... Don has pictures posted now at www.dn-audio.com of his modded amp.
It is great to finally be able to see the exo-skeleton of the DNA modded unit.
Before I start, I looked at Don's updated web site and noted his new switch to route the unbalanced connection. From this and other adevertised changes, I sense some genuine improvements should result...as was the case of key recommendations for the DI/O.
I'll just say that I'm no industrial desgner but from the wanting photos, the unit looks like it could use a makeover: I really like the understated "thin" look of the stock SLA-1 unit and would have left well enough alone and have tried to make it less tall. I estimate from the photos that the new top will add about 5 and a quarter inches. Which means that it stands about 7 inches in height on a shelf....even my tall Target shelfs will have a problem fitting them...If it did fit, there be no room for the venting slots on the new shell to do much good. Any chance of a lower form factor in the future, Don ?
The new unit very proudly proclaims the use of "ELECTRONICALLY REGULATED POWER SUPPLY" on a reflective fascia that seems uneven in the photo...it reminds me of the early 80's Japanese Recievers which embraced transistors and proudly proclaimed "ICs inside". The photos are blurry but muted in colour. As mentioned, the new top pretty much demands carpet mounting or taking the top shelf of your stand. To remind your family that Don has enriched your life, the new top has a 4x2 inch logo place pronouncing "DNA" (1 inch font) , then "DONALD NANCE AUDIO" (1/3 inch font) , then "YOUR GENETIC CODE FOR GREAT HEARING" (1/4" font) ....all uppercase: Like I said, both I and my wife like the understated look of the stock SLA-1.
As they say, it is what's inside that counts. I hope the new power supply caps work out well enough to justify the dramatic change to the SLA-1 aesthetics...a price trodden by many consumer eager to sample the wares of a proud designer....we will know better by next week.