Bryston vs. McCormack

Hi Fpeel; I've not heard the Bryston's, and they have a good reputation, but I know the McC. DNA-1 is a great amp. I used it for 3 years with both Vand. 2Ce and 3Asig speakers. It's neutral enough that it should do well with the Hales. I also like the SF Line 1 or 2 pre-amp with McCormack amps-- smooth, detailed, but definitely not "tubey" sounding (unless you change the stock tubes). Happy listening. Craig

The DNA-1 is a great amp for any speaker. I have owned numerous McCormack amps and found them to be at their best with the Audible Illusions Modulus 3A preamp. The AL tubes seem to work wonders adding a bloom to the sound while maintaining the McCormack speed. It seems to make everything more musical and more music comes through. The AL is a Stereophile class "A" component and I feel it takes the McCormack up also. You always have the option of one of Steve McCormack's upgrade paths beyond the deluxe version. In comparison, the Bryston sounds lean and leaves no doubt it is a transistor amp. I have actually listened at a friends house to a pair of Revelations with these amps and the McCormack/Audible combination won by quite a distance.

Hello! I own Rev 3's, and I love them , too. Anyway, I bought a McCormack DNA .5 standard, which, to my ears, at least, outperformed the DNA 1 standard in terms of soundstaging and detail. According to SMC audio (Steve McCormack's NEW company that does the modifications) , alot of people actually prefer the .5 Standard to the 1 Standard.. Wierd, huh? Anyway, I use a Conrad Johnson Preamp, the PV 11, which is pretty old. I had a PV10AL, which retails for around a grand. It was a wonderful introduction to tubes. It does sound, "tubey", compared to the PV 11, and I'm sure it sounds tubey when placed side by side with the Audible Illusions Modulus 3, which is a great preamp. But come on guys, tubey is OK. Tubed gear has a sound. That's why we love it. With the sound, you get palpability beyond what is available to people using solid state throughout. SO... I say, Hales love the DNA .5, mine do, anyway. (200w into the Hales 4 ohm load, versus 350 for the DNA 1) 200 IS enough, unless you're planning to move to a cathedral. I just saw a used DNA.5 for $800 on the NEW TODAY page. I think you would love it. You could buy used, and have the option to upgrade through SMC. I would also suggest that you go with a tubed preamp. I love my CJ, but if I had $2-3K, the Audible would be at the top of my list. If you've got $1.5K, check out the CJ PV10, or especially the PV12. They sound ravishing. Happy Listening!

Well, I've located a new-in-the-box McCormack DNA-1 (standard) and Sonic Frontiers Line 1 at what are essentially used prices. Hard to pass up, especially since they have the full factory warranties intact (I'm a worry wart about these things, so will enjoy the added comfort). They're also a local purchase (more comfort). SMc said the amp was made just before the company moved to VA, so not only is it a late model, it's also a *real* McCormack amp (for what that's worth). Getting these so cheaply means upgrading the amp to Revision A (and possibly beyond; SMc says they have some new options available) will be a definite near-term option. Hopefully that will take care of any short comings compared to the standard DNA-0.5. ;-) Ultimately, if I don't like the DNA-1 I can always sell it and "downgrade" to a 0.5. Or two. ;-) ;-) Thanks for the feedback, guys.

Great to hear you got some deals. I'm sure the DNA 1 will be ok, especially if you are serious about upgrading to Rev A status, I hear that the Rev A version of the DNA 1 is WICKED. BE sure to give the amp 100 or so hours to break in, before you get nit-picky, and the Hales, well, jeez, maybe they'll be broken in by Christmas! Happy Listening!