Preamp with a DNA-1, tube or SS?

Hi Kleiman, I plan to get the revision A upgrade for my DNA-1 Dlx.,when my budget allows and this believe it or not will bring the sound up to another serious level of improvement.I have read all favorable posts and I have been urged by any who responded to me to do this upgrade .The M3A is built like a tank and nothing should go wrong. As you know,their service has a reputation for taking extremely long and it is not uncommon for upgrades to take up to 3 months.If I had to send it in for service I would have to buy a used highly rated passive or tube pre amp to replace it during the long wait.On return a showdown would ensue with the winner remaining and the other getting sold.Happy listening.

Hi,Lihifiguy. Actually, my DNA-1 Deluxe is scheduled with SMC Audio for the upgrade. I was going to do the Revision A upgrade, but Steve has recently come up with what he calls a Revision A Gold upgrade. It's over double the cost, but I've waited a while to upgrade the amp and don't want to keep sending it back so I'm going for it. Look for posts about a month and a half from now.

Hi Kleiman, That is some serious bucks for an upgrade and I would have to hear feedback from multiple sources that this upgrade blew away the revision A and would hold its own to a new DNA-125($1695.) with the same upgrade.If I would want extra power and sold my DNA-1 Dlx,I could get at least $1300. and $1400.more would get me a new DNA-225,that can also someday be upgraded.I gather that you may have weighed out all of these options.I am eager to hear your assessment once your unit is well burned in. Regards, Fred

Mettef, Another plus for the AI Modulus 3A is that it has a great phono stage. If you're into vinyl, it's worth giving it a listen. Lihifiguy,I'll be glad to let you know how upgrade works out. Kris, at SMc Audio assured me that the Gold is a major improvement so I'm putting my trust in them since they're just starting to do this upgrade and their reputation is excellent. I'm not having the balanced inputs done since the Mod 3A does not have balanced outputs.

Not to plug my own auction, but the presence audio linestage I am selling is being used with a dna-1 deluxe. I can sell you it for less than an Audible illusions and it is a fundamentally better unit. See my auction for details Preamplifiers-tube