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Which power amp Bryston 3Bst, 4Bst or Musical Fidelity A3cr?

I have been upgrading my system lately. I use many sources CD, DAT, synthesizers and phono. They all have different levels. While I don't play very loudly some sources are too soft and need a significant boost. I am now using a Musical Fidelity A3cr preamp (which I love), TMC Yellow interconnects to the amp (a B&K Reference 4420 - 225WPC). My main CD source for now is an ARCAM Alpha 7se connected with TMC whites to the preamp. My speakers are Magnepan 1.5QRs. I think at this point the weak link is my B&K (a good amp, but now a little outclassed) and would like to upgrade. Tubes are not an option since I leave my system on all day and I don't want the hassle. I'm torn between the Musical Fidelity A3cr power amp - my only real reservation is whether this will have sufficient power. It is rated at 120WPC to 8 ohms (nominally only half my B&K which does not feel overpowered - but I know rating can be deceiving) The other option that seems attractive is a used Bryston - probably a 4B-ST (although a 3b-ST might be sufficient). Does anyone have any thoughts on how these compare or on the power issue with the Musical Fidelity ? Any other ideas welcome.

Thanks
fineberg

Showing 1 response by drewfidelity

drewfidelity
178 posts
 
I agree with Rgd. The Bryston 4B-ST is a very good match with Magnepan speakers. When Magnepan displayed their new 20.1 speakers at the Stereophile Home Entertainment Show they did so with Bryston equipment. They obviously think that Bryston is a good match with Magnepan.
That being said, I run a Classe CA-150 with my Magnepan 1.6 QR speakers. I found the Classe to sound a bit warmer than the Bryston. The low end was not as tight. I use a Sunfire Signature Sub so that is not an issue in my system. The other choices listed by Rgd may be as good if not better choices in your system. I have only heard wonderful things about the Odyssey Amplifiers and the price seems more than wonderful. I have heard many Aragon amplifiers and have always liked them.
I heard the Musical Fidelity Preamp at Audio Connection and thought that it was a very revealing preamp. You may do well by finding a high current solid state amplifier that falls on the warm side of life. Good luck in your search.
Drew
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