McCormack DNA .5 and 1- big difference?

I would guess you could get a stock DNA-1 or a DNA-0.5 Rev. A for about the same price, so unless you really need that extra power I would think the considerable sonic improvements of the Rev. A mods would far outweigh the DNA-1 power advantage. But hey, if you need the power you need the power. The nice thing is you could try a 0.5 Rev. A and if you find you need more power you can sell it with virtually no loss given the constant demand for these amps.

By the way, the DNA-0.5 really puts out more like 125wpc (as per Steve himself), it's just very conservatively rated as probably is the DNA-1. I've had other 100wpc amps in my system and the DNA-0.5 definitely sounded like a relatively bigger and more powerful amp.

Best of luck...

Shakey,

Good to hear from you. Yes, I'm still very happy with the amps. Can't beat them for the price.

I own a DNA .5 Deluxe and it is hard to fault at all, being musical and revealing yet smooth. I bought it after reading user comparisons with the DNA 1. Most stating in base form, the DNA 1 is very good but the .5 was something a bit more special, even more so if a Deluxe or Rev. upgrade. I personally wouldn't spend more on the DNA 1 unless I really needed more power vs. the .5's refinement.

The DNA .5 is the better sounding amp and it has plenty of power to handle almost anything. I have owned all of the DNAs including the .5, 1 and 2. I have a standard .5 which I think outperforms the 1.0 Deluxe.

The .5 always had the reputation of being more refined than the 1. Yes, the 1 has more power, as does the 500. But unless you really need the power I think you would do better with a .5, most especially if you can get it to Rev A status.

The rev A versions of these amps are a whole different breed than the standard or deluxe versions.

Enjoy,
Bob