McCormack DNA-500

I agree that if the CJ350 didn't do it for you, neither will the DNA-500. Did you try the CJ in your system? What are your components & cables? I know my DNA-500 easily conveys upstream changes so I suspect the culprit is likely hiding there.

I have an Accuphase DP-78 fed directly into the amp. My speakers are Sonus Faber Electa Amator. Cables are Audioquest Colorado and Volcano. It sounds very good with the CJ MF2500. I found the Premier 350 to have a bigger stage with much more details and more authority. It sounded very good on excellent recordings. But I find the MF2500 to be smoother, albeit less informative.

Mlauren,

The amps you've used and mentioneded are all very good to excellent amps. They're very unlikely to be the source of any harshness. Ever consider adding a tubed preamp into the mix? They normally tame harshness and may solve your issue of fatigue. Good units won't sacrifice the details either. Plus, you could tailor the sound you want by the preamp as well as the tubes you use. Good luck

CD direct into the McCormack DNA-500 may be a VERY bad combination. The input impedance on the DNA-500 is 10k...I would say there aren't many CD players that could drive that load without sonic compromise. Alot of very good tube pre's won't drive that load without sonic penalty.

Mitdking: I'm curious about your statement that the CJ 350 is a much better amp than the McCormack. Both are on my short list for high powered amp (the Pass 350.5 is also on that list), if I choose to go that route. Did you own both? In which ways is th CJ better?