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Theta Prometheus Monoblock vs Bryston 7BSST2

I was all set to buy the Bryston 7B-SST2 amps to mate to a KEF Blade (or Blade2). However, the recent review of the Theta Prometheus on Stereophile has me intrigued. I like the benefits mentioned for the class D amps over AB or A. Less power consumption, run cool, small footprint.

I heard these amps at THE NEWPORT SHOW this year and they sounded very good but I cannot really tell in a show (unless it is really bad sound). I know how the Bryston sounds and like the fact that I would have a great RELIABLE amp if I went with Bryston. My pre-amp in the SS BAT VK-42SE. I will have a 2 channel computer based system, with the PS Audio DS DAC.

Anybody using these new Theta amps care to provide feedback on your experience. I would prefer to hide any new amps in a closed audio rack because of potential damage (spills etc..)
yyzsantabarbara

Showing 4 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara OP
5,026 posts
 
Thanks for your fantastic response. I had read your review about a month ago and I was looking for someone to do a comparison of the Veritas with the Theta. I cannot do this since I do not have my complete system yet (amp and speakers missing). How about you taking on the challenge? Your writing is excellent. Seems Veritas is keen for someone to do this,

"I would be happy to provide a pair of the Merrill Audio VERITAS Monoblocks for the comparison. I have also offered Stereophile the Merrill Audio VERITAS Monoblocks for review.

Perhaps there could be an independent, neutral place where the A/B comparison is done side by side. I understand some have done the side by side comparison and hope they will share their findings."

The above quote was posted on the Stereophile web site on the Theta review.

It would be great if Theta is interested in this comparison.
yyzsantabarbara OP
5,026 posts
 
These great response have me spending my day researching the Veritas amps. Here are some links that some reading this thread may appreciate.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1380165366&openflup&94&4&&st0

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue68/merrill_audio.htm

http://parttimeaudiophile.com/2014/01/12/merrill-audio-veritas-monoblock-amplifiers

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1213/merrill_audio_veritas_monoblock.htm
yyzsantabarbara OP
5,026 posts
 
I am looking now looking at new technology for these speakers, no A or AB amp designs. The amps I am now going to audition are, Merrill Audio Veritas, the Theta, Benchmark AHB2, Bel Canto REF600, or the Devialet 400.

I am buying the Benchmark AHB2 very soon for my office system, Benchmark DAC2 and KEF LS50 speakers. These amps are strong enough to power a line of speakers I have owned in the past, Revel Salon. They are being demoed at some shows with this combo. So this amp will be tested first with the Benchmark DAC2 on the new main system I am building. Maybe it will surprise me.

My main concern now is deciding whether to go direct to the amps from the second DAC I will get (another Benchmark DAC2 or PS Audio DS). I have my pre-amp for sale but I am thinking that maybe a bad idea and I will regret selling it.

The Devialet is another system that intrigues me and the place that I will buy the Blades, Audio High in Mountain View,CA, also sell this system. They demo the Blades with very expensive Chord electronics. Which I heard but I am not interested in spending that much money for electronics.
yyzsantabarbara OP
5,026 posts
 
For anyone who is interested the latest issue of Stereophile has a review of the Benchmark AHB2 amp that I am getting for the office system. It sounds like a real sleeper amp.
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