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

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

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.

Similar Products Used:

Dynaco 400, Pioneer M22, Parasound HCA1000, McIntosh 1900, Rotel RB890

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

Could be a little more transparent, with better detail

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

Similar Products Used:

See above

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.

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

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

Similar Products Used:

too many to mention

Warm, very smooth mid, powerful bass

None I can think of

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

Similar Products Used:

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

The sound! Best in price category and higher. I cannot imagine being able to buy a better amp.

None!

This amp is absolutely incredible. I cannot imagine a more musical sounding amp. I have been going through an upgrade trying to put together a musical system instad of a stale sounding lab. I bought this without ever hearing it. The reviews here and with some of the people at Stereophile were overwhelming. I had to try it. My search is over. This is THE amp. I was using an Adcom 555II which sounded grainy in the top with the new Revel M20's. The DNA-125 is very smooth and detailed at both ends of the spectrum. It is an incredible bargain. My wife cried during the playing of a devotional song that she has heard many, many times before. My preamp is an Acurus RL-11. CD player is a Rega Planet 2000. Speakers are Revel M-20's.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom 555II, Rotel 1080, NAD 3400, Carver TFM-35, and Kenwood long time ago.

Tube-like warmed, Transient Speed, bass control, affordable

None

Purchased this amp last December after doing 2+ years of exhaustive research through the internet,magazines, and retail stores. I was replacing a Yamaha receiver and needed more power and musicality. I got it in spades! Warmed and transparency also. Ted Paisley at Wavelength Audio is very cool and patient. I also purchased his aptly named house brand Ted's Excellent Stealth AC power cable and the improvement in sound was fantastic in every way! I am now using my old Yamaha Receiver as a pre-amp and Toshiba 2800 DVD player as the source. Full range speakers are Snell Type D's. Now I can really hear subtle nuances of Miles Davis "Kind of Blue". A bona fide audiophile amp.

Similar Products Used:

Classe, Myryad, Marantz, Sunfire

Conservative power rating; balance of detail and lack of solid-state glare in treble region.

Receipt of shipped amp from dealer revealed one small screw missing from chassis (loose in box). The holes in the chassis do not line up so as to permit the screw to be applied. One heatsink fin had a slight nick in it as well.

This amp has all the power and detail I expected, maybe more. Stays cool even under extended periods of significantly long and loud programs. Gives you a "whump" through the speakers on power-up and power-down - even with preamp volume muted. Drives the JMLab Electra 915.1 effortlessly which is not easy. This speaker has a rather rising tweeter and recessed midrange. The DNA-125 seems to compensate for this somehow compared to other amps I''ve demoed (Quad 909, several ROTEL, Belles 150A).

Similar Products Used:

None

Does everything a high-end amp should do.

none

Search is over. After reading the great review in the december 2000 Stereophile and listening in my home on loan, it was an easy choice. A beautifull, well-built performer. Shines with small jazz ensembles, and R&B maybe a bit less with chamber or soloist classical music. An extremely FAST amplifier, with a powerful low end and see-thru soundstage.
Great build quality too, but watch those heatsinks if you move it around! One of the greatest high-end bargains of this new year. 'Seems I'n not the only person with this opinion. I use it with a DAC 1 from Bel Canto, heavenly.

Similar Products Used:

Bel Canto EVO,

A terific amp in every way

none

Too bad one reviewer (Steve) had to spoil an otherwise perfect record. How could he have a DNA-125 for 10 months when first dealer samples arrived around July 2000 ? Beats me.Maybe he confused this with a previous model (or a Radio Shack Optimus !)In any case, this amplififer is wonderfull, musical and an incredible bargain. This McCormack gear is heaven-sent to us mortals who do not beleive in megabuck spending to hear beautifull, emotionnal performance. Thanks Steve! (McCormack that is...)

Similar Products Used:

most everything out there at the same price point, some much higher priced, but will not disclose.

You listen to/hear the music, not the gear.

I have not come across any.

I think the best way to put it is: I find myself listening to the music. I was a "critical" listener, i.e. listening to the components in my system. The sad thing was I was hearing the components. I could go on with all the cliches in the industry but the best testament I can think of is that I've pulled out some CD's I haven't listened to for a while and listened and while in my chair my thoughts are about the music/musicians and their presentation, not the systems.

Also, great synergy with my other components.

A no-hesitation 5 stars.

Similar Products Used:

Musical Fidelity, Rotel, Belles/PMI, Classe and others.