So I’ve started step one of the process: purchasing the Bryston 4B3 and breaking it in (at about 80 hours in now). I have a 30-day return window which is very helpful.
Next weekend I will be borrowing a McIntosh C2600 and MC452 (they don’t have a demo 462 yet) to compare against the Bryston.
Have to say that so far I’m impressed with the Bryston 4B3, even though it’s not fully broken in. It just does all of the basics very well, including having good dynamics, neutrality, and pace and timing. Bass is also not lacking at all. It’s amazing how much the transparency and soundstage have developed in 80 hours.
I see how others have said elsewhere, that this could be a fatiguing amp over extended listening periods. It is not harsh at all, but there is definitely a forward presentation. But not bright. More just in your face on the surface presentation, as others have put it. But that no-fuss approach works for me. I don’t mind it being possibly fatiguing since it is also very engaging musically.
I imagine the other candidates, especially The Gryphon Diablo 300, will beat the Bryston and Mac when I get to them, in more advanced areas such as 3D soundstaging. But I have to say I’m getting attached to the Bryston 4B3 already! And I can’t discount the highly supportive company and 20 year warranty. Especially considering what it would cost to ship the Gryphon to Denmark for an out of warranty repair after Gryphon’s 3 year warranty period.....
Will provide updates after comparing the MC452 this weekend. Until then my family is suffering the constant audio from breaking in the Bryston (at a lower volume, playing TV audio).
Next weekend I will be borrowing a McIntosh C2600 and MC452 (they don’t have a demo 462 yet) to compare against the Bryston.
Have to say that so far I’m impressed with the Bryston 4B3, even though it’s not fully broken in. It just does all of the basics very well, including having good dynamics, neutrality, and pace and timing. Bass is also not lacking at all. It’s amazing how much the transparency and soundstage have developed in 80 hours.
I see how others have said elsewhere, that this could be a fatiguing amp over extended listening periods. It is not harsh at all, but there is definitely a forward presentation. But not bright. More just in your face on the surface presentation, as others have put it. But that no-fuss approach works for me. I don’t mind it being possibly fatiguing since it is also very engaging musically.
I imagine the other candidates, especially The Gryphon Diablo 300, will beat the Bryston and Mac when I get to them, in more advanced areas such as 3D soundstaging. But I have to say I’m getting attached to the Bryston 4B3 already! And I can’t discount the highly supportive company and 20 year warranty. Especially considering what it would cost to ship the Gryphon to Denmark for an out of warranty repair after Gryphon’s 3 year warranty period.....
Will provide updates after comparing the MC452 this weekend. Until then my family is suffering the constant audio from breaking in the Bryston (at a lower volume, playing TV audio).