Which would you pick and why? These are the 2 amps under $10k that I'm considering. Thank you for your time. 
Bryston 14BSST2 vs. McIntosh MC452
- Thread starter Dave_A
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Which would you pick and why? These are the 2 amps under $10k that I'm considering. Thank you for your time.
FYI. Sorry, I have heard neither. However, there are 2 sets of Bryston 28BSST2 monos on Audiogon asking 11-12K for the set. For that extra 1-2K, and a 20-year warranty that should have at least 15-17 years left...one of the units is supposedly new...I would probably go for that given the incredibly positive feedback on this particular mono.
Totally understand. You might try this: pay for Seller to send to Bryston. If Bryston confirms its in good shape and confirms the warranty will transfer to you, pay the seller and have Bryston ship directly to you. If Bryston says its a fake or broken, etc...have Seller pay for shipping it back to him. This way, it keeps the Seller honest because he's got to go thru braindamage of shipping to Bryston, plus pay for it to come right back if it is a broken unit. Plus, you get security from Bryston directly on your unit plus probably a 15-17 year warranty. Plus one of the units on AGon says it is new...it may be a Bryston dealer selling his demo unit which should also be okay. And of course, you get their legendary flagship for a lot less. Just a thought. Your call and pls let us know what you decide. Good luck.
Thanks. I understand. That is true, I can't deny that. I know I can get a good discount from a pro audio dealer on new. I bought my 4BSST amp through one 6-7 years ago at I believe 30-40 percent off. The only thing is, you're stuck with the old style black faceplate. No real big deal, as Bryston isn't a flashy amp like McIntosh even with the silver faceplates. I will let you know. Like I said in the other thread, I'm gonna need it!
Which would you pick and why? These are the 2 amps under $10k that I'm considering. Thank you for your time.
What speakers do you have? What preamp do you have? How big is your room?
Mc amps always have great resale. And the 452/601's are the new Mc sound (which is better IMO).
Ok, here's my entire system on Audiogon. Some of you may have seen it before. And my room is 15 x 20.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vdone&1359061892
Dave - after reviewing your system, my answer would be: neither.
I would get a Mc 275 mk.VI or some other gorgeous sounding tube amp. Maybe an older VAC. Maybe a Carver 180.
I'm not sure the advantages of moving from the 4BSST2 to a 14BSST2 would be worth it. The Mc would give you a different sound. Probably better given your speakers.
But if it was me? Tubes with those speakers - all day long. If you're adversed to tubes, then a Pass XA30.5 or XA60.5 if you want to go for a bit more juice.
Mike
Let's forget the tubes and the Pass stuff, thanks. I'm looking for more oomph, more speed and more detail. The Bryston 4B isn't giving me enough. I know the speakers have a high sensitivity, but they can handle high power, no problem.
Anyway, back to Bryston vs. McIntosh. What kind of different sound would the McIntosh give me?
Thanks again.
The Bryston will give you the oomph but neither will give you more speed and more detail.
With your stuff just plopped on the floor nothing would be better for you to do than get some appropriate speaker and equipment stands and start to place your speakers in your room....
With your stuff just plopped on the floor nothing would be better for you to do than get some appropriate speaker and equipment stands and start to place your speakers in your room....
Ok, what would give me speed and detail, in your opinion.
I don't need speaker stands, the tweeters are the same height as my ears. The speakers are 42-43" high and on spikes.
Maybe equipment stands for the cd and preamp, but the turntable is on a very sturdy and heavy table.
The speakers are in the room far enough. They perform better near the back wall. They are approx 2' from the back wall.
So I dunno where you're getting at with that comment...
To my ears, based on my experiences and my references, these amps are on the opposite sides of the spectrum. In most systems - but with exceptions, the Mac is euphonic while the Bryston is analytic. Based on the fact that you own and like Bryston, I would audition the Ayre. Ayre has all the detail of Bryston, but presents that detail as part of the musical whole, while Bryston "pauses the musical flow" to tell you about every little detail.
The 28B SST2, however, maybe a different beast altogether and sound completely different than the rest of the Bryston line, so I would give that a listen also. Harry Pearson, out of all people, recommends it highly.
Ok, cool, thanks for weighing in! Especially since you've heard both. So, which Ayre model? And what's the price?
Yeah, I have heard the 28B. They are very good indeed. But probably out of my price range...
I'm also somewhat considering the Parasound JC1 monos...what's your take on those?
I would try the Ayre V series. I spent a lot of time with both V1 and MXR monoblocks, and they may provide that level of speed and detail you are looking for, but with more musicality than Bryston. The Ayre V1 has been replaced, I believe, by VXR.
And I agree that Parasound are a great option to try. They have oodles of power, and I have never heard a system being driven by them sound bad. The reason I did not bring them up is because you mentioned you do not like Pass 350. The Parasounds are closer to Pass 350 than to Bryston, musically speaking, IMHO. Personally, I think they are sublime, and I would audition them so you don't later have any regrets (as long as you don't hurt your back hauling all these amps).
And Classe may be yet another option for you, but I do not have extensive personal experience with these...
Yeah, ok, thanks. I'll hear those when I get a chance.
No, what I meant what I wasn't interested in the smaller Pass Labs amps.
I was interested in the First Watt for a time, however. I forgot to make that clear.
Ok, cool, now would you say Parasound is better than Bryston? Let me know.
I don't wanna get Parasound and only to have it be not really better than the Bryston.
I haven't heard Classe in years. So, I definitely would have to hear those.
Thanks again.
I think the two are "different". The term "better" would be a subjective evaluation.
Also, how these amps interact with speakers makes a huge difference. For whatever reason, Maggies/ Bryston combination does not sound analytic to my ears, while Bryston with many other brands sounds clinical and robotic.
Bruce B
WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
I've had a couple of Classe' amps in here and they're definitely not analytical. I'd put them more on the dark/warm side of SS design.
Ok, I see. I wish I could hear all of these amps side by side. But that's tough.
I hear ya on the speakers.
Again, I'm looking for an amp under $10k that has punch, power, and a lot of life in the midrange and upper octaves. I don't see how this is so hard. Plus one that doesn't run out of gas at high volumes. 5-10k still isn't chump change anyway you slice it. Perhaps in high-end terms it is. From my experience, there's quite a few amps out there with a rolled off treble which then calls for the use of eq. I know Bryston doesn't have rolled off treble, and I don't hear it too much in McIntosh either. Anyway, I suppose I'll have to be content with the amp that has the least compromises in build and sound quality.
I didn't ask that, I asked what the differences are between the 2 amps. Thanks anyway.
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