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McCormack DNA-1 compared to Parasound HCA-1500A

I know this may seem like a ridiculous comparison to some of you, but I want to understand the real differences between mid-fi and hi-fi amps (other than cost). I know the DNA-1 can drive 2 ohm loads, but aside from that, what audible differences exist? I know that specs aren't the be-all-end-all, but they're all I have to go by. I own the Parasound and I'm happy with the sound, but I plan to biamp, which begs the question whether I should upgrade. I haven't heard the DNA-1, but I've read stellar reviews about McCormack amps and it's piqued my interest. Ideally, I want my system to disappear and create a natural soundstage with a tight bottom end. I'm currently driving a pair of Dahlquist DQ-20i's. They may be the weakest link in my system, but I like their sound and I can't afford to upgrade right now. A biamp arrangement will benefit any future speaker I bring in. Associated equipment: Anthem Pre-2L, Rega Planet 2000, Rega P3, Denon DL-103, Musical Fidelity X-LPS.

Insights and suggestions are warmly welcomed.

Many thanks in advance. -Mark

Parasound HCA-1500A
http://www.parasound.com/vintage/hca1500a.php

- Continuous power output: 205 wpc 8 ohms; 315 wpc 4 ohms
- Current capacity: 60 amperes peak per channel
- Slew rate: > 130 V/second
- Frequency response: 5 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB at 1 watt
- Dynamic headroom: > 1.5 dB
- Interchannel crosstalk: > 80 dB at 1 kHz; > 60 dB at 20 kHz
- Input impedance: 33 k ohms
- S/N ratio: > 110 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
- Damping factor: > 800 at 20 Hz
- Price: $995 new, roughly $450 used

McCormack Power Drive DNA-1
http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/520/

- Rated power output: 150Wpc RMS into 8 ohms (21.8dBW), 300Wpc RMS into 4 ohms (21.8dBW), 500Wpc RMS into 2 ohms (21.0dBW)
- Output current: 50A peak per channel
- Input impedance: 100k ohms
- Frequency response: -3dB at 0.5Hz and 250kHz
- Rise time: ±2µs
- Slew rate: 50V/µs
- S/N ratio: 88dB, "A" weighted
- Damping factor: >100 (1kHz, 8 ohm load)
- Output impedance: ±0.1 ohm
- Signal polarity: non-inverting
- Price: $1995 new, roughly $800-900 used
mingles
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,836 posts
 
I assure you the McCormack is a much better sounding amplifier. Years ago I replaced a Parasound HCA 2200 II with a standard DNA-1 and this was quite an improvement. The McCormack is more refined and balanced sounding with a slightly warm midrange that is not unlike tubes. My advice is to make the switch.

Oz
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
your speakers are great...the mccormick will drive them just fine...some other ss in your range that do a disappearing act as well...bryston, belles....check for minty used.....the mccormick is fantastic
mingles OP
791 posts
 
Thanks Oz and Jaybo, I appreciate the feedback. Can you recommend specific SS amps in the 150-200 wpc category that stand out as outstanding values? It's difficult to navigate through the various models of each manufacturer.
kacz
177 posts
 
I picked up the McCormack Micro drive amp a bit ago. It's the model right below the DNA-1. It's an absolutely amazing amp. I can't believe how huge the soundstage is and how powerful it sounds. 100 percent dissapears (and this one is only 50 watts!). It seems very underpriced for when it came out! I serverely doubt the parasound will even be close to the same league as the DNA-1.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,836 posts
 
I'm no SS expert, being a tube guy. But all McCormack amps have sounded good to my ears. I have owned the standard DNA-1, DNA-2 and DNA-1 Deluxe monoblocks and liked them all. Especially the monoblocks. Coda also makes some very nice sounding SS amps. I owned the 11 years ago.

Oz
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