[earlmarc]

Steve McCormack is currently offering three different levels of high performance upgrades to the DNA-125 & 225 amplifiers. I wonder how they would compare to his famed Revision A mods. for the DNA-2 and 1. www.smcaudio.com.

[eric the red]

I've never heard anything but high praise for Steve's work and have also read that he thinks the new DNA amps are better than the older DNA series. I'd recommend contacting him directly as he is always more than willing to answer questions about his work.

[Bemopti123]

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1106707983&read&keyw&zzdna-225


http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1106707983&read&keyw&zzdna-225

These links are very thorough.  Try to see whether they answer your questions.  I have the DNA 225, and is one of the most exciting and fast pieces of amplification I have ever owned.  It is just incredibly powerful and fast at the price point, also accurate, but not clinically cold.

[JoshK]

I have heard great stuff about Mr. McCormack's work too.  Who better to mod out a product that they designer himself when reaching a certain price point in the market is no longer the goal?  That said his prices are a bit to swallow but I seriously doubt many could do as good of a job, there is more to modding gear than swapping in expensive parts.

[earlmarc]

I spoke with Steve McCormack a couple of days ago about his new series of upgrades for the DNA-125 and DNA-225. First off, Steve was amiable, professional, and knowledgeable. He answered all of my questions honestly in context with my components. Most of our conversation centered around the impact level between his Platinum, Gold, and Silver Series upgrades. I was primarily focused on a comparison between a Platinum Series Monoblocks DNA-125 at $3700-$4000 or a slightly used DNA-500 stock at $3800-$4000. Right off, Steve expounded the virtues of the DNA-500. He he pinpointed certain advantages each had over the other. He concluded that the DNA-500 is stronger in the control and slam factor, however, that doesn't mean that the Plat. DNA-125 Mono's aren't very close in this regard. He went on to say that the Plat. 125 would have a slight advantage in the mids and highs. Bottomline, I would be happy with either.

I asked Steve if he offered stock units with upgrades. He said no. I felt that by doing so would be in conflict with his relationship with McCormack Audio.

I really enjoyed our discussion Steve and hope to being business with you in the future.

You should visit the Circle.  It would be a pleasure for all the members.

[zybar]

I had a similar conversation with Steve before I bought my DNA-500.  When you compare the cost of a used pair of DNA-225 amps + platinum upgrades vs. a used DNA-500, you start to realize how great a bargain the DNA-500 is.  Heck, a used DNA-500 is around $1500 less than the mods alone to a pair of DNA-225's!!

As pointed out, the differences between the DNA-500 vs. platinum level DNA-225 is not great and each has its own strengths.  Steve said he would probably go with the monos if price wasn't an issue.

As a DNA-500 owner, I am very satisfied with my purchase and highly suggest that anybody looking for a very good amp try one out.

I can also say that Steve was great to talk to and true gentleman.

George

[lonewolfny42]

zybar :

As a DNA-500 owner, I am very satisfied with my purchase and highly suggest that anybody looking for a very good amp try one out.

[/list:u]

George, In what way are * you * more satisfied with the DNA-500 amp compared to all the other amps that you have owned ? Thanks....[/list:u]
Chris[/list:u]

[zybar]

Chris,

I have answered this before, so I will give the short version:

The DNA-500 is the most musically complete amp I have owned.  It isn't best in every area, instead it has been the best of painting the most involving and detailed overall presentation.  It gets the texture of the music right while not messing up the big picture.  

Now if it only had a SET mode for some female vocals it would be perfect!      

George