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Bryston Amp Experience Needed

I am currently running Kef R11’s (rated 15-300 watts) with an Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3 amp (300wpc).

I am looking to upgrade to a Bryston from the used market.

I can get a 3B3 (200wpc) for around 3K (which is my budget), or I can not eat for a few months and get a 4B3 (300wpc) for around 4K.

Since I am used to the 300wpc on the Emotiva - am I going to notice a huge difference with a drop to 200wpc with the 3B3?

I do like to crank up the volume from time to time, but I generally listen at low to medium volumes.  I also mostly listen to modern metal/rock/synth-pop/r&b/hip-hop, and a lot of Tori Amos.....

Thx !!
drhelzer
drhelzer OP
17 posts
 
Upgrade for the Emotiva is the "trade-up' program and it will only run me $650.  I need it for Video.  
I actually was thinking about a used B135 cubed for the exact reason of getting the 2ch off of the Emotiva - but I didn't think it would have enough power at 135 watts - i.e. the whole reason for this thread 200 vs 300 watts.  But then I see some people running large cabinets like B&W 802/803 D3's with the B135 so.........
dayglow
1,893 posts
 
It's amplifier current that determines speaker performamce not just w/ch. From what I have read the B135 is very conservatively rated. 
edlchiang62
17 posts
 
I have the bryston b2.5 cubed Amp which is the amp version of the b135 int amp and it effortlessly drives my performa3 f206 speakers
drhelzer OP
17 posts
 
I just want to say thank you to everyone who chipped in with advise on this post.  It was extremely helpful, as I have no way to audition the 3B3 or the 4B3.
I have pulled the trigger on the 4B3 and it should arrive with in a week or so.  I'll report back soon with my results/thoughts, in case anyone is interested.
fbpearce
57 posts
 
Congratulations. I have Bryston 4BSST and a 30 year old 4B-still in regular use. Provided you like the sound, you've got a lifetime piece of equipment. 
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