McCormack DNA .05 Gold Revision - Overdue Thoughts & Impressions

MrBuhl

I received Steve's McCormack DNA .05 back in early November at home, but didn't actually get a chance to insert it into my system until December over the holidays. Talk about an exercise in delayed gratification, yikes. Painful wait there. It arrived packed like it was going to be subjected to a small thermonuclear explosion. And survive. Many thanks Steve for the careful packing and immediate responses to my questions upon opening - Steve's a great guy to deal with, buy with confidence!

While that was going on, I warmed up my DNA-1 and gave it a reminder listen, as I've been only hearing the Dodd of late through LSIM's and wanted to remind myself of the overall sound with my 2bTL's. Following that, I pulled the DNA-1 and installed the .05.

First, physically, its very solid, somewhat lighter (not much), but definitely more compact in my flexy-rack. Plugged her in and warmed her up. **(Side note) it's funny, with the DNA-1, I have to plug my preamp into a separate "house" circuit outlet to eliminate a ground loop hum, with the DNA .05, I had to plug the preamp into the same 20Amp circuit to eliminate the ground hum. Go figure, I don't know why, but the difference was real.

Immediate impression upon start up was amazing. No seriously. Amazing. I thought I had bumped the volume or changed something at first. And yet as I thought this initially, I noticed there was almost a sibiliance in the right channel... WTH? Almost a crackling. So I changed my preamp from the Audible Illusions to the Eastern Electric... hmmm... left side still fantastico, right side, almost seems to be crackling up high. Next on the problem solving chain, pull the DNA 0.5 and reinstall the DNA-1, uh-oh, the crackling is completely gone. (I won't drag that crap out any longer, it was a loose fuse on the LHS board - easy peasy once Steve pointed me in that direction).

BUT, I bring that up because, my initial reaction was so good, that I wondered if it could really be THAT different from the DNA-1, and the double-blind fuse test allowed me to switch them back and forth twice, which I never would have done otherwise. Long story short, there really is a considerable audible difference between the two, and it's not just related to power I don't think. I say that with full disclosure that the DNA-1 is the best sounding amp I have ever had the pleasure of owning, I used it as the standard by which I have measured all others.For me, the 0.5 Gold is smoother, yet detailed. I found that as with many things when I've moved up the audio chain, poor recordings become more exposed, great recordings become blissful.

It's a hard to quantify exact specifics in the three days I had with it but my system just seemed to come more alive. On Porcupine Tree's "In Absentia" (CD) for instance, it made the transitions from metal crunch to acoustic melodies effortless and completely alive, the effects dream-like. Dire Straits "Making Movies" and "Communique" (both CD) almost had a tubey warmth to Knoffler's guitar, sweet and believable without any harshness, yet no softness in that glow either. It had all of the bass layers and control of the more powerful DNA-1, and yet a bit of extra finesse where the DNA-1 now sounded a little brutish. On Rammstein's "Mutter" for instance, (180g Vinyl) all that crunch can be overwhelming at volume, on the 0.5 I retained all the crunch, but it was never fatiguing and was actually able to listen at a higher level. It was easy to sit back and forget I was listening to a stereo rig instead of a live performance in front of me. On Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" and "Meddle" (one 180g Vinyl, one plain ole vinyl) were both completely engrossing with amazing separation and all of the SDA goodness I have come to appreciate in them.

So not much of a review, but the best thing I can say is this, I had always thought I would sell the DNA-1 to help finance the 0.5 once I heard it and liked it for sure, but the revisions are so good IMO that I may drag that DNA-1 back here to CA with me one trip and drop it off to "the man" personally for it's own Gold Revision.

The upgrades are just that good... that or the 0.5 is... either way, I'm grateful for the audio bliss @11tsteve.

tonyb

Cool man, glad you liked it. Those revisions are not just audio candy, they present some real world sonic improvements to those amps as you found out. Seems to me your going to become a McCormack hoarder....share the love bro. lol

Some may shy away from the .05 because of it's wattage, but don't let that fool you these amps have balls and finesse in the same package. These amps though older are becoming a great deal on the used markets for anyone not looking to blow the nest egg and keep the wife happy by keeping your audio budget down.

What's with the top btw....I'd keep it on so the dust bunnies don't invade.

kharp1

If you decide you need some funds to cover the .05 gold outlay look no further, I'd be happy to take the 1 off your hands.

vcwatkins

Excellent. Thanks for the review and congrats on the upgrade. Nice rig.

heiney9

I see my former EE Mini Max! How are you enjoying that and the tubes I sent?

Just remember, everything matters. Whatever mods he did the .05 obviously have a big impact. Caps, resistors, rectifiers, diodes, regulators all make a difference. Use better parts, make some other tweaks (because you used better parts) viola, many times a huge transformation.

Oh wait...................I forgot, all amps sound the same.

NEVERMIND










Congrats, nice rig you have there

H9

heiney9

tonyb wrote: »

Cool man, glad you liked it. Those revisions are not just audio candy, they present some real world sonic improvements to those amps as you found out. Seems to me your going to become a McCormack hoarder....share the love bro. lol

Some may shy away from the .05 because of it's wattage, but don't let that fool you these amps have balls and finesse in the same package. These amps though older are becoming a great deal on the used markets for anyone not looking to blow the nest egg and keep the wife happy by keeping your audio budget down.

What's with the top btw....I'd keep it on so the dust bunnies don't invade.

I still swear that my 30 wpc Aleph is all in need. Still haven't found it's upper limits in my listening space. As dynamic as they come. Whisper to a roar in an instant and oh......so sweet.

I go back to my audio selling days, the Adcom 535 on a very difficult load outclassed a 300wpc Yammy MX amp. The Yammy sounded terrible and kept going into protect, the Adcom had slam, nice soundstage and played way louder than it should have. There were new units, not used, and we tried more than one Yammy amp.

H9

tonyb

Amen Brock, those in the know...know, design and parts used have a greater impact than WPC. Unfortunately, watts per channel is the only characteristic some look for in an amp.

heiney9

Yeah, well I have seasoned veterans telling me 30 wpc is no good.

MrBuhl

LOL thanks guys - @tonyb the top was popped for photos and initial listening, apparently SmC feels there is a sonic improvement from doing so (and are coming up with a CF top somewhere along the way), but I'm a top on guy - didn't have enough time to evaluate what if any difference it made anyway!

Yes, the 100wpc @ 8ohms does a stout double to 200wpc @ 4ohms much like the DNA-1, so there is no shortage of power or authority in this amp, despite what it's initial power rating might indicate. Gobs of power!

@heiney9 - I LOVE the MiniMax, and your tube selection! I really wanted to keep it in LA with me, but it was SO much more transportable because of it's size, I ended up bringing it back to VA in my carry-on and leaving my other larger one in LA. I honestly really loved the synergy between it and the Dodd 50w. The two pair as well as the Dodd MLP did, and that's saying something IMO!

tonyb

Now that you mentioned it, I do recall SMC suggesting topless for better SQ. Don't know why, but yeah...maybe they can address that issue.

halo

Thanks for the review of the SMC mod. I will have a decision to make when I get my DNA-125 back as to whether I keep it or stay with the B&K ST125.2.

I took the DNA-125 in for service and there was nothing wrong with it (turns out the P5 was/is causing the issue so now that has to go in for service).

I've been told that the mods by SMC are pricey. I'm glad that they are well worth the expenditure! May be the cost of a new amp but what new amp performs this well for that same $?

Enjoy!

tonyb

halo wrote: »

May be the cost of a new amp but what new amp performs this well for that same $?

Enjoy!

There in lies the question to be answered. None that I can think of anyway.

kharp1

Just curious if there is a price listed for the gold revisions on the 1?

halo

tonyb wrote: »

halo wrote: »

May be the cost of a new amp but what new amp performs this well for that same $?

Enjoy!

There in lies the question to be answered. None that I can think of anyway.

Well, what about the Butler TBD 2250?

11tsteve

heiney9 wrote: »

Oh wait...................I forgot, all amps sound the same.

yeah.... I am using an old early '90's Sony 75W a/v until my next amp comes in, and I can't even tell the difference.... nope. Don't miss that stupid ol' McCormack....

halo wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

halo wrote: »

May be the cost of a new amp but what new amp performs this well for that same $?

Enjoy!

There in lies the question to be answered. None that I can think of anyway.

Well, what about the Butler TBD 2250?

The outlay for that DNA 0.5 was well under $3000. Though that mighty be different now, as their prices may have increased.

kharp1 wrote: »

Just curious if there is a price listed for the gold revisions on the 1?

As I understand it, their revision program went through some changes. I would expect there are still differing levels of upgrades, depending on the amp.

if you have a serious inquiry, I would start with emailing smcaudio@cox.net . If it is typical you should get a same day response.
I was on the phone having a conversation within an hour in my particular case.

heiney9

MrBuhl wrote: »

LOL thanks guys - @tonyb the top was popped for photos and initial listening, apparently SmC feels there is a sonic improvement from doing so (and are coming up with a CF top somewhere along the way), but I'm a top on guy - didn't have enough time to evaluate what if any difference it made anyway!

Yes, the 100wpc @ 8ohms does a stout double to 200wpc @ 4ohms much like the DNA-1, so there is no shortage of power or authority in this amp, despite what it's initial power rating might indicate. Gobs of power!

@heiney9 - I LOVE the MiniMax, and your tube selection! I really wanted to keep it in LA with me, but it was SO much more transportable because of it's size, I ended up bringing it back to VA in my carry-on and leaving my other larger one in LA. I honestly really loved the synergy between it and the Dodd 50w. The two pair as well as the Dodd MLP did, and that's saying something IMO!

Yeah, I really loved that Mini Max.......but remote is nice and the Avant steps it up a couple notches. Plus, more tubes to play with!

sucks2beme

I might have to start saving my pennies for my McCormick upgrade.
Right now its in storage at my son's house. Thanks for the review.
anything in the DNA series is a pretty good buy.

MrBuhl

I definitely look forward to more time on it in the future, I will probably do that before I decide what to do with the DNA-1, but regardless, these have been such impressive amps to me, for the money they amaze!

tonyb

halo wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

halo wrote: »

May be the cost of a new amp but what new amp performs this well for that same $?

Enjoy!

There in lies the question to be answered. None that I can think of anyway.

Well, what about the Butler TBD 2250?

The Butler is nothing to sneeze at either, which is why it's been around as long as it has in the system. The McCormacks, in my view anyway, have a touch more of what the Butler offers. I was originally trying to hunt up a DNA-500 for a decent price but they hardly ever come up for sale.

Dawgfish

tonyb wrote: »

halo wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

halo wrote: »

May be the cost of a new amp but what new amp performs this well for that same $?

Enjoy!

There in lies the question to be answered. None that I can think of anyway.

Well, what about the Butler TBD 2250?

The Butler is nothing to sneeze at either, which is why it's been around as long as it has in the system. The McCormacks, in my view anyway, have a touch more of what the Butler offers. I was originally trying to hunt up a DNA-500 for a decent price but they hardly ever come up for sale.

Don't know if you saw this or not: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-mccormack-dna-500-500-wpc-amazing-amp-2017-01-09-amplifiers-42330-central-city-ky

tonyb

I've seen it....somewhat high for it too. At the time I was shopping for an amp, they were around 4-5k , the few that popped up anyway, which is why I settled on a new Butler for 3k.

I really don't need that much power anyway, the DNA 1or 225 should fill all my needs as my speakers are pretty efficient. I'll wait until one comes up close to me, maybe I can do an in home trial before I buy one.

Dawgfish

10-4. I'm going to have to get my hands on a DNA one of these days. Hear nothing but great things about them.

Jetmaker737

I'm impressed to see Porcupine Tree as one of your references. Awesome band. You are obviously well discerning above the average human. Your review therefore carries much more weight.

MrBuhl

LOL as with many things, I was was introduced to them here by Polkies, but I really enjoy them.

How you like that Aragon 8008? Have always wanted to hear an Aragon!

halo

MrBuhl wrote: »

LOL as with many things, I was was introduced to them here by Polkies, but I really enjoy them.

Same here. I've also seen them live. Great band!

Jetmaker737

MrBuhl wrote: »

How you like that Aragon 8008? Have always wanted to hear an Aragon!

The Aragon's a great amp. Drove my old LSI-15's great and same now with my Sonus Fabers. It's only my second amp. First was an Emo. Had the Aragon for about 7 years so getting the itch to try something different.

Dawgfish

Huge Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson here also! I thought the same thing when I read you used them as one of your references!

WagnerRC

heiney9 wrote: »

Yeah, well I have seasoned veterans telling me 30 wpc is no good.

Too hear is to believe. I agree

tonyb

WagnerRC wrote: »

heiney9 wrote: »

Yeah, well I have seasoned veterans telling me 30 wpc is no good.

Too hear is to believe. I agree

Amen brother.

gmcman

I'm really on the fence for one of these McCormacks. My B&K 200.2 has and is serving me well, but I keep hearing such good things about these amps.

Would the .5 drive the 2.3's?

dkfreebird

I have the 0.5 deluxe running my upgraded 1.2tls and it runs them effortlessly.