Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: D.N.A. (Donald Nance Audio) LA100 Amplifier (SS) by RogerJ Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

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Model:	LA100
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1205 w/ stock amplifier
Description:	A highly modified ART SLA-1 Power Ampifier
Manufacturer URL:	D.N.A. (Donald Nance Audio)
Model Picture:	View

Review by RogerJ ( A ) on September 15, 2003 at 16:06:44 IP Address: 68.39.71.4

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My Story - How I Ended Up With An Amp I Really Didn’t Want

Back in March, I promised my brother that I would help him put together a modestly priced two channel audio system consisting of an integrated amplifier, compact disc player, a pair of good sounding bookshelf speakers, and cabling with a $2.5K budget. I started out by getting some recommendations from “trusted ears”, checking the forums on selected web audio chat forums, and spending a few weekend listening sessions at area audio dealers. While some of the equipment combinations proved musical they were not very involving and I was generally unimpressed with the current crop of low-end integrated amps (after all I had a budget to work within). I was particularly disappointed with the amplifiers as they simply lacked the refinement that my ears had become accustomed to with my Odyssey Stratos amplifier and Audible Illusions M3A preamplifier combination.

While assembling used equipment on Audiogon offered a possible upgrade path to higher quality components given my limited budget, my bro would not have the opportunity to “listen before buying”. I was stuck in a situation of having to make an unsatisfying (at least to me) recommendation and hearing about it at every holiday dinner for years to come. The family can be brutal at times, especially when it comes to my audiophile tendencies and equipment purchases.

About a month later while checking the audio chat forums for additional insights and perhaps a new product recommendation I came across some seemingly audacious posts about a $299 pro audio integrated amplifier, the ART SLA-1. The next thing I know, some idiot was making a lot of hyped claims on AudioGon about modifying this into a reference quality amplifier that could compete with “anything on the market”. Talk about drinking the proverbial audioholic purple Kool-Aid. The hyped claims, followed by a lack of forthcoming information from the poster had a lot of regular posters panties in a bunch and to make matters worse, the poster seemed to be doing everything possible to piss off the as many people as possible.

I am as skeptical as the next audiophile and cheap to boot. Given the “crap” a number of “so called” high-end companies are schlepping these days, its no wonder why many enthusiasts get caught on the seemingly endless upgrade merry-go-round. Me, I tend to focus on value-oriented products that gets the music right. Anyway, after doing some additional research on the ART SLA-1 (ART stands for Applied Research and Technology – a manufacturer of largely professional audio equipment) and finding out the poster referenced above was Don Nance a early developer of modifications to the now acclaimed ART DI/O digital audio converter, I figured a few e-mails and phone calls were in order.

That’s how I met Don Nance, an electronic engineer from outside of Atlanta, GA a fellow even more serious about audio equipment than me. It turns out Don was very amiable, down to earth fellow with a tremendous passion for audio, and a similar disdain for many current high priced equipment offerings. Turns out he was starting a new audio company pretty much from scratch and the modified ART SLA-1 was his first product offering. After a number of conversations and e-mails always seeming to end with “you won’t be sorry I promise”, my heart told me there might just be something to this guy.

I called up by brother to suggest he plunk down $725 (this was an initial ½ price offering for basic modification to the ART SLA-1 – this one-time offering ended May 30, 2003). After spending a few minutes discussing things, he chortled a response, “Gee bro that sounds great, but I recall you telling me to listen before I buy”? “Why yes, I distinctly remember giving you that advice,” I told him (I always lose arguments with my brother who is also a highly skilled negotiator). Next thing I know, he suggests that I buy the amp from Don, fully test it in my system, and if I liked it he would buy it from me. Hmm, well not optimal but hey he is my brother and more importantly has very generous with the use of his 26’ Hydrosport boat for our many fishing trips.

I placed my order for the amp on May 27, 2003. Like many start-up companies, Don Nance experienced his share of kinks and delays working with vendors. Long story short, my amplifier arrived on August 17, 2003. To be perfectly honest, I was not really prepared for what I would hear.

The Basics – How Did It Sound, My Listening Experience

I have had the D.N.A. LA100 in my system for about a month, keeping it on 24/7 per Don’s recommendation, with critical listening conducted after the amp logged about 100 hours with test and music CD’s. Listening consisted of a wide range of music on CD’s and vinyl including – Gladiator Soundtrack (CD), Allison Krauss – Forget About It & New Favorite (CD & vinyl), Ray Brown – Soular Energy (vinyl), Patricia Barber – all albums (CD), Ellington & Brown – This One’s for Blanton (CD & vinyl), Norah Jones – Come Away with Me (CD & vinyl), Little Feat – Waiting for Columbus (CD & vinyl), various revealing close-miked recordings on Mapleshade, Verve, and Blue Note labels (CD & vinyl) and half a dozen classical CD’s on Telarc & Reference Recordings labels.

My system Inmate Systems section or you can look below. Granted it is not the most expensive system in the world or the utmost in detail retrieval, it is a very accurate and musically involving full range system that performs well in a modestly sized listening room.

To be perfectly honest, I have been struggling with how to convey my impressions of the D.N.A. LA100. It just seems like there is just so much damn hype and hyperbole on the forums and in the audio rags that seems to lack critical listening and thoughtful subjective criticism. Hell, my writing skills aren’t that great either. In addition, I had concern about possible “guilt by association” with Don Nance as his posts regarding his modifications made him out to be either a SELF RIGHTOUS AUDIO NUT or a BIG JERK. Readers on Audio Circle, AudioGon, and Audio Asylum who followed Don’s bantering are bound to be hypercritical of my comments, regardless of what I heard or have to say. To the “nay sayers” or “judgmentally afflicted” I will simply say that my comments are OPINIONS based on extended listening to the product. I make no claims of having golden ears, or have I listened to every damn amplifier or piece of equipment available, or of being a professional equipment reviewer – although I think the latter is a positive. I do however have a deep passion for this hobby we call audio, love to listen to music, and have a desire to share ideas and observations with others.

They say first impressions can be lasting; such is the case with the D.N.A. LA100 amplifier. It is an extremely quiet utterly clean sounding amplifier. I can’t say in absolute terms there is no noise, but it is damn near close. Every new piece of equipment seems to insert its character into my system seems to change it for better or worse. The LA100’s character – dead damn quiet with a transparent “see through” quality that has dramatically changed my listening experience. How so you say? The one special quality I always look for in a piece of equipment is how well it portrays live event recordings; I call it the WOW factor. The best systems IMHO paint a clear picture within the soundstage between the speakers of the performers on the stage or in the hall and the audience. The best systems can convey an image of performers with you in the listening room. Based on my observations this “in the room” image results from extremely accurate components, an ability of equipment to convey a three dimensional or holographic presentation, and a high level of equipment synergy.

This amp has the WOW factor in spades. The LA100 is highly accurate, capable of producing the subtlest nuances within the music, and conveys raw energy of recorded live musical events. Whether it is CD’s or vinyl this amps sound is “spot on”. Unlike a number of high-end neutral amps that can sound as dry as the Sahara desert, the D.N.A. LA100 is musically involving. I had a tough time pulling myself away from the music and my listening chair this past month, as yard work and household chores mounted.

It is difficult to put this amp into context with the vast solid-state amp offerings available. The D.N.A. LA100 compares very favorably to some of the best amplifiers I have heard. This would include the Spectral DMA-360 amp and Spectron Musician II paired with an Accuphase DP-85 SACD/CD driving Avalon Eidolon speaker, as well as the Pass Labs X600 and Accuphase DP-77 CD transport/player and the VMPS RM-40’s, which I heard at Dynamic Sound last year. Many consider the Spectral, Spectron and Pass amps some of the best gear around. To my ears the D.N.A. LA-100 is on par, it is not as powerful as the amplifiers referenced above, but it had absolutely no problem driving my full range Vandersteen 2CE signatures. The 2CE’s like at least 100 WPC and high current amplifiers to sound their best. I am unsure how or if this amp would drive hard 2 Ohm loads.

After seeing pictures of the diminutive stock ART SLA-1, even with its claimed 100 WPC RMS, I was concerned that the modified LA100 amplifier could drive a full range speakers. I noticed a significant improvement in my system bass response when I traded up from 50 WPC Arcam integrated amplifier to the 150 WPC Odyssey Stratos. The Stratos really gripped the Vandy woofers producing a deep and tight bass reproduction. To my utter astonishment, the LA100 took things in the bass department to another level. It was almost as if they added another ½ octave to the lower music register. It should be noted that this comparison is of a two year old Odyssey stratos with the 120,000uF capacitor upgrade, which has not been upgraded by Klaus Bunge since it was purchased.

A few things you should consider before taking the plunge on this amplifier:

First, you can only buy it direct from Donald Nance Audio via the web or with a phone call. Unless you know someone with an early production unit, you can’t give a listen, but hey isn’t that what reviews are all about. I have encouraged Don to build a demo/audition unit that could be shipped to potential buyers. I think this is provides the best way for folks to listen equipment, in their own system and listening room.

Second, the amplifier modifications done by Don Nance qualify as a “significant makeover”. While the modified unit is relatively small at 17”W x 10”D x 8”H and weighing in at modest ~25 lbs., the height may limit placement in some audio racks. The amp never got more than warm during my application, but it is vented on the top and needs some room to breath.

Third, placement of the rear binder posts is pretty tight. The high quality copper binding posts accept spades or bare wire, but no banana’s. If you are bi-wiring speakers, as I do, I would highly recommend a shotgun wiring set up as hooking up two sets of spades to the binding posts proved to be a pain in the a__.

Fourth, the pictures on D.N.A.’s website (as of 9/14/03) don’t do the looks of this amplifier justice. It is a sharp looking unit that reminds me a classic tube amplifier with a tube cage on top. Exceedingly high quality materials are evident throughout which reflect a manufacturer who deeply cares about quality.

Fifth, lets be practical. You are dealing with a small one-man band start up company, you might experience a longer than expected wait for your amplifier when orders begin to increase as I expect they will. The company offers a three-year warranty that covers parts and labor on the amplifier, so if something needs fixing you will only have to pay shipping.

Sixth, I have little to no information on the parts and actual internal modifications performed by Donald Nance on this amplifier. I will say that there is excellent craftsmanship and metal work that have gone into the LA100. Don has mentioned extensive re-working of circuits, substantial power supplies, and lots and lots of high quality copper wiring inside. I did not take the hood off to look inside, so I can’t be much help in this area.

Seventh, logic would say that pouring $1000 of modifications into a $299 amplifier does not make a lot of sense. Anyone who has listened to the stock ART SLA-1 knows this is a “little killer” of an amplifier. The D.N.A. LA-100 must be an exception to the rule, because the end result is an exceptional product.

Eighth, my only disappointment during the reviewed was an inability to compare the LA100 directly to the stock ART SLA-1. I did not have adapters for the stock pin inputs and the cheesy plastic speaker binders would not accept by speaker cable spade terminations, although I tried. I am open to relatively inexpensive solutions or suggestions from folks who have “played around with” the stock unit.

The Basics – Product Description & Cost

I do not have access to electronic testing equipment and the D.N.A. website is a bit lacking in this information. While the amplifier can function as a power amplifier or integrated amplifier, keep in mind that there is only one pair of RCA inputs and one pair of balanced inputs. There is also no phono stage built into the unit. If you plan to use this as an integrate amp and have more than one source, be prepared to get a high quality switch box. I believe that Don Nance is putting one into production.

The costs of the D.N.A. LA100 modification is USD $1000.00. The LV100 (includes the Shallcos) and is $1,200.00. The cost of shipping the amplifier is $50.00. The cost of the stock ART SLA-1 amplifier purchased from D.N.A. is $205.00, your option. So for a total cost of between $1255 and $1455 you will have your self a sweet little amp. Modification costs posted on the D.N.A. website do not include cost for the stock ART SLA-1 amplifier.

Specifications for LA-100:

o Modification Price: $1,000.00

o Stock Amplifier: 205.00

o Shipping Cost: 50.00

o Inputs: RCA & XLR

o Power: 2 X 100W

o Phono: N/A

o Weight: ~25 lbs.

o Dimensions: 17”W x 8”H x 10”D

o Speaker Binding Posts: Two Pair, high quality copper

o Other Specifications: call or e-mail D.N.A.

Modifications:

o External modifications: include replacement of cheesy plastic speaker binder posts with so heavy-duty high quality copper binding posts, which accept spades and bare space. Space between the posts is pretty tight between the binding posts. A pair of gold-plated RCA inputs replaces the stock pin inputs. The front on-off switch is removed and front panel includes a new silver plate to cover the area between the two volume pots. A circuit breaker switch (at least that’s what it looks like) place in the right rear of the unit next to the speaker binding posts serves as the on-off switch.

o Internal modifications. I did not remove the hood, so darned if I know. Maybe Don will provide a little insight here.

The End of the Story

In summary, I really liked the DNA LA100 and I would recommend this fine amplifier to anyone considering a power or integrated amplifier purchase. This is a very special amplifier IMHO – crystal clear, extremely dynamic, musical, and conveys music effortlessly. In my system this amp conveyed the WOW factor in spades casting a solid, well-defined three-dimensional soundstage that puts performers in the room with you. When paired with Chris Own’s DAC, a recent edition to my system, the reproduction of music takes on a very, very special quality indeed– one that had me peeling myself away from the listening chair at 3AM in the morning to get some sleep.

Oh, and how you ask does my brother like his new amplifier? Well, to tell you the truth I liked the D.N.A. LA100 so much I talked my brother into getting a home theater system instead of a two-channel system. Let’s face I told him, “only audio geeks listen to stereo systems alone in a room with the lights turned down low. In a home theater system you can watch DVD’s (sound + moving pictures) in a surround setting – its more you.” It was an easy sell, although I feel his loss not being able to experience a high quality two-channel system. Oh well he can always listen mine when he visits during the holidays.

Me, damn, my wife made me sell one of my amps. She claimed I needed another piece of audio equipment like she needed another hole in her head. I decided to keep the D.N.A. LA100.

Disclaimer: I am not related to Donald Nance nor do I have any business or financial relationship with Don or D.N.A. I am just a happy owner of the D.N.A. LA100 amplifier.

Additional Information:

Donald Nance Audio link:

http://www.dn-audio.com/

Applied Research and Technology ART SLA-1 stock unit info and specifications link:

http://www.artroch.com

http://www.artroch.com/downloads/specsheet/ART_SpecSheet_SLA1.pdf

ART SLA-1 Review and DIY modifications by PeaK:

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/amp/messages/20283.html

http://www.angelfire.com/ca/rchau/audio/sla-1.html

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Product Weakness:	See Above
Product Strengths:	See Above

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Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Odyssey Stratos w/ 120KuF Upgrade
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audible Illusions M3A w. tungsram tubes
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer Elite PD-65 w. Chris Own dAcK DAC
Speakers:	Vandersteen 2CE Signature
Cables/Interconnects:	Groneberg Quattro Reference
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Varipus
Room Size (LxWxH):	15.5 x 13.5 x 7
Room Comments/Treatments:	Eigth Nerve Room Treatments
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	N/A
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

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