Does and don't


Can I plug 2 bryston 4b amplifier into a furman 15 amp regulator?  It's furmans small regulator.

albertballew

Showing 2 responses by jsalerno277

Perhaps those more technically competent than I as a novice can check my estimation and comments.  First, the Bryston 4b SST manual indicates a 15 amp line is adequate but cautions that at a 4Ohm load with maximum power output, a mains line sharing other equipment or appliances may overload and trip the breaker.  Current is additive.  A 10Amp draw and a 5Amp draw at a given voltage (120V) is a 15Amp total current draw on the line.  Second, the maximum power consumption specification is 1350Watts (consumption not output).  At 120V, the current requirement at maximum power consumption is 11.25Amps. *  Recognize that this is the maximum and under real home listening levels you are probably not drawing anything near maximum current.  In conclusion, and considering the calculation of maximum current draw and Bryson’s caution, plugging two Bryston 4bs (11.25 + 11.25Amps maximum draw) into a Furman regulator rated at 15Amps may overload the circuit and trip a breaker in the Furman or at your panel, especially if you also have other equipment hooked up to the Furman.  I recommend discussing this with Furman.  

*I(A) = P(W)/V(V)

@jea48 

Thank you for your explanation.   I fully agree with your analysis of TPP and its effects on current, circuits, and potential effect on dynamics of the reproduced sound. However, the specification cited was the Bryston specification for continuous maximum power, not transient peak power.  I calculate the specified CMP to draw 11.25Amps for a single unit.  This seems consistent with the Bryston manual that indicates a 15Amp mains supply is adequate; however, warns that on a shared circuit with other electronics or appliances, there is a potential to trip the breaker. I stated that under normal listening situations, maximum continuous power will probably not be reached, except in a high current demand situation (like a cold start up).  Again, I recommend contacting Furman for their recommendation.  Personally, I recommend a regenerator, regulator, or conditioner rated at 20Amps for this stated system and application.  I use a conditioner rated for 20Amps on a dedicated 20Amp line and my amplifier draws less current at MCP than the 4b. I hear no degradation in SQ, and benefit from lower noise and surge protection.