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Bryston 7B3 vs 4B3: Extra Cost Worthwhile?

Now that my dealer said he can deliver and unbox my amp the weight issue has been resolved. I don’t expect to be moving them as this is my end game system. At my age end game has real meaning. So I decided on Bryston and the 4B3. But then I got to thinking maybe I should go all out and get the 7B3 mono blocks.  They are twice the price of the 4B3. For that additional expense I would hope and expect that once I heard them I would not be able to go back to the 4B3. However if the difference in perceived SQ is better but marginal the extra cost would not be worthwhile. I’m not looking for the ability to play loud but am looking for speaker control, dynamics, soundstage, etc., improvements that are clearly and unequivocally heard. So has anyone been done this road with these amps? If so please share your experiences 

jfrmusic

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
8,816 posts
 

My speaker is not demanding. 6 Ohm Harbeth C7es-XD. But not concerned with playing loud. Looking for control and dynamics as I listen to mostly Classical.

The 4B3 is dual mono with two transformers and puts out 300Wpc into 8 Ohms and almost 500Wpc into 4 Ohms that will be more than ample for both control and dynamics with your speakers.  The only reason I’d see for going with the 7B3 monos is to be able to place an amp close to each speaker enabling the use of shorter speaker cables. Is that worth double the price? I think not.

soix
8,816 posts
 

I’d call Bryston and see what they have to say.

soix
8,816 posts
 

How warm does the Pass 350.8 get?  Don’t want something hot to the touch or warming the room..

The 350.8 is absurd for your speakers, and the 150.8 would be more than adequate.  Moreover, Pass has a different sound signature from Bryston — they are not substitutes.  Figure out what sound characteristics you want first, find a brand that exhibits those qualities, and then pick the model with adequate juice to adequately power your speakers.

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