docaudio

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
2.75 of 5, 4.00 votes

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from HigherFidelityAudio

Summary:
I've listened to many amps in the under $2000 price range and the McCormack DNA-125 is the most transparent of any of these amps that I heard. It is a neutral amp that produces a wonderful 3-D soundstage and is much more dynamic that other 125 watt amps.

Strengths:
Transparency, dynamics, soundstage, price (amps with this level of performance usually cost over $2000)

Weaknesses:
I think this is a neutral sounding amp, but I wouldn't mind a touch of extra warmth such as that a tube amp might give.

Similar Products Used:
Similar priced amps from Bryston, Marsh, Parasound, etc.

Price Paid:  $1300.00 from AVHIFI

Summary:
Of all the power amps I have owned from the Dynaco 400 in 1975 to the this amp, the DNA-125 has the most musical sound of them all. I'm not going to go into all the details that one can use to describe an amp, but I have listened to bright sounding amps (Pioneer M22), mellow sounding amps (McIntosh 1900) and in between (Parasound HCA1000, Rotel RB890. The DNA-125 just sounds the best overall, something you could live with for many years and it sounds great with all kinds of music. This is the first amp I bought that was over a 1000 dollars and worth it. It's a steal on the used market for under $1000.

Strengths:
Very well balanced, easy to listen to for long periods without fatigue.

Weaknesses:
Right channel failed within a year, but was promptly repaired under warrenty.

Similar Products Used:
Dynaco 400, Pioneer M22, Parasound HCA1000, McIntosh 1900, Rotel RB890

Price Paid:  $1200.00

Summary:
I have always been a fan of McCormack, but since I have been fortunate to have access to many hand-downs such as the Aragon 8008ST, CJ MV 55, and the Jeff Rowland Model 2, I never needed to look for a new amp until recently. Armed with the advice from all the usual rags, the internet and the great folks here at audioreview and over at audioasylum, given my budget I narrowed my choices down to the DNA 125, the MF A3cr and the Ayre V3. Was also looking at a used YBA 1 alpha. In short, I felt that the DNA had the best balance of sonic and build characteristics. I wouldn't call it neutral, but the slight tinge of warmth in the mids and upper bass makes it very inviting after a difficult day, and the highs are as extended as I have heard at this price. The bass is controlled, though not exactly in the league of the big burly bassmeisters like the Krells and ML monoblocks. It is also very quiet, with a good PRAT quotient, and even has a little of that holographic quality I have heard with the Spectrals/MITs. It is not perfect, and a good score would be 4.5 stars, but I am happy to give it a five. Assoc Equipment: CAL Delta/Alpha Bow Wizard Adcom GFP 750 (this rocks!) Aerius i Totem Model 1 Wireworld, Audioquest and Analysis Plus cabling Comfy chair Cheers and happy listening

Strengths:
Well balanced, lovely mids, controlled bass, smooth highs, has 'body'

Weaknesses:
Could be a little more transparent, with better detail

Similar Products Used:
See above

Price Paid:  $1600.00

Summary:
At this price point this amplifier is unbeatable, lots of detail yet the sound is warm, astounding levels of dynamics, capable of throwing a gigantic soundstage and on and on. The amount of detail and resolution this amplifier produces can be greatly improved upon with a upgrade by ModHi-Fi.com thats REALLY inexpensive. well worth it

Strengths:
listed above but the biggest thing that can be said is simply that feeling of wanting tap your feet and get into the music. THAT elusive quality is one of the most important. After all "enjoyment" is the reason we listen to music in the first place.

Weaknesses:
at this price point none but keep in mind there are better amps out there, they just cost a whole lot more.

Similar Products Used:
too many to mention

Price Paid:  $1500.00 from Audio Excellent

Summary:
I know that this amp needs at least 50 hours of breaking-in before it can sound its best but right out of the box, I know this is a keeper. Despite of only 30 min of warming up, this amp is a clear winner over my Sony integrated amp. The sound is so much smoother. I picked out my favourite cd, whose sound at high volume is harsh and unlistenable, and was expecting to hear a harsh sounding passage but no, oh my gosh, no, what I was hearing was a very smooth female vocal, which used to sound harsh with the Sony. The bass was powerful and tight. The music becomes so lively. I think that my search for amp is over. This is it. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the folks who wrote reviews for this amp, which played a critical part in helping me decide to choose this amp. I'm anxious to hear how much it can improve after I give it 100 hours straight of burning-in time. My system consists of Sony CDP-XA20ES as transport Monarchy Model 33 as premap/DAC with piggy-back upgrade McCormack DNA-125 B&W DM-604s MonsterCable coaxial digital cable Audioquest Ruby interconnects DIY CAT5 Tripple T speaker cable

Strengths:
Warm, very smooth mid, powerful bass

Weaknesses:
None I can think of

Similar Products Used:
Monarchy SM-70 Pro, an excellent performer also B&K ST-140 Yamaha DSP-A1