The DNA500 is already a pretty hi-rez and detailed amp even in stock form. I think what you may be hearing, despite its many other considerable strengths, are some limitations of your preamp -- at least that's what reading reviews of your pre lead me to believe. Have you considered tube rolling? I'm not familiar with your interconnects, but that's another area maybe worth exploring to tweak the sound of your system a bit. Just throwing some other thoughts out there FWIW. Best of luck.
Best option for Amp upgrade...
I have a McCormack DNA 500 that I like. I'm considering spending about $4k to have it modded by Steve McCormack (SMC). Alternatively, I could sell the DNA 500 for about $3k and have $7k to spend on a used (or new) solid state amp. I'm inviting opinions on which would give me the best bang for the buck. I'm hoping to achieve greater resolution and detail. Bass control is not an issue! Here is the rest of my system:
Pre-amp - CJ ET3-SE
Speakers - Rockport Mira II with REL G2 sub
Source - Aurender A10
Cabling - Transparent Ultra MM2 speaker, Gen 5 Super interconnects, Reference power cords (mostly)
If you suggest a new amp, I'd be interested in your recommendations. Thanks!
Pre-amp - CJ ET3-SE
Speakers - Rockport Mira II with REL G2 sub
Source - Aurender A10
Cabling - Transparent Ultra MM2 speaker, Gen 5 Super interconnects, Reference power cords (mostly)
If you suggest a new amp, I'd be interested in your recommendations. Thanks!