Bryston 14 B SST with Martin Logan SL3 speakers?


I'm using a Sim Audio Moon Eclipse CD player, Bryston BP 25 pre-amp, Martin Logan SL3 speakers,Virtual dynamics pc's, HTS 2000 conditioner.
I have been thinking of purchasing a Bryston 14 B SST to tie this system together. The extra power of the 14 B SST would be good to have on hand for more power handling speakers in the future like the B&W N801'S. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience listening to a similar combo and how you would think this would blend together?
Thanks,
Bob
bob_alders
Well, I had a Bryston 4B-ST running ML Aerius i's, and - though powerful - the combo didn't work that well. Both the Bryston and ML's tend towards a lean, highly-resolving sound, and together they were uncomfortable to listen to for any length of time (bordering on just-plain-harsh with certain recordings).

I upgraded to a Pass Labs X-250 without changing the speakers or cabling (Analysis Plus Oval 9 spkr cables), which imparted a very smooth, warm character AND gained oodles of detail. Where the Bryston sounded dispassionate all the time and strained when pushed hard, the Pass drives these difficult loads (down to 1 ohm at 20Khz) with far more ease. And remember that I am comparing nearly identically-rated SS amps - 250Wx2 into 8 ohms, 500Wx2 into 4 ohms for both.

Of course, Your Mileage May Vary, because you have a different environment, SL3's instead of Aerius, a 14B instead of a 4B, etc. But the sonic family characters of both the Bryston amps and ML electrostats are probably quite relevant to your question.

If you are prepared to pony-up for the 14B-SST, I would recommend that you audition the Pass Labs and other amps with YOUR gear first. Then let your ears decide.

Hope that helps a bit.
Thanks for your suggestions, your comments are what I'm looking for to force me to have an open mind about this next important upgrade. I live in Nova Scotia, tring out a wide variety of new gear at home is nearly impossible so I have to rely on other means of evaluating equipment (quess work) which means that I will purchase it used and try it into my system. The Pass Labs gear has always looked to me as very fine gear, The X250 certainly is a beautiful looking piece of gear, one that wouldn't be a problem to stare at sitting between my speakers every day.
Keeping in mind of future upgrades in speakers, ones that may handle much more or less power than my SL3's, would you still suggest the Pass Labs X250 or should I look at the X350 for it's higher power capabilities? What is the sound like with these amps, at low listening levels?
I would appreciate your comments on this.
Thanks
I had Martin logan sequel2 which is the same sl3 but older model (I am not sure).I listened to these speakers with all kinds of amps and I just have to say problem is not the amps.The only amp that could challenge with this monster was my Bryston 7bsst wich is I still have it in my system.They need a lot of power to sing and your amp will run very hot.If you never had electrostatic speakers befor.I would say forget the Martin logan and go with dynamic speakers or if you are a big fun of these kinds of speakers I would prefer Quad over Martin logans.This speakers are not good with all kinds of musics and they do not rock.Some people saying that they good for jazz and classical but in my opinion,If your speakers are not fine with everything they are toys not speakers.Forget about looks,color,size,name and advertisments in stereophile because major of this products has been made to make some money.Go look for a pair speakers that makes you smile when you sit front it.
Good Luck
Hamlet
i used to run a classe ca 200 w/ sl-3's w/ awesome results. the 2 are a match made in heaven as martin-logan themselves will tell you.