The 6B ST is far superior to the 4B ST. It sounds better and runs cooler. I bridged a 4B ST for a single channel and it still didn't hold a candle to the 6B ST. I started out using two 4B ST amps, one bridged for the center channel and another for the main speakers.Then I switched to the 6B ST and it sounds much better. I'm using the two 4B ST amps now for surround amps and the 6B ST up front. The 6B ST is a big improvement.
Which amp is better...
I have narrowed my search to between the Proceed HPA3 and the Bryston 6B-ST (sort of). I know that listening is the key, but unfortunately I do not have the option of listening to either amp. I own a 4B-ST right now, but I am in desperate need of some decent center channel amplification. I've posted on this subject before, and you all have provided some good advice, but now I'm kinda stuck. The Bryston does wonders with my system for movies and excellent for music (other equipment includes B&W N804s, HTM-1 center, Proceed AVP, Meridian 508.24, & Sony DVP-9000ES, music 60%,movies 40%).
I have auditioned the Proceed AMP 5 (great sound, I love the option to use both balanced and single ended ICs at the same time, but just lacking in bass) and as I mentioned I own a 4B-ST (great bass, but lacking some of the detail that the Proceed provided). My question is, is the HPA3 a last-amp-you'll-ever-buy amp, or has Bryston added a few more goodies to the 6B-ST to enhance its quality over the already superb 4B-ST? I'm not so concerned with warranty anymore (5 years from Proceed is good enough). Remember, I will have to buy either of these amps sight-unseen. I know this goes against every rule here, but the hi-fi market has virually shut down where I live. The 4B-ST will be sold to help finance this purchase (moving it to the rears was an option until the stock market tanked). Anyway, thanks all.
As a side thought (for less money), there are so many 4B-STs for sale on this site CHEAP, anyone ever run one as a mono-block?--good quality? For the cheap prices they are selling at it might almost pay to just run one channel and let the other one idle. That would be a quick solution that I could live with. Sorry for the long post, but I'm kinda in a corner right now.
I have auditioned the Proceed AMP 5 (great sound, I love the option to use both balanced and single ended ICs at the same time, but just lacking in bass) and as I mentioned I own a 4B-ST (great bass, but lacking some of the detail that the Proceed provided). My question is, is the HPA3 a last-amp-you'll-ever-buy amp, or has Bryston added a few more goodies to the 6B-ST to enhance its quality over the already superb 4B-ST? I'm not so concerned with warranty anymore (5 years from Proceed is good enough). Remember, I will have to buy either of these amps sight-unseen. I know this goes against every rule here, but the hi-fi market has virually shut down where I live. The 4B-ST will be sold to help finance this purchase (moving it to the rears was an option until the stock market tanked). Anyway, thanks all.
As a side thought (for less money), there are so many 4B-STs for sale on this site CHEAP, anyone ever run one as a mono-block?--good quality? For the cheap prices they are selling at it might almost pay to just run one channel and let the other one idle. That would be a quick solution that I could live with. Sorry for the long post, but I'm kinda in a corner right now.
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