McCormack DNA-1- improvement over Bryston 3B NRB?


I just purchased a preowned pair of Paradigm Studio 100 v.2 speakers (and despite the mixed reviews these get in the forums here, I love them), and despite the fact that my trusty Bryston 3B NRB that I've had for 10+ years drives them with no problem and sounds just fine (125w into 8 ohms), I've really got the bug in me to get a more refined, and possibly more powerful amp. Would a McCormack DNA-1 fit the bill? If not, what would be some good recommendations? Is it the ideal approach to try to acquire a higher wattage amp? Thanks, Will

System:
Rega P25 turntable w/ RB600 tonearm
Dynavector Karat 17D3 cartridge
PS Audio Phonolink (soon to be replaced by Heed Quasar phono pre)
VTL TL2.5 preamp
Bryston 3B NRB
Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.2 speakers
Gabriel Gold interconnects
Wireworld Equinox III++ speaker cable
XLO reference series type 10 power cable (on phono pre)
Purist Audio Design Dominus power cable (on preamp)
DCCA Reference Master power cable (on amp)
will_herrera

Showing 1 response by soix

I drove the Studio 100 v3s with my McCormack 0.5 Rev. A and had no problem -- they were a great match. If you buy a used McCormack buy it with the A Revision -- a much better amp and a much better value. That said, I'd take a 0.5 Rev. A over a stock DNA-1, as I think the Studios will appreciate and reward the higher quality much more than the increased power. Of course if you can swing the DNA-1 Rev. A...

Can't speak to Bryston yet, but I'm auditioning a 2B SST in my system shortly and will report on character differences w/ my 0.5 if it's helpful.