Van Alstine SS vs. McCormack DNA amps

I listened to the AVA 440 solid state a few years back (it was the version prior to the insight, I ended up buying a AVA FET Valve Ultra). I own 2 McCormack amps (as well as a CJ solid state).

Hands down, if you are going with solid state, between AVA and McCormack, go with the McCormack.

Quite frankly (no pun intended), McCormack has MUCH better build quality, and McCormack/CJ service takes a back seat to no one.

Just open up the 2 amps side-by-side and look.

McCormacks are built better. "Eye candy" is Trebejo's phrasing, not mine. "Sexy" is Rockanny's term, not mine.

As to Frank and his customer service, while I have no issues with my FET Valve, I will not be doing any more buiness with Mr Van Alstine. I suspect his judgment in several areas.

The OP asked for folks who had EXPERIENCE with both products. That is something I have. Trebejo says "Can't say much about McCormack amps, never needed to go there" but he feels the need to weigh in. Rockadanny says he owns an AVA Fet Valve, but mentions no hands on experience with an AVA solid state product.

Fan boys?

Going to Audio Circle for any sort of honest review of equipment is a bad idea. Audio Circle is an audio board in name only. It is a home for proprietary forums wherein criticism is typically not welcomed. The Van Alstine forum is a cheering section for Van Alstine products. This is true of the Odyssey forum, the VMPS forum, the Bryston forum, etc.