2. amps-preamps
  3. 1140194622

Bryston B60

I am in the market for a int amp in the low to mid $1k range. When I went to a local shop, they had a Bryston B60, with MM phono stage and remote for $1,700. I called another dealer in the area and he quoted me $2,100k for a new one (w/o remote).

I have 2 questions:

1) I have seen a couple of 6-9 yr old B60's on audiogon for ~$800. Is there any difference between those and one that is 2 yeras old? I'm thinking I'm justified in offering 1.5k for the 2 yr old one at my dealer, no?

2) What other brands do others suggest, new or used.?

I know there's alot out there and its all up to my ears in making a decision. I listen to all types of music, rock, electronic, jazz, classical on CD and vinyl. I'm bringing my speakers (Signet floorstanding) to the dealer to hear the B60 soon(it was out on loan ot the time). At the shop on my initial visit I listed to some Rotel's and NAD's ($1,200 and $900). That was all they had in my price range. I didn't like the Rotel stuff, lsitened to a CD player too ... a little too bright to my ears. And I listed to everythign on $3k BW bookshelves, wish I had money for those too right now :)

THere are two other hi-fi dealers within driving distance. They carry Creek (5320, 1.5k), Music Fidelity, Arcam, Linn, a used Music Hall Mambo for 1k.

I'm also looking for a CD player, new or used, $500-1000. The dealer I went to had the Rega Planet for $900. Anything from Brands above I should consider?

Thanks!
sandman012

Showing 4 responses by sandman012

sandman012 OP
50 posts
 
well, I went and heard the Bryston B60 and the Rega Planet with my signet sl280's, very nice indeed. Then wen tot next shop, speakers in hand, and listened to Arcam cd72 paired with Arcam $700 int amp ... it sounded very nice, warm, very easy on the ears ... obviously not the detail and depth of the Bryston/Rega combo, but at $1000 less for the package, wouldnt be a bad choice (they didnt have the next step up in Arcam int amp at $,200, but would've been nice to hear) ... also listened to the MF A5 int amp ... very nice but I prefer the Bryston. Lastly while there, I listened to the Linn classic. If I only had $1,500 to spend for new CD and amp, I might go with this. Lacked the bass of everything else I heard, but there was something about it ... very nice to listen to.

So I'm still stuck on the Bryston, but would be pushing my budget to buy that at $1700.

Still wondering if I would notice any difference between a used 8-9 yr old unit for $800 and the 2 yr old unit available to me at $1700. And then there's always the worries of buying used online from someone who has a few positive comments on ebay/a'gon.

Any thoughts on Arcam cd72 vs Rega Planet, essentially the same price given the slight discount I could get on Planet.

Ugh, tough decisions!
sandman012 OP
50 posts
 
"Very important if you do decide to purchase the Bryston, replace the pre-amp to amp jumpers/links with high purity copper or silver jumper wires terminated with quality rca plugs. "

Thanks!

where can I get these?
sandman012 OP
50 posts
 
so I bought 4 year old Bryston on Agon. Looking forwarding to setting it up.

now onto a phono preamp and CD player!

I hear the Rega Planet on the bryston with my speakers and enjoyed. Want to get something used I think for 5-600, which I think I can with the introduction of the Appolo.
sandman012 OP
50 posts
 
I'm lookin gfor a phono stage for the used bryston I bought ... I've been looking at a separate in the $200 range, and was wondering if its worth having Bryston put in an internal mm stage or if I'll get better performance out of a separate like the Cambrida Audio 640
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