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Conrad Johnson Sonographe sa400 or McCormack DNA-1

I'm looking for a new amp. I currently have an Adcom 5500 and was wondering if a Conrad Johnson Sonographe sa400 or McCormack DNA-1 would be an improvement in sound. If so, which amp is superior?

Preamp - Anthem 2lse tube
Speakers - JBL 150a (8ohm, dip to 5 ohm)
Cable - Kimber
chad329
br3098
994 posts
 
Having owned both, I would strongly suggest that you get a DNA-1. I agree with Soix, Steve's upgrades take a very good amp and turn it into a great unit. You will want to take a little care with preamp matching.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
+1 to the McCormack and also to Soix's comment on the 0.5 vs the 1 and getting one w the SmC upgrades. You will get great service from one of the really stand-up guys in the business when you deal w Steve McCormack.
chad329 OP
13 posts
 
Ended up getting some Monarchy 160 SE monoblocks, which is a tube hybrid of 160 watts and doubles that into 4 ohm. I found a deal I just couldn't resist. They have 95 amps of current which is close to the DNA so I should be in good shape for power.
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