Hi Fpeel,I had a 3BST that was replaced by DNA-1 Deluxe. The biggest differences was that the DNA was smoother in the highs and the 3BST had a tad more bass slam (This made the DNA much more listenable with loud and brighter recorded music.I also plan to get the revision A upgrade when my budget allows.The Line 1 is a good choice as I had a SFL-1 Signature that is said to sound simular to the Line 1 and it sounded nice with the 3BST. I recently replaced the SFL-1 Sig with a new Audible Illusions 3MA.(The 3Ma has had upgrades every year since 1996)and the detail and micro dynamics was the most noticeable improvement and the sound improves with tube upgrades.Downside on A I ,is that service takes at least a month or two.I ,ironically also have a the Hales Revelation 3's and my Cal Alpha(also have the Delta) recently returned with the 24/96 upgrade and is well worth the $450. Some have complained about clicking between tracks.This can be eliminated by a simple mod. when you tell service the dac is to be used for audio only.I also have a PS Audio PP 300 which makes a very nice difference and I plan to try a couple of Lab Cables once the long wait is over due to the world copper shortage.I also am interested to try a Reference Line Preemminance 2 passive line pre amp when I can find a mint used unit on the net,and there will be a showdown with the A I M3A.I also am usng the very latest MIT High End Series Shotgun cables between speakers and components and am extremely pleased with their performance.Happy listening with what I can confirm is a well matched and very satisfying sounding system.
Bryston vs. McCormack
After deciding first on the Magnepan 1.6QR, then the Vandersteen 2ce Signature, I auditioned the Revelation 3 at length this weekend and bought a pair. They sounded that good to my ear. A Bryston 3B-ST was the amp of choice for the Maggies and Vandesteens, but the Hales are a different animal. Which would be a better match for the Hales: A Bryston 3B-ST or a McCormack DNA-0.5 or DNA-1? The only other part of the system already purchased is a CAL Alpha/Delta DAC-transport combination. For the pre-amp I've been leaning toward tubes, but mostly to tame the Bryston's (perceived) upper end brilliance or add a little focus for the Vandersteens. The overall characteristics of the Hales' is very close to the right sound: tight bass; not overly emphasized mid-range or treble, but not laid back, either; good timbre; smooth vocals. Which of these amps is going to lend the least amount of color to this sound? Also, any comments about putting a tube top-end into this system?