Bryston SST, McCormack DNA, or Parasound Halo?


Hi everyone. I'm looking to step into speakers world from headphones world. The speakers will most likely be a pair of Usher BE-718. I'm considering Bryston 2B- and 3B-SST; Parasound Halo A-21 and A-23; or McCormack DNA-125 and 225. I'm not sure if I'll need more than the 100-125 watts the lower-rated amps in each line provide, but the better headphone amps are almost always over-built, so I thought maybe speaker amps are similar in that way.
BTW I'll use the Benchmark DAC1 USB to drive the power amp.
chenc

Showing 1 response by oddiofyl

I listened to the 2bsst and the 3bsst and they were both nice but I went with the McCormack DNA 125 and have no regrets. The 125 is perfect for a high performance monitor, for larger speakers the 225 would be a good choice. I thought the Brystons were thin sounding but these things are system dependant so auditioning is best.

I have the 125 and RLD 1 pre and really like the way they sound in my system. The 125 replaced an Anthem Amp 1 tube amp which was a great sounding amp but the McCormack is better plus it doesn't even break a sweat with low impedance speakers like a tube amp will. Spearit Sound in Boston has demo 125s and will also give a good deal on new.