
72 posts
 
I second Mark's comments. I have his DNA-500 now and the DCCA Extreme I demo'd was a very nice match for it. In my case, I just couldn't live with the stiffness of the cord in my environment but that's true for several great cables. I ended up with a Harmonix Studio Master X-DC on my DNA as well as my Sound Applications Line Filter and love that combo. It is also quite flexible. Several are available on a'gon though may be a little more $$ than you want. The DNA definitely gets much better when you replace the stock cord so be patient and get something that works well with it. You'll be rewarded.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Mdconnelly

Voodoo makes an IEC adapter that will allow you to use any 15 amp IEC power cord you wish for your DNA 500. I use one on my premier 350 which also has a 20amp IEC with a PS Audio Statement extreme power cord.

http://www.voodoocable.net/VAPA.htm
stevemcx
166 posts
 
Greetings 'Goners -

Just a thought about the notion of using a 15A-to-20A IEC adapter... I realize that the 15A IEC power connector is far more common than the 20A style, and thus it is easier to find 15A power cords to audition. However, it is my experience that the 20A connector is sonically superior and, in fact, I would prefer to use it on all my equipment. When it comes to very-high-powered amplifiers like the DNA-500 or DNA-2, it is important that you provide the cleanest, lowest-resistance power connection possible. Therefore I would suggest that you finally use a power cord with the 20A connector, even if you use an adapter to facilitate the auditioning process. I believe that you can order 20A power cords from most (perhaps all) cable suppliers, and you ought to be able to have a 15A cable re-terminated with a 20A connector if need be - either by the original manufacturer or a qualified technician.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com
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