Bryston vs. McCormack

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!

Hi Fpeel; Glad to hear you got a couple of good deals. The DNA-1 with SF Line 1 is an excellent combination. But-- if you don't like the neutral character of the Line 1 (I like it) just change tubes and you can get sound as warm as you want. Enjoy. Craig

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!