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Aragon 4004 vs. McCormack DNA-1?

I am looking at a new ( to me) SS for my system. I am using a pair of Vandersteen 2ce Signature speakers and a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 Signature preamp.

I have tentatively narrowed it down to a stock DNa-1 and a stock 4004.

Anyone care to offer experience or opinions on those two choices? Cost will be close to the same although the McCormack will probably be maybe $100 more.

From what I have read both are pretty good amps with the Vandys and I like the fact that McCormack is still supported by the designer.
stuartbmw3
stuartbmw3 OP
50 posts
 
Hi guys. Thought I would follow up on this thread. I went ahead and bought a stock DNA-1. At this point I could not be more pleased. The amp is in great shape. It is built beautifully and really fits well in my system.....and I think it is a great match with the Vandersteens. It has a sweeter, more musical top end and midrange, but what actually surprised me was the authority it has in the lower octaves....just a much more rock solid grip on the bottom. It may be just a factor of more power....~185 watts for the McCormack vs ~125 with the Classe......but this is a pretty significant improvement in my system

And to top it off, I have been able to converse directly with Steve McCormack regarding the amp.....pretty cool.

Thanks for the input during my search.
unsound
6,115 posts
 
Excellent choice, enjoy!
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
I've worked on, and listened to both including a DNA-1 that I updated, and I much prefer the DNA-1 sonically. Less of a compromise. Higher current design. Sonically superior.
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