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McCormack DNA 0.5

Some great amps mentioned in this thread. I never had the McCormack, but remember the reviews. One innovation with the 0.5 was a distributed power supply (I don't know if he called it that). Instead of two or maybe four MASSIVE caps providing power to the whole amp, like so many SS amps, each section and output device had its own much smaller and better cap providing power to it and it alone — and IIRC, that small cap was bypassed by a small even higher-quality film cap. The result was faster and purer power, as needed by each section, instead of global power to the entire amp in general.

I was struck by the ingenuity, but I'm no expert. I'll welcome any comments or corrections.
 
bimasta said:
Some great amps mentioned in this thread. I never had the McCormack, but remember the reviews. One innovation with the 0.5 was a distributed power supply (I don't know if he called it that). Instead of two or maybe four MASSIVE caps providing power to the whole amp, like so many SS amps, each section and output device had its own much smaller and better cap providing power to it and it alone — and IIRC, that small cap was bypassed by a small even higher-quality film cap. The result was faster and purer power, as needed by each section, instead of global power to the entire amp in general.

I was struck by the ingenuity, but I'm no expert. I'll welcome any comments or corrections.
Click to expand...
That's what the "DNA" is in the "DNA-1 and DNA-0.5" amplifier is (Distributed Node Amplifier) from McCormack.
 
DeeCee said:
That's what the "DNA" is in the "DNA-1 and DNA-0.5" amplifier is (Distributed Node Amplifier) from McCormack
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Thanks DeeCee, good info. Obviously a great double entendre too. I never owned a McCormack product, but spoke to Steve many years ago about an old Mod Squad product. Nice guy and eager to help. Some of our audio geniuses are the opposite.
 
bimasta said:
Thanks DeeCee, good info. Obviously a great double entendre too. I never owned a McCormack product, but spoke to Steve many years ago about an old Mod Squad product. Nice guy and eager to help. Some of our audio geniuses are the opposite.
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I've never had one either but I really REALLY wanted the power amp... In fact millions of years ago (when dinosaurs roamed), I first heard a Mod Squad passive which clued me into the amazing clarity from this type of "preamp" (under the right circumstances.)
 
DeeCee said:
In fact millions of years ago (when dinosaurs roamed), I first heard a Mod Squad passive
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Shortly after that, DeeCee, when mammals were beginning to appear (I was one of the first) I had a chance to buy the Mod Squad passive AND their phono preamp, hardwired as a single unit by them, in perfect condition — for $350. I passed. I have killed myself every day since, I was so stupid I didn't deserve to live.
 
bimasta said:
Shortly after that, DeeCee, when mammals were beginning to appear (I was one of the first) I had a chance to buy the Mod Squad passive AND their phono preamp, hardwired as a single unit by them, in perfect condition — for $350. I passed. I have killed myself every day since, I was so stupid I didn't deserve to live.
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But the good news is we're supplying modern hominids with fossil fuels! ;)
 
I have a TLC-1 preamp, and used to have several of the micro components (Micro Line Drive, Micro Headphone Drive, and Micro Phono Drive). Enjoyed them all, and the TLC-1 is a keeper. One of these days I hope to get ahold of a big DNA amp and put it through it's paces with some classic Infinity's.
 
I liked the DNA stock 05 so much I purchased another one that had been modded this last year. It was rebuilt by SMC audio. I now see what all the hype was about. It is one of the most clear and transparent amps I have ever listened to. I am in the process of sending my other one out to them to get modded. I like the service they provide and their customer service is unreal. I have been talking with Patrick at SMC audio and he is one of the best. He does much of the work on the amps. He is so down to earth and treats you so well. He is going to match my amp with the one I purchased that was just rebuilt. I will then eventually run them in a bi amp set up. I know one thing these amps will not be going anywhere I plan on keeping them.
 
I have the DNA 1.0 Deluxe. Best solid state amp I've ever had, and likely the last one I'll ever buy.
 
vintage 5.0 said:
I liked the DNA stock 05 so much I purchased another one that had been modded this last year. It was rebuilt by SMC audio. I now see what all the hype was about. It is one of the most clear and transparent amps I have ever listened to. I am in the process of sending my other one out to them to get modded. I like the service they provide and their customer service is unreal. I have been talking with Patrick at SMC audio and he is one of the best. He does much of the work on the amps. He is so down to earth and treats you so well. He is going to match my amp with the one I purchased that was just rebuilt. I will then eventually run them in a bi amp set up. I know one thing these amps will not be going anywhere I plan on keeping them.
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SMC Audio is the best! I sent them my Micro Phono Drive for some mods and also had them build an outboard power supply for it. The work was first class and the service was amazing. Pretty damn cool when you can call an audio company and the owner or lead tech will be the person who answers the phone.
 
I agree they are a step above most places. The thing I like is not only they will talk to you but seem to always take the time. Good to hear you have had great luck with them. I am really impressed with them.
 
Just bought a "stock" DNA 0.5 this morning already, lol (it's 7 AM here). Good price, couldn't pass it up. Been wanting to try out a McCormack for awhile. Welcome me to the club, I guess! It will replace a Sony TA-N55ES...which I have absolutely no issues with...was actually very surprised how good this Sony sounds!

Then, to get my Audire Forte "fixed"...should be an interesting "shootout" between the Audire and the McCormack. Maybe I'll even give the Sony a place in the shootout...

Then I think I'm done for awhile (famous last words) until I can save up for my Pass Labs X250! That amp is just pure eye candy to me, I almost don't even care if it sounds that great, haha!
 
From what I remember from the thread over on the Polk site there wasn't a guy who didn't like just the bone stock model but if you sent it into Steve McCormack the upgrades he doe brings it to an entirely higher level and he signs his work and never any complaints.
Here's a disturbing update. Evidently SM as an amplifier building/ modding company does not exist any more.

http://www.mccormackaudio.com/index1.html
 
leftfielder said:
From what I remember from the thread over on the Polk site there wasn't a guy who didn't like just the bone stock model but if you sent it into Steve McCormack the upgrades he doe brings it to an entirely higher level and he signs his work and never any complaints.
Here's a disturbing update. Evidently SM as an amplifier building/ modding company does not exist any more.

http://www.mccormackaudio.com/index1.html
Click to expand...

I believe ( and someone will correct me if I'm wrong) Steve McCormack "separated" from the brand/company that bore his name. ( similar situation for Bob CARVER and his multiple "carver" brand iterations and also Ken Kreisel of Miller & Kreisel ) . McCormack himself is still in business under the name SMC Audio <--Link
He does repairs, mods, upgrades on his older amplifier designs and has a few products that he sells under the SMC Audio brand name.

It's weird when the founder(s) / owners of companies lose their names in corporate buyouts/takeovers or when they get ousted from a company.
 
Bostown said:
I believe ( and someone will correct me if I'm wrong) Steve McCormack "separated" from the brand/company that bore his name. ( similar situation for Bob CARVER and his multiple "carver" brand iterations and also Ken Kreisel of Miller & Kreisel ) . McCormack himself is still in business under the name SMC Audio <--Link
He does repairs, mods, upgrades on his older amplifier designs and has a few products that he sells under the SMC Audio brand name.

It's weird when the founder(s) / owners of companies lose their names in corporate buyouts/takeovers or when they get ousted from a company.
Click to expand...
It happens all the time, especially in this industry.
 
leftfielder said:
From what I remember from the thread over on the Polk site there wasn't a guy who didn't like just the bone stock model but if you sent it into Steve McCormack the upgrades he doe brings it to an entirely higher level and he signs his work and never any complaints.
Here's a disturbing update. Evidently SM as an amplifier building/ modding company does not exist any more.

http://www.mccormackaudio.com/index1.html
Click to expand...

Wow, yes, they are a local company for me ...!



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McCormack Audio has suspended production of all McCormack brand products and has no remaining inventory.
Service for McCormack products, including model and capacitor upgrades continues to be offered through our sister company, conrad-johnson design, inc.
For more information on service and upgrades of McCormack products, please contact us by email
 
McCormack of Virginia bought McCormack years and years ago. Steve formed SMC in CA. The McCormack of VA is in the same company building as Conrad Johnson and well CJ makes some decent stuff last I heard.

To avoid shipping I had a DNA-1 upgraded by McCormack of VA back when they were more fully supporting the amps. They had a few levels of upgrades and the amp that I picked up (local drop off and delivery vs. a FedEx truck across the country and back) sounded significantly better. Well worth the cost as it was a new amp. But note the CJ shop rate is $132 per hour, quarter hour increments, 1 hour minimum/evaluation. But that is high end gear. Probably par for the course.

Depending on what needs to be done and if the signature is worth the shipping, CJ is a viable alternative manufacturers repair facility, the are the ones that own the McCormack company. Steve is doing a great service supporting his earlier designs and if I was going to ship my amp, it might have gone to Steve is I was a few states further west. McCormack/CJ is about 3 hours from here and I go to the DC area semiannually. Dropped it off on one trip, picked it up on another.
 
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