McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe vs APT Holman Amp 1

[Dony]

Hello Ak members,

I have a question for members that may have compared a McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe and a APT Holman Amp 1 in their audio journey.

I currently have a APT Holman Amp 1 that I am using with my Conrad Johnson PV10a with my rebuilt/upgraded Klipsch Lascala Industrial splits and I am liking the sound quality that I am hearing.

With that being said, I am on a quest to hear the cherished tube sound with my Lascalas. So upon reading the threads about the McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe being one of the SS amplifiers with a warm sound that is similar to tubes it makes me wonder if I should pursue it to replace my APT Holman Amp 1 or should I simply look for a tube amp such as a Quicksilver or Sonic Frontier? I like to explore the world of tube amps but I don't like the idea of having to replace and maintain the tubes.

Both McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe and the APT Holman Amp 1 amplifiers are rated at 100 wpc into 8 ohms but the McCormack seems to have more current as the watts go up to 200 wpc into 4 ohms in that amp.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

Don

 

[Blue Shadow]

Interested in this opinion of the sound of the .5. I have heard 4 DNA-1 (one was before and after an upgrade) and only one of them have that tube sound to it. The others were clean, clear, powerful sound one would expect and they sound good but that tube sounding one had a special sound to it.

 

[Dony]

Interested in this opinion of the sound of the .5. I have heard 4 DNA-1 (one was before and after an upgrade) and only one of them have that tube sound to it. The others were clean, clear, powerful sound one would expect and they sound good but that tube sounding one had a special sound to it.

Hi Blue Shadow,

Thanks for your feedback, interesting that you have heard 4 DNA-1 and only one had the tube like sound. From what I've read the McCormack DNA .5 is supposed to be one of the SS amps that closely resembles a tube amp sound.

Unfortunately, I have never heard any McCormack amplifier and they are very rare in my vicinity so I am hoping that others can chime in to offer their opinion before I decide to take a leap of faith and purchase a vintage McCormack without seeing or hearing it.

As mentioned, I am after the tube like sound hopefully without the ongoing maintenance and trouble of changing tubes. Otherwise if I cannot obtain the SQ, then I might just have to pursue a Quicksilver, Sonic Frontier, Conrad Johnson, Acoustic Research, or McIntosh etc. to obtain the true tube sound.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Quicksilver, Sonic Frontier, Conrad Johnson, Acoustic Research, or McIntosh

you missed the good stuff. Next to the DNA-1 is a pair of Luxman MB3045 monaural amplifiers when I need tube sound.

 

[Dony]

you missed the good stuff. Next to the DNA-1 is a pair of Luxman MB3045 monaural amplifiers when I need tube sound.

Thanks Blue Shadow,

I've read about the Luxman tube amps as well, but once again I've never heard an actual Luxman tube amp so I'm only going by the reputation of the Quicksilver, Sonic Frontier, Conrad Johnson, Acoustic Research, or McIntosh tube amps. If I get a chance to audition a Luxman tube amp then I will look into it.

 

[Tromatic]

Sorry, you were looking for amps. Never mind!

 

[Dony]

Are there any other Ak members that can provide info. on the McCormack DNA .5?

I'm trying to decide whether to purchase it in order to get some of the warm sound of a tube amp without the maintenance and cost of tubes or should I just save my pennies and wait for a good tube amp at a good price and live with the extra maintenance and cost of using tubes?

Thanks

Don

 

[mcgjohn]

Hello Ak members,

I have a question for members that may have compared a McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe and a APT Holman Amp 1 in their audio journey.

I currently have a APT Holman Amp 1 that I am using with my Conrad Johnson PV10a with my rebuilt/upgraded Klipsch Lascala Industrial splits and I am liking the sound quality that I am hearing.

With that being said, I am on a quest to hear the cherished tube sound with my Lascalas. So upon reading the threads about the McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe being one of the SS amplifiers with a warm sound that is similar to tubes it makes me wonder if I should pursue it to replace my APT Holman Amp 1 or should I simply look for a tube amp such as a Quicksilver or Sonic Frontier? I like to explore the world of tube amps but I don't like the idea of having to replace and maintain the tubes.

Both McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe and the APT Holman Amp 1 amplifiers are rated at 100 wpc into 8 ohms but the McCormack seems to have more current as the watts go up to 200 wpc into 4 ohms in that amp.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

Don

Think I would opt for the quicksilver. Have had several. They have the ability to hold your rear in the listening seat for long periods of time.