Bryston vs. McCormack

Left out some possibly important details: Listening is mostly jazz and "old guy" rock (no head banging...), but not limited to such (variety *is* the spice of life). 12.5'x17.5'x8' room (this will eventually change as I rent). The amp and pre-amp will be purchased *very* soon. Unfortunately I am not able to audition the McCormack and would buy it used. Feedback from anyone who is familiar with Bryston and McCormack would be appreciated. TIA.

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.

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.