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Amp upgrade from Bryston 4B

I currently have Thiel 3.6s main speakers driven by an older Bryston 4B amp that has been a good match. I have been considering upgrading the Bryston 4B amp to used Bryston 7B mono blocks(?) However, the Bryston 7B amps have had mixed on-line reviews. Any other recommended amp upgrade recommendations in the $5K used range that would be a good match for the current Thiel 3.6 speakers and potential future Thiel 3.7 speaker upgrades?

OTHER EQUIPMENT: I am setting up a 5.1 surround system with an existing Rotel 985 5 ch amp to drive Thiel SCS4 center and Higherplane 1.2 rear surround speakers. I am currently using an Outlaw Audio 995 processor in bypass mode for 2.1 stereo listening.
dal0wol

Showing 6 responses by dave_72

dave_72
1,399 posts
 
I would upgrade to Class A solid state. Pass Labs, Accuphase, etc. The difference is not subtle.

I'm going to move out of 4B-land (I have the SST model)and into a Class A amp myself. The Bryston is good but not spectacular.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Spectron...looks interesting. But, it can't be better than a Class A amp, true?
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Hi Hasse,

As a matter of fact I have, not side by side though.

Anyway, the Pass Labs Class A amps are arguably better built, are more musical, and are more dynamic. I believe they can drive lower impedances better too.

If you have a Pass Labs dealer in your area, have a listen and see.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Can you get to one out of your area? Pass Labs is a nice friendly company that'll steer you in the right direction if need be.

Imo, the XA100.5 will blow away the 7/14B SST2.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
I believe some say the 14B sounds better. Don't hold me to that, however. According to Bryston, the 7B has more capacitance than the 14B, plus you can run shorter speaker cable, always a plus in my book.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Or SST2, that's not a bad, and cheaper, idea as well. But stuff like Pass Labs is in another league.
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