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McCormack DNA-1 upgrades by McCormack of Virginia

Has anyone out there heard the upgrade that McCormack of Virginia (aka CJ) makes to the DNA-1 or DNA-1 dlx? I have read a lot of great things about Steve's mods to his own original DNA units and the later series he designed for McC VA, but can find almost nothing about McC VA's mods to the original DNAs. From what little I can find the mod is called the "R1" and they claim it can make a DNA-1 more like a DNA-225, fitting a new main PCB into the DNA-1 and reworking the output pc boards. Would love any input from anyone that has direct experience with these upgrades.

I am peronally trying to decide which McCormack path to take, original DNAs versus the new units, upgrades versus monoblocking, etc. and am trying to gather as much data as possible on the various options. I have talked to Steve a bit about some other topics (I know it is always best to talk to him directly per the other threads) but I know he is swamped at CES right now so I didn't want to bother him. Thanks all!

My current system: Rotel RB1080, Tube Audio Design TADAC, Rega Planet 2000 (transport for the DAC) Chario Academy 1 monitors, Signal Cable ICs and PCs connecting everything, with a Topaz Line 2 power conditioner. Also have an Acurus RL11 preamp but this was taken out of service when I got the TADAC as I now run balanced lines from the tube section of the DAC directly to the amp. The TADAC is a really great little piece of gear by the way.
mscott58
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Due to the lineage of the DNA-1,I would imagine that the "parts" quality could be improved.Listen to the current generation and see if it is to your liking.I can't see a reason to monoblock these.Do you really need 300W+ for your speakers-efficency/roon size?
mig007
116 posts
 
I have a pair of the deluxe monoblocks in storage right now waiting for the opportunity to mod. They're powerful enough for my inefficient martin logans, but the more power in this instance will be beneficial as to clarity and the like. I would do it based on others reviews.
luigi_secchi00
11 posts
 
I was going to say: oh, well, you don't need to buy a DNA 225, a DNA 125 is more than enough. But now I read that those chario are 81.5 dB sensitive and they're a nominal 8 ohm!

So the natural question is: would you consider buying more efficient speakers? Personally I would... If not, you really need a DNA1/225

I own a DNA 0.5 upgraded to revB. In your case a DNA1 revB would be a good value IF YOU FIND IT USED. DO NOT BUY A USED DNA1 and upgrade it to revB.
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