I would like to add a few comments...
1) While I certainly appreciate Bob B's input, he is incorrect about the relationship between my "Revision B" and the earlier "Deluxe" upgrade. In fact, there is no relation whatever. I originally developed the Deluxe parts upgrade package for the DNA-1, back around '92 or '93. All current SMc Audio upgrades (A, B, & C) are based on circuit revisions to improve the fundamental performance of the DNA circuitry. Broadly speaking, Rev C includes ONLY the core circuit upgrades. Rev B builds on Rev C with an extensive parts and wiring upgrade, considerably beyond the original Deluxe package. Revision A is a complete rebuild of the entire amplifier, and the "Gold" level options were added after the original development of Rev A, and are available separately.
2) Balanced inputs and monoblock conversion are available options for all DNA amps. The techniques I now use for balancing and phase-splitting are much more sophisticated than those used in the original amps.
3) Different levels of revision (along with various options)exist for people with budget constraints and/or special needs. There is a clear progression of performance from Rev C, to B, to A, to "Gold." Each individual gets to decide what level makes the most sense for them, but there should be no confusion about the fact that the highest performance does cost the most.
4) The majority of my upgrade customers have chosen Revision A, usually with some mix of "Gold" level options. Revision B has certainly been popular, and the owners have been very pleased with the result - so much so, in fact, that several have opted to have their Rev B amp upgraded to Rev A.
5) As others have pointed-out, the original amps "are no slouch," and many people will be perfectly well-served by them. The upgrades exist for those who basically like my designs, but are looking for even higher levels of performance. The upgrades offer very high performance, indeed.
All of this is spelled-out pretty well on my website at www.SMcAudio.com Anyone who would like to discuss these issues in greater depth is welcome to call me at 760-732-0352, M-F, 9-6 PST (California).
Best regards,
Steve McCormack, designer
McCormack Audio
SMcAudio
1) While I certainly appreciate Bob B's input, he is incorrect about the relationship between my "Revision B" and the earlier "Deluxe" upgrade. In fact, there is no relation whatever. I originally developed the Deluxe parts upgrade package for the DNA-1, back around '92 or '93. All current SMc Audio upgrades (A, B, & C) are based on circuit revisions to improve the fundamental performance of the DNA circuitry. Broadly speaking, Rev C includes ONLY the core circuit upgrades. Rev B builds on Rev C with an extensive parts and wiring upgrade, considerably beyond the original Deluxe package. Revision A is a complete rebuild of the entire amplifier, and the "Gold" level options were added after the original development of Rev A, and are available separately.
2) Balanced inputs and monoblock conversion are available options for all DNA amps. The techniques I now use for balancing and phase-splitting are much more sophisticated than those used in the original amps.
3) Different levels of revision (along with various options)exist for people with budget constraints and/or special needs. There is a clear progression of performance from Rev C, to B, to A, to "Gold." Each individual gets to decide what level makes the most sense for them, but there should be no confusion about the fact that the highest performance does cost the most.
4) The majority of my upgrade customers have chosen Revision A, usually with some mix of "Gold" level options. Revision B has certainly been popular, and the owners have been very pleased with the result - so much so, in fact, that several have opted to have their Rev B amp upgraded to Rev A.
5) As others have pointed-out, the original amps "are no slouch," and many people will be perfectly well-served by them. The upgrades exist for those who basically like my designs, but are looking for even higher levels of performance. The upgrades offer very high performance, indeed.
All of this is spelled-out pretty well on my website at www.SMcAudio.com Anyone who would like to discuss these issues in greater depth is welcome to call me at 760-732-0352, M-F, 9-6 PST (California).
Best regards,
Steve McCormack, designer
McCormack Audio
SMcAudio