upgrading from McCormack DNA-1 to.....?


hey now folks...

I have a problem w/my current system.
no synergy. None, nada. I'm unhappy w/the sound overall, and it kills me because I have what was my "dream componants" as of a few months ago.

I went from:
Rotel preamp rc-1070
B&K ST-140
Magnepan MMGs

to:
Y-S audio Symphonies tube pre
McCormack DNA-1
Martin Logan SL3s

I'm finding the overall sound just sort of limp in comparrison to my previous setup that I upgraded from. its got a nice soundstage, images like a champ. No punch, no impact and no real warmth like the B&K had (and that was a lesser and older b&k amp).

I'm thinking of selling the McCormack and going back to a B&K amp like a ref200.2 or 2220 or ST-2140. Anything with at least 120wpc from B&K would tickle my fancy again (I think).
Dissapointing...these SL3s are supposed to really shine a light on how your componants sound. I find my system to be dry and un-involving for the most part. I want something a little smoother and detailed.

Seeking suggestions from those of you who have been there, done that.

Or, should I be looking for a tube amp? Some monoblocks?
Anything in the $800 and under range is fair game for my budget. I also need some wattage for these ML's, so anything sub 80w need not apply.

Thanks
128x128nickspicks
I doubt it's the McCormacks. Have you tried the SL3s in your room with another amp?
I agree with Kr4, it is not the amp. I would look at cables, the preamp or speaker setup first. The Mccormack does an excellent job with ML's.
Tube preamps sound great....on paper. They seem logical to many, while newbie audiophiles fall all over themselves to get approval of their peers by having tubes somewhere in their setup--wouldn't be an audiophile without tubes, you'll hear and then feel. Sad truth is that, dollar for dollar, tube pres more often then not just don't sound good mated to a SS amp, especially if the owner values the strengths of their silicone amp. At your price points, if you like the speed, drive, "impact" and the specific warmth of SS (or your maggies, more likely here I'm guessing), you're not going to like tubes. Again, for the money you have to spend, if you value bass at all, you're not going to like tubes, they can't get it right, IMNSHO. Once again, without the bank roll of Bill Gates, if you like a crystal clear and extended topend, you're not going to like tubes either. Before someone beats me to the punch, a piece of free advice, "there are no magic tubes" just as "there are no magic cables" and "there are no magic isolation devices;" no amount of polishing can make a turd shine. Don't let folks talk you into spending a fortune on tubes or cabling.

Another thing, much of your gripes apply to ML's as well, as they are not that good of a speaker for your ideal of "impact, drive or warmth" as I find them one of the worst bass handling speakers ever, definatly not warm in nature. You probably should have stuck to maggies and added a powered sub. Maggies don't look as cool but they sure do impress where it counts, with their sound.

Just some different perspectives then what you're likely going to hear....
Well, if you want the perspective of a previous McCormack amp owner, I'd say a tube preamp is mandatory, especially an Audible Illusions preamp. I've never heard the Y-S preamp, so can't comment on how that'd mate with McCormack.

Also, the McCormack can be further upgraded by the designer himself to sound even better (stock McCormack's are a tad bright and not so refined for my taste).
I would suggest you try the bigger Maggies, 1.6 or 3.6. The DNA-1 dlx is a great match with both Logans and Magnepans but I find the Maggies´ (3.6/R) voicing warmer and smoother sounding while the ´stat panel of the Logans (SL-3 and reQuest) had the edge in clarity and detail. Didn´t like the bass though.