IC: McCormack DNA-1

vc69

Yeah, I'm trying too. I couldn't get my dux lined up before @vmaxer got in. I'm going have to get something.

vmaxer

I really want to try this, not sure where I stand though.

usp1

Guys. You are number 1 and 2. Vmaxer committed first although vc69 expressed interest first. I have another person on another forum who is interested. But I am not parting with the DNA-1 until I am happy satisfied that the DNA-2 is working well and that I am not going to regret selling the DNA-1. The DNA-2 arrives by the end of the week.!!

vmaxer

usp1 wrote: »

Guys. You are number 1 and 2. Vmaxer committed first although vc69 expressed interest first. I have another person on another forum who is interested. But I am not parting with the DNA-1 until I am happy satisfied that the DNA-2 is working well and that I am not going to regret selling the DNA-1. The DNA-2 arrives by the end of the week.!!

You could always sell me the DNA 2 for the same price.

george daniel

Put me in line please

usp1

So I got the DNA-2s last weekend.

Rant Mode ON--> my seller shipped the 75lb amp single boxed, wrapped in bubble wraps and surrounded by foam peanuts! The box itself had a side which had been cutout and re-taped with painter's tape, packing tape and prayer. How the amp managed to make it through Fedex without getting major damage is beyond me. But there must have been a Fedex fairy that carried it on gossamer wings to safety, because it made it to my house undamaged. Miracles do happen, I guess.<-- Rant Mode OFF

In any case, it was a busy weekend so I have not had much time to let it settle and evaluate it. First impressions though are - WOW - I have them hooked up right now to the Maggie I.6s. The two biggest things that are immediately obvious are the size of the soundstage and the resolution of detail. I need a little more time to make sure that all is well with the amp before I decide on the future of the DNA-1.

With three (and a fourth on another forum) people interested in the amp, I know the pressure is on me to make a decision soon.

vmaxer

usp1 wrote: »

So I got the DNA-2s last weekend.

Rant Mode ON--> my seller shipped the 75lb amp single boxed, wrapped in bubble wraps and surrounded by foam peanuts! The box itself had a side which had been cutout and re-taped with painter's tape, packing tape and prayer. How the amp managed to make it through Fedex without getting major damage is beyond me. But there must have been a Fedex fairy that carried it on gossamer wings to safety, because it made it to my house undamaged. Miracles do happen, I guess.<-- Rant Mode OFF

In any case, it was a busy weekend so I have not had much time to let it settle and evaluate it. First impressions though are - WOW - I have them hooked up right now to the Maggie I.6s. The two biggest things that are immediately obvious are the size of the soundstage and the resolution of detail. I need a little more time to make sure that all is well with the amp before I decide on the future of the DNA-1.

With three (and a fourth on another forum) people interested in the amp, I know the pressure is on me to make a decision soon.

Wow, looks like you got very lucky, not usually the case for me.

Still want to try the DNA 1

tonyb

Told ya pal, same sound signature, just more of it as you move up the chain. Btw....you were very lucky the shipping Gods held you in favor. Congrats on another nice amp.

vmaxer

tonyb wrote: »

Told ya pal, same sound signature, just more of it as you move up the chain. Btw....you were very lucky the shipping Gods held you in favor. Congrats on another nice amp.

I'm thinking he should just sell me the DNA 2 for the same price!!!

usp1

In your dreams vmaxer.

vmaxer

usp1 wrote: »

In your dreams vmaxer.

Well, I had to try.

vc69

I'm ready at this time if something falls through.

tonyb

I'm thinking he should sell both and set the hook on a DNA-500. Talk about blowing your sack back and tying a cinder block to your ding dong....

Actually the DNA2 is pretty close, maybe even better in some regards. I can't see the OP selling the dna2 anytime soon unless he wants to drop big bucks on some totl Pass amps.

usp1

Definitely not selling the DNA-2 - at least yet. If a DNA-750 should show up at an amazing price --- maybe. Currently, still thinking if I should just keep the DNA-1.

vmaxer

usp1 wrote: »

Definitely not selling the DNA-2 - at least yet. If a DNA-750 should show up at an amazing price --- maybe. Currently, still thinking if I should just keep the DNA-1.

Nope, sell it to me.

usp1

I will let you know on Monday, after I have some time to sit and really listen to both amps again.

Current Order: vmaxer, vc69, george daniel

vmaxer

accidental duplicate post.

usp1

Sold to vmaxer!

vmaxer

usp1 wrote: »

Sold to vmaxer!

Looking forward to hearing this.

teekay0007

Hope he didn't pack the DNA-1 the same way the DNA-2 was packed by his seller!

usp1

Of course not. I added a little more bubble wrap and used a different colored painters tape.

vmaxer

usp1 wrote: »

Of course not. I added a little more bubble wrap and used a different colored painters tape.

Thanks a lot.

usp1

vmaxer wrote: »

usp1 wrote: »

Of course not. I added a little more bubble wrap and used a different colored painters tape.

Thanks a lot.

Relax ... it is coming in its packing foam and is nicely double boxed.

vmaxer

usp1 wrote: »

vmaxer wrote: »

usp1 wrote: »

Of course not. I added a little more bubble wrap and used a different colored painters tape.

Thanks a lot.

Relax ... it is coming in its packing foam and is nicely double boxed.

Was kiddin', I trust you to know how to pack and ship

tonyb

Congrats man, throw up a mini review when your get it all set up.....for those who think all amps sound the same. LOL

usp1

tonyb, I can't agree more. I went through a succession of SS amps - Emotive LPA-1, XPA-2, MPS-1, Odyssey Stratos monos- until I found the DNA-1. (I still have the LPA-1 which I use for HT duties). Many of the amps were around at the same time so I could listen to them at the same time. The Emotivas were great amps for the money but only the mps-1 was refined enough. The Stratos were very nice as well but the DNA-1 was just a tad better. I had both of them for several months because I could not quite decide. But I soon found that I would listen to the DNA-1 more often than the Stratos. So I finally sold the DNA-1. I have been looking for a reasonably priced McCormack amp up the ladder for almost two years now and finally have the DNA-2. It was hard to part with the DNA-1. It just sounds so good and I can move it around if needed. (The DNA-2 is an invitation to a hernia) But the DNA-2 is just more of the same DNA-1 sound. Switching between the two amps the soundstage just opens up wider and there is just more clarity all around. The highs are more resolved and the bass cleaner. Both my Maggie 1.6s and Gallo 3.1s seem to just open up more. I sometimes read on forums that Maggies can manage on low power amps. I am sure they can - I have driven them with a 35w/ch receiver. But boy do they love a good refined amp. With the DNA-2 they just seem to come alive.

tonyb

usp1 wrote: »

...But the DNA-2 is just more of the same DNA-1 sound. .

Exactly, like I said....moving up the ladder gives you simply more of what the lower lines offer. Same can be said for many brands too as you move up their ladder. Glad your digging it.

Now we need a review from the V man when he's all set.

Keep the McCormack brand sizzled in your brain kids, so when one comes up at a good price jump on it.

vmaxer

I can't wait to try it out. I am traveling now (in Canada), but will be home Sat evening. Tracking shows it should deliver tomorrow at work.

george daniel

Congrats to all!

MrBuhl

Hell - I'm excited for you Vmaxer! Hope you enjoy that one as much as I do mine!