Extremely extended range, especially in the mid-base and lower-base. Transparent. Powerful.

Updated Review--See Below

This is a review update. After upgrading my sources (from Music Hall MMF-5 to Michell Gyro SE, from Creek OHM-8 to Lehmann Black Cube with PSU as well as upgrading the power cord on Naim CD-5) and upgrading the power cord (HT AC-11) on the McCormack DNA-225, the performance of the McCormack improved remarkably.

(1) Transparency, imaging and dyanamic range improved significantly with the upgrades. Which confirms what I originally suspected: Good sources are especially important with this amp. Natural lifelike sounds are possible. Accoustic instruments at times are there in the room.

(2) As mentioned in the Stereophile review the powercord must be upgraded to get the best out of the DNA-225. There was a significant improvement when I switched from the standard power cord to a Sonic Horizons Hurricane power cord and another significant improvement switching to the Harmonic Technologies AC-11 power cord.

In its current configuration, there is something that I have not experienced with other large amplifers. That being smoothness. Female voices are wonderful. Lots of big amps offer power and detail, but the McCormack DNA-225 offers both will being smooth and never fatiguing.

I still find fault with size, heat generation, and the lack of a provision for bi-amping.

Similar Products Used:

Updated Review--See Below

TONS of clean power, TONS of detail, GIANT soundstage, lots of "authority" over my speakers, great control with transients and such

this is not really a weakness but I have found that this amp leaves your source components no where to hide.... if they suck you will know they suck but if they are great... this amp will let you know that too. I would say this amp is slightly on the lean side so it should not be paired with other lean components. This amp is capable of sounding warm and full bodied though however it requires a little push in that direction with source components if you pair it with neutral sounding equipment then it will sound a tad lean/forward which is not necessarily bad unless it dosen't fit your preference.... personally i haven't been to a "warm" sounding live performance in my opinion they always sound "in your face" but in a good way which is how i would characterize this amp provided your source equipment isn't already "warm" sounding

I've owned this amp for some time now and have yet to review it....... what pushed me to review this product is the review I just read by Mr. Yarde. which is down the page. I just couldin't believe we have been hearing the same amp which makes me think that almost for sure Mr. Yarde's amp was improperly biased or something because it seems to me there is no way it could have been working properly, the amp sounds as if its "struggling" on his system but on mine this amp exhibits so much "ease" its almost as if this amp has limitless power reserves (in fact I make a habbit of impressing my friends by pulling out the power cord while the amp is still playing and for a little while the amp will just...... KEEP ON PLAYING!! because of the tons of capacitors available to the transistors in this amp.... I'm not joking either if you own this amp try it! and as far as microdynamics and details go which Mr. Yarde found non-existent... thats equally as unbelieveable as his claim about this amp "struggling" and the same goes for his complaint about the imaging.... it seems as though Mr. Yarde's DNA-225 has a problem doing exactly what this amp is known for doing so well. Imaging... a sence of effortlessness and tons of detail would be how I characterize this amp. Hearing Mr. Yarde's review was almost like hearing somone complain that the ocean is too dry and to that I respond.... the ocean you saw MUST have been broken.

Similar Products Used:

probably too many to mention

Seemingly unlimited power reserves.
Imaging is excellent.
Well built.
Will drive any loudspeaker.

None really detected yet.

I have to admit, as a long time audiophile, I was skeptical in buying this amp. That soon disappeared.
First of all, the reviewer below that gave this amp 2 stars should sell all of his gear and get out of HI-FI now.
How anyone could suggest any Rotel power amp, much less a 990bx, is superior to a McCormack amp is out of his mind.
The McCormack eats the Rotel for lunch in every way, end of story.
The Designs of Steve McCormack are light years ahead of Rotel and after owning one of their finset power amps to date, the RB-1090, I should have a little insight about this.
Both products are rated Stereophile class B, but I can tell you the McCormack is clearly the Superior amp. The Rotel is rated at 380x 2 into 8 ohms versus the McCormack rated at 225x2 into 8 ohms and if you sit down to compare raw power in real world listening, the Rotel begins to compess and strain far before the McCormack does. This gives you an idea of how powerful the McCormack really is. The McCormack removed a veil that I did not know existed with the Rotel. Don't believe everything you read in Stereophile. Rotel pays alot of money to advertise there.
The Rotel is a fine amp for $2,000.00, but falls short when put up against the McCormack. (Funny, because I was very happy with the Rotel)!
Imaging is awesome with this amp and portrays the music in simple uncluttered fasion. The sound is beautiful from top to bottom, with the bottom being as good as you will get in this price range.
It's not perfect, but comes within close range to the best in many regards for an affordable amount. I bought mine used on a whim from a guy that was going to use two in a bi-amp configuration and could not be happier.
It is hard to find fault with this amp, it's a very exciting piece to own, as it brings a smile to my face everytime I power it up.

Associated equipment:
McCormack DNA-225
Sonic Frontiers Line 1
Rega Planet 2000
Rega Planar 3 w/super elys
Monolithic Phono stage
Paradigm Reference Servo 15 w/X-30 Crossover
KEF Reference 3.2
Harmonic Technologies Pro AC-11 Power Cord(For DNA 225)
Sonic Horizon Daybreak Power Chords(CD and PRE)
All Sonic Euphoria Cables, Custom Made by Jeff's Sound Values

Similar Products Used:

NAD 208 THX, B&K Reference 4420, Sunfire 300x2, Aragon 8008,
Rotel RB-1090.

Powerful, full-bodied amplifer that open a window to bass information in recordings. Wonderfully detailed, tight highs. Truth of timber.

Runs hot (much hotter than the DNA-125) and can feel almost feel it breathe. Very large. Needs a upgrade powercord to get the best from this amp.

Wonderful big amp in an entirely different league when compared to integrateds. Detailed yet powerful, sweet sound when used with various pre-amps (Sonic Frontiers Line 2, Creek 5250 and ADCOM GPA-750). Not to vacillate but I agree with below review that the amp reveils upstream components--it retains its bass power. Good upstream sources are essential.

To tell the true I am not sure if the DNA-225 is any better than the DNA-125. Both have the same sound, the DNA-225 with a few extra watts of power. With efficient speakers the extra watts are not necessary. Both amps have give visceral bass.

On the downside, although the DNA-225 is powerful, it does not seem to have the unlimited power reserves that the Stereophile review suggests. Nevertheless, I have never needed or desired a more powerful amp, but then again I don't "blast" my hi-fi.

From my review you can guess by overall rating will be five stars. The performance alone merits this. The real question is that of value. The DNA-125 may be a better value, but for a 225 (in 8ohms and over 400 in 4ohms) this is a gaint killer.

One has to question whether Stereophile's B rating has more to do with price than performance. It is curious that one can almost without fail predict what rating Stereophile will give hi-fi gear by simply looking at the MSRP. Correlation or coincidence????

Associated equipment:
NAIM CD5
Cambridge Audio T500 Tuner
Music Hall MMF-5
Creek Phono Stage
Sonic Frontiers Line 2
McCormack DNA-225
PSB Stratus Gold i's
Harmonic Tech Truthlinks
Nordost Flatline 2 Speakerwire
Sonic Horizons Hurricane Powercord
Monster Cable HT2000 Surge
Black Diamond Racing Cones
Varipods

Similar Products Used:

Creek and Arcam integrateds. Creek 52SE, Bryston 4ST and 3ST power amps. Also tried McCormack DNA-125.

Detail, pace & rhythm, tight bass, great soundstage.

None.

This is an outstanding amp. I can't say enough good things about it. It has pace, rhythm, and nice tight bass (but not forward). It's detailed, open, and throws a great soundstage. Very musical. Never sounds congested, harsh, or fatiguing. No colorations. I just love to turn this puppy on and listen to the music come through.

I spent quite a bit of time listening to the DNA 1, which got great reviews, and IMHO the DNA 225 is significantly better. If you are in the market for a solid state amp you owe it to yourself to listen the the McCormack amps.

Associated equipment:
Cal. Audio Labs front end
McCormack Line Drive
Vandersteen (time to upgrade)