[geowak]

In my search for a new amp, I came across these two-

Marsh Sound Designs A200s
McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe

Both are SS, of the 125watt per channel variety. Has anyone out ther ever HEARD one?
Could would you describe the sound? Warm, cool, powerful, finesse, etc.
How about the build quality, service, and warranty (if at all)

Right now I am leaning towards the Prima Luna Dialogue 1 or 2. I'd like to get that warm midrange and musical sound.

Thanks

[mcgsxr]

I recall that Zybar has owned McCormack gear.  He might chime in, or you might want to PM him.

I have not had the pleasure myself.

[ted_b]

I own a DNA 1 Deluxe (it's my center channel amp), and previously had owned the wonderful DNA-500 as my main stereo amp.  For classic solid state amplification Steve McCormack knows how to build a very musical, slightly warm (heat of 1-100 it's a 52 or so, just right of neutral) extremely high energy amplifier.  Build quality is A+++ and so is Steve's service.  The best description of the McCormack "sound" is by J Peter Moncrieff  http://www.iar-80.com/page5.html

(An excerpt)
"Contributing to the relaxed ease and natural musicality of the DNA-500 are hints of liquid bloom and open airiness, such as heard from the best tube amps, but rarely in the world of solid state. The DNA-500 surpasses every other solid state amp at conquering and banishing the typical solid state artifices of analytical sterility and closed in sound. In fact, the DNA-500 is so superior to other solid state amps that it took only one musical note, one simple guitar pluck, to reveal that this new amp was the new music lover's champion among solid state amps."

[Bemopti123]

My DNA-225 has a very specific sonic signature.  It is extremely dynamic, almost jumpy in the effusiveness and execution of sound without necessarily sound harsh.  It feels very fast and it gives life to almost any style of music that one can put to them.  It is not as warm as some seem to make it sound...but neither it is sterile or clinical sounding.  It sound quite full but not syrupy or with a possible mosfet sounding haze.  It is an excellent value.  The older California DNAs will sound different than the Virginia ones.  The Virginia DNAs being more like a combination of older California DNAs with their respective upgrades. 

[TONEPUB]

I had a DNA-500.  Good amp, lots of guts, but I moved up to a
CJ Premier 350 and it's been my ref for three years.  Good build
quality on the DNA stuff.  Heavy!!

These days (the Virginia amps) are built by CJ.  Lew and Bill are
the best guys in the biz!  Two of my favorites in the high end.

[CSI]

I've owned both the Marsh and Prima Luna. They are quite different but both good. The Marsh was, in my system, a bit too bright but that may not be an issue for you. The PL is a typical warm, lush tube amp. Unless you need the extra power or just don't want to ever replace tubes, I'd lean toward the PL. But this is just my opinion. Both are highly rated.

[BobM]

I have/had a DNA .5 Deluxe. What a gorgeous amp. Only bested by a Rev A DNA .5, which I have now.

Steve's after market mods turn a very good amp into something truly special.

Bob

[denjo]

I briefly owned Steve McCormack's DNA-0.5 Rev A but regrettably gave it to my sister. During my time with it, I can say that it was one of the most musically satisfying separate amplifiers that I have had the pleasure of owning. Steve's genius, customer service and knowledge is a class act! I have asked for the amp back but my sister looves it too much! Thus started my quest for another amplifier. I found that the DNA-0.5 worked best with Steve's own modded ALD-1 Rev A Gold! Absolute bliss!

[gbeard]

Out of many, there are only two amps I wish I had never sold. A Berning ZH270 and a McCormack DNA .05 DLX Rev A.

 

[geowak]

Thanks
Currently looking at the McCormack. Also the Marsh is being sold on (of all places) Ebay!!
I am also very interested in anyone else's experience with the Priminaluna Dialogue 1.

[Bemopti123]

I just saw a new add in Stereophile that shows that a new DNA like, new fascia.  The newer models are called DNA-250 etc...  It is not often that something like this happens.  Talking about DNAs, they are a bargain even at new prices.  I got mine when it cost just $2500.  Since then prices went up.  BTW, it is the ONLY amp I purchased new at full price and still feel it is worth every cent.   

[bside123]

I am a great fan of McCormack products as well as the services of both Steve McCormack and Kris Jeter at SMc Audio. I have two listening systems, and both use Revised DNA 0.5 amps. One of my DNA 0.5 amps is Revision A with some additions from March of 2001, the other is a Gold +++ upgrade with most of the Platinum options. I also have a highly revised McCormack MLD preamp, a McCormack UDP-1 CD/DVD player and currently my McCormack Micro Phono Drive is in California with SMc Audio for a final upgrade. Like I said, I am a McCormack fan. I do have other electronic equipment in my systems, i.e., Ayre, Conrad Johnson, Audio Refinement, Janis, and of course have used many other respected manufacturer's equipment in the past. The speakers I use in both systems are audiophile demanding. That being said, I have continually gravitated back to McCormack gear because of the quality, service, performance, price point and the sound. Right from the get go the DNA 0.5 is a fantastic performer; the Deluxe is a definite step up, and the upgrade mods take these amps to a whole different level. I like the DNA series because of the various options they allow for the upgrade track. I have had my DNA amps since 1997! They are now all upgraded to todays latest standards. These amps are keepers. The DNA 0.5 demonstrates finesse, detail, imaging, emotion and is very fast responsive amplifier that all the while maintains the most precious element... musicality. The power output of the DNA is conservatively rated, and the amp has enough authority to handle most speaker loads. I would recommend the DNA 0.5 with little reservation if any. I believe you would be happy as well as having the option to upgrade. Just my thoughts.... not meant to be an advertisement.

[DSK]

... The best description of the McCormack "sound" is by J Peter Moncrieff  http://www.iar-80.com/page5.html

(An excerpt)
"Contributing to the relaxed ease and natural musicality of the DNA-500 are hints of liquid bloom and open airiness, such as heard from the best tube amps, but rarely in the world of solid state. The DNA-500 surpasses every other solid state amp at conquering and banishing the typical solid state artifices of analytical sterility and closed in sound. In fact, the DNA-500 is so superior to other solid state amps that it took only one musical note, one simple guitar pluck, to reveal that this new amp was the new music lover's champion among solid state amps."

Wow! I don't think I've ever come across anyone who has heard EVERY solid state amp in the world before, or who can reliably compare high end amps based on ONE musical note. 

Not disputing his claims, just find this arrogance pretty rich and inappropriate from a "reviewer".
 

[zybar]

I own a DNA 1 Deluxe (it's my center channel amp), and previously had owned the wonderful DNA-500 as my main stereo amp.  For classic solid state amplification Steve McCormack knows how to build a very musical, slightly warm (heat of 1-100 it's a 52 or so, just right of neutral) extremely high energy amplifier.  Build quality is A+++ and so is Steve's service.  The best description of the McCormack "sound" is by J Peter Moncrieff  http://www.iar-80.com/page5.html

(An excerpt)
"Contributing to the relaxed ease and natural musicality of the DNA-500 are hints of liquid bloom and open airiness, such as heard from the best tube amps, but rarely in the world of solid state. The DNA-500 surpasses every other solid state amp at conquering and banishing the typical solid state artifices of analytical sterility and closed in sound. In fact, the DNA-500 is so superior to other solid state amps that it took only one musical note, one simple guitar pluck, to reveal that this new amp was the new music lover's champion among solid state amps."

Ted (and J Peter Moncrieff) nailed it.

George

[ted_b]

... The best description of the McCormack "sound" is by J Peter Moncrieff  http://www.iar-80.com/page5.html

(An excerpt)
"Contributing to the relaxed ease and natural musicality of the DNA-500 are hints of liquid bloom and open airiness, such as heard from the best tube amps, but rarely in the world of solid state. The DNA-500 surpasses every other solid state amp at conquering and banishing the typical solid state artifices of analytical sterility and closed in sound. In fact, the DNA-500 is so superior to other solid state amps that it took only one musical note, one simple guitar pluck, to reveal that this new amp was the new music lover's champion among solid state amps."

Wow! I don't think I've ever come across anyone who has heard EVERY solid state amp in the world before, or who can reliably compare high end amps based on ONE musical note. 

Not disputing his claims, just find this arrogance pretty rich and inappropriate from a "reviewer".
 

Did you read the review?? 

[DSK]

... The best description of the McCormack "sound" is by J Peter Moncrieff  http://www.iar-80.com/page5.html

(An excerpt)
"Contributing to the relaxed ease and natural musicality of the DNA-500 are hints of liquid bloom and open airiness, such as heard from the best tube amps, but rarely in the world of solid state. The DNA-500 surpasses every other solid state amp at conquering and banishing the typical solid state artifices of analytical sterility and closed in sound. In fact, the DNA-500 is so superior to other solid state amps that it took only one musical note, one simple guitar pluck, to reveal that this new amp was the new music lover's champion among solid state amps."

Wow! I don't think I've ever come across anyone who has heard EVERY solid state amp in the world before, or who can reliably compare high end amps based on ONE musical note. 

Not disputing his claims, just find this arrogance pretty rich and inappropriate from a "reviewer".
 

Did you read the review?? 

Not yet Ted. As I said, I'm not disputing anything he has claimed in the review. I am just trusting that you quoted him correctly and commenting on the fact that he says SURPASSES EVERY OTHER SOLID STATE AMP. Unless he has truly heard EVERY OTHER solid state amp the claim is arrogant unless qualified with THAT I HAVE HEARD... and/or IN MY OPINION etc etc. I find this poor from a reviewer of his apparent stature.