General Asylum: REVIEW: Bryston B-60 Amplifier (SS) by Don McDonald General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories.

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Recently I had the opportunity to upgrade my system with the Bryston B-60.

Before starting out I set several constraints that included a budget of about $2,000 Cdn., power handling of 60 – 80 watts RMS, a strong resale value and finally a unit that would match the sonic characteristics of my speakers, the B&W CDM7se’s. In addition this amplifier would be stretched to the limits by 2 pre-teenage sons for thousands of hours in the next 7 years.

As a finance professional I liked the Bryston Co’s long track record and excellent reputation in the professional audio world. Their transferable 20 year warranty and high resale value were commendable.

From research on the internet it was noted that many Bryston owners were upgrading their older pieces and replacing them with current Bryston models.

The amplifier is designed very simply with no tone controls or other unnecessary options. Parts and build quality both receive an excellent rating. Finished in black and just 2” tall it disappears into our living-room.

Of course after all is said and done the most important reason for purchasing this amplifier was simply that I enjoyed the sound.

I would say that its strengths included:

 Bass that is accurate and controlled
 A warm and sweet upper end
 A detailed soundstage that could easily handle complex orchestral arrangements
 A transparent quality which added nothing to the recorded source
 An amplifier which would sufficiently drive my 90db B&W loudspeakers at 10 o’clock.

Its weaknesses on the other hand included:

 A pre-amp that is considered by some to be better than its power amp section
 It does not stand up well at high volume levels
 It comes equipped with U-jumpers that many owners have reported replacing
 Slightly forward on the top end

For those of you who would like to evaluate the credibility of this review the associated equipment and listening room setup has been described below.

I expect to keep this amplifier for a long time and there is no doubt it will earn a “Classic” status by the time it reaches its 20th anniversary.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

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