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McCormack DNA .5? Do I need more power?

Hi. I have been thinking about picking up a used McCormack DNA 0.5, which I may upgrade in the future. Will it be powerful enough at only 100w? I am currently using a B&K Reference 4420 (225wpc) and while it sounds good, I am sure I will get better sound out of the McCormack, especially once upgraded. My speakers are 91db, pretty efficient, but they have a big 10" driver along with a 6.5" driver, 1" driver, and tweeter, so I don't want to under-power them. Manufacturer recommends no less than 30w. I don't play real loud (no higher than 10 o'clock, which is plenty), but I don't want the lows to be muddled by a lack of power. What do you think?
chiho
steveaudio
328 posts
 
I don't know if you'll "need" more power, but a DNA-1 is not that much more expensive than a DNA .5. More power is usually "better", even if you don't absolutely need it.....
phd
1,008 posts
 
The McCormack 0.5 has a very conservative rating of 100 watts per channel, sounds much more powerful. I have had other power amps rated at 200 watts per channel that can't keep up with the 0.5. This amp has unlimited power reserves & I have yet to clip mine. By the way, I own the DNA 0.5 Rev A, offers a world class sound and easily beats most everything I have heard before it. Your above speakers at their efficientcy of 91 db would produce concert hall levels with the 0.5.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,502 posts
 
Anyone ever use a McCormack DNA .5 stock or Deluxe to power a pair of KEF 104/2 speakers? Anyone care to share their thoughts on how the combination sounded? Did the DNA .5 provide enough power to them?

Specs of the KEF 104/2s.

Model 104/2 Specifications:
Frequency Range: 55Hz - 20kHz ( 2dB)
Drive Units:HF: T33 25mm (1") Impregnated fabric dome
MF: 2 x B110 100mm (5") Doped Bextrene cone
LF: 2 x B200 200mm (8") Paper cone
Crossover Point:150Hz, 3kHz
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
Characteristic Sensitivity Level: 92dB
Amplifier Requirements: 25-200W into 4 ohms
Maximum Output: 112dB
Internal Volumes: LF 50 litres, MF 3 litres
Net Weight: 32kg (70.5lbs)
Dimensions: (H x W x D)900 x 280 x 415mm, 35.5 x 11 x 16.4 ins

Thanks
koestner
293 posts
 
It's a great amp, but I had to get rid of my Rev. A due to clipping my Maggie 1.6's Everything was fine until a low bass note was played and the speakers would make a "snap" sound. The 1.6 just sucked the juice out of that amp. Moving to a W4S ICE amp fixed it of course. At 91db efficiency you will be OK. I just wanted to let everyone know there is a limit to what that or any 100 watt amp can do.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,502 posts
 
Hi Koestner

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with the DNA .5. I'm hoping to get a DNA .5 soon and see how the little guy does with my KEFs. I had a DNA 1 Deluxe before with the KEF 104/2s and I liked the sound was really revealing but it may have been too much power for the speakers.
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