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Improve Bryston B100-SST and Totem Model 1 Sig

Hi,

I need advises to improve my 6 months old system: Bryston B100-SST, Totem Model One signature, Shanling CDS-100MkII, Kimber cable 8TC, Audioquest King cobra.

The sound is good but only with good recording Cds (Diana Krall, Patricia Barber or recent Steely Dan) but most of times dry and cold with bad CDs (70s).

Should I:

1. Change my Bryston for something warmer and more emotional, if so, which are your recommendations.(Plinius, Unico…)
2. Change my CD player for a let’s say Rega Appolo for a warmer sound.
3. 1 and 2.

I’ve listened a combo at my friend’s home: CJ CAV50, Totem Model One signature, Rega Planet. It’s incredible, hard to believe a 45wpc can make the Totems sings like heaven, unfortunally, the CAV50 are discontinued and I can’t afford higher CJ models.

My budget for a new amp: 2500$ US

I’ve tried Moon I-3 and Totem Arro (my old speakers) at store in Montreal and feel the sound a bit bright, salesman said because the Arro were not broken. Also have tried Totem Model one signature with Rega Cursa/Maia and Marantz CDP (don’t remember the model) at another store; the sound is very, very good, wonder if the combo Rega Cursa/Maia can beat my B100-SST ?

My room: 18X16
Music listened: Pop, Rock, Jazz , Blues, no classic.

Thanks
Ricki
ricki
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Having owned Bryston, I know the amps are bright. I have read that the Totems can be bright sounding...especially with the Sig's metal tweeter. Based on this, I'd wager you have a bad match. The Totems are well regarded for their sound. Bryston is well regarded for it's neutrality and warranty. I'd suggest replacing the Bryston, and I'd recommend contacting some owners of Totem Model 1 Sig loudspeakers to find out what amplification they are using with good results.

Ian White writes in his Soundstage review:
the Model 1 Signatures are somewhat difficult to drive. I used three solid-state amps that supposedly put out more than 140Wpc into a 4-ohm load, but only the YBA 2 alpha HC DT worked really well. Believe it or not, but the 30Wpc Copland CTA-501 was my favorite amplifier during the review process (even though I had to turn the dial all the way up). The Model 1 Signatures work really well with tubes.

There are some ideas. You might consider a push-pull KT88 tube integrated. Also, the Lavardin IT integrated is very well regarded. There is a used one for sale now. I have no idea how it'd work with the Totems, but I suspect it would be superior to the Bryston, considering the Lavardin's reputation as having "tube-like" characteristics.

You're not going to accomplish what you seek by changing wire.
casualhifi6f7a
1 posts
 
I'm not an expert like the guys above....but why don't you just cut to the chase and get a good quality TUBE amp?

Forget about fiddling with cables, source...getting a tube-like SS amp, just get a good tube amp!

Tubes rule!
baddabob
63 posts
 
Which Bryston(s) have you owned, Tvad?

Ricki, I am not familiar with the other parts of your system, but if you eliminate them as the problem and still feel you do not like the Bryston sound, another good SS choice would be Blue Circle. The NSCS integrated would come in at about the same retail as your Bryston. I would caution against making a jump to tubes (or SET) unless you have carefully analyzed ***all*** of the factors involved.
tvad
9,467 posts
 

10-12-06: Baddabob
Which Bryston(s) have you owned, Tvad?
4B SST and 14B SST
Post removed 
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