2. amps-preamps
  3. 156729-132677

Bryston Amp Experience Needed

I am currently running Kef R11’s (rated 15-300 watts) with an Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3 amp (300wpc).

I am looking to upgrade to a Bryston from the used market.

I can get a 3B3 (200wpc) for around 3K (which is my budget), or I can not eat for a few months and get a 4B3 (300wpc) for around 4K.

Since I am used to the 300wpc on the Emotiva - am I going to notice a huge difference with a drop to 200wpc with the 3B3?

I do like to crank up the volume from time to time, but I generally listen at low to medium volumes.  I also mostly listen to modern metal/rock/synth-pop/r&b/hip-hop, and a lot of Tori Amos.....

Thx !!
drhelzer
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kingbarbuda
514 posts
 
I think you should be fine with the 3B3. You say that you generally listen at low (or at least not crazy high) volumes. So you should have enough headroom to handle transients and dynamics. Would the 4B3 be better? Yes. But is it worth financial strain? No. Get your 3B3 and enjoy it. When you are financially ready to move up you can sell the Bryston 3B3 as the used Bryston market is active. 
dayglow
1,755 posts
 
I would consider a "warmer" sounding amp to match up with the KEF R11. What preamp are you using?
drhelzer OP
17 posts
 
@dayglow

I am currently using an Emotiva XMC-1 (soon to be upgraded to XMC-2 or a RMC-1L once they get Dirac released for them).  I am using a Bryston BDP-2 as a Roon endpoint over AES/EBU and it is my only source component at the moment for 2 ch audio.
dayglow
1,755 posts
 
Since you want to upgrade your preamp you could avoid this with an integrated amp as an option? Bryston B135 has plenty of power to drive the R 11. This way you avoid purchasing another Emotiva component.
drhelzer OP
17 posts
 
Upgrade for the Emotiva is the "trade-up' program and it will only run me $650.  I need it for Video.  
I actually was thinking about a used B135 cubed for the exact reason of getting the 2ch off of the Emotiva - but I didn't think it would have enough power at 135 watts - i.e. the whole reason for this thread 200 vs 300 watts.  But then I see some people running large cabinets like B&W 802/803 D3's with the B135 so.........
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