RE: Amplifier Modifications

Posted by giantnutz (A) on March 9, 2012 at 20:26:12

In Reply to: Amplifier Modifications posted by Hawk28 on February 29, 2012 at 06:34:14:

OK...I've had my new amp for only a few hours but felt compelled to post to this thread.
The new amp is a McCormack DNA-1,which has an input impedance of 100k ohms. The old amp was a B&K Ref 125.2s2, which was rated at 33.2k ohms. The preamp is a Don Allen linestage, which I've been told likes the 100k input on the amp. Well, I've been told right.
I must say that the B&K is a great amp. With very similar output ratings, it seems like a somewhat fair comparison.(I realize the DNA-1 retailed for about twice that of the B&K)With a solid state pre, I thought the B&K sounded fantastic, but with the Don Allen tube pre, something was missing. It still sounded great, just couldn't put a finger on that "something".
Enter the DNA-1. It seems like its opened up on both ends of the spectrum. More bass. More treble. Effortless. Maybe its just a superior amp, but I can't help but believe that this has something to do with the impedance matching.
I've talked to people who've said the only difference would be in the volume control.(ie. being too loud at 9o'clock position) This,in my opinion,is not so. That hasn't really changed, but I swear I've picked up another octave in the bass region. Almost as if I've added a sub. The treble seems more airy too. I'm not sure why this is, or even its if just in my head.
It might just be a better amp, but I'm certain its a better match. Just my two cents.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Amplifier Modifications - Hawk28 06:34:14 02/29/12 (25)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - giantnutz 20:26:12 03/09/12 (2)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - jsm71 07:07:29 03/10/12 (1)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - giantnutz 19:41:00 03/11/12 (0)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - giantnutz 07:35:20 03/03/12 (0)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - Alex M 01:50:01 03/02/12 (0)

Yes, I had that need. - jsm71 14:07:38 02/29/12 (0)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - Hawk28 11:41:01 02/29/12 (5)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - wheezer 12:18:13 03/02/12 (0)

Thx. I too asked for those data. - jeffreybehr 21:52:04 02/29/12 (3)

Check the impedance ratings at frequency extremes - jsm71 13:54:28 03/02/12 (0)

RE: Thx. I too asked for those data. - Hawk28 05:34:18 03/01/12 (0)

Food for thought. - FenderLover 22:35:23 02/29/12 (0)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - Palustris 10:51:07 02/29/12 (0)

'Loading' a preamp with a poweramp, input impedance, and the load resistor - jeffreybehr 10:33:05 02/29/12 (5)

Goldpoint shows how to accomplish this... - wheezer 12:12:10 03/02/12 (0)

RE: 'Loading' a preamp with a poweramp, input impedance, and the load resistor - Palustris 11:11:58 02/29/12 (3)

Perhaps I should have written 'poweramp system' instead of just 'poweramp'. - jeffreybehr 21:46:17 02/29/12 (0)

no,,,, that makes perfect sense - bwb 14:29:39 02/29/12 (1)

RE: no,,,, that makes perfect sense - Hawk28 16:24:28 02/29/12 (0)

It is usually set by a single resistor from input to ground, very easy to change /nt - bwb 07:20:31 02/29/12 (5)

RE: It is usually set by a single resistor from input to ground, very easy to change /nt - ahendler 09:29:38 02/29/12 (1)

RE: It is usually set by a single resistor from input to ground, very easy to change /nt - Palustris 10:42:12 02/29/12 (0)

RE: It is usually set by a single resistor from input to ground, very easy to change /nt - Hawk28 09:15:38 02/29/12 (2)

RE: It is usually set by a single resistor from input to ground, very easy to change /nt - Karma16 03:26:24 03/02/12 (1)

RE: It is usually set by a single resistor from input to ground, very easy to change /nt - Hawk28 05:39:35 03/02/12 (0)

Follow Ups

RE: Amplifier Modifications - giantnutz 20:26:12 03/09/12 (2)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - jsm71 07:07:29 03/10/12 (1)

RE: Amplifier Modifications - giantnutz 19:41:00 03/11/12 (0)

RE: Amplifier Modifications

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