McCormick DNA 1 or Parsound HCA 1500

dhart86

I want to ask you guys a question about amps.
If you were going to start a rig and pair one of these amp with a tubed pre with one would you pick to drive Polk Lsim 705 and sometimes Monitor 7

Why?

MrBuhl

I have not heard the Parasound, but I have the McCormack, paired with a Dodd Mid Level preamp, and I've never heard anything like it. In my mind it epitomizes power and control compared to anything I've heard/had previously (granted, B&K, Audire, HK, Soundcraftsmen - so not exactly high budget stuff).

It may be overkill for the Lsim and M7's, I don't know but I'll tell you that you'll never lack for power with it. I find the bass presentation tight and accurate, the highs and mids sparkling and airy. It's just a magic combination for my system anyway. Now that I'm moving the MLP to the Dodd Amp, I picked up another tube pre to pair with it again, I like it that much.

vmaxer

I have the DNA1 with an Odyssey Candela pre and love it. Don't have a 1500 to compare it to...

tonyb

dhart86 wrote: »

I want to ask you guys a question about amps.
If you were going to start a rig and pair one of these amp with a tubed pre with one would you pick to drive Polk Lsim 705 and sometimes Monitor 7

Why?

The McCormack is the better amp, and that's not a stick in the eye to the Parasound either. Both are good amps, the McCormack is just better is all. You'll love it on the LSIM's....and I'd gather to say you won't be looking at SS amps for a very long time.

The McCormack will have more dynamics, better tone and all around musicality to it.

11tsteve

I have had the 1200 mkII and have the DNA 0.5. I loved them both, but the McCormack is going to stay.
Tony is spot on, and on top of his comments, I have to say the bass control this amp has is a big step up. The dynamics are incredible, and that includes better dynamics at lower volumes.
I came directly from a Conrad-Johnson, so could not A/B the Parasound, but I do know that every amp purchase I made ( I was experimenting with brands in the 200W range) felt like somewhat of a lateral move until I got the McCormack. It sounds like my first step above the mid-fi level.

dkfreebird

I have both the DNA0.5 and the Parasound 1200ii and the McCormack is staying.The musicality of this amp is amazing.I'm running it with a Dared 2000a(which I get back today from being repaired) and can't wait to listen to that combo again.

tonyb

Good men....noticed you guys all have the DNA .5 or 1. Any of you do the Rev upgrades ? I personally haven't heard what they do, but many swear by them. Making the amp sound better almost seems impossible.

tonyb

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-mccormack-dna-5-revised-revised-to-dna-1-2015-08-25-amplifiers-08736

tonyb

11tsteve wrote: »

I have had the 1200 mkII and have the DNA 0.5. I loved them both, but the McCormack is going to stay.
Tony is spot on, and on top of his comments, I have to say the bass control this amp has is a big step up. The dynamics are incredible, and that includes better dynamics at lower volumes.
I came directly from a Conrad-Johnson, so could not A/B the Parasound, but I do know that every amp purchase I made ( I was experimenting with brands in the 200W range) felt like somewhat of a lateral move until I got the McCormack. It sounds like my first step above the mid-fi level.

Spot on Steve, I would encourage anyone to give these amps a try. They compete very well to many costing a heck of a lot more.

Don't let the wattage numbers fool you either, they have balls galore and won't run out of steam either as the volume increases.

MrBuhl

I have not done any of the upgrades, but I'm tempted. They are much like the old Polk SDA's as far as that investment goes, you're doing it for yourself to listen to, as you won't get them back at resale. I have read if you really want to try the upgrades, you should just look for the "factory" Deluxe, as the upgrades are already in this one and depreciated in the used prices. You don't see them very often though!

tonyb

I haven't seen a deluxe version selling anywhere near the prices of the non deluxe models.

MrBuhl

You're correct. They're going to be $1K+ but the upgrades run that alone, so for the extra $3-$400 premium over a good deal on the standard, you get the full monty.

tonyb

Haven't even seen one close to 3-400 over non deluxe models. More like 7-900. The benefit of having a non deluxe model and sending it in for the upgrades is that Steve will go over the whole amp top to bottom and you'll be assured of another 15 years of quality audio. That's where the worth comes in.

dkfreebird

Mine is the Deluxe version and I got luckly and got it for 6 bills.It is my first non box store amp and is a fantastic upgrade.

vmaxer

dkfreebird wrote: »

Mine is the Deluxe version and I got luckly and got it for 6 bills.It is my first non box store amp and is a fantastic upgrade.

You lucky dog!!! I hope to get a deluxe or upgrade mine one day. Not sure why though, love it as is. Mine is the DNA 1, got it here on the forum a while back.

dhart86

Thanks everyone......looks like McCormick by a long shot. What would be a fair price for a DNA 1?

MrBuhl

I paid 600 for a DNA1 and felt I stole it. YMMV.

tonyb

MrBuhl wrote: »

I paid 600 for a DNA1 and felt I stole it. YMMV.

You did....

11tsteve

I paid $575 for my DNA 0.5, and considering every 200W amp I had before that (Parasound, B&K, C-J, Acurus) was $400-600, I feel I got a very good deal. The "loss" of 100W between them and the McCormack has made zero difference in my enjoyment.... plus, both pair of main speakers I own (RTA 11T and Infinity Rsb) are 4-6 ohm.
So really, I still have a 200W amp.....

tonyb

11tsteve wrote: »

I paid $575 for my DNA 0.5, and considering every 200W amp I had before that (Parasound, B&K, C-J, Acurus) was $400-600, I feel I got a very good deal. The "loss" of 100W between them and the McCormack has made zero difference in my enjoyment.... plus, both pair of main speakers I own (RTA 11T and Infinity Rsb) are 4-6 ohm.
So really, I still have a 200W amp.....

LOL.....Yeah man, don't let their wattage numbers deter you. How about some of you guys throw up some reviews if you haven't already. Comparing to other amps you have owned or heard. The DNA's used are at a price now that screams huge bang for your buck. The Parasounds and B&k's are good too, but in comparison to the McCormacks....your gonna like what you hear.

sucks2beme

The big issue is support on McCormack and B&K are limited.
The company McCormack is no more. Same with B&K.
I've got a DNA HT-1 and SMC really doesn't support that model
since it was after he left. They will, however, upgrade it.
That pretty much is a total gut job including wiring and boards.
Not cheap.
The only issue I have is it has some noise on power up, since it really doesn't use a speaker relay. They recommend leaving it on 24/7 and let it go into standby mode
(no signal after 30 minutes). I may have to go troubleshoot it. Most likely
a couple of caps have fallen out of spec. If they don't match close enough
this is what you get.

tonyb

Steve still does repairs at SMC....why they don't support the amp in question I dunno but I'd talk to Steve personally.

sucks2beme

I did- several times. He designed it, but wasn't happy with how the new guys built it.
He was pushing very hard for the $1500 rebuild. Seems to be all he wants to do,
since it puts his hardware in it instead of theirs(which there is no real schematic for).

tonyb

New guys ?? Isn't that amp like 15 years old ?

In any event, there's nothing proprietary in there that I'm aware of,and any shop should be able to fix it.

MrBuhl

I think Conrad Johnson actually supports the older DNA amps - you can also get the upgrades done by them I know for sure.

sucks2beme

Steve McCormack sold out before this amp went into production.
Yes, perhaps new guys isn't the right term. The OLD GUYS who bought
out McCormack did things a bit different, and I get the impression
He wasn't too happy about it. McCormack audio isn't making new product
and doesn't answer emails and the phone is disconnected.
I haven't tried going to Conrad Johnson to see what they can do.
I was looking for a schematic because I prefer to do the solder stuff myself.
This amp is an odd design- I wouldn't trust just any old tech with it.
I need a schematic to have a clue what they did.
SMC does answer the phone, so I can ask them some questions, or go for the big
rebuilt. My understanding there aren't the smaller upgrades available for the HT1.
I hope at some point to get the rebuild. The rebuilt changes it from 3 channel
back to 2 channel.

dhart86

Well fellas....I'm easy. All the McCormack love got me warm and fuzzy!! I decided to pick up the DNA.5 >1 Nobody chimed in on Parasound although Tony did mention the Parasound is a good amp, McCormick was just better. Saw that one on Audiogon and got it

So my Parasound HCA 1500A is going to be available. Can't wait to hear the McCormick, because this Parasound is a beast!!!

11tsteve

sucks2beme wrote: »

The big issue is support on McCormack and B&K are limited.
The company McCormack is no more. Same with B&K.
I've got a DNA HT-1 and SMC really doesn't support that model
since it was after he left. They will, however, upgrade it.
That pretty much is a total gut job including wiring and boards.
Not cheap.
The only issue I have is it has some noise on power up, since it really doesn't use a speaker relay. They recommend leaving it on 24/7 and let it go into standby mode
(no signal after 30 minutes). I may have to go troubleshoot it. Most likely
a couple of caps have fallen out of spec. If they don't match close enough
this is what you get.

The thing is, I had an issue with mine. I emailed Smc, and the tech CALLED me to tell me it was a blown fuse which I didn't see because of placement. Could have just sent an email. I understand this is different than tech work/fixing, but it IS excellent customer service.

Perhaps you could try an authorized tech like Clifton audio (http://www.cliftonaudio.com/) ? I have seen a few reviews that this guy (Stephen Pappin) does excellent work.

dhart86 wrote: »

Well fellas....I'm easy. All the McCormack love got me warm and fuzzy!! I decided to pick up the DNA.5 >1 Nobody chimed in on Parasound although Tony did mention the Parasound is a good amp, McCormick was just better. Saw that one on Audiogon and got it

So my Parasound HCA 1500A is going to be available. Can't wait to hear the McCormick, because this Parasound is a beast!!!

Congrats!

tonyb

Dang man, I was looking at that same amp.....the .05 upgraded to the 1. Looks nice, clean inside too. Hope he packages it well for shipping and you receive an excellent amp.

Wait until you get it though before sending the Parasound out the door. Listen to it for a few weeks and get acclimated to the sound. Then throw the Parasound back in and decide which is to your tastes.

My guess is the 1500 will still be for sale, but ya never know, different strokes for different folks and all that. Nice grab on a nice amp btw, dude looks like he took care of that puppy.

dkfreebird

Congrats on the new amp.I kept my Parasound 1200ii and moved it over to my 3.1tl's and let the McCormack handle the 2.3tl's.

MrBuhl

Congrats man! Agree with Tony but I think you'll be happy!