McCormack REV B upgrades. Better than a new amp?


I have read the testimonials about the stellar performance of upgraded versions of McCormack amp,especially the "REV B" level. A "used good condition" McCormack DNA-1 bought for 750.00, with REV B. upgrades added later is approx 1600.00 with round trip shipping costs. Would it make more sense to find a another amp that is newer, though USED between $1200-1500?? Also, do the McCormack upgrades hold up over time??
sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by sunnyjim

Thank you to all memebers who responded so far to this thread. There was a REV B DNA .05 for sale weeks ago, but I passed on it because I was making other upgrades to the system, and the seller would not budge on price It was modded in 2004.

However, it could be a long, long, wait for a REV A DNA.05 to surface on AG, and I am getting too old to play the kid looking in the candy shop window at Christmas. Also, it will probably be about $1800. which..seems like alot of money for a 100RMS amp

The other important issue is HOW MUCH BETTER can/or will REV A DNA-.05, or REV A DNA-1. sound. We all have a level of higher expectation, especially if he have owned more than one expensive SS amps, like a Pass, Boulder, Krell, BAT, Levinson. Personally, I have not. I had an Aragon 4004 MK II which in 1988 retailed for $1800, and I bought for $950 on a salesman's accomodation. It was a very good to almost great amp, though somewhat bright.

So what is the criterion of improvement, that gets one to say..." WOW, this is a spectacular sounding amp, better than any amp I ever owned or heard". The big gun brand names I mentioned above are at least 10 to 15 times more expensive than REV A+ Gold McCormack.

I currently have a pair of Red Dragon M-500 digital mono blocks(driving Acoustic Zen Adagios) which are remarkable for the money I paid. Yet, like other members, I am always curious about pushing the performance envelope a bulge or two more. No, the $27,000 Boulder or Levinson is not in my budget range or insanity border.

However, I like to hear what other members consider the basis of the WOW factor in amplifier performance. Thanks again, Jim