I am considering upgrading my Bryston 4BSST2, either to a
4BSST3, or possibly to two 7BSST3 mono blocks, as I read a review by someone
saying that their new SST3 was quite a bit better than their old SST2, in a way
that might usefully complement my system.
I recently upgraded my digital sources and I am wondering if further
improvements could be achieved by upgrading the power amp.
My system at present: Esoteric T03N streamer, Esoteric K03XS SACD
player, Bryston BP26 pre amp, Bryston 4BSST2 power amp, PMC Fact 12 speakers,
two Velodyne DD10 subs. Speaker cables
are two 6m lengths of Van Damme 6 sqmm cables.
One of those lengths is way too long, the other one merely too long. A couple of systems ago, 6m was necessary,
now, about 4.5m would get to the speaker furthest away from the rack. My room is 6m by 4m and about 3.2m high.
My first option would be to change to the 4BSST3, keep it in
its current position and either go on using the same speaker cables, or buy new
ones. I could also move it to the position I am considering if I went for the
mono blocks, as described below.
My second option would be more complicated and more
expensive. I could accommodate the two
7BSST3 between the speakers and right next to the subs, underneath the television. Then run 3m XLR connections from the pre amp
to the power amps, and run 1.5m speaker cables to the speakers. This would also involve getting or building a
new television rack.
As far as power output goes: the 4B is 2 x 300W, which is
sufficient. The 7Bs are 600W each. I found that when I changed from a Meridian 557
power amp to the 4B the speakers were really “gripped”. While 2 x 600W is certainly not necessary for
sound volume purposes, I wonder if there would be a gain in sound quality due
to the higher power.
I would be grateful to hear from anyone who has changed from
an SST2 to an SST3 and could tell me their findings. Also if anyone has views on whether the 7BSSTs
would substantially outperform the 4BSST.
