[Images]

Two amps on the used market have recently caught my eye -- the McCormack DNA 125 and the Conrad Jonson MF2250A.  Both are rated at 125 into 8 ohms.  I listen mostly to orchestral music, so a good soundstage and the ability to unravel complex musical passages are attributes I value.  These amps will power  DIY two-ways with Scan Speak 8545s (7 inch drivers) in an MTM configuration.  About 86 db sensitive and a 4 ohm load.  Anyone have any feelings about with which amp I might have a better chance of reproducing... oh, let's say Mahler's 2nd?

[carusoracer]

Two amps on the used market have recently caught my eye -- the McCormack DNA 125 and the Conrad Jonson MF2250A.  Both are rated at 125 into 8 ohms.  I listen mostly to orchestral music, so a good soundstage and the ability to unravel complex musical passages are attributes I value.  These amps will power  DIY two-ways with Scan Speak 8545s (7 inch drivers) in an MTM configuration.  About 86 db sensitive and a 4 ohm load.  Anyone have any feelings about with which amp I might have a better chance of reproducing... oh, let's say Mahler's 2nd?

I have not heard any CJ gear but the McCormack 225 sounds like it would handle the 86db speakers better. I have listened to the 225 powering Maggies, a very tough speaker to hanlde.
 Unfortunatly the $/ power output and overall control over the speakers I wanted did not work out. I went with the Odyssey Stratos Extreme. Very long burn in period but commanding grip and underated power. YMMV
Good luck

[woodsyi]

I am not sure about mf2250 but an earlier version mf200 was bit wooly with bass when asked to drive dual 10" drivers.  Had very good midrange with ribbons though.

[Carlman]

Those 2 amps have different presentations.  I would go with a McCormack over the CJ for better resolution, personally.  Everyone's tastes differ though... The CJ might sound more accurate to you... You'll need to compare the amps to know for sure.
-C

[BobM]

I'm using a near rev A McCormack DNA .5 to power my DIY MTM's with Scanspeak 8546 Kevlar drivers and a 9300 tweeter. I get great soundstaging and presentation with excellent palpability. I sometimes wish for a bit more dynamics, but am not sure if that is a function of the amp (200W into 4 ohms) or the limitations of the speakers.

In any case I'm very happy with it overall. I would very much recommend that you look into Steve's after market mods if you go with the 125 or 225. They make a world of difference and are well worth the extra $.

Enjoy,
Bob

[lonewolfny42]

A past McCormack thread.......might be of interest....