Re: I sense no harshness with the Bryston 4B-SST

Posted by audioNeil (A) on October 4, 2006 at 17:34:26

In Reply to: I sense no harshness with the Bryston 4B-SST posted by Bob01605 on October 3, 2006 at 23:36:20:

I guess I need to qualify my statement more.

The Bryston SSTs are not harsh, so much as thin and bright sounding. I know the differences between amps probably measure as being very small, but there is a definite improvement in all categories with my present amp. Now, the Sts were harsh on the highs (though they had better bass IMO).

My current amp is a no-global-feedback design, and I think that affects the perceived dynamics of the midrange. More midrange dynamics and presence means less of a thin sound. Also, the high frequencies are a bit "highlighted" with the SSTs compared to my current amp (which goes out to 1 MHz frequency, so isn't roll-off). My current amp has MOSFET outputs that are so smooth its amazing. There is much less of a spotlight on the highs. They sound more like natural music.

I brought another audiophile over to listen to my system with the Bryston's in place. He agreed that the highs weren't harsh, but they sure were bright and over-emphasised. It could have been because of the midrange, though.

You can check out my system for other components. I use Kimber Bifocal XL speaker cables (I haven't tried others, so I don't know the sonic effect). For a preamp, I have the Placette passive pre, which is amazingly dynamic and distortion-free. I have tried other preamps, and they all add unwanted distortions to the high end, and are not as transparent. For me, a bad top-end kills the enjoyment of the music, which is why so few CDs appeal to me. I much prefer high-res DVD or vinyl (or SACD, but I don't have a player for that now).

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - My thoughts on my move from the Magnepan 1.6 QR to the 3.6R - Bob01605 13:27:56 10/03/06 (15)

Re: My thoughts on my move from the Magnepan 1.6 QR to the 3.6R - rico 09:49:43 10/04/06 (0)

If or when you opt to go further, - saltyflies 09:34:21 10/04/06 (0)

Re: My thoughts on my move from the Magnepan 1.6 QR to the 3.6R - onemug 18:45:05 10/03/06 (2)

Toe in was the same as the 1.6's - Bob01605 23:04:42 10/03/06 (1)

My experiences were simular - Mike in NJ 14:26:24 10/04/06 (0)

Wow !! ... They look great in thier new home ... - Dr.Jazz 16:56:34 10/03/06 (5)

Yeah, if you don't mind listening in a shoe box... - Ozzy 01:58:19 10/04/06 (3)

I agree too - fin1bxn@msn.com 07:24:19 10/04/06 (0)

I agree to a point ... - Dr.Jazz 06:43:19 10/04/06 (1)

Re: I agree to a point ... - Ozzy 06:55:17 10/04/06 (0)

Re: Wow !! ... They look great in thier new home ... - Bob01605 23:10:57 10/03/06 (0)

Re: My thoughts on my move from the Magnepan 1.6 QR to the 3.6R - audioNeil 16:30:16 10/03/06 (3)

I sense no harshness with the Bryston 4B-SST - Bob01605 23:36:20 10/03/06 (1)

Re: I sense no harshness with the Bryston 4B-SST - audioNeil 17:34:26 10/04/06 (0)

Mye stands came with the speaker. n.t. - CSF 16:42:04 10/03/06 (0)

Follow Ups

Re: I sense no harshness with the Bryston 4B-SST - audioNeil 17:34:26 10/04/06 (0)

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