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Bryston SST, McCormack DNA, or Parasound Halo?

Hi everyone. I'm looking to step into speakers world from headphones world. The speakers will most likely be a pair of Usher BE-718. I'm considering Bryston 2B- and 3B-SST; Parasound Halo A-21 and A-23; or McCormack DNA-125 and 225. I'm not sure if I'll need more than the 100-125 watts the lower-rated amps in each line provide, but the better headphone amps are almost always over-built, so I thought maybe speaker amps are similar in that way.
BTW I'll use the Benchmark DAC1 USB to drive the power amp.
chenc
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
1,076 posts
 
I listened to the 2bsst and the 3bsst and they were both nice but I went with the McCormack DNA 125 and have no regrets. The 125 is perfect for a high performance monitor, for larger speakers the 225 would be a good choice. I thought the Brystons were thin sounding but these things are system dependant so auditioning is best.

I have the 125 and RLD 1 pre and really like the way they sound in my system. The 125 replaced an Anthem Amp 1 tube amp which was a great sounding amp but the McCormack is better plus it doesn't even break a sweat with low impedance speakers like a tube amp will. Spearit Sound in Boston has demo 125s and will also give a good deal on new.
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7
137 posts
 
I had the 718's and they can't be overpowered. They love current. I had them hooked up to a pair of Monarchy SM pros running in mono. They put out about 80 watts but have plenty of current drive and are very quick. Great combo. Of the amps you mention, I would really like to hear them with the big McCormick.
kartracer
37 posts
 
I noticed this thread and, please don't take this as a shameless plug, I have a McCormack DNA-225 that's been sitting unused for a while (the upgraditis bug bit.) Just haven't gotten around to posting it here for sale. Email me for more info.

Mike
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