Bryston Vs Classe

I have extensive experience with Classe and have just purchased a Bryston 4B-SST. I have always been a big fan of Classe and while I have no experience with their recent offerings I have been impressed with their older gear. I still own a pair of their model Seventy amps for my surround system and feel they are one of the best used values out there. In my main two channel system I use a pair of Aerial 10T loudspeakers. In the past I've used Roland model 3 monos, Classe DR-15, Classe CA-300, and have just replaced a pair of BEL 1001 MK3A monoblocks with the Bryston 4B-SST. The 4B-SST is the best yet in my system and I can't believe these only retail for $2800. The Classe CA-301 is to my understanding no different than the CA-300, just different cosmetics (personally I much prefer the older styling) and there is no way it is worth the differnce in price over the Bryston. A friend of mine owns a CA-400 and it has been back for repair twice since he bought it new. This last time Classe charged him $180 for repair and return shipping. As soon as he turned it on it literally smoked. That thing weighs a ton and is a real hassle to ship and now he has to do it for the third time!

As to the comment above by Amthanh, there is nothing bright or grainy about the Bryston 4B-SST in my system. Perhaps he heard an ST which is said to be brighter sounding or it is something upstream in his system, but I've no experience with the ST. I would never characterize the SST as bright or grainy. The rest of my system: Pass Aleph P preamp, Audio Research PH3 phono preamp, Well Tempered Reference turntable with Grado Reference low output cartridge, Dodson DA 217 MK2 DAC, CEC TL2 transport, Silver Audio Silver Stream 75 digital interconnect, Image Reference balanced and single ended interconnects, Cardas Hexlink Gold 5C speaker cable, API Power Wedge 116 line conditioner (used on front end only, not amp). There are some good reviews on Bryston's web site comparing the older ST with the new SST technolgy that I recommend you read.

As much as I like the Classe product I would go for the Bryston. If you really want to save some money I'd go for older Classe like a model Fifteen or Twenty Five. These are really nice amps and I think they may be more reliable than Classe's newer stuff, but maybe my friends experience is unusual. I know someone who can get you a nice deal on a new Bryston if you are interested. Just let me know.

Amthanh,

Rating cannot be class AB. Class AB is a type of amplifier operation that works-off certain margin of neccessary power in class A than switches to class B whenever speaker impedance falls bellow certain point as designed by circuitry to deliver more power.

Your comments about driving planars and electrostats do make sence since Classe is probably designed to tame brightness of such and that's why sound laid back with dynamic speakers.

As to the types of music I enjoyed Bryston 3b-st and to me its bested with instrumental jazz, funk, fussion, electronics. What drove me immediately off the Classe equipment is the upper-midrange emphisis or even more closely defined brightess(that can realy be in any of midrange or upper-range frequencies).

Another great option for the author I'd suggest McCormack DNA2 that is a great competitor to Bryston 4b-sst.

When I first started this whole HI-End audio experience, and got to the point where an amp was the next in the list of upgrades, I had the same problem as you.

I was looking at the Bryston 4B-ST, Classe CA-300, Aragon 8008BB, and McCormack DNA1 Deluxe, . I was lucky enough to see, or rather hear, all of them at CES. One of the best times I have ever had. I got to see the guts of each one as well.

Based on looks alone I liked the Classe with its huge front handles and small back ones. It was huge. Almost saying "one person can't handle me". The Aragon had that cool V-cut.

Based on the construction of each, i.e. inside, the Classe won hands down. The transformer was HUGE. Way Bigger than the others. Capasitors everywhere.

Sound however is the only thing that should sway your opinion, ...and price. Not looks, not construction, not warranty.

In the end it was between the Aragon and the Classe. I liked the idea of a tubey sounding, solid state amp. That was the Classe.

The Aragon was better than either the Bryston or the McCormack. Fuller sounding, better bass extension, more precise location of the instruments.

Even at CES it is impossible to get a direct comparison of any two pieces of audio equipment. The absolute best way to make a decision is to sit in your own room with your equipment and listen. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most difficlut things to do. Especially for those of us who have no hi-end stores located within 50 miles, like me.

I bought a Classe CA-300 for two reasons.
1: After much reading, research, and listening to the Classe and Aragon in as many stores as I could over the course of 1 year, I decided I liked the Classe more.
2: I got one for a fantastic deal.

I liked it so much that my system now comprises of: Classe CDT-1, DAC-1, CP-50, CA-400. Never had a problem.

I've heard wonderful things about the 4B-SST, but haven't had a chance to audition them in my own home. Brief listening with Joseph Audio speakers / Audible illusions tube preamp was impressive.

Have listened to the Classe stuff (used to sell it, actually)-- With Martin-Logans, B&W matrix and signature series products, Aerial 10T usually with krell CD and krell, classe or Audio Research preamps, I always thought the Classe CA-300 (which if I'm not mistaken is not much different than the 301) sounded a bit too laid back, and I agree with whomever said they doubted power ratings-- it's not that they lack control, their amps just never grabbed my attention with their dynamics. I'm sure they output rated power, you just wouldn't know it to listen to them.

The reason I don't really care for Classe much is why many like the amps, however. They are smoooooth, and I don't think you'll get a debate on that.

As for durability, in my experience selling Classe, and owning a very well-used and daily-flogged Bryston (college years- brutal on an amp), you can't go too far wrong with either brand.

I purchased the Bryston 4B-SST ( replacing the 4B-ST ) which is a HUGE improvement in every aspect. I compared the 4B-SST with the CA 301, the ML 334 and a smaller Krell amp and the 4B-SST was the overall winner. Only the ML 334 came close, but was less powerfull, and less dynamic.( soundstaging and tonal balance about the same ). My system: Nautilus 802's, TacT rcs 2.0 roomcrrection pre-amp,Sony SCD 1 and Bryston 4B-SST.