Best option for Amp upgrade...

shoff-
how do you like the combo sound of the CJ ET-3SE and DNA 500?
Happy Listening!

Those who mentioned the resale value of an upgraded amp being less than a similarly priced new amp are correct.  Therefore, you need to decide if you plan to keep and listen to the amp because you like how it sounds, or if you are more likely to get on the buy/sell merry-go-round.  If you like the amp, and just want to make it even better, then the SMc upgrades are a great value.  If your goal is a better resale margin, then the upgrades are not for you. 

I wouldn't worry about the age of that amp....it is a very good design and built like a rock.  It will be dead nuts quiet and totally reliable when Steve is done with it.  As I recall from owning the DNA-500, and using it with a wide variety of tubed preamps and mostly with a Tom Evans Vibe/Pulse SS preamp, the amp displayed very good clarity, dynamic, hard-hitting bass, and good dimensionality.  The weak point was a small bit of wispiness in the treble, which Steve says is corrected as part of the upgrades.  I do not remember resolution and detail being issues with that amp.  Maybe you need to try a SS preamp like the Tom Evans or better yet, Steve's own TLC-1 with Signature upgrades, which is the best preamp I have owned out of about 20, including several that were north of $10K.  

Thanks to all who have responded.  I appreciate those of you who warned me of about recouping the cost of the modification if I were to sell.  I am very aware of this and almost mentioned it preemptively in my original post.  In retrospect I think I should have.  10 cents on the dollar sounds about right!  I should also mention that I'm in my mid 70's and which ever route I go, this will definitely be my last amplifier adventure.  So, if a dubious financial investment yields the best sound, I'm OK with that!


To address a few comments and questions raised so far:

(1) The DNA 500 is more "powerful" than the JC 1's.  (500-900 wpc vs. 400-800)  Not sure how this translates to actual "current".
(2) All of my cabling is Transparent.  The interconnects are the latest Gen 5 Super models, and the tube in my CJ is an NOS 1960 Amperex.
(3) I do like the pairing of the CJ ET3-SE with the McCormack.  I tried a Manley Jumbo Shrimp and VAC before settling on the CJ.
(4) I will checkout the new Bryston.  Thanks for that and the other recommendations.
(5) I'm impressed with all the positive comments regarding the SMC modifications.  Sounds like a very good guy!

You have a very nice system- shoff
big fan of Transparent cabling as well. The Super and Ultra are sweet spots in that catalog of cables to be sure.
Happy Listening!

I like Rogue Audio gear for great price / performance.