Parasound, McCormick, Odyssey - best under $1000

My experience with Odyssey Stratos and Parasound HCA-1205A is that the Stratos has more high frequency information which makes it sound more detailed and clear. The Parasound sounds very natural and has better bass but sounds rolled off. It does not reproduce high frequencies as well. Each amp is good but when side by side there are noticeable differences.

I have a Marantz preamp. It may be possible actually measure the differences with the Audyssey equalizer software but I have not made the time. I am using Signal Cable silver interconnects on both.

Either amp is a great improvement over an AVR (all in one home theater receiver). Any of these amps can be found used to help save money.

Another vote for McCormack.

My vote is for the McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe or the DNA .5 Deluxe. I've had both and they are very enjoyable amps. Finding a DNA-1 Deluxe at the $1000 price point is getting difficult IMO. A McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe under $800 is possible but once you see the listing jump on it.

7 years and 8 days between posts on this one. Is that a record?

The McCormack DNA 125 is a great amp that can be had used for around 1k..... I just upgraded my pre ,speakers,and DAC but kept my five year old DNA 125 because it's such a good amp . It would take a lot more than I'm willing to spend right now to better it.

I'm using it with a conrad Johnson Classic 2 SE , YBA DAC, and Revel M106 and it sounds great.