McCormack DNA-1 Gold or DNA-225

dude, ANY McCormack you get will far surpass your idea of what quality is.  Just eeny meenee mineee moe it, and you will be happy.

I have gone through so many amps in the past 30 years, mono blocks, stereo, etc etc. I am never selling my DNA amplifier.

I am looking forward to someday getting the revision for my son, so he has something to have for 30 years.

I have heard the gold DNA-1 is the way to go, as far as sound quality. But I am sure owners of the 225 will chime in as well. either way you go, you will be happy. There is no wrong decision.

enjoy!

I have a DNA-1 Deluxe with the SMc Audio Revision A+.  At the time, that was the highest level of revision available.  I have and continue to revel in the sound of my system with that amp.  I don't know that much about the 225, but have no doubt that it is a fine piece of gear.  Don't see how you lose with either amplifier.  Flip a coin?

A while back I spoke with Steve about this, and he said the DNA125/225 were roughly on par with what was the Rev B upgrade mods in older models. If that’s the case then a DNA1 Gold is likely to be significantly better than a stock 225. By far your best value IMO would be to wait for a DNA1 to come up used with Rev A or Gold upgrades already done since you’re basically getting big discounts on both the amp and the mods. That said, there’s a DNA1 with silver upgrades available here now. If you can get a good deal on that it will obviously cost much less to upgrade to gold level. I’d be sorely tempted if I’m you since modded DNA1s don’t show up all that often.  Hope this helps and best of luck.