I had my DNA-1 Deluxe upgraded to the gold edition by SMC Audio. I love the sound stage improvement and the low level detail that is unmistakably there. There is less listener fatigue or "veils" lifted between the speakers and myself. I can tell as I've had this amp for many yrs. I have one issue with the upgrade which I emailed Steve's sales group and called the primary person in sales complaining about. When I turn the amp on there is a significant "POP" as they have removed the timed relay we are used to that lets the amp startup surge happen before the speakers see any current. I was told this was done to improve the sound which I countered with "Why wasn't I told this before purchase" - they forgot. Is there anyone else dealing with this?
McCormack SMC Audio upgrades: how good are they?
Does anyone know, or can tell me, how good the McCormack stuff sounds when upgraded by SMC audio? I was trying to determine whether to keep my DNA-125 Gold revision, or to go to a higher-end SS or tube amp. Budget would be $3k for an amp, or $4k for an integrated, both used. Has anyone had or heard a DNA-125 or 225 Gold and compared it to other amps? The stock amps sound a lot worse than the Gold revision (it costs $1700 for the upgrades), and I have never seen one used on here, which probably tells me something right there. Still.....
I can't listen to any high-end pieces around here, and have the upgrade bug again, but it may be unjustified at this point. Are there better units available at that price? Preamp TBD as well, but looking to spend $2k. Currently using a Dehavilland in my system. The problem with audio is that it seems that there is always something a little better lurking around the corner....
I can't listen to any high-end pieces around here, and have the upgrade bug again, but it may be unjustified at this point. Are there better units available at that price? Preamp TBD as well, but looking to spend $2k. Currently using a Dehavilland in my system. The problem with audio is that it seems that there is always something a little better lurking around the corner....