Stock McCormack DNA 225 vs DNA 1 Rev A

I had Steve modify a DNA-1 Deluxe for me. In several phone conversations he stated that he seeks to give the amps more "bloom" in the critical areas while removing digital edge and retaining authority over the signal.

In his revision of my amp the improvements were better decay, tremendous clarity/detail, and a smoother overall delivery. The soundstage was larger while imaging remained about the same. It is a solid state that you can love.

I have not compared to the new McCormacks but wanted to offer my experience with revised and unrevised amps. I have since gone to the dark side and now run Atma-sphere M60's.

I think there was a review in Stereophile or the like which essentially suggested getting the stock 225 over the dna-1 rev A.
The reviewer had both units and liked them both.
On the used market it appears the stock dna 225 is a couple hundred more.

stock DNA-225 is an excellent amp. There is a review of it in stereophile where the reviewer compares it to a fully modded DNA-1. Look at the review. The comments on DNA-225 in that reviw are pretty accurate. Some people say DNA-125 and 225 sound the same, but I haven't found it to be the case. 225 is more refined. Stock 225 is very nicely balanced. It was never bright or harsh sounding in my system. Very easy to listen to with excellent dynamics and good bass extension. The sound of it will depend on what you feed it with and your speakers. DNA-225 has very smooth highs. Smoother than DNA-125. I had the older 0.5 Deluxe as well and loved the highs of that amp. Stock 225 matches it on sweetness but at the same time it is more detailed and resolving without being bright.
Hope this helps.

I liked very much my stock DNA-225. However, having Steve and Kris upgrade it to include Steve's Platinum Revision has made it one of the best amps I've ever heard, at any price (and that is quite a few).