I had a DNA-1 Deluxe for 20 years, loved it, and it finally died a few years ago (caps failed, and the main board reached its life expectancy). I made the mistake of not getting it rebuilt, and instead sold the dead box to SMc for $400 (iirc). MISTAKE! Now I want a new DNA-1 done with Steve’s top level Gravity Base upgrade and I can’t find a dead DNA to buy and don’t want to pay $1200-1500 or more for an old one that has no upgrades and then put another $3-5K into it. Any DNA that is 20 years old or more is going to need a rebuild in the near future.
Give SMc Audio a call and get the scoop from Patrick, and he’ll give you options and send you an upgrade price sheet. The new Gravity Base version is said to be really excellent sounding. For $3-4K you will have an amp that is really special. IMHO
Upgraded McCormack DNA-1 or Dennis Had Inspire SEP?
It’s make or break time. I need to make a decision about which direction I need to take regarding my next amplifier. I’m coming from a Jolida Fusion 3502P that I’ve spent the last year searching for the best tube combinations.
Do I keep the McCormack DNA-1 I just bought and save up to have it upgraded, or do I sell it and buy a new Insipre amp from Mr. Had?
I have a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls, Better Cables silver serpent interconnects, high quality copper speaker cables, and I’m feeding them with a Marantz preamp, through which I feed almost all my music via Amazon/Heos.
Discuss.
Thanks in advance.