Bryston Amps, sound charachter differences?

Rayooo

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Apr 5, 2013
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When considering Bryston Amplifiers, from a standpoint of the individual models actual sound character, is there a good reason to pick one over another?

In my case, I'd never need anywhere near the power capability of the 28B monos, but, is the 28Bs sound character, all that much different from say a 14B Stereo model?

If there were an argument that when operated well within their power range, the 14B and 28Bs sound virtually identical, then I'd save a few $$ and go with the 14, if on the other hand, if an argument is to be made that the 28s "sound different" then the 28s would possibly justify themselves from not only a power output perspective.

Or maybe, just maybe I'm going about this "summer amp" idea all wrong. is it time to go Class D?

Wouldn't that be an interesting combo, Class D in the summer, big nasty tube amps in the winter. :lol:
 
They all have a similar sound characteristic. But as you creep up the chain you get a lot more "iron fist in velvet glove" type of experience. Even with the lowest listening levels on small speakers, the 28b's had extraordinary dynamics and control.

If it is "in budget" - just get the 28s. You won't regret it.
 
+1

Stay away from Class D.



They all have a similar sound characteristic. But as you creep up the chain you get a lot more "iron fist in velvet glove" type of experience. Even with the lowest listening levels on small speakers, the 28b's had extraordinary dynamics and control.

If it is "in budget" - just get the 28s. You won't regret it.
 
Ray,

How loud do you play your speakers? We will have to talk :) I have an idea.
 
not sure if I'm normal or not, but my listening level seldom gets loud at all. my sense has always been that a good stout 200 wpc amplifier would be more than enough, and in reality cover 99.9% of my listening.

hence the question, why would I need 28B monoblocks when they'd be running at 50watts or less 95% of the time.

PS got the call, the ART had a component failure associated with V10. it was identified and fixed. (that's good, as ya always worry about the call that starts with: "sorry, but we can't replicated the problem ...."
 

They are for sure on my short list... I'm so anxious to get music back (hopefully Friday) I'm only thinking about being able to listen to music again Friday night!

...I was speaking to a friend, (Normal person, not a lunatic fringe audiophile person) I was telling her "I have no music" she of course said: "what? how can you not be able to listen to music" I said.. "well, there's fast food, which is nice on occasion..but one still needs a candlelight dinner, wine, great food, ambiance etc." ...I've been "listening fast food" ever since I shipped the ART out, I'm way over due for a nice Dinner. Na, she didn't get it, 'still thinks I'm a whack.
 
They are for sure on my short list... I'm so anxious to get music back (hopefully Friday) I'm only thinking about being able to listen to music again Friday night!

...I was speaking to a friend, (Normal person, not a lunatic fringe audiophile person) I was telling her "I have no music" she of course said: "what? how can you not be able to listen to music" I said.. "well, there's fast food, which is nice on occasion..but one still needs a candlelight dinner, wine, great food, ambiance etc." ...I've been "listening fast food" ever since I shipped the ART out, I'm way over due for a nice Dinner. Na, she didn't get it, 'still thinks I'm a whack.
Lmao!!!! We all understand that analogy, but I'm sure normal people wouldn't .
I love it!!! :D
 
Hi Rayooo,

All the Bryston amplifiers use the same circuit topology so the only thing that changes from model to model is the size of the power supply and the number of output transistors per channel.

The best option is to try and match the capabilities of the amplifier to the speaker load and efficiency needed. Think of it like matching a car engine to a car based on how it will be used. The sonic characteristics of an amplifier has to be taken into context based on what speaker it is driving. If the amplifier is having difficulty with the load (say the 3B SST) then it will sound different than an amplifier like the 28B that just does not care what the load is.

Also transients in music can demand 10 times the power on short term burst than the average power being used and when you factor in the load requirements and possible drive complexities of the loudspeaker extra power is always helpful.

Hope this helps.

james
 
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