McCormack DNA amp options....


I currently own a McCormack DNA 0.5, standard, that I have not yet sent to SMC for upgrades. Before I schedule with SMC I wanted to get some opinions from others with experience with the DNA amps. Is it really worth the time and money to consider getting a second 0.5 amp and have them converted to monoblocks? Would there be any advantage, other than the added power, to maybe finding a couple of 1.0's and doing this as opposed to the 0.5? Are there any sonic differences between the 1.0 and the 0.5 amps? Please keep in mind that over time these would be upgraded to a Rev. A or better. I really love my 0.5 and am pretty well set on staying with the McCormack DNA's for SS. Any advice would be a big help. Thank you. Zach
zspradlin
It's difficult to answer without knowing your speakers and their requirements.

I've owned a DNA-2 LAE and now a DNA-2 Rev A. The DNA-2 especially the Rev A are an excellent match for my Aerial 10T's which really come to life with more wpc.

If your speakers require lots of wpc, then one or two DNA-2 Rev A's or possibly two DNA-1 Rev A's should easily suffice.

Otherwise, if your speakers are more efficient, then one or two DNA-0.5's should suffice.

Don't know about converting two into monoblocks, but you most likely would be quite pleased with at least one Rev A/Rev A Gold upgrade.

-IMO
The speakers I am using are Roman Audio Centurions, they are rated at 93db. They don't require a lot of power, but will handle tremendous amounts.
I had my DNA 0.5 dlx upgraded this year to revC+, a worthwhile improvement. But if you're looking for more power, sweet as it is, the upgrade won't make the 0.5 any stronger.

It would make sense to me to get the DNA amp that by itself gives you all the power you need (dna 1 or 2), then have that one amp upgraded to revA, rather than spending twice as much for the upgrades to two separate amps, plus the monoblock conversions and the purchase price of two as well. After upgrade, the 0.5 and 1 should sound very similar, though your setup would better define whether monoblocks would offer any better sound over a single amp.

Your best resource may actually be Steve M. himself as you seem wedded to his amps to begin with: I found him very straight-up and unbiased, and certainly he knows more than any of us about how to most effectively use his amps. I might also suggest just buying a dna-225 for both power and sound for far less money...
I used to own (wish I still did) a DNA .05 that I had upgraded to the Rev. A. It was (and still is, I'm sure)an outstanding amp in every respect. SMC is very easy to deal with and Steve is easy to get in touch with. I wouldn't hesitate calling him at all. I have changed amps several times just to get different flavors for my own experience, and unfortunately I couldn't afford to keep the DNA and buy anything else. Still I have nothing but fond memories...

My op.
gb