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
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.........
dayglow
1,755 posts
 
It's amplifier current that determines speaker performamce not just w/ch. From what I have read the B135 is very conservatively rated. 
edlchiang62
17 posts
 
I have the bryston b2.5 cubed Amp which is the amp version of the b135 int amp and it effortlessly drives my performa3 f206 speakers
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