DNA-0.5 Ultra Monoblocks (2012) vs DNA-HT5
The DNA-HT5's power @ 8ω is 150W against the DNA-0.5 Ultra Monoblocks (2012)'s 100W, its signal-to-noise 98 dB against 100 dB, its power @ 4ω 250W against 200W, and its thd 0.050% against 1.000%.
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The McCormack DNA-0.5 Ultra Monoblocks are high-end mono power amplifiers based on the original DNA-0.5 stereo amplifier platform, upgraded and converted to single-channel operation by Steve McCormack's SMc Audio. Each monoblock typically delivers around 100W into 8 ohms and 200W into 4 ohms, derived from the stock DNA-0.5 specification at less than 1% THD from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Key electrical characteristics of the underlying design include an input sensitivity of 0.85 Vrms, 100 kOhm input impedance, approximately 30 dB voltage gain, a non-inverting signal polarity, and a very wide frequency response of 0.5 Hz to 200 kHz (-3 dB). The original DNA-0.5 chassis measures 19" W x 5 7/8" H x 15" D with a shipping weight of about 30 lbs. The DNA topology is known for combining high current capability and wide bandwidth with a natural, dimensional midrange, allowing instruments and voices to sound present and lifelike while maintaining control and clarity. The DNA-0.5 and its derivatives were manufactured by McCormack Audio Corporation of Virginia, with later high-level Ultra monoblock conversions and custom builds provided by SMc Audio, Steve McCormack's specialist upgrade shop.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The DNA-HT5's power @ 8ω is 150W against the DNA-0.5 Ultra Monoblocks (2012)'s 100W, its signal-to-noise 98 dB against 100 dB, its power @ 4ω 250W against 200W, and its thd 0.050% against 1.000%.
The 331's signal-to-noise is 80 dB against the DNA-0.5 Ultra Monoblocks (2012)'s 100 dB and its thd 0.500% against 1.000%. Both share power @ 8ω (100W) and power @ 4ω (200W).
The KWA 100SE's power @ 8ω is 120W against the DNA-0.5 Ultra Monoblocks (2012)'s 100W, its power @ 4ω 210W against 200W, its signal-to-noise 95 dB against 100 dB, and its thd 0.060% against 1.000%.
The A-S1200's power @ 8ω is 90W against the DNA-0.5 Ultra Monoblocks (2012)'s 100W, its power @ 4ω 150W against 200W, its signal-to-noise 110 dB against 100 dB, and its thd 0.070% against 1.000%.
SMc Audio DNA-225 modded to Ultra status
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