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McCormack DNA-1 vs. Adcom GFA-5802

Relative noob here. I'm looking for a new (used) 2-channel amp to power my new Polk LSi9 bookshelf speakers. I've pretty much decided that I want to get the McCormack DNA-1. I've considered the Parasound Halo 23, as well as the Adcom GFA-5802, but it sounds like the McCormack DNA-1 is the better amp, according to a number of folks (unfortunately, I'm unable to personally listen to any of them).

My question is this: if the McCormack is the better amp, why is it priced around the same place as the Adcom and the Parasound in the current used market? I realize that the Adcom has a bit more power, and Parasound has made some great amps, but people seem pretty unanimous in preferring the DNA-1 for sound quality. What gives? Am I missing something? Is the used market just not as rational as I thought it would be, or has the superiority of the DNA-1 to the Adcom GFA-5802, and the Parasound Halo 23, been overstated? Is it just a matter of taste? Preference for the DNA-1 seemed to transcend mere fanboy-ism.

Thanks for any input.
bthogan
bthogan OP
38 posts
 
Thanks for all suggestions! The Adcom gfa-5802 was what I was gonna go with originally, and I'd still pick one up if I could find one for $600 or so. I came across the DNA-1 while looking for used 5802s. If I could find a 5802 for a bit less than a DNA-1, I'd grab it.

My main problem, which I think many folks here can sympathize with, is that my money appears to be burning a hole in my pocket. I'd love to get a modded/Rev'd DNA, or a DNA .5, but there don't seem to be any around, and I haven't seen any since I started looking a few months ago. I would certainly save money on the mod/revision that I'm sure I'll eventually get. However, there are a few DNA-1s floating around right now, at an acceptable price. I feel pretty certain that if I pick one up, Mr. McCormack will still be doing his thing by the time I collect enough box-tops to afford a mod.

For now, the plan looks like: pick up a DNA-1 in a week or two, and take Stereo5's advice and put some notices for modded/Rev'd/.5 DNAs. I've been flipping computer parts for a few years now; just a matter of learning to work with bigger boxes...
pbredi
15 posts
 
Did you acquire the .5 deluxe that was listed? There is a 1 deluxe available as of today. Good-luck!
bthogan OP
38 posts
 
@Pbredi: I saw that .5 Deluxe...it was gone very quickly after it was posted. Unfortunately, I'm not the person who grabbed it. I also saw the DNA-1 Deluxe...slightly above my pay grade at the moment.

However...I found a DNA-1 for ~$700 elsewhere (before the Deluxe was posted), and it'll be in the mail to me as soon as the check clears. It would have been nice to get the Deluxe; it would have saved me some money when I inevitably send it to Mr. McCormack for the B Revision (I think it's called Silver now). But I'm pretty happy with what I paid for the "standard" version (assuming it works). If things don't work out, I may come back to that Deluxe, if it's still available.
pbredi
15 posts
 
Cool! Don't look now but there is a .5 rev 1 that just came available. Oh, when it rains it pours. Enjoy this, it's so fun!
BTW, rev b or silver are just great. I have owned them.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
That McCormack DNA.5 that had Rev 1 upgrade sure went fast. It looked a bit odd to me. I believe it had a serial # from McCormack of Virginia and the board said DNA-1 from the pictures. Normally when SMc Audio does a revisions there is a signature and date from Steve and or Kris. That I don't remember if the board on the inside of the DNA .5 says DNA-1. Well I hope whomever bought it enjoys it.
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