Oh No...My Headphone Days Numbered? Speaker Setup Pulling Me Back In

Well, I've been enjoying Head-Fi and all the headphone exploration over the past year, but all the headphone upgrading had just triggered the inevitable upgraditis of my stereo rig...starting with my newly modded McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe, which I just got back today from Mr. Steve McCormack himself. It is now a Revision A+ standard (http://members.cox.net/smcaudio/welcome.htm).

Firing the amp up to play some SACDs from my Sony DVD player as source, music just emerged from my speakers like I've not heard before from my rig! I mean an amp could make a HUGE difference. The sound is liquid, forceful, controlled, palpable, impactful, and dynamic....all in ways that headphones just can't duplicate.

Now this really makes me wonder if I've been putting too much emphasis on headphones over the past several months when all it was supposed to be was an ancillary part of my audio enjoyment, when speakers were deemed too loud or distracting to others.

But here's Steve's handiwork (he's a great guy by the way, and his work is top notch as can be seen below):

My single favorite piece of audio gear


Previously it had already been modded to Rev. B, which I liked so much I just upgraded to A+ (cool WBT NextGen RCAs too)


Wished I took pictures of the before, but lots of new parts in this thing


Look at those beefy Nichicon caps, each about 1" in diameter and 2" long


Very neat work indeed

McCormack DNA is a fine amp, indeed. Glad to hear you're enjoying it. I myself use a pair of Odyssey Audio Extreme Mono Amps, as pictured here:

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No need to comment on how great the Extreme Monos are (feel free to check out the caps, trannies, etc in the pix), nor to go on about Odyssey's owner Klaus Bunge, there's plenty of info to be found on the web.

Head-Fi has been great for getting me interested in headphones and related equipment for the times speakered gear just doesn't make it, and there are definitely those times. Ex: it's not too practical to lug around pair of mono amps that weigh 60 lbs each, and sources, and preamp, and ICs, and PCs, and speakers, etc. into work each day!

However Oski, Sony DVD as your source for a Mc DNA???

Oski, just curious what preamp you're using with it now? I saw you sold your old Sony pre on Audiogon.

I like how Steve signed it inside, classy touch. Uh, does this mean no more minimeets for headphone stuff at your place?

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That sounds like a beastly setup. I’ve actually only heard the Odyssey Stratos awhile ago and wad duly impressed. They reminded me of the McCormack gear, built like a tank, great sounding and performance well beyond the price.

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LoL…umm, I actually just sold my Musical Fidelity X-Ray and Benchmark DAC1 (both literally yesterday) as part of the sweeping upgrade program. I’m ordering a Stello DA220 DAC this month which will take about 3 weeks to ship. Interestingly Tim Shea at SoundStage who reviewed the Stello DP200 also has a DNA 0.5 Rev. A and uses the Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables as I do.

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Right now I’m using the McCormack Micro Line Drive which is very transparent and detailed. But I’ve already put down my deposit for a Fi Y preamp built by Don Garber. This should be ready at the end of January.

The pre you saw on Audiogon (good eye by the way) was my surround processor. I’m liquidating my HT setup to focus on 2-channel and headphones. I’ve sold my two Hafler amps that were used on the center and rear channels, rear speakers, stands…and now if only somebody would buy my B&W CDM CSE center speaker!

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No, I’d be more than happy to host, just probably won’t be picking up headphone gear at the same Curse You Head-Fi pace you are on that’s all. Again, we’ll be able to play with the Stello when it’s here and I’ll probably pick up the W5000.

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*Oski replies, as he puts in his order for a W5000.*
Can I jump on YOUR non-Curse bus?