Van Alstine SS vs. McCormack DNA amps

I listened to the AVA 440 solid state a few years back (it was the version prior to the insight, I ended up buying a AVA FET Valve Ultra). I own 2 McCormack amps (as well as a CJ solid state).

Hands down, if you are going with solid state, between AVA and McCormack, go with the McCormack.

Quite frankly (no pun intended), McCormack has MUCH better build quality, and McCormack/CJ service takes a back seat to no one.

I have the DNA 0.5 deluxe edition driving a pair of SongTowers I just received a week ago and they sound great! I have not heard the Van Alstine but if you start with the McCormack and find the urge to change they are easily sold on Agon.

Good Luck

AVA and Salk have a bond between them of some sort.They always demonstrate at the audio shows together and recommend that their products be used together.Go to AudioCircle and read some of the posts in the AVA and Salk circles to see what I mean.Owners are avid about the matchup.They seem to match up well according to what I've read.Remember,you'll only know if you try for yourself.

Can't say much about McCormack amps, never needed to go there... but I don't understand how someone could object to Van Alstine customer service? I've had excellent service from there, and plenty of other people say as much (which is how I decided to take the plunge with their products).

The build quality of Van Alstine pieces is not meant to be the eye candy that passes for "high quality" among too many audiophiles nowadays, but the units are built to last for a long, long time. The emphasis is not on magic components, but on correct circuit topology. Frank does not completely explain how he does it, but a glance at the literature tells you that, at least, he knows how to do the required math.

Obviously it's not for everybody, but I thank my lucky stars that I stumbled on such a good line of equipment. Saved a lot of money, a lot of time, but most importantly, the total lack of BS from Frank is pretty priceless. Just as an example, if you find yourself with audiophile anxiety over your cables or power cords, just talk to Frank and you'll soon be over it.