[jimheard]

Has anyone had a chance to compare Van Alstine solid state amps with any of the McCormack DNA line (particularly DNA 125 or 225)?

I'd appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

[Noseyears]

From what i heard before, if you are planning to go with solid state..between both, McCormack is better. It has better build quality.

[avahifi]

I would be curious just where you heard that AVA "build quality" is lacking.

AVA units are hand made by skilled technicians here in Minnesota who work for me because they enjoy what they are doing.  We are very demanding to achieve perfect build quality on each unit out of our shop. I have been building quality audio equipment for the past 50 years and have never had a reasonable build quality complaint. No, we don't use magic parts or audiophlake wires or connectors, but our units are put together to last for years and years.

I have no issues with anyone at AC who has done reasonable listening comparisons between a current AVA amp and a comparable McCormack amp in power and reports that he likes the McCormack better.

However cheep shots about rumored "build quality" from someone who is reporting second hand anonymous information is simply not treating us or AC readers fairly.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[mark funk]

I think that was a cheep shot  . I have a lot of Frank's equipment some over 30 years old as well as current stuff and they all work perfectly. Aside from how they sound that is why I own Van Alstine, built like a tank too last for years and years! I can say I have heard McCormack equipment and they sound nice but I own Van Alstine.

                                                                                               

[hibuckhobby]

One of the dangers of any internet forum is that when you ask for opinions...you get them, whether they are based in fact, experience or heresay.  I've been in this game for over 35 years and Van Alstine has never...in my experience...had complaints made about build quality.
my .02
Hibuck...

[tonyptony]

I've heard both. They are not as dissimilar sounding as one might think. Preferences may come down to associated equipment synergies and personal tastes, but neither has any serious flaws. And both are built to a very high standard, if what you're looking for is finely engineered audio equipment. If you're looking for audio jewelery then you may prefer one over the other.

They both sound good; they're both well built.

[bummrush]

 I had a AVA amp yrs ago ,it was built to a very high standard with perfect fit and finish.

[rollo]

  Low blow ! That IMO is AVA biggest value. Its build quality. 


charles