Mccormack DNA-1 describe the sound characteristics

Try the Pro 10MC pre with the DNA-1 and see if it is the preamp.

i sold the pro 10, but the limited minutes using it with the mccormack I noticed i didn't have to turn the volume more than a 1/4 turn before I was at high volume. As for the sound signature, high end more detailed & the bass was about thee same as it is now (can't feel at moderate high volume). I should have played it longer.

I have a TAD150 signature and I can assure you it is not bright sounding. It replaced a Melos SHA gold which is no slouch. I would try a different pair of speakers to gain a reference point. Upgrading your amp will only make a subtle improvement to the sound. My suggestion is try a subwoofer to balance out the highs. You might be surprised. Finally, I suggest listening to steady bass frequencies and switching phase on one and then both speakers and measuring output with a db meter. You may have a incorrectly wired speaker either internally or externally.

Several years ago, after buying a DNA-1 from 1st owner, I toyed with upgrading or changing to another amp. The amp didn't seem to fit well with my system, but after talking with others online and with Steve Mc., I went with gold+ upgrades. What a good move! I must be brilliant.
The soundstage deepened significantly, each instrument more distinct, and there was no 'brightness' to be reckoned with in the mid-high range. Bass was fuller without 'boominess'. The overall result was beyond my expectations.
I use the DNA-1 in the warmer months with a tubed pre (Gill Audio Alana Mk III), and trade out with a ARS Filharmonia integrated (tubed Spanish made heater) in the winter. Both do well in the system, but the MaC definitly has more horsepower and draws deeper into the music than the 50w integrated.
Think about an upgrade, and as mentioned above, speak with Steve; he is quite approachable and not at all 'hard-sell'.

System: Esoteric DV-50s modded
Merlin VSM-Mxe with super Bam
Audience 24au IC's, Supra Sword Speaker Cabling

I have morrow interconnects which I suspected originally, but now have well over 250hrs. on them. Can they still be bright and not allow full music through?