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Best Value in Used Bryston Amps and Monoblocks

As a long time fan of Magnepan's, I have always wanted to try Bryston amps, especially their monoblocks which are rumoured to be a very good match for my speakers, and have also been recommended by Magneplanar over the years, albeit off the record.

What I can't figure out, however, is the logic to the Bryston product line, where there is value in the used market, or which version or vintage I might buy for a reasonable price.

I can't tell which ones are monoblocks vs single chassis stereo amps, I don't care about "THX" designations or multi channel and I don't know what "SST" means.

From time to time, I will see a SINGLE monoblock for sale, which I keep in mind for my next mono system, or perhaps when I want a mismatched, high powered center channel.

I find weird ads which supposedly have brand new, never opened, but 5 years old "NOS" (new old stock) which I suppose were obtained through a time machine or recovered from a sunken ship in perfect shape.

Then I find ads for what look like basically new ones, which are suprisingly expensive, or battle scarred old amps with faceplates so scratched they look like they were traded in a drug deal and ended up in a pawn shop.

I read good things about Bryston's customer service, but every time I have reached out to them to try and better understand this, I get more than a whiff of we really don't care if you buy our products or not attitude, despite the fact that there is no dealer in my area.

So in summary, can someone please explain the history of these amps, which ones sound best, and what vintage might represent the best value in today's market?

I don't have a set budget, but thinking I would sell my Levinson 23.5 for $2-2500, so < $3K would be great.

Thank you,

cwlondon
cwlondon
cwlondon OP
1,198 posts
 
Thanks everyone so far.

I have been very happy with my 23.5 and that was also recommended by a Magneplanar expert as "the best amp he ever heard with Tympanis".

I have never had a problem with it, but servicing it has become more difficult apparently, so the reliability of the Brystons was another consideration.

I have always heard that whatever the merits of Bryston amps, they had a special synergy with Magnepans.

Ultimately, actively biamping Tympanis is supposedly the way to go, where the Bryston monoblocks and crossovers could be used on the bass panels - another reason for my inquiry.
rwwear
2,692 posts
 
It's truly a shame how Levinson(Harman) treats their customers.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I bought the Magnipan 3.6/Bryston 4B-SST2 combo. I auditioned them becuse it was 'the' synergy combo to get, and after auditioning at local dealer, agreed.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Magnepan has shown their speakers with Bryston numerous times, if my memory serves me right. If they can choose pretty much any electronics manufacturer and choose Bryston on a regular basis, that says something.
blindjim
2,837 posts
 
Rcrerar

Sorry.

thinking more on it I believe you're right... the CDP was a two piece item comprised of a Sony & a Phillips. Which was the player and which was the DAC I don't recall.

Both were silver in color and one was far taller than the other resembling the boxy SCD 1, so that stuck in my mind and likely was why I said SCD 1 in error.

My bad... but to recall such a intriguing sound from that far back says something too. it may well ahve been a bit past 1990 too, though not by much. '92?
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