2. amps-preamps
  3. 189013-188464

Bryston 7B3 vs 4B3: Extra Cost Worthwhile?

Now that my dealer said he can deliver and unbox my amp the weight issue has been resolved. I don’t expect to be moving them as this is my end game system. At my age end game has real meaning. So I decided on Bryston and the 4B3. But then I got to thinking maybe I should go all out and get the 7B3 mono blocks.  They are twice the price of the 4B3. For that additional expense I would hope and expect that once I heard them I would not be able to go back to the 4B3. However if the difference in perceived SQ is better but marginal the extra cost would not be worthwhile. I’m not looking for the ability to play loud but am looking for speaker control, dynamics, soundstage, etc., improvements that are clearly and unequivocally heard. So has anyone been done this road with these amps? If so please share your experiences 

jfrmusic
yyzsantabarbara
4,522 posts
 

I had the 4B-SST and the 7B-SST. I played my Revel Salon1 real loud, and the 7B-SST was better in that regard. Those speakers also ate up the additional power. 

Do you have a demanding speaker? 

soix
8,729 posts
 

I’d call Bryston and see what they have to say.

piebaldpython
37 posts
 

I have owned Bryston and live a couple of hours away from the facility. Lots of representation up here in Canada. 

 

The sound quality is quite neutral. Don't expect a different sound between the two. Bryston quickly gets harsh and compressed when driven hard or with difficult loads as an FYI. Internally they are lacking on the stiffening caps and transformer for what ratings they have. 

 

Never had an issue with reliability nor have even a single one of my friends. Just hasn't happened. I also have Luxman M02's and some NAD amps. Last year I bought a Pass Labs X350.5 and it puts every other amp I owned to shame. I completely different level of effortlessness and grip. If you are considering moving up the Bryston line I strongly suggest a used X350.5 or .8 at a fraction the cost.

jfrmusic OP
124 posts
 

My speaker is not demanding. 6 Ohm Harbeth C7es-XD. But not concerned with playing loud. Looking for control and dynamics as I listen to mostly Classical. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,522 posts
 

For a Harbeth a 4B3 is more than enough. I think the neutral Bryston is a good choice for the Harbeth. I would have gone with the Benchmark AHB2 in mono myself.  I like the top end on the AHB2 more. The bottom end on the 4B3 is better.

More to discover