McCormack Amp Upgrades

Audphile1
Thank you, I've learned something new today, I did not know that about the hammers on a piano, I guess I and will have to go back and see what it is that my system is presenting to me then. I'm new to the high end of audio and still learning the terminology, so this is whats meant by Tonality? I can see your point about the upgrades possibly causing listener fatigue especially if the speakers your hooking them to are very revealing to start with. A very revealing amplifier with a very revealing speaker might be very very revealing. I guess this is what they call system synergy that comes with system matching? Still so much to learn. But like I said the upgrades make "the notes sound more real and less like a reproduction" in my system. So with that said.

Tube540
If you live within about 3 hours of Philadelphia and are willing, I would be more than willing to bring my pair of McCormack Dlx Golds to you place so that you can experience the upgrades and determine for yourself if they will be a good match in your system. And maybe learn something more about this system matching stuff for myself.

Tube540, if you are planning on doing a full-blown upgrade to the DNA-1, then it will probably total you to about the cost of a used DNA-500, in which case I suggest you opt for the 500. If you want to do the minimalist revision, it's up to you. But spending over $2000 + shipping back and forth on this amplifier makes very little sense to me.
Again, it is completely up to you to decide. but if I were you, I'd jump on the used modded amp if it comes up here(they do, just keep your eyes open), or a used DNA-500. To me this is a much smarter purchase.

But, who can tell you how to spend your money?

I currently own a DNA-1 with Revision A mods. It replaced my DNA-125, the rest of my system remained constant during the transition, UDP-1 Deluxe, MAP-1 and Harbeth M30s. So I can provide some perspective on the two units (although I wish I had compared to the DNA-225).

The DNA-125 is an excellent power amp at a given price point. A unit can be picked up for $950-1100 used on A-gon. My only slight criticism, it was a little on the "cool" side in terms of the music presentation. The DNA-1 Rev. is considerably different. Firstly, a lot warmer, bigger sound stage and better lower end & definition. The warmer sound was a good mate with my neutral & revealing Harbeths. Also, I was very much surprised (in a pleasant sense) when comparing the two power amps. I was also wrong, expecting the two units of different generations and design executions to sound a lot closer. A DNA-1 Rev A occasionally appears on A-gon, in the similar price range to a DNA-225 ($1600-1800).

Audphile1 suggested a Pass lab X250.5 - in this price range ($3500 - 3800used ), you may consider a head-to-head comparison with the DNA-500. Both are similarly priced (retail or used) and I think a more valid comparison. Once again, Steve McCormack may be in a better position to describe the sonic virtues of a fully modded DNA-225 v. the DNA-500 (I can't).

anyway, that was my experience. I hope it helps somewhat.

Good luck in your decision.

I'm in the process of getting my DNA-1 deluxe upgraded to Silver. I'll let you know how it goes.

I know there are other contenders, but in my experience, Pass amps are the finest SS available, and if not the "best" close enought to be the end game for many. If I had McCormack (very fine amps) and was considering an upgrade, I would wait till I could make the move to Pass gear, and the XA series perferablly if you can afford it - a better strategy than sinking more money into the McCormack IMHO. I have heard very good things about the Ayre and Symphonic Line gear as well, but I don't have personal experience.