Amp upgrade recommendations

As I'm sure you are aware the DNA 0.5 has a somewhat of legendary reputation. If you don't need the raw power, then a REV A upgrade could be just what the doctor ordered.

Personally, I would want to ensure I have the power reserves for dynamic peaks, etc.. If it were me, I'd look into a DNA-1 Rev A or DNA-2 REV A. One DNA-1 Rev A could still be within your budget.

And as for the DNA-2 Rev A? It doesn't get much better than that.

My only listening experience is with the DNA-2 LAE, but I like to read.

-IMO

Eagle, I'm well aware(I was a year ago anyway) of what goes on with the Rev A, B, & C's to the DNA-2 standard, Deluxe, and LAE.

It's just hard for me to believe that Steve could improve upon one of his products that has already reached perfection. :)

And yes, if I were to obtain a Rev A upgrade, I would most definitely purchase a standard DNA-2 and send that in for the upgrade and keep the LAE version as is.

-IMO

There appears to be some confusion with McCormack amps. I'm not exactly a McCormack amp expert but while thoroughly enjoying my own McCormack amplifier, I've done some research and had a few converstions with people in the know.

Here's how I see the McCormack line-up.

Several years ago Stereophile rated the unmodified DNA 0.5 (msrp around $2k) a competitive second to the Krell Audio Standard amp which sold for about $33k. Therefore, a modified DNA 0.5 Rev should be pretty fabulous sonically.

From what I've read and heard (from others) the DNA-1 and DNA-2 standard and deluxe version amps are fine amps but should in no way be confused with the same models once smcaudio has modified those amps to a Rev A.

According to reviews and consumer remarks, the DNA-125 and 225 models also appear to be solid performers. Whether these are better or worse than the DNA-1 and DNA-2 standard and deluxe models I don't know. My hunch is the DNA-1 and DNA-2 would be superior but it's just a hunch. The DNA-1 and DNA-2 models are at least more powerful wpc-wise than the later 125 and 225 models.

The DNA-2 LAE (Limited Anniversary Edition) amplifier is, according to IAR's Peter Moncrief, far superior to other DNA amps as well as most every other amp period. Moncrief said of this amp "This power amp does everything a solid state amp is supposed to do, and does it better than any other solid state."

My understanding, talking with McCormack and owners of the DNA-2 Rev A amps, is that a modified DNA-2 to a Rev A or Rev Gold version would put it's sonics equal to or just slightly ahead of the DNA-2 LAE version.

-IMO

Asi Tek, sorry for the confusion. My intention was to compare the DNA-1 to the DNA-125 and then the DNA-2 to the DNA-225 respectively. This, I believe, is the correct comparison for these older models to the newer.

Glad you like your 225 so much.

Tok, chill out man. Didn't you notice the little smiley behind my comment?

Billsfriend, yes I have been. I was wondering if anybody else would notice.

In fact, I kinda' feel like Michael Douglas in the movie 'Fatal Attraction'. I've received many downright nasty, even crazy emails from this person since last December.

AG has been fully aware of the situation for some time now and supposedly is monitoring it.

I just ignore it.