i have heard excellent things about mccormacks...i spoke with a dealer that had 750 monos for sale (and did not have any more CJ 350SAs)...and after discussing my focus on purity of tonality, etc...he said they were different and preferred the 350SAs. I would suggest if you wish to go for them that you speak with CJ about any upgrades, new Teflon capacitors that you might be able to replace in the McCormacks. I asked CJ once, and recall they said it was not offered...but that was sometime ago. in general, i understand CJ are excellent about upgrading, working with loyal customers. If you cannot do McCormacks...i am sure you could get Premier 8s and have them completely overhauled for even less money. i know someone who has done it very successfully and still uses them after several years...