2. amps-preamps
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Mccormack DNA-1 describe the sound characteristics

I own a DNA-1 (unmodified), TAD 150 signature, and Jolida 100 cd. I am using Morrow interconnects (MA2 & MA1) and the sound is fatiguing it is bright with little mid and low end. The sound is flat.

I tried rolling tubes in the TAD using the stock chinese, Mazda and Sylvania 12AT7, but the sound doesn't seem to change that much.

I am thinking the amp is the problem......??? Your help is needed in my delemia...

Do I invest 600 - 1K on moding the amp by Steve to improve the mids and low end?? Or do I just swtich gears to purchase a different amp with the sound qualities i desire???
dvdgreco
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
When I was considering having my old DNA .5 modded many, many years ago the most common reply to my inquery as to benefits was "Just Do It! You'll see".

How right they were. So "Just do It" (or find one already done on the used market and make a significant trade up.
dvdgreco OP
115 posts
 
I beginning to think my problem is the cumlative effect of an amp that is slightly forward in presentation as well as having exceptional detailed highs combined with speakers which also lend themselves to being more forward, adding to the mix a TAD 150 pre-amp with NOS Mazda tubes which are known to be detailed on the top end..... Electronically nothing is wrong,, just the wrong combination....

So what to do, I am thinking of exchanging the Mazda tubes for Mullards and see what happens. I am also looking forward to a SMC upgrade
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,611 posts
 
Dvdgreco,

What "footers" are you using under your components?
dvdgreco OP
115 posts
 
After many more hours of burning in all components especially the morrow cables I am beginning to hear the sound I was looking for.. I also purchased a pair of NOS Mullard tubes which brought back more of the warmth I was missing.

After thinking back on my previous system B&K ST202 with Pro10MC pre the bass was boomy and bloated. My ears were accustomed to poor bass reproduction that was boomy and bloated. The bass I hear now is accurate. I even stopped by a local stereo shop to listen to the same cd's that I had at home and the sound was the same as the more expensive Mcintosh (spelling) B&W speaker combinations.
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