Bryston speakers

DEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Customer Feedback - Bryston Model T Passive Speakers

From: B67
Sent: Sunday, May 26 2013

“Good morning James,

Just a few observations from the first few hours with the Bryston Model T speakers. I haven’t had nearly enough time with them but in my experience what we perceive in the first little while dosen’t tend to change too much. For sure James they really are quite unlike anything I have owned.

Firstly, these are very warm and musical speakers in the best possible way whilst they reflect all that is happening in a recording they do not do it in a cold or clinical way this is far preferable over “audiophile” speakers and the recent trend to tilt the treble up in an etched manner. The bass is indeed well extended and “quick” transients are preserved and well served. I have measured useful response down to 20hz, indeed these are full range speakers. The highs at first caused me some puzzlement I was not sure I was getting the full measure of the treble. This was put to rest while listening to some of my reference classical pieces. High frequency instruments such as bells were placed PROPERLY in the soundstage while other speakers tended to push them forward. While I do not think this is the most refined tweeter, most apparent on rock recording and cymbals, I believe it is a perfect match for these speakers and their overall coherence which is about as good as it gets in dynamic speakers. In terms of dynamic range one of your stated goals was to limit compression and I think this goal has been met. No speaker has unlimited dynamics as we know but the Model T is certainly in the top tier of this parameter indeed full range symphony recordings are superbly reproduced this is a great speaker for fans of Mahler’s somewhat overwrought symphonies. Susskind’s reading of Jupiter from Holst’s Planets (listening in DSD) is a true joy to listen to on these speakers.

The sound-staging is a revelation in this size speaker and price point. Depth is rendered in a wonderful manner and the layering within that depth is appropriate, well sized and accurate. This is a true revelation as other speakers the equal of these are at a much higher price point sometime 3 to 4 times as much. What you have achieved, re your design goals, will be a game changer James. As these become better known there will be a lot of sleepless nights for speaker designers and marketing departments in those other companies. Kudos to you sir.

To sum up these are superb transducers that punch well above their rather silly cheap price point. These speakers have the potential to truly shake up the high end industry and THAT is something that is long overdue.”
 
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From: Mark Jones
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 9:25 PM
To: James Tanner
Subject: Re: Passive/active demo

Hi James,

Thanks for the Passive vs Active demo of the Model T speaker.

Again like I said the demo proved how insanely good the passive Model T's are. They are the best speaker in the world for the money period.

The active version was more transparent. I felt I could walk between, reach out, and touch the musicians. The bass was deeper, tighter, and more controlled.

Both passive and active image like crazy. So not much diff there.

The positive attributes of the active system came with perhaps a small compromise, a less user-friendly tonal balance for nasty recordings. But hey, aren't audiophiles gonna buy these things, that's always been part of the package if you want the ultimate in performance.

Maybe by offering the user a bad recording (or customizable) switch on the front panel of the x-over would give the user the best of both worlds.

Mark Jones
Whitby Audio Video
 
From: Dan Churchill
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013
To: [email protected]


Hi there,

I continue to be astounded by the performance of the Model T, even in my sub-par configuration.

Having passed the "get them working as quickly as possible" stage, I'm starting to make adjustments.

Thanks again for all of your efforts in helping me personally, and in developing the Model T in general! Much appreciated!

Dan
 
Hi James

Dear God these just keep getting better, better I tells ya!

With about 50 more hours on the Model T speakers the midrange has gained transparency they now have that " in the room quality" that great speakers have. I don't think quite to the quality of the Salon2s or Avalon ISIS but those speakers while having extremely revealing mids also lack a bit of the warmth that live music has, the Model T has this "live music quality".

The Revel Salon2 have a very clinical sound that may measure well but strips music of emotion. This makes the Bryston a more involving speaker that will serve the person who actually attends live acoustic concerts more than audiophiles who favour an etched musical quality that doesn't exist in reality.
Comparing the Bryston to a three times more expensive speaker may strike one as odd but the Revel is a known quantity for many people and frankly the minimum standard that one should be comparing the Model T to.

At first the highs seemed to almost be shelved especially noticeable in cymbals and the bells however the highs are much more apparent now and while it's not the most refined tweeter, I prefer the ISOTAR and the KEF co-ax driver used in the Blade and LS50, it's a very good tweeter and matches perfectly with this speaker. The leading edge seems to be slightly favoured over the decay of cymbals.

The soundstaging is superb our room is 22x16x10 and I can get almost wall to wall, floor to ceiling soundstaging on certain tracks. The oddest thing is for speakers this large nothing really seems pinned to the speakers but seems to emanate from a 3 dimensional space.

Bass has changed the least I am getting 20Hz about -6dB down which gives the proper underpinning for almost any music, on some organ music the last octave is somewhat diminished but this is really inconsequential as these speakers are truly full range.Bass is quick, extended and well defined.

Lastly, low level detail is quite good, one of my tests is Al Stewart's "Flying Sorcery" which has a punch-in on the second verse that is not always apparent on speakers and it's quite obvious on these. In the same cut there's a very soft keyboard wash in the second verse that many speakers tend to slight and again it's reproduced here at the proper level.

The Brystons have a coherence and rightness about them that is very rare in highly resolving speakers. Highly recommended and a must audition in their price range and much higher.

System Amps: Pass Labs X250.5 and Conrad Johnson CA-200 Integrated Amplifier, Preamp: VTL 5.5, DAC: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC, Cables: Various Kimber and Cardas.

Nick
 
Hi Folks,

Please see below link for a new review on the Bryston Model T speaker In Soundstage Magazine. It is encouraging to see a magazine review that includes extensive objective measurements to go along with the reviewers subjective opinion.

SoundStage! Hi-Fi | SoundStageHiFi.com | Bryston Model T Loudspeakers

Please pay special attention to this link below showing the superb anechoic measurements of the Model T taken at the NRC in Ottawa.

SoundStageNetwork.com | SoundStage.com | NRC Measurements: Bryston Model T Loudspeakers

Soundstage tells me these are excellent measurements at any price point but at Bryston price points they are exceptional! The reviewer also told me that the Model T measured better (flatter) than any other speaker he has tested in his listening room.

Regards,
James
 
Customer Feedback - Model T

Sent: Saturday, June 01, 2013
To: James Tanner
Subject: Re: Model T

Hi James

"Dude! Listening to Bill Berry and His Ellington All-Stars: For Duke [M&K Realtime Records] with peaks above 105dB on my Model T’s …. not a word of a lie the BAND is here with us.

A transcendent experience from one the Hi Fi salon regulars from the 70s"


Hi There

Yes I do not think people realize how much dynamic compression their speakers have until you listen to something like the Model T.... which does not!!!

James
 
Hi Fi Reviews

Bryston Model T: Can't Get Enough Of It

The more I listen to it, the more I am falling in love with the Bryston Model T speakers.

A bunch of hifi enthusiasts were invited to this event today words like excellent separation, balanced and superb sounding are just some of the praises coming out from the audience.

Songs after songs and people just wanted more.

Great atmosphere, great people, great music, great speakers...

Now need to find time to demo that Mini Model T....
 
From: Dan Churchill
Sent: Friday, June 07, 2013 11:16 PM
To: James Tanner

BRYSTON MODEL T SPEAKER REPORT

James, I just don’t know what else to say about my Model T’s !!!!

They are simply so natural sounding that I am frequently caught looking around the room/house to see who made the noise. I can’t just “tune-out” from a T.V. show or movie anymore because I can’t tell what’s part of the sound-track and what’s actually in the house.

Very surreal at times. :-)

Dan
 
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers June 2013
SUBJECT: Bryston Speakers - Dealer Feedback

Hi Folks – Q & A – Bryston Loudspeakers

QUESTION: “James do you have the info on which dealers in the South USA have the Bryston speakers....? ”

Mav

ANSWER:

“I am a dealer located in the South. I am located in Mobile, AL if anyone would like to contact me to give a listen to the Bryston Mini Ts send a message me a pm or contact me at [email protected] are simply astounding!

The full sound, super wide sound stage, depth and clarity that you have to hear to believe. From Arman van Buuran, to Diana Krall, to ZZ Top, it handles any genre. Effortless, musical, eager to perform.

Now that you've heard my personal opinion, please contact me and I will gladly share what my ears have discovered. I'm sure you will agree once you hear them. I couldn't stop smiling. Oh, BTW, they look great too!”

ENGULFAUDIO - Bryston Dealer
 
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The Model T is every bit as good (and then some) as you've read but the one that really gets my amps hot is the Middle T but I'll be damned if I can find a place with in a 100km to hear it.

The other two are so good I'm hoping the Middle T doesn't become an orphan.

Dave Herman
 
To: [email protected]
Subject: Bryston Mini T speakers


Hi James

Ashley of Smith’s Audio in Lethbridge thought you would appreciate my impressions of my recently purchased Bryston Mini T speaker.

The Mini T has lots of bass. It should be a big hit with young buyers and as well with geezers like me. In general terms I think the Mini T sounds good and so does my wife who has described it as smooth and beautiful sounding. It sounds good to me too. It has a room filling sound that does a good job of mimicking a live performance in a good way. They really rock at higher than usual volumes. Tom Petty and ZZ Top. Wow! Classical music never sounds strained either. Vivaldi! Smooth as silk! I’m glad I made the purchase.

In terms of appearance the Mini T’s looks great with the rosewood finish. The covers are the best I’ve ever had for convenience of removing and replacing.

You should know that Smith’s audio is a classy audio dealer. Selling Bryston products through them is an asset to Bryston.

I appreciate your “ listening “ to me. I’m a Bryston fan and use a BCD-1, BDA-1 DAC and BP100 Amp to drive my Mini T’s. It’s a great combination.

Happy listening,

Tony Collins
Cranbrook, BC
 
Nice feedback from a potential Model T owner:

From: Carlos
Sent: June-14
To: [email protected]
Subject: Model T Speakers

I am interested on the Bryston Model T speakers and I would like to ask you what is the MSRP for them?

I see in several webpages it is $6,500 USD, but the current quote I have is for $7,000 USD.

Thanks



Hi Carlos

They come in 2 versions. The Model T with built in crossover and the Model T Signature with an external crossover.

The Model T is $6495 US a pair and the Model T Signature is $7495 US a pair in vinyl. Wood is $1000 extra for the pair.

Do you have a PDF of the literature?

James



From: Carlos
Subject: RE: Model T Speakers

James,

I appreciate the info. I downloaded the PDF from your website.

I am heading down to the dealer now, Audio Emporium, Milwaukee. I want to get these speakers ASAP.

I auditioned these speakers and they are just wonderful. They are fantastic, I was about to pull the trigger on a pair of pre owned 802 from B&W, but the T 's are fantastic


Regards.
Carlos
 
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Customer Feedback


Hi Folks – nice comments from a Bryston Model T customer responding to a question on a speaker forum.


“Hey Zissou,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but in your thread at AH you claimed to have owned these in the past: Wilson Audio Sophia 1 , Wilson Audio Watt Puppy 7, Revel Salon, Revel Salon2. You also alluded to owning others like the Linkwitz Orion, KEF 207/2-- or at least spending time with them. Impressive. The Revel Salon2 speakers are regarded as some of the best speakers in the world by many...... especially for accuracy and neutrality.

Here are my questions for you; in your opinion, do the Bryston Model T's outperform the "best speaker in the world" or is it based on value for dollar you make the "revelation" statement?”


“Hi,

Yes I have owned those as well as the Magnepan MG20.1. Firstly there is no "best speaker in the world" by their very design they are imperfect devices and every design is a series of trade offs and strengths that culminate in the final product. The Brystons have a set of strengths that I have not heard in any other full range, multispeaker system.

I certainly have not heard the best speaker in the world and truly doubt I ever will, that is if there is one it could change tomorrow. The Bryston Model T’s more than competes with anything I have owned, if they didn't they would have been sold off and I would have moved on. Their coherence and sound-staging abilities differentiate them from the other speakers I have owned whilst retaining their strengths.

This makes them a revelation and their price point and makes this level of performance more accessible to more people. This in and of itself makes these a game changer.

Zissou”
 
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers June 2013
SUBJECT: Bryston Speaker Surround System

Hi Folks,

Another Recently Installed Super Sounding Bryston System.

System includes: Bryston Model T.s front left and right with Bryston Model T Center up front. Surrounds are Model T’s and rears are mini t’s. Two Bryston 6BSST2 amplifiers, Bryston BDP-1 Digital Player and Bryston BDA-1 DAC.

Video is 80"sharp for regular TV watching and above is a motorized 165" 2.35:1 Stewart film screen for a theatre experience.
 

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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Customer Feedback

From: Carlos Villa
Sent: Monday, June 24
Subject: RE: Model T Speakers

James,

I have not been able to spend as much time as I wish with the new model T speakers, but on my first impressions I could tell you that they are amazing!

IMG_3638lr.jpg

The level of detail these speakers brought to my system is unbelievable, I was listening to Diana Krall DVD "Live from Paris" and it was fantastic to hear so many details I had never heard (I've owed that DVD for at least 7 years!). There is a track where she does a piano solo, and with these speakers my system was able to reproduce the "wood on wood" sound the piano keys when she strike the keys harder, like if I was sitting 10 feet from the piano!

Another great improvement was perceived in the turntable/vinyl area. The image is impressive, and it gave an air of fullness specially to instruments like Sax, trumpets, and bass. The voice became so real to the point that it is hard to believe.

Overall the bass response is outstanding, so evenly distributed across all low frequencies. I cannot wait until I get a real set of amplifiers (like the 7BSST's), I can only imagine the improvements these will bring in.

Thanks a lot for these great speakers!

Carlos.
 
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers June 2013
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T – Dealer Feedback

Hi, James

Had some time over the week end to give the Middle T's a listen , I must say I am very impressed .

I started off with one of Taj Mahal’s early recordings , I've been listening to this recording for over 40 years now, though I had heard it all ,but the Middle T,s managed to give that old recording new life, even through the tape hiss, over done bass and cutting lathe rumble the music had a spooky sense of presence, even the bass was better controlled with out compromising of depth .

On Howling wolf,s London sessions I could swear I heard one of the musician,s cursing in the background. I love the fact that these speakers maintain a sense of presents without being harsh , switching to my reference speakers my wife immediately complained that the sound was edgy. Listening to nine inch nails "Hurt" was a ball, the combination of big bass and dynamics is diaper filling fun. Listening to the Johnny Cash version of that song you could hear every glass of whiskey he drank and every cigarette he smoked.

If you have been starving for dynamic slam with no pain these are the speakers for you. Oh and C.Saint Saens "Le carneval des Animaux "was mesmerizing.

Well better get some work done cuz I see a new pair of speakers in my future.


Well done James.

Gary
Bryston Dealer
 
To: Rich Jackson
Subject: Re: Model T Reaction

Rich,

Thank you for the audition of the Bryston Model T’s. I had so much fun listening to the new model Ts.

#4.jpg

My biggest reaction was simply that Bryston managed to deliver a product of this quality at such a low price point -- very impressive! In a largely mechanical device like a speaker or turntable, sometime a certain design just clicks, has a certain magic. That is clearly the case with the Model T. It's not a revolutionary design, but the performance for the money certainly is revolutionary.

In terms of their sound, I thought their sound-staging was outstanding: wide, tall and very deep and three dimensional. Another big impression was the quality of the bass; so tight and well defined. Overall a delightful and well-rounded speaker system.

Yay Bryston!


Jon
Sierra Nevada Audiophile Society
 
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