MacCormack Upgrades from SMc Audio?


Hi all, My Phono Pre-Amp is a MacCormack Micro Phono Drive bought back around '96.

Just doing some surfing today, I stumbled upon Steve MacCormack's site, and see that he lists two upgrade revisions for the Micro Phono Drive, and also produces a better outboard Power Supply versus the original Wall Wart that came with the unit.

From the sound of his description, his better revision B upgrade essentially replaces just about every component in the unit, going to better Burr-Brown Op Amps, trimmed RIAA Stage, Vishay components, etc, etc. The cost of this upgrade is said to be $500, and this was actually what I paid for this unit new when I bought it.

Also, the Outboard power Supply costs $275, WBT RCA's another $60 Whattya think?
markd51

Showing 3 responses by swampwalker

Can't speak to your specific unit, but the SMc upgrades to the DNA amps are breathtaking, service is excellent as well.
IME, there is no question that lower loading will improve the sound of Glider carts.
I had a Glider Lo output and found it sounded best loaded at 100 ohms. If you do a search, you will find a formula in a recent thread for calculating total resistance of 2 or more resistors in parallel. That is probably what you would end up with if you are inserting additional resistors, but leaving the 47k load in place. And your description of how to insert them sounds correct. I found it to sound more alive. Not brighter but less flat.