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MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7

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Hi All,

I am hesitating in between these two amplifiers(about same price) for Magnepan 1.7(mostly for classical music and vocal, room is 13w by 19l by 8h fts).

Read about the MagTech Stereo is designed for the planar speaker, while Bryston has a bigger name, anyone have experience on comparing these two amplifiers? Pros and cons?

Thanks in advance,

Follow Ups:

RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - HappyFish10 10:31:43 07/14/15 (6)
Thanks to all the suggestions, especially to those who shared your experience on 3.7 vs 1.7. I eventually auditioned and purchased 3.7i. To me, it is significantly better than 1.7 even in the small room.
I am now waiting for delivery, and will try it with my Emotiva XPA-2 gen 2. which I got about 2 weeks ago. Hopefully the amp is sufficient for 3.7 and I do not have to return it to Amazon.
Also read about on AXPONA 2015, two persons rate 3.7 as best for the money.
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/axpona-chicago-2015-cables-power-products-accessories-and-music/
Hopefully this is not just because it pairs with Pass Lab X250.8.
Cheers!

Edits: 07/14/15
- RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - morricab 01:33:13 07/22/15 (1)
  "Hopefully this is not just because it pairs with Pass Lab X250.8."
  
  Sadly, you might very well find this to be true. The amp is every bit as important as the speakers.
  - RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - HappyFish10 11:26:00 07/23/15 (0)
    thanks, do you want to elaborate it or point to any reference about the difference besides the enough power(both emotiva-XPA-2 and pass labs X250.8 have 500 wpc at 4ohm), I notice that x250.8 has first 25 watts on class A. Did not find any information for emotiva.
- Congrats on the purchase - Satie 17:22:56 07/18/15 (1)
  Any impressions you want to share when comparing the 3.7i to the 1.7?
  - RE: Congrats on the purchase - HappyFish10 11:22:39 07/23/15 (0)
    Thanks.
    In the audition, I feel 3.7i is a bit clearer and cleaner than 1.7 with identical amp: NAD M22 and music source (Rachmaninoff piano concerto c minor,Tchaikovsky 1812 overture, Beethoven Violin Concerto) Especially in high notes. And the room was smaller than mine, so I feel it is ok.
    
    And I am still wondering how big difference it is between xpa-2 which has 500 wpc vs, say, MagTech amp(many fellows here recommended), or recently award winner that 3.7i combined with: pass labs X250.8.
- RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - lragin134 05:19:30 07/18/15 (1)
  HappyFish10 do you mind sending me a PM? I have a few questions to ask regarding the Emotiva amp.
  - RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - HappyFish10 15:33:19 07/18/15 (0)
    Hi I do not know how to PM here, however, if you ask questions here and I know the answer, I would be more than happy to help out.
RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - jsm71 05:14:38 07/08/15 (3)
I had the 1.7s with the Magtech. That proved to be a wonderful match. I was running an older McIntosh amp before getting the Magtech. That proved to be an upgrade in every way. The Magtech runs much cooler, sounded better, and carries a lifetime warranty. My plan was that the Magtech would be an investment and I could use it with any Maggie speaker even up to the 20s.

I've since moved into a different direction completely and sold both pieces, but I can't recommend the Magtech enough for Maggies.
- RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - HappyFish10 05:55:53 07/08/15 (2)
  Thanks for sharing your experience!
  If you do not mind, I am Curious why you want to stay away from Maggie/MagTech?
  - RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - jsm71 07:03:36 07/08/15 (1)
    My change of direction was in no way an indictment on either Maggies or the Magtech. I still recommend both as great products whenever asked, but I now have a setup that doesn't dominate the room or require heavy power.
    
    I was introduced to JansZen zA2.1 ESL loudspeakers and jumped up a couple of levels in cost and sound over the 1.7s. I even considered my decision against the 3.7 model which I've heard many times. Maggies got me hooked on the qualities that ESLs do even better IMO. The JansZens were also the first hybrid ESL that integrated the woofer perfectly and seamlessly, something that didn't click with Martin Logan's affordable models.
    
    Full range ESLs dominate a room similar to Maggies. The JansZen's smaller form factor was also part of my decision to move away from the larger dipole approach. Lastly, they run great with moderately powered tube amps which I prefer so I didn't need the Magtech's power levels any longer. As much as I liked the Magtech with the 1.7s, that amp sounded dry with the JansZens. Matching the right amp to a loudspeaker is important. A few other JansZen customers I have emailed with are also using tube amps, all under 100 watts/ch.
    
    Maggies remain one the best values out there. Good luck with whatever choices you make.
    - RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - HappyFish10 10:49:33 07/08/15 (0)
      Thanks for sharing again! It is a interesting read about the review on the JansZen speakers. Learn something new.
RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - Mark Man 11:13:27 07/07/15 (2)
First welcome...

My room is 3' longer than your room and the 3.7i's work great...I also have the Sanders Magtech, it is a great amp...lots of posts on this board about the Magtech...just use the search function...

I tried the Bryston 4Bsst many moons ago on my 1.6's, it was shrill and harsh...now that being said...it was an older model that I borrowed from a dealer...My friend and I thought maybe it was not burned in, which may have lead to the harshness...

Many Maggie owners really like their Bryston's and usually go for the 7bsst2's which are twice the price of the Magtech...

Macmagman has owned both...he prefers the Magtech on his 20.1's...

I also want to echo that the ribbon tweeter is worth the extra bank...if the 3.7i's are a little too much...the used 3.6 market has great pricing...$2500-$1800 on Agon...IMHO that is the best bang for your buck speaker out there...I went from 12 years with tweaked out 1.6's to the 3.7i's and would not own a model without that ribbon tweeter...it is that good...

With your room dimensions I also recommend trying, (if possible), the HK/Limage set-up...see my link below...Sadie is the resident expert on this set-up and many of us are using it with great results...

Once again welcome, good luck and keep us posted...
thanks
Mark
- HK/Limage set-up explained (Open in New Window)
- RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - DrChaos 15:29:44 07/07/15 (0)
  Yeah, the ribbon tweet is the business. A 3.6 with a 1 to 1.5 ohm tweeter resistor would be quite nice.
- RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - HappyFish10 12:17:28 07/07/15 (0)
  Thanks, Mark(and Sorry for typo, was too busy)!
  You and other members make me plan to go audition on both 1.7 and 3.7 then. I was concerning 3.7 could be way too big for my room even just look at visual effect. I will give it a try. It seems like majority of people are moving from Bryston to MagTech and not the other direction.
  The link you provide is very informative, thanks a lot!
  Will update here later on.
  
  Edits: 07/07/15 07/07/15 07/07/15 07/07/15
RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - jets fan 06:53:08 07/07/15 (1)
I have mag20.7's powered by a wyred 4 sound st 1000 (570/1140) with the w4s pre - amp this combo cost me $4,000. the best $4,000. I ever spent the sound coming from the 20's is truly beautiful you will get much more value for your money buying the 3.7's with less costly amps maggies will still sound great as long as you have enough power good luck
- RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - HappyFish10 12:13:31 07/07/15 (0)
  I am more interested in how you can get the whole system within $4k? I thought $14k is needed. :)
RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - macmagman 21:19:40 07/06/15 (2)
I was using a set of Bryston 7bst mono-blocks and went to the Magtech, bigger soundstage more headroom and warmer sound, the Magtech was a huge upgrade in my opinion.
- RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - HappyFish10 12:12:01 07/07/15 (1)
  So in your case, two mono blocks of 7BSST can not match MagTech Stereo. Thanks for sharing.
  - RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - macmagman 12:19:19 07/07/15 (0)
    I had the 7bst's older models,, but YES and that was with my 3.3's and 20.1's so if you plan on upgrading, the Magtech will have you covered.
MagTech without a doubt! nt - andyr 17:57:21 07/06/15 (5)
.
- RE: MagTech without a doubt! nt - HappyFish10 19:29:53 07/06/15 (4)
  Thx, care to share any reasons for Bryston is inferior in this case?
  - RE: MagTech without a doubt! nt - andyr 19:47:01 07/06/15 (3)
    I've always considered Bryston amps to be:
    * bulletproof,
    * powerful,
    * with excellent warranty
    * ... but lacking in 'finesse' (IOW they sound pretty average).
    
    So people who care more about the first 3 things than the 4th buy them!
    
    But I haven't heard the 4BSST2 specifically. However, I have heard a Magtech, on both 1.7s and Sander's own electrostatics.
    
    IMO, the Magtech is a great-sounding amp - and it's nearly double the power of the Bryston, into 4 ohms.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andy
    - RE: MagTech without a doubt! nt - HappyFish10 20:06:33 07/06/15 (2)
      Thanks, Andy for sharing your thoughts. MagTech does have a lot more power than Bryston 4bsst2 (900 w vs 500 w to 1.7), i have never had any experience with any of these amplifiers though. And I mostly listen to classical, and not very loud, the bigger sound stage, clarity, accurate and durability are much important to me than loudness(if big power ONLY translate into that). So you mean that sound from bryston is not as refine as the Magtech, if this is the case, it definitely would make me choose Magtech over it.
      - RE: "So you mean that sound from the Bryston is not as refine as the Magtech?" ... - andyr 20:40:24 07/06/15 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: MagTech without a doubt! nt posted by HappyFish10 on July 06, 2015 at 20:06:33
        
        Yes, that is what I would say. IOW, the Magtech has more going for it than just more power.
        
        Re. " I mostly listen to classical, and not very loud, the bigger sound stage, clarity, accurate and durability are much important to me than loudness ":
        
        Re. more power ... the late, great Allen Wright (Vacuum State Electronics) makes a very interesting point about amp power in his "Tube Cook Book". He did a simple experiment with a woman walking in high heels across a room which had wooden floorboards. He reports that it took an amp which delivered 1kW of power before the sound from the speakers sounded like the live event.
        
        BTW, increased power does not only translate into loudness. What increased power means, for instance, that the amp does not run out of steam when reproducing bass transients and is able to simultaneously render delicate highs, faithfully.
        
        Without that power reserve, the delicate highs would not be delivered as beautifully (if the amp was being drained by its LF activity - which does suck power from the amp).
        
        I was surprised when I first listened to the Magtech as I had assumed an amp which has that much power couldn't possibly sound 'refined'. But I was wrong.
        
        What I cannot comment on (as I haven't heard the Bryston) is which amp delivers the bigger soundstage. But I believe Roger Sanders offers a 30-day home trial, so you can see, at least, what sort of soundstage his amp delivers.
        
        BTW, I have no association with Roger Sanders and don't use a Magtech amp. I solved the 'power problem' by driving my true-ribbon Maggies in an active tri-amp setup.
        
        Regards,
        
        Andy
        
        RE: "So you mean that sound from the Bryston is not as refine as the Magtech?" ... - HappyFish10 12:35:28 07/07/15 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: "So you mean that sound from the Bryston is not as refine as the Magtech?" ... posted by andyr on July 06, 2015 at 20:40:24
        
        Thanks, Andy.
        I have never had any dedicated amplifier, until recently. Agree that more power could bring out more details if they are all within certain ranges.
        I read about that MagTech has 30 days trial, though, I just could not have chance of direct comparing Bryston vs MagTech, i trust many people here moving to MagTech for a reason.
RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - Utley1 14:43:01 07/06/15 (20)
Go for the Magnepan 3.7i and fudge a bit on the amps. The amps that you mentioned (good as they are) are twice the price of the 1.7 which I own and love. If you fudge a bit on the amps,(I use the large mono block Emotiva's XPA1 but there are many other decent amps in that price range.) for the same package you can own the 3.7i. Much better way to spend your money on the speaker than the amps. The 3.7i are a real treat but not available when I bought the 1.7's. Hope I did not screw with your mind.
- RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - HappyFish10 19:27:32 07/06/15 (19)
  thx, I thought I read somewhere that 3.7 could be too big for my room size, so I thought I have to settle down with 1.7.
  
  As for the amplifier, are you saying that compare to 1.7, bigger 3.7 need smaller amplifiers?
  
  I would not mind to buy 3.7, just afraid that it is not appropriate for my room size.
  - Contrary to advise here, don't skip on you amp to get the 3.7 - Feanor 13:08:58 07/18/15 (1)
    The MG 1.7 is such a great speaker that it can easily take advantage of a great amp.
    
    For that matter, so is the older MG 1.6QR. I drive mine with a Pass Labs X150.5 which I can wholeheartedly recommend for the 1.7.
    
    I love the music of Dmitri Shostakovich
    - RE: Contrary to advise here, don't skip on you amp to get the 3.7 - HappyFish10 15:39:13 07/18/15 (0)
      I have bought 3.7i already, and I was not try to sacrifice the amp, was just thinking 3.7i could be too big for my room. But friends here convinced me to try out 3.7i, and there is no return after I heard 1.7 head to head against 3.7. I am going to use Emotiva xpa-2 gen 2, which has 500 wpc for 4 ohm, hope it is ok.
  - Room size - MWE 07:46:57 07/07/15 (0)
    I have a pair of biamped 3.6s in a room exactly the same size as yours, and they do fine. Now, 20-series just might be pushing it...(.) And yes, the true ribbon is worth it. The QR is like a really good SD TV, the TR is HDTV.
    
    Mark in NC
    "The thought that life could be better is woven indelibly into our hearts and our brains" -Paul Simon
  - RE: MagTech or Bryston 4BSST2 for Magnepan 1.7 - Utley1 20:33:10 07/06/15 (0)
    The 3.7i is an easy fit. A great speaker. The asylum will give guidance on amps that will fit your budget and drive these speakers. I only made the suggestion because like many here , I believe the speaker is the core of the system.
  - RE: bigger 3.7 need smaller amplifiers? ... - andyr 19:50:07 07/06/15 (1)
    Bigger Maggies (3.7/3.7i) need more power than smaller Maggies (1.7).
    
    But a Magtech will happily power a 3.7/3.7i.
    
    Andy
    - RE: bigger 3.7 need smaller amplifiers? ... - HappyFish10 20:08:07 07/06/15 (0)
      The room size is not of concern at all when buying 3.7? Wish i could try them out, but they are such heavy items.
  - What is your room size? - Satie 19:40:37 07/06/15 (12)
    If it is bigger than 10X13 the 3.7i can be placed in it successfully, the 1.7 does not require significantly less space. Both speakers simply require that you can put 5ft or more between the tweeters.
    
    Smaller rooms than that can still fit a 3.x model but require some treatment to make it work.
    - RE: What is your room size? - HappyFish10 20:14:52 07/06/15 (11)
      It is 13ft w by 19ft l by 8.5 ft h.
      and I can put speakers 4 feet or more away from wall, side by side on the 13 feet width side.
      - RE: What is your room size? - Satie 02:07:37 07/07/15 (10)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by HappyFish10 on July 06, 2015 at 20:14:52
        
        For that size room the 3.x models would work just fine.
        
        It is also going to need more power than a 4BSST unless
        1. you don't really play very loud
        2. you have a subwoofer.
        
        If you do play hard and do not use a sub then the Magtech is a better choice. Besides which I am not a fan of the Bryston house sound, though much less thin than it used to be.
        
        The Emotiva line is scoring high points on power and SQ at a much lower price point, if using the funds for the Bryston or magtech for the purchase of a 3.7 instead and using Emotiva or W4S 1000 for power I think you would be far ahead of the 1.7+ Bryston or Magtech
        
        RE: What is your room size? - Swamis Cat 12:54:49 07/07/15 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by Satie on July 07, 2015 at 02:07:37
        
        I strongly agree with Utley and Satie. Your room will be great for a 3.7i. To save money, buy either the Emotiva XPA 1s, 2 or 100s. In a few years, you could try to upgrade amps if you get an itch. Rhythmik subs mate well.
        
        RE: What is your room size? - HappyFish10 12:25:24 07/07/15 (8)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by Satie on July 07, 2015 at 02:07:37
        
        Thanks, I normally listen at low to median level, I can try loud, and it may bring out some more details?
        yes, though I am not really need a lot loud bass, I plan on buying a subwoofer, just to complement the maggies, either:
        Rythmik F12 Direct Servo subwoofer - Signature Editio
        or SVS SB13 ultra.
        so far, it seems to me that Rythmik might be a better fit with the planar speakers.
        Any suggestions?
        As for Emotiva, I actually just bought XPA-2 for 4 days, and found out there is a humming noise, very minor, but it is there. That was why I come here and thinking about buying a better amplifier, though, I actually have no idea if these much more expensive equipments would have a similar noise issue?
        
        Edits: 07/07/15 07/07/15
        
        RE: What is your room size? - DrChaos 15:31:36 07/07/15 (7)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by HappyFish10 on July 07, 2015 at 12:25:24
        
        Get a sealed sub for maggies.
        
        Humming noise from an amp could mean power problems. (DC offset or not fully sinusoidal AC input?)
        
        RE: What is your room size? - Swamis Cat 10:58:17 07/08/15 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by DrChaos on July 07, 2015 at 15:31:36
        
        The transformers on the larger Emotiva amps will physically hum if there are problems with a dirty signal in the house.
        
        RE: What is your room size? - HappyFish10 05:48:11 07/08/15 (5)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by DrChaos on July 07, 2015 at 15:31:36
        
        Thanks, yes, Planning on buying Rythmik F12 Direct Servo subwoofer
        I believe it is a sealed one.
        
        The amplifier is functioning fine, I think this noise might be typical for the emotiva, and I have read in other forum, they also complained about the minor noise you can hear very clearly when you move you ear close by, say, 10-20 inches away, and I am wondering if those MagTech or other more expensive ones are clear from such noise.
        
        RE: What is your room size? - Satie 10:39:33 07/08/15 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by HappyFish10 on July 08, 2015 at 05:48:11
        
        That appears to be a QC issue with the particular XPA model, See if other models in the series are known for this problem. They have good reviews and user experiences in general and their price advantage is from the direct sale business model and low cost locations for labor. What was new about them was their success in doing this at a high level of quality. .
        
        Re subwoofers, stick to sealed ones. Good values are available from SVS and Parts Express' Dayton brand.
        
        If you go with a subwoofer and don't listen particularly loudly then you are much more flexible with power amps and get a better quality vs. raw power.
        
        RE: What is your room size? - HappyFish10 10:59:09 07/08/15 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by Satie on July 08, 2015 at 10:39:33
        
        Thanks, yes, if I can detect the difference of 3.7 and 1.7, I will consider 3.7, and use sealed-powered subwoofers. In term of better quality amplifiers for 3.7: what are your selections?
        
        RE: What is your room size? - Satie 11:35:31 07/08/15 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by HappyFish10 on July 08, 2015 at 10:59:09
        
        The difference with a sub is that you can go from running the same amp components at class A rather than AB, and get better SQ. E.g.Pass Labs - getting a pair of XA series monoblocks instead of a large X series amp - e.g. Getting an XA160.5 pair instead of an X350.5 and getting the advantage of class A operation but at 1/2 the rated power.
        
        There are many high bias class A/AB amps biased to operate in class A into the the 20-50watts range and having overall power of 150 w to 3-400 w.
        
        Out of the high marquee level brands I think Classe Theta and Mark Levinson. Krell class A amps, Boulder. Also Coda (high bias class AB), Parasound Halo, Plinius, Hegel, Symphonic Line, Spectral
        
        On the other hand you can go for tube amps like the VTL Rogue or ARC at the near 200 watt range if you have a sub .
        
        RE: What is your room size? - Utley1 08:19:03 07/08/15 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by HappyFish10 on July 08, 2015 at 05:48:11
        
        No noise on the EPA1 ! Dead silent at all levels..
        
        RE: What is your room size? - HappyFish10 10:52:33 07/08/15 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: What is your room size? posted by Utley1 on July 08, 2015 at 08:19:03
        
        Good for you! I guess I would have to return this amazon purchase, Amazon currently sold out it.

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