I owned a 4B SST and a 14B SST. In my experience with aftermarket power cords, none made any significant difference with the Bryston amps. Save your money and re-allocate it to other areas of your system.
Better power cord for Bryston
I don't have an aftermarket power cord for my 4BSST. I have considered several, but never pulled the trigger. I love my Audience power cord, but was told a syn. res. master coupler would be better for the amp. Opinions?
System:
Maggie 1.6
Bryston 4BSST
DeHavilland Ultra Verve w/upgraded caps
Shanling CDT 100 w/ upgraded tubes - JPS digital ac
All remaining cords are Audience Au24s - Richard Gray
System:
Maggie 1.6
Bryston 4BSST
DeHavilland Ultra Verve w/upgraded caps
Shanling CDT 100 w/ upgraded tubes - JPS digital ac
All remaining cords are Audience Au24s - Richard Gray
16 responses Add your response
I just bought a 4B ST and it sounds just superb w/the stock PC. I bought some used Blue Circle power cords, model 61 and 62, and it made a huge improvement w/the Bryston BP-25 Pre-amp. (The smaller 14ga. used w/the pre.) The larger guage BC 62 I'm using on a B&K ST 1200 which made a huge improvement as well.) I'm tempted to try this cord on the 4B-ST, but honestly, the amp sounds so good I highly doubt it will make that much of a difference. If it does, I'll be late alot more often for work! Anyway, I'm very impressed my these two cords. |
I usually agree with the snake oil warnings, too - unless there is a real logical/scientific reason that a product should make a difference. There is an excellent, priced-within-reach power cord that might actually add performance - the Granite Audio 560. It has Double Toroid EMI & RFI Filters (one at each end), is hand built in the U.S., and is shipped already 80% burned-in (so no lame excuses for it's out of the box performance.) Granite gives you a 30 day no questions asked in-home trial. If there's no audible improvement, you can return it (less shipping and credit card fees, if any). Here's a reasonably objective review: http://www.stereotimes.com/cables020402.shtm or the Granite Audio description: http://www.graniteaudio.com/cable/page5.html I'm not affiliated in any way. I have bought one of their Preamps and and one of their power cords here on Audiogon (by posting a Wanted ad and being patient) and think they make great products. |
Despite the naysayers and even Bryston's recommendations, an aftermarket power cord can make a big diffeence in what you hear. I've tried several - Harmonic Tech, DiMarzio, Silver Audio - but have found the best for my 4BST to be the Analysis Plus Power Oval which gives the 4BST greater dynamics. It is an audible and positive difference. It's worth a try to see if you hear a difference that you like. |
I own 3B SST and I talked to Bryston about this... It's not that they are saying that using their stock PC is the best. What they say is that you are not going to gain much by spending $$$ on PC. They say, any good 14AWG with IEC will do good. I lost my stock PC, so I'm in search of a 'good 14AWG(or better) with IEC' PC... I'll probably search my email and post it here. |
I'm in search of a 'good 14AWG(or better) with IEC'Volex 17604...$6...from Carleton-Bates.com or the Absolute Power Cord...$50...from GTT Audio. |
Golly, you're right Boa2. They checked out fine when I previewed the post. Here they are again: Volex power cords and Absolute Power Cord |
BTW, I never claimed to be of the opinion that power cords have no affect on all equipment, but I am of the opinion that they had no appreciable influence on my Bryston amps. The same thing applies to my First Sound Presence Deluxe II preamp...no power cord has ever made a significant improvement over the First Sound's stock power cord. I believe this has much to do with the quality of the First Sound's external power supply and massive capacitors providing over 180,000 mfd of capacitance. |
IMO unless you buy a pc like opalchip suggested your spending just to be spending,if you want to see if a better pc will do anything just go to best buy & buy the biggest peice of shit pc they have for under $5 & try it against your stock pc before you buy anything aftermarket. save your cash to buy gear with not snake oil. mike. |