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
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@jfrmusic As another data point, I have one AHB2 for my Focal speakers. I like the AHB2 at this stage in my path, but it is not be for everyone. I have been considering a second AHB2 and enjoy trying different arrangements and listening for differences. I tried the AHB2 in bridged mode and vertically passively bi-amped, as well and the usual stereo configuration with the jumper, all using just one amp into one speaker. The sessions were relatively short and I don’t have golden ears, nor extensive experience. All were with a 10’ speaker cable.

I feel somewhat confident that I found the bridged mode to sound worse. This is not what I was expecting. There was less detail across the board and the bass was less controlled as compared to traditionally stereo but with one channel powering the entire speaker with the jumper. I am assuming this is due to the damping factor with the same speaker cable length. A much shorter speaker cable would improve the damping factor.

I believe the vertically biamped sounded better than the traditional connection (one channel of the amp power the entire speaker with the jumper across the speaker posts). The bass had the same impact, maybe a bit better however across the board there was more detail and clarity. I focus on detail, and don’t try to make it louder. I prefer about 75 to 85 db. I would need to listen alot more over various days and bring in friends/family to say with certainty, but these are my impressions so far, for my ears, on those days, in my room.

@piebaldpython 

How warm does the Pass 350.8 get?  Don’t want something hot to the touch or warming the room..

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How warm does the Pass 350.8 get?  Don’t want something hot to the touch or warming the room..

The 350.8 is absurd for your speakers, and the 150.8 would be more than adequate.  Moreover, Pass has a different sound signature from Bryston — they are not substitutes.  Figure out what sound characteristics you want first, find a brand that exhibits those qualities, and then pick the model with adequate juice to adequately power your speakers.