hikmer

Responses from hikmer

Amp recommendations for Joseph Audio Perspectives2
I own the DNA-1 Platinum Ultra amplifier and would recommend contacting McCormack and see if they have one around that isn't upgraded.  I went that route then had it upgraded twice over time.  Easy enough if you are local to SoCal (however, not su... 
Upgrade McCormack or...
I have a DNA-1 Platinum Ultra upgrade or something like this.  Its an end game amp for the series.  One thing that really is required with his gear is careful component matching, I've had a lot of trouble pairing up these amps with my preamp due t... 
20 Year Old Amplifiers compared to 2017
@mikexxyz In regards to the caps needing replacement on my CJ MF2300a, I noticed for a long while that my lower frequencies did not sound as even or solid as I thought they should.  I did some research and found a few companies that would do enhan... 
Modwright Preamp Owners.
I have had a full weekend with my newly acquired used LS-100 and am finding it quite nice. It came with Sophia Electric 6SN7s and Mullard GZ34 tubes and I had some extra 12AU7 NOS Mullards around for the phono section. Sound is noticeably more det... 
Advice please on up to $10k to upgrade pre amp, dac, phono, and power amp
If you can swing it, get a good NAS and run Roon from that....but plan accordingly. 
Any Bryston 4B3 amp owners out there?
This just posted...I'd grab it McCormack DNA-2 LAE SMc Audio Signature Edition 
Any Bryston 4B3 amp owners out there?
I was considering the ML 532H for a while too.  The heat sink placement (cannot stack or put in tight top bottom enclosure) and rear binding posts were a turn off.  I also don't think its made with the same care and quality as their highest end ge... 
Any Bryston 4B3 amp owners out there?
I owned a CJ MF2300a that was recently recapped...while it didn't have the same punch and dynamics of the 4B3, it did have more soundstage and upper range imaging.  The 4B3 in my system was way too laid back, dark and frankly not all that impressi... 
Any Bryston 4B3 amp owners out there?
I've recently acquired a completely rebuilt McCormack DNA-1 gold (with extras) which is really musical and for under $3K quite a bargain.  While I did not compare against the Bryston 4B3 directly, I can say I am much happier with this amplifier th... 
Any Bryston 4B3 amp owners out there?
I'll be honest, any reputable company making gear these days should last a very long time warranty or not.  An amp doesn't have a lot of moving parts so you really shouldn't have to worry about things breaking....I know a long warranty is a nice t... 
Full-sounding SS amps (besides Pass)
You can get Steve McCormack DNA ModSquad to fully rebuild any of the DNA products.  Sometimes they have stock on hand and can completely remake an amplifier from a trade in.  So while they are not currently in production, if you can get your hands... 
20 Year Old Amplifiers compared to 2017
My CJ MF2300a hit 20 years old and all the caps needed replacing.  Would have been a fortune if I sent back to CJ but found a local ex-employee to do it for a reasonable cost...from what I gather, capacitors from 20 years ago had a tendency to lea... 
Any Bryston 4B3 amp owners out there?
I bought the 4B3 amp and sold it fairly quick.  I lost a considerable amount of soundstage on the top end compared with my older CJ solid state amp.  It had very nice attack on drums and bass, just didn't fit my system otherwise.  I'd audition if ... 
Belles 350a or Mccormack DNA -1 Deluxe?
Having recently acquired a newly built DNA-1 gold with a few optional upgrades, I'd say look for a lower gain preamp if you go this direction.  The CJ PV7 has 20db gain and the speakers are rather efficient...the DNA-1 has ample gain...probably en... 
Modwright Preamp Owners.
Thanks for the clarification.  Any other previous or current LS100 owner care to chime in?  For what this devices has to offer, I am surprised there aren't more stand alone reviews.