Bryston Help

I had the 4B-ST yrs ago & my findings were similar to yours. Don't forget how much the room has to do w/the overall presentation and right behind that the AC. Let's put those things on hold right now though. I also had some Kef Ref 3's, so I don't think speaker positioning is critical w/Kef's, at least in relationship to a warmer sound.

I had much better results using a different amp than the Bryston. In fact I think the Bryston was the driest amp I've ever used. Anyway, I went from the Bryston to an Aleph 5 but I also had an Aleph P with both pieces. There was a world of difference w/a much warmer sound using the two Pass pieces. Other amps that may work for you are BAT & B&K. I've had more amps than any other pieces except for cables & have found the amp to have a huge influence. As long as I don't have metal dome tweeters, I can deal w/just about any speaker.

I'm also not a fan of silver cables, so for a quick test you might want to substitute some zip cord to see how that affects what you're hearing. The silver thing goes for power cords & outlets too.

Lastly, let me just say make sure you only change one thing at a time because if you do several things at once, you'll lose hearing where you should concentrate your efforts.

I would second getting away from the silways with your system.

When I had a Bryston 3B ST Harmonic Tech Truth links were a much better match than the silways even though I gave up a bit of detail. I would re-cable all copper and see where you are.

You have a 'detail' system, having some warmth is probably a good call. Maybe a BAT SS pre amp, seem to be good prices on older versions. Herron?

The 4BST is too crisp and "s" emphasis and the 4BSST is much better. The preamp problem is more likely the amp, not the preamp. I would try the Quicksilver preamp as it mates well with Bryston. Jallen

I would try a Cary, Prima Luna or Rogue tube preamp and I think you would get what you are looking for with your existing amps. That was my experience when I switched to a tube preamp.

Also, if you don't like the sterile sound I would for sure steer clear of the Benchmark DAC, it's as dry and sterile as they come. If you decide to go with an outboard DAC and you want warm I enthusiatically endorse the MHDT Labs Havana, great DAC. I tried over 10 different DAC's and I eventually ended up with the new Bryston, it's stellar.

I've owned most of what Bryston offers in amps over a 25 year period.I would reinforce other aforementioned comments that the SST series is markedly superior to ST,simply more refined with a lower noise floor.I would reconsider the ss pre amp,in my opinion a Bryston requires a tube pre to maximize performance.
If you're looking for specific recommendations flip me a pm.

I switched from the Bryston BP-25 to a used BAT VK-42SE solid state preamp. The BAT is a fantastic match with both my Bryson 7B-SST and Bryston PowePak 300's. I prefereed it to the BP 25. The BAT is crstal clear and non-fatigueing.