[Downsize]

I know I am on a Bryston forum, and am loading myself in the breech LOL.

But I wonder if anyone has owned both the 4B SST2 and the McCormack DNA-500 ?  I am wondering what kind of sonic differences a person can expect between the two of these amplifiers ?

Thanks

[Sasha]

I know I am on a Bryston forum, and am loading myself in the breech LOL.

But I wonder if anyone has owned both the 4B SST2 and the McCormack DNA-500 ?  I am wondering what kind of sonic differences a person can expect between the two of these amplifiers ?

Thanks

I have compared 4B SST to DNA-250 in my system.
These two amplifiers were as much apart as I have ever heard.
DNA-250 was very colored, kind of syrupy and slow is what comes to mind, not unlike some tube amplifier, even more exaggerated in that direction. My impressions were matched by 2 other pairs of ears.
DNA-250 went back, I kept 4B SST for a while then changed to 7B SST. 7B SST were noticeably better than 4B SST, and were, beside some Howland and Halcro amps, the best I have heard.
Have heard 7B SST2 with my former speakers, but not in my system.

[vegasdave]

Thanks for the report. A lot of people brag about that McCormick. It sounds like just another colored amp, true?

[Sasha]

Thanks for the report. A lot of people brag about that McCormick. It sounds like just another colored amp, true?

Yes, DNA-250 was very colored, I remember my very first impression, it was so different that at first I thought I did not use the same track, tonality was so much off. I did not hear DNA-500 but after hearing its sibling I did not want to invest time trying to get it for audition. I too was intrigued by rave reviews. No point to pay much attention to reviews that do not have measurements. I learned that if you are looking for a component the best approach is to make a small selection of components that measure well and then pick from that with your ears.

[vegasdave]

I see, that makes sense. Yes, measurements are important.