Thanks hikmer, honest appraisal is what I want to hear. I'm using a Parasound A21 right now, and I'm trying to figure out if making a change would be worth the money (different thread). I look hard at Bryston because their warranty is so darn good. Simaudio also offers a good warranty, but their equipment is harder to get my hands on.
|
I'm feelin' the love from you guys and it's appreciated. I'm an old man and desire something that I can enjoy with a minimum of trouble (don't we all!). I'd like to be able to listen and smile at the same time for a few years without equipment blowing up or burning out.
|
On a different amp thread that I started a few days ago, I brought the Pass Labs X250.8 into the discussion. I keep steering away from it because of it's size and the heat it generates. After reading:
’My Long List of Amplifiers and My Personal Review of Each!' and input so far, it's becoming clear that a used X250.8 is clearly a better choice than a new 4B3. I may just strip down to my underwear, open a window, and live with the X250.8.
|
I just got a heads up on a Mark Levinson No. 532H as well on a different thread. When people are civil on this forum, there's a wealth of experience and knowledge that can't be beat. I wish I had more input to the good folks that are guiding me.
|
To chandybe:
I got your e-mail about the Mark Levinson amp and sent a personal response. Thought I'd respond here as well.
I checked Audiogon's "For Sale" listings and found three ML 532Hs for
sale. I also did as much background research as I could (via
internet) and found the consensus rating on SQ to be excellent. It's a dual mono amp that revealed no weakness to the reviewers. One reviewer didn't care for it's "looks" (I like the appearance), but that was the ONLY complaint. Reviewers really gushed over this amp. The
price new at the time of reviews was $8500. The three listings ranged from a
little more than half new retail to a little less. Those three amps
looked like a steal.
|
hikmer,
I've seen pics of the ML 532H, the most revealing were with the lid popped off. Internal heat sinks don't seem like the best idea (glad you brought it up) and it's built on a "one size fits all" chassis. The obvious reason is a cost saving measure. More models on a single chassis is kinda what GM did with their cars about a decade ago. It is on my short list to buy, but I the checkbook won't come out unless I have concrete assurance that it could be returned. I've had buyer's remorse with new, that risk is elevated with used.
|
I know that the Pass 250.8 would probably musically be the finest of the bunch. It's reputation is that powerful. Again, the heat, size, and the fact I'd have to buy used (probably no returns) are negatives I have to consider. The reason I picked on the 4B3 is because I can actually audition it at home, it's at the extreme of my price range (new), and Bryston's build quality is bulletproof. I live about 2 hours north of Audio Advisor, so I could order the 4B3 one day and have it the next. They're also super with returns. If I can find a used amp for $6K or less that has a reputation for singing with the angels and built to last, I'd consider that as well. I received a personal e-mail that brought Simaudio into the discussion. I have limited experience with their products, but was really, really, really, impressed. I'd have no problem with one of their finer two channel amps (used).
|
Thanks terry9. I've gotten tremendous feedback on this thread and another that I started about my Parasound A21. I'm stuck in the mud right now with my decision on which way to go with an amp. I have four strong contenders. Three I'd have to buy used, the 4B3 I could buy new. I like the idea of new because of no hassle returns/auditions and warranties that don't have transfer concerns. With the 4B3, nobody has talked me into it or out of it. It's like buying a new Ford truck with the simple belief that it will get the job done (I'm a happy Ford owner). I'll take a few weeks to digest and research what's been offered through everyone's kindness and experience. After that, it's probably a 50/50 chance that I'll end up with the Bryston. "Getting the job done" may be the best to keep me from driving myself nuts.
|
Thanks Elizabeth. If I buy Bryston, I'd buy new from Audio Advisor and they are authorized.
I'm glad that you're happy with your amp. Would you be willing to share what you're using it with, especially your speakers?
|
nekoaudio,
It's my understanding that the biggest difference between the two happens at the input stage. The cubed input has dramatic refinements/changes and this is where most of the magic happens with respect to musicality. All of the hybrid amps I've seen have tubes at the input for that season.
I've been overwhelmed with opinions on two different threads. All but a few have been valuable and insightful. I've come to the conclusion that I'm going with Bryston. If I don't like it, I can return it. The Pass Labs, Simaudio, ML, etc will still show up used. Right now, I find no more pleasure in the buying/selling of equipment and the tweaking with cords/cables and the like. It's time to just enjoy the music and I hope the 4B3 is the missing link.
|
I'm having a great time with all of these responses and I'm getting FIRSTHAND (no reiteration of press releases) appraisals. That's what I had hoped for. For those of you that have shared what you've experienced in your system with Bryston, shared what your system consists of, and make comparisons to other notable amps, I'm especially attentive. It's all but a done deal, the 4B3 will be in my home for at least a test drive. I can try it for 30 days for the cost of return shipping if I don't like. By most accounts, it sounds like a risk worth taking.
|
The second week in February I'll free up some cash and make my move. If the 4B3 doesn't please me, back to the drawing board. I'll certainly share my personal comparison between the A21 and 4B3. If I can just dig out some of the upper mids and highs that the A21 wants to bury and keep it's soundstage and bass, I'll be pleased.
|
My A21 has a lot going for it, it's just not enough. Too many times it misses the mark and has limited my music listening choices. I also own the Parasound JC 2 BP preamp, and for better or worse, almost certainly will hang on to that. The amp will be the final piece, with Bryston, Simaudio, Mcintosh, and Pass Labs all in the running. Bryston will be the first and hopefully a keeper.
|
