Hot Stuff - Electronics, Products & Services
2/18/00
A sample of a few items from past events...
"The Atlanta Audio Society, Inc as a registered
non-profit organization does not endorse any product
or service and the information provided herein is
for reader information only".
Hot Link to Odyssey Design Group - Audio & Home
Theater Products - Offered factory direct. Superb German engineering, made in the USA by Klaus
Bunge...
Hot Link to product lineup ... Odyssey
SMc Audio
Hand -Tuned Performance by Steve
McCormack (founder of the ModSquad and other notable tweaks/upgrades). Also Founder of McCormack Audio and Designer with conrad-johnson of Virginia.
Coordinate your upgrades direct with Steve McCormack
DNA Amplifier Upgrade Program Fact Sheet - Rev.
- Dec. '98
SMc Audio is pleased to offer a program of
outstanding upgrades for the McCormack DNA series
of amplifiers. These upgrades were created by Steve
McCormack, the original designer of the DNA series.
All models of the DNA-1, DNA-0.5, and DNA HT-1 are
eligible for these enhancements.
"I have always been proud of the performance achieved
by the DNA amplifier series." says Steve. "However,
these amplifiers were originally designed to fit a
certain price structure, and I had to make various
compromises in order to do that. I'm very pleased with
how they turned-out, but I had always wondered what
performance levels could be achieved without those
compromises."
"The upgrades I've developed effectively answer that
question - and then some! Wow! I'm still amazed at
the performance I'm hearing. It's as though the system
is simply gone, and I have been transported into the
performance. The music is revealed in an utterly convincing,
involving way. This is an across-the-board improvement
in dynamics, imaging, transparency, soundstage, etc.
But it's also something more. These amplifiers really
convey the soul of the music, and that's more
important to me than the details."
"On the other hand, detail is very important
to a recording engineer I know, who is using an upgraded
DNA-0.5 as his reference amplifier. He is now able
to hear a variety of things that he believes were masked
by other amplifiers...and this is in a very high-performance
system. He can pick-out details about microphone placement
and spatial relationships among the musicians that
were previously lost. This has led to revisions in
his mic placement technique, and significant improvements
in the quality of his recordings. To say that he is
happy with the amplifier would be a bit of an understatement."
THE REVISIONS
We offer 3 levels of upgrade: Revisions A, B, and
C. (Starting with C, each succeeding level includes
all of the improvements of the prior level.) We have
done this to make the upgrade available at several
price points, and let you choose which revision level
is right for you. All revisions involve exactly the
same parts and workmanship, and differ only in the
degree of upgrade. The revisions do not change your
amplifier's power rating.
Note: Every amplifier is tested for proper
operation when it arrives. We install McCormack Audio
production revisions in older amplifiers as part of
the upgrade process, at no additional cost.
Revision C
This is the "heart of the matter" - the fundamental
changes to the amplifier circuitry which are the core
of all the revisions. The input-stage, DC-servo, and
biasing sections are radically improved, yielding tremendous
sonic benefits. The DC-servo amplifier is actually
eliminated, and a new approach is used to balance the
DC behavior of the amp. The result is superior bass:
musically natural, rhythmically involving, with more
impact, or "slam."
The input stage and biasing changes impart a much
larger soundstage which is more open and transparent,
and breathe life into the expression of musical dynamics.
Individual instruments are more clearly defined. The
apparent noise floor is reduced, improving the "blackness
of the background." Subtle cues in the music are rendered
clearly, making the whole more "real." All of this
is accomplished without any sense of brightness, grit,
grunge, or strain. Naturally, the parts employed are
selected as being the finest available for their respective
application.
Revision level C is exactly the same for all DNA amplifiers,
regardless of type.
Revision C Pricing:
- $375 for all DNA-1 and DNA-0.5 models
Revision B
This upgrade begins by including everything contained
in Revision C. We then install the highest performance
connection hardware available: Cardas heavy-duty
output binding posts, and Kimber RCA
jacks. Internal board-to-board wiring is upgraded to Cardas,
and the output wires are heavy gauge, conductive-carbon-jacketed Van
den Hul speaker cable. In addition, we have
developed a new method for connecting the Van
den Hul wire between the circuit board and
the Cardas binding posts. These connections
were originally soldered. Our research has shown, however,
that an excellent mechanical connection is superior
to solder. We use premium ring and spade lugs to achieve
a gas-tight, crimped connection to the wire, and then
bolt the lugs tightly to the circuit board and binding
posts. This results in superior dynamic impact, bass
definition, and overall transparency.
In the DNA-1, we also replace the original screw-terminal
connectors with heavy-duty 5-way binding posts. This
allows the Van den Hul wire to be attached
using the same superior connection system, and provides
improved sonics. Cardas deluxe binding posts may
be substituted at additional cost (see the price
list).
Your amplifier then receives a number of additional
ultra-performance parts in critical signal-path points.
We have chosen Black Gate and Nichicon "Muse" series
electrolytic capacitors, as well as Mills, Vishay, and Caddock resistors
for their unparalleled audio performance.
The result of all this work? This is more than just
an "upgrade." We are continually amazed by what we
hear from these amplifiers. This is world-class performance
- comparable to the finest amplifiers anywhere, at
any price.
Note: If you have a Deluxe Edition DNA amplifier,
several of these parts have already been installed.
This is reflected in the reduced cost for Deluxe amps,
as shown below.
Revision B Pricing:
- DNA-1 Standard - $700
- DNA-1 Deluxe - $550
- DNA-1 Only: Install second set of Cardas deluxe
binding posts - $80
- DNA-0.5 Standard - $600
- DNA-0.5 Deluxe - $450
Revision A
This is it: "the Full Monty!" We've gone to extremes,
and completely rebuilt the amplifier. "Rev A" involves
a total rebuild of all boards and wiring, and achieves
a level of performance which equals or exceeds that
of the finest amplifiers today, tube or solid-state,
regardless of price. In addition to the circuit revisions
mentioned previously, every part affecting the audio
signal has been upgraded to the finest audio-grade
parts available - including all of the output stage
capacitors and emitter resistors. Black Gate, Nichicon "Muse" and "Great
Supply" series electrolytic capacitors are used throughout. Mills, Caddock,
and Vishay resistors are selected for
their incredible transparency and absolute freedom
from "grunge," hardness, or brightness.
Each amplifier is carefully examined for all aspects
of performance, and all the work is done by hand by
Steve and a small staff of dedicated craftspeople.
This is an amplifier for a lifetime of musical pleasure.
Revision A Pricing:
- DNA-1 Standard - $1200
- DNA-1 Deluxe - $1000
- DNA-1 Only: Install second set of Cardas deluxe
binding posts - $80
- DNA-0.5 Standard - $1000
- DNA-0.5 Deluxe - $850
Additional Options
Balanced Inputs: Balanced inputs are now available
for all versions of the DNA-1 and DNA-0.5 amplifiers.
Having spent years experimenting with various circuits
to accomplish this critical task, I have come to the
conclusion that high-performance, line-level transformers
are the best way to do the job. Many (if not most)
of the recordings we listen to were made with at least
one (and usually several) transformers in the signal
path. There is a long list of technical reasons why
this is true, but the final proof - as always - is
in the listening. Jensen transformers do not come cheap,
but they do deliver the goods! I do not believe there
is any finer way to add balanced inputs to your amplifier.
Balanced Input Conversion, XLR Inputs Only - $400
Balanced / Unbalanced (switchable), XLR & RCA
Inputs - $450
Monoblock Conversion: You may now convert
any pair of DNA stereo amplifiers to monoblock operation.
Inputs are switchable balanced (XLR), and unbalanced
(RCA). This is accomplished by using a single Jensen
line-level transformer as a phase-splitter for the
unbalanced (RCA jack) input, and as a matching transformer
for the balanced (XLR) input. This arrangement provides
a balanced, differential drive signal to the 2 amplifier
channels from either the balanced or unbalanced input
(although the drive level from the unbalanced input
is -6dB below that of the balanced input). Output to
the speaker is then taken across the positive (+) terminals.
This is called differential (or push-pull) drive, and
provides a dramatic increase in amplifier power output,
along with superior bass control, bigger soundstage,
and better individualization.
The monoblock conversion process usually includes
both amplifiers, which we match as closely as possible.
We consider the matching process important, and it
may involve some additional work. We will go over the
details with you at the time of conversion, and proceed
in accordance with your wishes.
Monoblock conversion - $400 per pair. Any additional
work will be evaluated and billed on an individual
basis.
Note: Dual - Mono operation is possible with
any pair of stereo amplifiers, and they do not have
to be converted to "monoblocks," as detailed above.
This setup is usually referred-to as "Passive Bi-amplification," and
requires only that the amplifiers be matched, and that
the speakers have "bi-wire" inputs (separate inputs
for the HIGH and LOW sections of the speaker). The "Monoblock
Conversion" does provide some very real performance
benefits, but "Passive Bi-amplification" is simple,
easy to arrange, and provides a definite performance
boost over a single, stereo amplifier. Either approach
is highly recommended, and we would be happy to discuss
the details with you.
WBT Input RCA Jacks: We are always on the lookout
for ultra-performance passive parts, and the latest
RCA jacks from WBT are something special. They are
a cost-added option, but highly recommended.
Per Installed Pair: $55
For the DNA HT-1 (3): $80
The DNA HT-1 3-Channel Amplifier
The HT-1 may also be upgraded to any of the revision
levels described above. It utilizes exactly the same
circuitry and parts as the other DNA amps, so all of
the upgrade work is applicable.
Although it is configured as a 3-channel amp on the
outside, it is actually a 4-channel amp internally.
Two of the channels are bridged internally to produce
one higher-power output for center channel operation.
(This design addresses the tremendous demands made
on the center channel during many movies.) Consequently,
the upgrade work on the HT-1 is more parts and labor
intensive. Revisions A and B also increase the gain
of the center channel (for higher performance), so
a rear-mounted volume control is added for the center
channel only.
Revision C:
- HT-1 Standard - $625
- HT-1 Deluxe - $575
Revision B:
- HT-1 Standard - $900
- HT-1 Deluxe - $800
Revision A:
HT-1 Deluxe - $1350
Other Available Upgrades
We currently have upgrades available for the ALD-1 and TLC-1 preamplifiers,
and the Micro Headphone Drive (also known as
the Micro Integrated Drive). Because of the extensive
number of options available for these units, we ask
that you please contact us at (760) 732-0352 to discuss
your requirements.
A Note About Reliability: The DNA series of amplifiers are exceptionally stable and reliable in their stock form. We do absolutely nothing in these upgrades to compromise this inherent reliability in any way. Some equipment modifications achieve enhanced performance at the cost of reliability by removing circuit elements designed for protection. We do not.
The Fine Print: Our upgrades are handcrafted using the finest parts available, and we expect them to last for a very long time. We will repair any defects in materials we have used or in the work that we have done for a period of three (3) years from the date of sale, including parts and labor. The customer pays the freight cost to us, and we will return ship via surface UPS, within the continental U.S.
Contact: SMc Audio
929 El Pajodo Place
Vista, CA 92084
phone: 760-732-0352 fax: 760-732-3209
e-mail: SMcAudio@aol.com
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A little fun with Single-Ended Tubes from a Cary Audio - Audio Electronics Kits.
 Audio Electronic Tube Amp Kits - AE-1 Preamp & SE-1,
7 watt Class 'A' Power Amp sporting a matched pair
of Western Electric 300B Triodes. Oh! How sweet it
is...
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