Mccormack DNA-1 describe the sound characteristics

I connected the speakers to my luxman receiver while maintaining the same configuration on the speaker terminals. Connecting the Jolida CD palyer to the auxillary input on the receiver the sound is full-very nice. So this verifies the speakers are connected correctly as well as the cd player connection is a-ok.

Now how do I challenge the pre-amp, can I connect the pre-amp to the aux input on the reciever then connect the cd player to the pre-amp????

Having owned stock and modified McCormack gear, I would say the upgrades are well worth the cost. Unless you want to dabble in the tube arena, I would say stay with your DNA-1 and get it upgraded. It's pretty darn good SS sound to my ears.

Shakey

Are you leaving the amp on all of the time? I have a DNA 05 and although I never found it to be anything other than very balanced and enjoyable the sound definately improves after a few days of being left on. I would also try using jumpers on your speakers and just using one leg of your speaker wire. Some speakers sound better not biwired even though they offer the option.

Dvdgreco, you can't connect the preamp to the aux input on the reciever. The only way you can hook it up to the receiver is if it has preamp in/power amp out. Then you could connect the pre to preamp ins.

I would not expect that particular combo of gear to necessarily sound as described, but with room acoustics and other factors, anything is possible.

Could poor synergy integrating system into the room and to your listening position be part of the problem?

It's usually impossible to get a system tuned in optimally without taking this into account, no matter how "good" the components are or might work together.

Have you tried toeing the speakers in or out for example to avoid direct tweeter exposure at the listening position and hear the differences?

Also tweeter height relative to ears usually matters. Does it sound better/worse/different if you listen sitting on the floor versus in a higher chair, for example?

Are speakers positioned in a way that lends itself to optimal bass performance?

Just some things to consider that are common culprits in cases like you describe.

Its always possible that something is not functioning to spec as well but short of exhibiting any blatant issues. Swapping alternate/spare components in and out may be the only way to isolate a problem to a specific piece in many cases.