![]() The DNA-500 doesn't necessarily emulate tube amplifiers but it is so thoroughly musical, richly textured and warmly involving throughout the entire midrange - so well balanced from top to bottom, so easy to listen to for long periods of time without fatigue -that it might suggest the inviting humanity and forgiving overload characteristics of tubes to some well-traveled listeners, if perhaps not that elusive juiciness and iridescent detail that send chills down your spine-like tubes. My mind consistently revisited what Chip Stern said in his 6 Moons Review of 2004: An iron fist in a velvet glove. The McCormack DNA-500 power amplifier is just such a product - a total high-end slam dunk, an utterly authoritative performer with a warm, supple sense of detail and sufficient reserves of power to drive any set of loudspeakers to full live music scale with an inviting sense of ease and intimacy. The entire time I am connecting the VTL, I am questioning why I am even going through this audio exercise. The VTL had VTL branded 6550 power tubes and 6201/ 12AT7 input/driver tubes. When I returned home, I listened to several albums and a couple of CD's with the McCormack DNA-500 to establish a reference and then replaced it with the VTL. I have been running a McCormack DNA-500 for many years paired with a Harman Kardon Citation 1 tube pre-amp which has provided me extraordinary sound. I also asked if he would allow me to audition the unit and a pair of the Dynamic Design interconnects in my system at home to which he agreed. This was a used equipment item. I called back a few days later and John confirmed it was still available. ![]() Ironically, when I inquired about the amp, he told me it was for sale but he needed a day or so to confirm that it wasn't sold. The retro look of this amp with its tubes out in the open immediately attracted me to it like a moth to a flame. The tube amp that John used for my audition was a vintage VTL Stereo 90 Deluxe Ultra-Linear power amp that played only in tetrode mode, designed by David Manley, circa 1990. ![]() In addition to his speakers and the Dynamic Design New generation Lotus cables that connected the entire system, I was equally astounded by the tube power amp's intoxicating, musical presentation of the sound. In my blog on Van L Speakerworks, I auditioned John Van Leishout's Silhouette Speakers and was undeniably impressed by the musical presentation these amazing and affordable speakers delivered. A high-end solid state amp eliminates the maintenance factor inherent with tube power amps.There you have it, case closed. Their tubes tend to last longer than the output tubes in tube power amps and don’t require a periodic, once or twice a year, check of their bias current. Solid state amps can sound a little analytical and sometimes seems to lack the mid-range warmth and can be a little bright on top.These are generalizations mind you. However, placing a high-end tube pre-amp in the chain should compensate for the solid state amp's foibles.Tube preamps are also easier to maintain. Right? Solid state amps will typically give you more bass “slam” with good articulation and a slightly more open top end. Let's face it, tube warmth combined with solid state accuracy has to yield the best of both worlds. With just basic soldering skills you should be able to piece a kit together in a few evenings.I have adamantly held the belief that combining a tube pre-amp with a powerful high-end solid state amp was the best way to achieve optimum sound. The detailed step-by-step instructions walk you through the construction the tube amp kit. A comprehensive 27 page assembly manual full of photographs (26 to be exact) was sent via email. 5751 SRPP KT88 Monoblock Tube Amp Kits - DIY AUDIO
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