Regarding my amps, Steve McCormack has my TLC preamp he upgraded over a year ago, and is currently going all out on the upgrade of a DNA-2 LAE amplifier for me. He is using the new Jupiter copper foil caps in strategic locations in both the amp and preamp and he says they are among the finest he has heard.
The preamp was already very good and includes his Shallco discrete resistor volume control, Lundahl transformers and the outboard VRE-1 choke power supply. We revised the faceplate and painted the body as part of the initial upgrade (picture above). He is now replacing some existing caps with the Jupiters and replacing the existing Lundahl transformers with their new Cardas wire version. He is also backing off the gain to +0 out of the transformers to account for the higher gain of the DNA-2 amplifier compared to the Claytons I used to own. This is a buffered preamp and my original concerns about bass from a no-gain design were absolutely unfounded as the bass is one of the many strengths of this preamp.
The amplifier should also be special as he is incorporating all his best work based on everything he has learned by upgrading other DNA-2s over the years, and he is using some parts that were not available in earlier years, like the new Jupiter caps. The LAE was already a hot rodded version of the DNA-2 with thicker circuit boards and higher quality parts like Vishay S-102 bulk-metal-foil resistors. I previously owned both a Standard DNA-2 and the DNA-500 and I considered having modifications performed on a DNA-500. After discussions with Steve, I decided the basic sonic attributes of the DNA-2 were better suited to my listening tastes and he convinced me the upgraded amp would be outstanding.
Below is a quote from Steve, from another, older Audiogon thread that is consistent with how Steve described the DNA-2 to me:
The sound of the DNA-2 is best characterized as clean, open, and relaxed, with tremendous dynamics when required. Bass is deep and powerful, but is a bit rich, with a bit of added warmth in the upper-bass / lower-mid region. This warmth can be very engaging in the right system. Focus and clarity are excellent, and the soundstage is open and deep.Here is another quote where Steve discusses differences between the DNA-500 and an upgraded DNA-2:
In brief, the DNA-500 is a new design and clearly reflects this in its performance. It is more neutral than the earlier amps, more like a window on the performance. The DNA-2 (including the fully upgraded versions) has more of an identifiable personality, with a bit of roundness and warmth. Both are extremely powerful and are able to drive any speaker with ease and authority, but the dynamic reach of the DNA-500 can be literally frightening. The 500 is also built with an excellent parts complement. On the other hand, the DNA-2 Revision A upgrade is totally rebuilt with the finest parts I have found. This gives it an edge in relaxed liquidity and instrumental texture. It fleshes out voices and instruments in a very seductive way.To close, I have to add that working with Steve has been a pleasure. His communication is friendly and personable and, even after all these years in the business, his passion for the industry, for his work and for his clients remains strong.