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Amp upgrade recommendations

I am considering having a pair of DNA 0.5s upgraded to Rev A and converted to monoblocks to run balanced off of my BAT VK3i, which is driven by a CAL CL-10/Classe' DAC also running balanced. Speakers are Vandersteen 3Asigs. Or I could sell the amps and buy something else. The mono-block conversion and upgrade is $1800; amps would yield about $1400-1500.00 (one is already Rev B) if I sold them. Any thoughts on which route might be better? I do not want to get involved with a tube power amp. Thanks for your ideas.
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stehno
1,453 posts
 
Tok, chill out man. Didn't you notice the little smiley behind my comment?
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
Ok, sorry if I got a little too high on my soap box. I tend to get a bit carried away when folks throw the term 'perfection' around when describing audio components.

Even with smiley faces.

Some people actually beleive a lot of what they read in Audio rags. That in itself boggles my mind.

Musical audio sound is really all about synergy. Mating components together with the right cables and speakers to get the best sound from the system you have.

I will get down off my soapbox now.

KF
larryken
537 posts
 
I had your amp and went for more beef with a BAT VK500...I found it did everything the McCormack did only much better....IMHO
eagle
154 posts
 
Swampwalker, Since you already have a pair of DNA-.5 it would make some sense to have them converted to mono if they will provide adequate power for your speakers. The pair would be easier to handle than a single DNA-2. I did not like the DNA-1 dlx monos (non-rev) as well as the DNA-2 dlx, but most reports I have heard is the DNA-.5 is a better sounding amp than the 1, and the same is said of the 125 over the 225.

Tok, This cracks me up:
"the Pass X-1000 amps or probably even the Pass X-600 amps will make the Magnapan 3.6's sing better than any McCormick amp made EVER (Rev A or LAE or otherwise). No ifs ands or buts. ..."
If I want cloves, I'll get McCormick. I'll Pass ;)
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker OP
5,132 posts
 
Some of the things I'm trying to get a handle on, and maybe I didn't post it clearly, are:
1. Is there a big advantage in the 0.5s monoblock conversion vs. using them in a vertical biamp mode? In addition to the increase in power, it would provide balanced operation.
2. Is this outweighed by the decreased usefulness of the amps which would have to be marketed as monopairs later.
3. Is there a big advantage in a fully balanced set-up. Maybe this is the first question, and then decide on the 0.5s or other power. I know the Gamut is balanced and the Classe' 301 can be run balanced (is it just XLR input, or is it a fully balanced circuit?).

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and help.
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