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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
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
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Steve

Would your comment translate to utilizing the stock cord? I never used the stock cord on my premier 350 so maybe it would be better than utilizing the PS Audio with the IEC adapter. What are your thoughts? PS Audio does not offer a 20A IEC for their power cords but instead refered me to a technician that could perform the surgery. I found the adapter on the voodoo web site and figured why not never giving a thought that it might effect the performance of the amp.

Chuck
stevemcx
166 posts
 
Hi Chuck -

My comment was only intended to suggest that I think you would be better off without the adapter, once you have found the AC cord that is right for you. This is especially true with high-powered amplifiers. I am mildly surprised to hear that PS Audio does not offer the 20A IEC connector as an option, but having it done by a good technician is still possible.

I make an effort to provide good quality stock AC cords with my gear, and for many people this will be just fine. However, I find that aftermarket AC cords can offer a meaningful performance enhancement, so I think it is worthwhile to audition them - much like interconnects and speaker cable.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,259 posts
 
DCCA power cables are well match with the DNA 500.I
heard it from MARKr house, I do use DCCA also on my
BAT500, and Plinius SA100, and Stratos Extreme Oddyssey.
All my amp are happy and the music is live.Don is
a very nice person to work with,world class man, with
a world class pc.
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