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A McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe @ $850 lasted just a few hours on USAM today

97.82.221.142

Posted on January 21, 2023 at 15:07:31
One of the very few SS 'vintage' amps I've heard and loved.

If I hadn't had that much invested in my two current projects it would have been mine.

 

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I have one put away...., posted on January 21, 2023 at 18:06:20
Cougar
Audiophile

Posts: 4560
Location: SoCal
Joined: June 25, 2001
need to pull it out and put into a second system.

 

I hope to have mine setup within two years too. I couldn't resist buying it, posted on January 22, 2023 at 17:23:14
alaskahiatt
Audiophile

Posts: 7484
Joined: December 9, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
November 1, 2005
about 18 years ago after the outstanding reviews from solid state and tube enthusiasts. Since then, I never had enough room for separates until moving a couple years ago.

Steve McCormack performed several mods stopping one short of his highest level. I wish I had the money to go all the way. Oh well. In retirement, I definitely don't have the funds now.

 

RE: I hope to have mine setup within two years too. I couldn't resist buying it, posted on January 23, 2023 at 10:59:39
Ozzie
Audiophile

Posts: 3800
Joined: August 1, 2002
That retirement thing is affecting many here, I presume.

 

I have an HT3, posted on January 23, 2023 at 20:21:25
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
Which I understand is essentially a three channel DNA 0.5, and I love it. I bought it for the center and rear surround channels of a 5.1 HT system soon before going all two channel, and only recently listened to it critically when my Premier 11A was a CJ for servicing. Goodness - it's startlingly good! I called about upgrades, which was when I was told it's based on the 0.5. Since it's so pleasing I never followed through.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: A McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe @ $850 lasted just a few hours on USAM today, posted on January 24, 2023 at 04:41:50
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7583
Joined: September 21, 1999
I have owned several of Steve's products:

Line Drive preamp
DNA-1 standard
DNA-1 delux monoblocks
DNA-2
DNA-1 Gold Revision A

Except for the DNA-2, I enjoyed my time with all of them. The 2 was a different beast, not sure why but it just didn't have the McCormack house sound. At least to my ears.





Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

RE: A McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe @ $850 lasted just a few hours on USAM today, posted on February 4, 2023 at 13:15:36
Simon Templar
Audiophile

Posts: 605
Location: Infinite Rider On The Big Dogma
Joined: November 9, 1999
Not a huge surprise.

I (like the great majority) started in all this with SS kit. I had all sorts of amp/preamp's prior to making the leap to glass (now some 25 years ago).

My last SS amp were a pair of DNA 1.0 bridged monos (This was back before Steve left to form SMC Audio, mind you). Later, I had them upgraded to 1.0 Dlx by McCormack-the-company.

Of all the SS kit Ive had over the years....these are the only ones that I regret selling. I DON'T regret switching to tubes....I just regret selling the absolute best SS amps I have ever heard. Yes....you cry and moan that your Audio Research and your Krell and your whatever, are better....but those that I have heard ....weren't. Even if I'd just put them in the back of a closet, I'm sorry I didn't keep them.

The DNA's are probably the most under appreciated SS amps ever made. Even now, when someone asks me for suggestions of what SS gear to consider....I tell them (if they can even find it) to seriously consider DNA's. Of course, few pay attention to me....these days they've been mostly forgotten by most, but also with the price differential on present day kit....well, the DNAs just CANT be any good, now can they?

Whenever they show up on places such as USAudioMart or Audiogon or etc....I always watch them just to see what happens. They ALWAYS are marked sold with a week or less. Even...as in this case...hours, quite often.

 

I read on another Forum yesterday..., posted on February 5, 2023 at 09:28:16
Cougar
Audiophile

Posts: 4560
Location: SoCal
Joined: June 25, 2001
That the first generation of DNA 0.5 and 1.0 have driver pcb issues. I want to confirm this with Steve.

I what was hearing is that the Those series of amps are most likely unrepairable due to the issue. The issue is the traces from top to the bottom are going bad with time. The fix is you will need to buy a NEW Upgraded/modded pcb. due to the old ones not being to stay stable.

One of the signs is the amp goes into protection mode. Some have fixed it but the problem comes back. If it has to due with the through hole islands loosing continuity you can fix that by inserting a very thin gauge wire from top to bottom and then insert the component before yo sold the part in place.

I have one and will look more into this. I will post back what I find out with the amp I have and what Steve says.

Steve McCormack used to be a member here but I haven't seen him post in a long time.

 

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