Should I replace ARC D130 for Bryston 4B-ST?

For Grand Piano you'll definitely need to increase power to get more bass.
I wouldn't recommend you going with Bryston preamps though -- just a waste of money.
You should look among the MacCormack models that are priced much lower and perform much higher.

I cant speak for the Bryston pre amp, but think that the 4B-ST will give you the "kick" your looking for with the SF's. I have owned several ARC SS amps and have found all to be very good, decent in the bass and better than average in the mids and upper end. The Bryston will wake up your speakers, but would be concerned that it may not be the ARC's equal in the upper mids and could add a touch of grain overall.Though many LOVE this amp for what it does, it seems to pair well in many systems.--Ken

Ryder

I can't speak for the Bryston, but I had an ARC D130 and replaced it with a ARC 100.2 and the difference was stunning. The 100.2 is very very musical. It also gets great reviews.

Just my two cents.

the arc 100.2 is great, as are several mac tube amps...but for 2g's its hard to beat a bryston in the bass dept...its also a good all-rounder.

In most all systems a great pre is always better than going straight to the amp with a cd player's volume control. Then think about whatever amp.

Thanks for all your responses. Most likely I will get the Bryston.

I am well aware that the ARC D130 will be better in the upper mids but I'm willing to sacrifice that for a livelier sound, more controlled bottom end and extended highs(although some would say it as splashy treble with the Bryston). It's just that I prefer a more upfront sound.

As for the ARC 100.2, I do know that they are very good amps and certainly a marked improvement over the ARC D130, and probably better than the Bryston. But my concern is that a new unit of the 100.2 cost twice as much (or more) than a used 4B-ST. I'm a poor audio enthusiast so I have to make do with the Bryston....for now.

Well that's all folks. Looks like I still have to get a preamp and there's no way going round this one, and thanks for your advice Marakanetz on Bryston preamps. Nearly got one early last month but rejected the deal since it's black in colour(I wanted a silver one!).