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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
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
4,249 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.
mdconnelly OP
133 posts
 
Thanks to all for the positive feedback on the DCCA Extreme Ref. I did contact Don but I'm afraid even the demo is a bit beyond my reach right now. But I will definitely keep an eye on this cable.

And thanks, Steve, for your insight on PCs for your amp. I will definitely try a few!

Mike
jgwilson
21 posts
 
Just my 5 pennies. I had a DNA-500 too and it was a super amp. I started off of with a LAT Internationa AC-2 MKI and was very, very happy with it. It really 'lit' the amp up to my ears. The great thing about the LAT cable is, it's inexpensive and you can test drive it for 45 days. All you loose is shipping costs (marginal).

http://www.latinternational.com/index.php/product/ac-2%20mk%20ii%20%20new%21.html

You could do alot worse.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
On the other end of the spectrum, if you really want to hear what your DNA-500 can do, try an Elrod Signature 3 or Statement. You will be startled and amazed(depending upon the rest of your system) and may spend the following several months trying to scrape together the funds to afford same.

More to the point, I would suggest demoing cords you are interested in thru the Cable Company - they have a good program and your rentals are applied to your ultimate purchase. They have proven very good to work with.
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