Preamp match for Mccormack DNA-125

I have a DNA-500 - admittedly not a 125, but somewhat similar McC "house" sound, if you will.

My first preamp match was a VAC STD LE which I got for a little over $2K, used. The synergy was excellent, and this tube preamp has all the features you are looking for. Great sound, plus the pre is built like a tank, with the best support in the business, IMO, by Kevin Hayes. Excellent value as well. Many have successfully matched VAC gear with McCormack amps (and have big smiles on their faces). Worth a listen if you can find this pre..........

I use ARC LS-15 with my DNA-125. My friend uses Sonic Frontiers Line-1. Both sound great with this amp. Both are reliable preamps with excellent sonics. Best of luck.

Whatever you do, get one with a finely stepped volume attenuator becasue the McCormack can go postal on gain in a hurry if you don't. If a remote is not a must, try a Herron VTSP-1A/166. A perfect match, IMHO.

I use a TAD-150 Signature with my 125 (stock) and I love it. Has everyting you are looking for except the price tag. Used 700 to 850 or so, new $1595 when they are in stock but Paul at Bizzy Bee won't have new ones again till Summer? Amazing for the money and has a decent phono stage. Sounds great.Throws an unbelieveable soundstage!

Note to Rwwear: Thanks for your caution, but you are just a little off-base. Your comment refers to the original amps (DNA-0.5, -1, and -2), not the current DNA-125, 225, or 500. The original amps had protection circuitry that was intended to sense potentially damaging DC levels, but could be triggered by high levels of low-frequency noise. This happened rarely, but I have seen it caused by a variety of tube preamps. A simple adjustment will fix this. The newer DNA amps are designed differently and are not sensitive to DC or low-frequency noise.

4yanx's comment is right on - tube preamps tend to run at rather high gain, so a high-resolution volume control makes life a whole lot easier.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com