My DNA-0.5 died.....

11tsteve

My first honest gear failure, it figures it has to be the McCormack. This amp has been such a great purchase.... I am not really mad, just disappointed.
I had the amp unplugged over night as we had the possibility of strong storms rolling through. Plugged it in this morning, when I flipped the switch, there was a brief flicker of light, then nothing.
I hooked up some testing speakers, powered it up, just to make sure the light hadn't burned, but there is no output.
there are four internal fuses, all test fine with a dmm....

I had been considering upgrades from SMc... maybe this is a sign. Shot him an email this morning....

It's gonna be hard to hook up my NAD 2150 for a while.....

tonyb

Dang, sorry that happened pal. Give Steve a call and see what he says. Too good of an amp to not fix.

vmaxer

What Tony said, keep us posted.

11tsteve

I shot an email to SMc... is calling a preferred method?

And I am in total agreement. Quite honestly, this is the first purchase I have made which made me feel I had taken maybe just a tiny step out of the mid-fi range. I love everything about the amp, but the low end control and clarity was quite startling.
After I talk to Steve a bit, I will have to decide how far to upgrade. Of course money is an issue, but if I already have to ship the amp.....
Clifton Audio might also be an option if he is too busy....

MrBuhl

Ugh - that's a drag.

I looked at the deluxe upgrade pricing on my DNA-1. Maybe your repair would be included in the upgrades and you could end up with both done if you're lucky - here's a pricing link I found.

http://smcaudio.nfshost.com/upgrades.php

It's an old 2009 price list but gives you an idea anyway.

tonyb

Ask if they have any authorized repair joints in your neck of the woods....doubt it though as they aren't that big to warrant it. Doesn't hurt to ask. I think he's located in southern Cali, where are you ?

You sure those fuses are OK ? Be a SOB if you had to ship it and they changed a fuse. Fuses are cheap, go buy some and see what happens.

WLDock

11tsteve wrote: »

Of course money is an issue, but if I already have to ship the amp.....

Don't rule out a local tech. Its just an amp...chances are its something in the power supply. There might be a local guy that repairs all types of gear that can handle the repair no problem.

However, if you want to upgrade....send it in and pay the big bucks.

11tsteve

Smack dab in the middle of Iowa. I have checked previously, and would feel more comfortable handing it over to either The Man himself, or someone he recommends such as Clifton.
And Tony has a good point. I'll see what I can locate for fuses.

vc69

Following

11tsteve

Ok... got a call from SMc right away this morning... looks like I might end up feeling stupid. There is an external fuse tray by the AC recepticle, which he said many, many people miss. Especially since folks don't always have manuals with the used trade. So as SOON as I get home from work.....
It was a great conversation. .. one I fearly wish I hadn't been at work.
They have an upgrade special right now. Complete rebuild for $1500.... wish I had the coin.
I'll post back tonight about the fuse...

oldrocker

Crossing my fingers and toes for you it's just the fuse thing..

11tsteve

thanks very much. It will be worth feeling stupid.

MrBuhl

It is better to be lucky than good often times! Keeping my fingers crossed!

11tsteve

Ok McCormack included a spare fuse... mine is gone, and the main fuse is black and blown. It is a 5A 125V slow blow... and I was told they are now recommending 6.2A slow blows, so I am off to find some.
We had thunderstorms rolling through last night, and I had unplugged the gear.... so hopefully I did something unknowingly when I plugged it back in this morning, or there was a small spike that blew the fuse.
Thanks everybody for the well wishes.

MrBuhl

That's great news man - congrats!

vmaxer

I thought about asking about, but assumed you had checked it. Congratulations on it being a simple fix.

11tsteve

vmaxer wrote: »

I thought about asking about, but assumed you had checked it. Congratulations on it being a simple fix.

The no manual thing, and I "panicked" instead of Googling. Honestly, when I checked the back panel, all I have ever seen is the usual fuse installs. Didn't know this existed, so when the McCormack tech asked if I had checked the rear panel fuse, it was an audible groan on my part.
Everything is fine, and now I am anxious to get the new-to-me Pangea power cable I just purchased from acmf74.
Side note, amongst the many things that were discussed, the McCormack guys are adamant about leaving these amps powered up 24/7. It was suggested I change my evil ways with powering down my amp (barring severe weather outbreaks).

tonyb

Good to know Steve, and sure hope that fuse is your answer. You hardly ever hear of a McCormack amp biting the dust.

11tsteve

tonyb wrote: »

Good to know Steve, and sure hope that fuse is your answer. You hardly ever hear of a McCormack amp biting the dust.

yup. all good.... nothing but a red face to show.

In a way, it was just worth it to talk to the tech there. And to get a personal call within 2 hours of sending an email. So top notch.

Next step is to drop in a Hi-Fi Tuning Silver Star fuse.... pricey, but how will I ever know if I don't try one.

Jhayman

That's Great News Steve...
Do you recall the tech saying ALL McCormack amps should be on 24/7 or just your 0.5
Can I trouble you for the number you called, I would like to give them a call.

tonyb

Jhayman wrote: »

That's Great News Steve...
Do you recall the tech saying ALL McCormack amps should be on 24/7 or just your 0.5
Can I trouble you for the number you called, I would like to give them a call.

Probably as Skip suggests. I would think because he builds all his amps very similar by using multiple smaller caps instead of a couple coke can sized ones. Maybe the constant charging and discharging of all those caps coupled with his design isn't a good thing.

Jhayman

Ok Thanks Skip..
I'll leave my 500 powered up

Forget I asked for the number, I missed the link in the thread...Good Morning need that cup of Tea..

tonyb

How you diggin' that 500 btw ? Frickin' beast isn't it ?

11tsteve

tonyb wrote: »

Jhayman wrote: »

That's Great News Steve...
Do you recall the tech saying ALL McCormack amps should be on 24/7 or just your 0.5
Can I trouble you for the number you called, I would like to give them a call.

Probably as Skip suggests. I would think because he builds all his amps very similar by using multiple smaller caps instead of a couple coke can sized ones. Maybe the constant charging and discharging of all those caps coupled with his design isn't a good thing.

yup... all of you are correct. He said "these amps"... really how I took that is everything Steve designs... and what tony said.
I have seen these things discussed here, but it is the initial surge of voltage application every time it is powered up which wears on the components and reduces life span. All the internals are meant to stay on... plus, his comment was it takes 2 or 3 days for the transformer to really reach its fullest potential. the DNA 0.5 draws the equivalent of a 75W bulb at idle, so not much draw there.
Other things discussed, besides replacing the 5A fuse with 6.3A:
If the amp gets sent in, they now reduce the BIAS voltage from around 63mA to around 45 mA.
I should look into installing a grounding spike, which he emailed info and pictures.
try placing the lid on, but no screws.
I should look into better gear isolation.....

All of these things will improve detail and soundstaging.

Jhayman wrote: »

That's Great News Steve...
Do you recall the tech saying ALL McCormack amps should be on 24/7 or just your 0.5
Can I trouble you for the number you called, I would like to give them a call.

I contacted them through the form on the website http://smcaudio.com/

The form asks for your phone number.... and they called me. Judging by the time difference, it seems he called not to long after he walked in and read his email.

Jhayman

Diggin every minute I use it, lol
Plenty of balls and Great refinement, also I just picked up a McCormack Map-1 to be used strictly as 2 channel pre, I also still have my VTL 5.5 pre which this morning I'm in the process of running both pre's into the 500 so I can select a keeper..

tonyb

Cool beans, never got an ear on Steve's pre amps, those VTL's though are awesome in their own right. BTW...whats those tubes on the floor ?

Jhayman

VTL Compact 100 mono blocks

Jhayman

tonyb

More good choices my friend, how they sounding for ya ? I'm guessing a little more tone, better soundstage, but not as near the bass slam of the DNA 500.

Jhayman

Well they sound Fantastic when the left monoblock does not develope an issue.
They are working fine at the moment, but I really have to make my mind up where I'm going to keep my main listening area..
I have to much gear for the area I prefer and it will all fit in the basement but I do not wish to be a cave dweller any longer..sigh
Here's what I am stuck with upstairs..

tonyb

Dude, you really need to clean out that room, the sound would improve immensely. Is that an optical thing, or does that floor have a major dip in it ?

Consolidate my friend. Now that I see the size of that room, maybe a good integrated from the likes of AYON might be more appropriate.