Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2 vs. Dynaudio Focus 140/160

Bueller, Bueller, Bueller...

@mofojo: Thanks for the info on the Focus 140s. Maybe they aren’t the best choice for me since I am looking for detail and clarity... and at least some bass, but not too much. Perhaps if he continues to lower his price.

@soix: Thanks for the link, but the seller wants a local pickup in NY. Since I’m in TX, that won’t work. Also, I am looking for smaller/bookshelf speakers because I do not have the space for floor-standers. This is for a smaller listening area and furniture is in place that I can use to place a bookshelf sized set of speakers.

As far as the input board flaw is concerned, I believe that only affected early input boards and that the DNA-1 Deluxe is not so afflicted. I will contact SmC or McCormack of VA to find out for sure next week.

@soix: If you are correct and my DNA-1 Deluxe is afflicted, then I will sell it. I don’t particularly relish the very real possibility of a fatal flaw hanging over me. Unfortunate that I was not aware of this flaw on the Deluxe prior to my purchase, which was last week. I did a fair amount of research on the McCormack and I found no mention of this flaw. Neither did anyone mention the flaw during several forum discussions. This is a severe disappointment; however, I am glad you brought it to my attention.

Perhaps an Odyssey Khartago, Classé Fifteen, or an Audio Research D240 MK II would be a more reliable choice.

@soix: I just had a fairly long conversation with Pat at SMc Audio. Great news! He viewed photos of my McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe and it appears that my unit has already had this issue addressed with a new R1 Drive Board. He told me that with that board, I won’t have to worry about any degradation that would lead to failure. He still wants me to take the cover off to confirm, but it looks like I lucked out. Thanks for the information as I never would have known this unless I spoke to Pat at SMc. I’m sure you can imagine that I feel a lot better now.

Now back to speaker recommendations...

@soix: Thank you.  My fingers are crossed as well and I will be very happy to receive confirmation of this once I send the requested information and photos in to SMc for review.

Also, I just wanted to say that Pat at SMc was exceedingly knowledgeable and helpful. He was also more than willing to advise me at any time in the future. I came away from the conversation impressed. 

And thanks for the speaker recommendation.  I've heard of Usher, but I don't know much about them I will definitely look into these this evening.  Thanks again!

SMc confirmed that my DNA-1 Deluxe does indeed have the upgraded R1 driver board.  Good news for sure.

@soix: Sounds like you have quite the upgraded amp there. I look forward to reading your review once you get a chance to fully test it out. I will certainly consider upgrading my DNA Deluxe in the future.

When I was researching amps, I had it narrowed down to the Odyssey Khartago, Classé Fifteen, and the Audio Research D240 MKII. I am confident I made the correct choice, but time will tell. I will certainly update the forum on my impressions of the DNA-1-(R1), but I must first obtain a good Audio Research SP14.  I’ve got my eye on one now, so hopefully it won’t be too long until I get one.

I also have decided to try my hand at building a set of high performance bookshelf speakers. A feller with nearly 70 years of speaker design experience graciously offered to design me a set and I am now in the process of researching speaker cabinets builds, so it will be a bit a’fore I have a chance to listen to the new system.

Thanks again!