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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
 
Buy a Bryston if you want hi-fi sound, buy a McCormack if you want music.

Oz
ecruz
402 posts
 
Mingles Wrote-
"Any thoughts on the Channel Island D-200?"

If you're looking at digital amps, I'll tell you my story. I was very happy with my McCormack DNA 1 driving my Vandersteens, until I heard the Nuforce amps. Better in just about every way. I ended up buying a demo pair of 8.5's here on A'gon for $1050. They're only rated at 100 watts, but they drive my 3A's better than anything I've had them hooked up to.

Check out the Nuforce thread. Many positive testimonials.
nolitan
865 posts
 
another option for you to consider if you are looking at digital amps would be the jeff rowland model 102. Its only 100watts but it doesnt sound like a solid state amp.
phd
1,280 posts
 
All McCormack amps are head & shoulders above Parasound especially the ones with revisions.
mingles OP
791 posts
 
Thanks folks! I appreciate all the input. McCormack seems like the obvious choice. When I hear tube enthusiasts say they like an SS amp, there must be good reason. But Ecruz's experience with Nuforce and Vandersteen sounds intriguing. My DQ-20i's are not unlike the Vandie 2C. I sifted through the forums and read the glowing comments about Nuforce. I understand digital amps are relatively new to the hi-end audio scene. If you were in my shoes, and trying to decide between the two, which would you go with? These are available on Agon right now:

Nuforce reference 9.02 $1300
Mccormack DNA1-R1 $1299

DNA-1's without the mod pop up once in a while for $800-900. Is the mod worth an extra $400-500?
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