There is certainly a difference in sound. I think both companies make excellent amps. It's hard to beat Mcintosh for resale value. Bryston does pretty well too. My wife loves the look of Mcintosh and ask me to buy them as well. The sound of the Mac stuff is so smooth and relaxing and I have grown very accustom to that now. Of course you know that your speakers will mate well with a Mcintosh amp. I have heard the 1.2K but not the 28sst. The 1.2k is a great amp.
