Amp options to bryston?

Discussion in 'Hi-Fi and General Audio' started by 4WD, Feb 10, 2007.

  1. 4WD

    4WD

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    So what are the leading options for bryston to demo? Looking for similar build quality but wondered if there is anything 'better' sounding? Thanks...
     
    4WD, Feb 10, 2007
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  2. 4WD

    anon_bb Honey Badger

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    Not really.
     
    anon_bb, Feb 10, 2007
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  3. 4WD

    lordsummit moderate mod

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    so why did you sell yours then if there's nothing better, or did nobody want them in the end :)
     
    lordsummit, Feb 10, 2007
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  4. 4WD

    anon_bb Honey Badger

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    I sold my passive pmc mb2 speakers and bryston amps as I bought an active pmc system - using bryston amps and crossovers! So there :p
     
    anon_bb, Feb 10, 2007
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  5. 4WD

    4WD

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    I have been reccommended chord as worthy of a listen. Apparently the integrated CPM models are decent. Any opinions most welcome... just need a shortlist of ideas, thanks...
     
    4WD, Feb 10, 2007
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  6. 4WD

    anon_bb Honey Badger

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    I used to own a chord spm1000b - great amps. More open than the bryston but without the attack, dynamics or killer bass.
     
    anon_bb, Feb 10, 2007
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  7. 4WD

    4WD

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    Ok thanks. I have also been told crown, parasound, belcanto are options, although am unsure if they are at the same level?
     
    4WD, Feb 10, 2007
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  8. 4WD

    anon_bb Honey Badger

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    Crown are cheap muscle amps - used by pros more than domestic users, often as bass guitar amps (well a know a band that does!). Bryston are a better bet for domestic use. I am not familiar with parasound. I used to own a bel canto dac - it was ok.
     
    anon_bb, Feb 10, 2007
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  9. 4WD

    Andy registered grazer

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    Could try McIntosh.
     
    Andy, Feb 10, 2007
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  10. 4WD

    Dev Moderator

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    There are always options Nick.

    Depending on 4WD's budget but I'd listen to Primare, Gryphon Diablo, Copland, McIntosh, Bel Canto, Crown that 4WD has already mentioned and several others.
     
    Dev, Feb 10, 2007
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  11. 4WD

    Purite Audio Purite Audio

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    ASR Emitter
     
    Purite Audio, Feb 10, 2007
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  12. 4WD

    melorib Lowrider

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    I replaced Bryston by BelCanto...
     
    melorib, Feb 14, 2007
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  13. 4WD

    Tenson Moderator

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    The only one there I would consider a worthy adversary would be Parasound. Crown actually do some pretty nice amps but I would still prefer Bryston.

    Having said all that I think the Alesis RA500 is almost as good, which is what I use now, albeit with some slight modifications. Even got similar build qualty.
     
    Tenson, Feb 14, 2007
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  14. 4WD

    bottleneck talks a load of rubbish

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    you really need to listen to some of these and decide for yourself.

    For example, I once tried a Chors SPM1200 at home (I think thats the model number), and thought it was bloody horrible. Yet, 'skywalker studios' use Chord amps - so I could well be wrong.

    Belcanto I like, but have found it hard to listen to with poor recordings, a bit too 'truthful'. Again though, many disagree and some get round it with valve pre-amps.

    The Crown K series offer incredible value for money, and more watts than you can shake a stick at. THis humble £600 amp sounded better than a £15,000 Stereophile Class A amplifier I heard when I heard them both in the same system.

    Buying blind can be perfectly acceptable if you do it second hand and cheaply because you can always sell-on.
     
    bottleneck, Feb 14, 2007
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  15. 4WD

    4WD

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    Sounds like Belcanto is going in the wrong direction of too clinical for me.

    The Alesis looks a biy too shiny and colourful for me. I prefer understated or industrial aesthetics. I appreciate it may offer decent vfm though.

    Crown look very interesting. I did a quick search and the prices seem reasonable in comparison to Bryston. Is the sound that much different? What about build quality and warranty length? Where is best to buy from - online or pro supplier etc? Will choice of supplier affect warranty like Bryston (who void warranties from unauthorised dealers). Love the power specs!...

    http://www.crownaudio.com/amp_htm/k.htm

    Parasound also look interesting. Any comments on the sound compared to Bryston and crown? Warranty length?

    http://www.parasound.com/products/mono_stereo_amplifiers.php
     
    4WD, Feb 14, 2007
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  16. 4WD

    Tenson Moderator

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    They look less Mickey-mouse in person. It is also very easy to take the front panel of and put a metal one on if you wanted. Just bypass the volume dials (which I would suggest anyway) and do away with the lights. You would end up with a plain aluminium panel (if thats what you get made) with a single red button in the middle. Or even change the button if you want. All very easy stuff.
     
    Tenson, Feb 14, 2007
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  17. 4WD

    bottleneck talks a load of rubbish

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    4wd

    the Belcanto is a digital amp, just like the Crown K2. If you don't like one, you're unlikely to like the other.

    I would describe them as clear and revealing as opposed to ruthless.

    Brystons are analogue amps, class B (as I understand). A different sound.

    You really do need to hear both.. and a few more :)
     
    bottleneck, Feb 14, 2007
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  18. 4WD

    Tenson Moderator

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    I think most solid sate amps these days are class A/B sliding-scale. i.e. they run class A for a bit and when you need more power it is done in class B.
     
    Tenson, Feb 14, 2007
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  19. 4WD

    Antony

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    Yep. Bloody awful.
     
    Antony, Feb 14, 2007
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  20. 4WD

    rollo

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    If you can check out older Classe units say DR25 or DR15.Sounded better on my Maggies than Bryston 4B.
    However this is subjective and preamp dependent as well.
    rollo
     
    rollo, Feb 14, 2007
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