2. amps-preamps
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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.
argent
rgd
656 posts
 
There seems to be an opinion (can't remember where I read it, sorry)that the new models (14B and 6B) have addressed some of the issues surrounding the lack of midrange niceties that the 7B and 4B amps are perceived to lack. I own a 4B-ST and can't find anything wrong with it but I haven't tried either of the new ones to see if there truely is any difference. I think it comes down to what are your main listening pleasures - 2 channel, 5 channel DTS and the like or HT(movies). If you are going to use the 3 channel amp primarily for HT then I very much doubt any sonic benefits that may be in the 6B over a 4B will be realized - HT wiz bang and the like... But hey thats just my opinion. If its just a center channel issue, what about a Powrerpac 250 (one side of a 4B)- retains the timbre/amplification of qualities of the 4B...

Tough call to make - I guess I haven't really answered your question...
rute1
71 posts
 
May be Aragon Products is your solution? 8008x....
michaela
314 posts
 
"My question is, is the HPA3 a last-amp-you'll-ever-buy amp"

It's been my experience that there never will be a "last amp you'll ever buy" The last amp I just sold, a Classe' was my "last amp". Good luck! Mike.
argent OP
245 posts
 
Powerpac 250 would be a cool option, but it is completely rack unfriendly, plus I don't have enough outlets (I like to plug the amp directly into the wall socket). I do agree with you about the lack of sound quality when it comes to movies, but I will be using this amp for music, too. Aragon 8008bbx3 is a great amp for home theater, but I need an amp with exceptional channel separation, i.e. a true triple mono design. I know its not really the last amp I'll every buy, but probably the last amp for a few years. Keep the advice coming. Thanks.
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