Bryston vs. McCormack

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!

My oh My. I used to be just like you guys - solid state all the way. I owned some great SS stuff like Threshold and McCormack. I kept moving up the power ladder going from 100 class A watts to 375, but always felt there was something lacking, and thought it was power. Then I got tricked one day into listening to tubes... SS people need to see the light. It's not about power. It's not about accuracy. It's not about distortion. None of these 'measurable' ratings have anything to do with what it's all about - the beauty of music. Solid state can't play music (at least not unless you can spend 5 figures). Tubes get you into the music like in a magical, emotional way. If you want to love music, you've got to free your mind and your spirit and get into tubes!

This is a bit off topic, but I did start the thread, right? Doesn't that allow for a bit of literary license? :-) audiojerry is right. Not the part about SS vs. tubes, but the emotional aspect, that it's the beauty of the music that really matters. That's why I bought the Hales: only one other speaker I auditioned, and could afford, drew me emotionally into the music to the point that it gave me goose bumps. Unfortunately, the first speakers were not full range, but were very directional and positionally tempermental. Not the best solution. My second choice wasn't so tempermental, but didn't so excite me. I was about to buy them figuring that, as usual, my champagne tastes were overloading my beer budget. Then, on a last minute whim, I heard the Hales. Not only are they full range and position tolerant, they also excite me! That's why I bought them virtually on the spot (ok, after a 3.5 hour audition). My interest in the McCormack is not a horsepower thing (well, not completely; I do want adequate headroom), but more its reputation for not adding or subtracting from the music. The music is why I'm interested in eventually having the McCormacks upgraded: the upgrade doesn't make the amp more powerful, it's strictly intended to improve the amp's overall characteristics. The McCormack *is* SS and to that end the pre-amp and DAC are both tubed (SF Line 1 and CAL Alpha), albeit that the Line 1 is less traditional in its "tubiness". So, ultimately I'm shooting for the best of both worlds. The cheap, available power of SS and the cleanness and focus of tubes. All because AJ is right, this really is about the music. I'll step off my soapbox now. Thanks for the input, AJ.