2. amps-preamps
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McIntosh MC402 vs. Bryston 4B SST

Can anyone enlighten me on the differences between these two amps and how to make a good decision between the two. Other than the obvious price differences which I may exclude from my decision making process and I believe there is also a big difference in warranty. I guess I am more concerned with the differences in sound and listening quality? I have always heard about how great McIntosh's are and had wanted to get one since I originally heard about them, but now I see that the Bryston is highly rated, but how does it stack up to the Mac - or does it stack up at all?

Thank you in advance - confused in the northeast
johnp_coast
bobschneider
27 posts
 

I recently upgraded from the 4B ST to the MC352 - each amp is the immediate predecessor of the ones you are considering. While the Bryston is no slouch (I was happy with it for 5 years), I find that the Mac sounds less like audio, and more like live music. I'm definately listening to my system more since I upgraded.

While the Mac warranty is decent (3 years), nothing compares with Bryston's 20 year warranty. On the other hand, Macs are very cool running and long lived amps - there are lots of 20+ year old Mac amps still in service. And if you do need a repair, there are plenty of places that specialize in old Mac gear, and lot of parts are still available from the factory for vintage Mac gear.
paulficarella
43 posts
 
The 402 is in a different league than the 4 b sst it almost twice the price so it would make more sense to compare the 14 B SST and in that case the 14 B sst is better.
drew_w
63 posts
 
What makes you so sure of that Paul? Simply stating that it is better doesn't do anyone any good...care to elaborate please?
paulficarella
43 posts
 
Yes the 14 b sst has a twenty year warranty the bryston is more reliable you don't have to worry about paying to get it repaired after you already paid $5500 for it. The bryston the 14b has more power 108,000 MFD of filter capacitance per channel the brystons power is just as clean in terms of distortion and is extremely neutral. I have heard both and prefer the bryston even though the Mcintosh is also very nice but I prefer the Brystons sound stage bass control and mids and highs are equal of the Mac, plus the bryston
plus the Bryston has the reviews to back it
up.
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
Which is better between the Bryston and the Mac I don't know, as I haven't heard the Bryston, but Paul's statements are subjective at best.

Yes the 14 b sst has a twenty year warranty the bryston is more reliable ...
This doesn't mean the Bryston is more reliable.

The bryston the 14b has more power 108,000 MFD of filter capacitance per channel...
Specs do not guarantee good (or better) sound/performance.

plus the Bryston has the reviews to back it.
So does the Mac.
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