I've got a basic, directional decision to make.


I have a pair of excellent monitors, GMA Europas. They are fairly efficient at 89db. I have already made a decision concerning cables and interconnects (signal cable). The decision is whether to go with an amp/pre and a less expensive source, or to go with an integrated and a better source. All of the equipment I am considering would be used, from right here on the Gon.
Specifically, if I were to go the amp/pre route I would probably go with the McCormack DNA .5 and maybe a Sonic Frontiers pre. I really like the tube pre/ss amp concept. Then I would have to go with a less expensive source, maybe Cambridge, NAD, or Sony ES.
On the other hand, if I were to go the integrated route, I would probably go with the Audio Refinement Complete. For a source I would go with a higher quality source, I'm not sure what it would be right now. Jolida? Rega? Not sure.
So which direction would you go?
The bottom line is that I have about $1200-$1300 to spend, $1500 at the outside. Living in a dreamland for a moment, what I would like is the McCormack DNA .5 SS Amp, a Rogue 66 pre, and a high quality source. So maybe the key is to find a real giant killer of a cdp (as the GMA Europas are to monitors). I'm stumped.
Any input is much appreciated.
jb3

Showing 1 response by stehno

I would definitely go with the DNA 0.5 amp. Supposedly a real classic and one of the best in the biz. That's in stock form.

If you should have Steve McCormack perform the Revision A upgrade, it's a whole nuther league still.

I'm not familiar with the GMA Europas. But if per chance the GMAs and the DNA 0.5 don't synergize well, I'd sell the GMAs.

But then I'm a firm believer that the right amp can make most any decent speaker sing beyond belief.

-IMO