Anthem, Rotel or Bryston ???


Hi there,

I'm considering a new amp because I think my old one (Myryad MA 240) might be "cooked". I did enjoy the Myryad while it was working but I think it might be time for a change only because I'm not exactly sure what's wrong with it and if it'd be worth fixing it. Anyway, here's what the rest of my system consists of:

Anthem TLP1 (preamp/tuner)
NAD CD 540 (modified)
StudioLAB Reference 1's (bookshelf version)
Various IC's and speaker wire

I went into one of the local stores and the gentleman there suggested that either one of the above mentioned (Anthem, Rotel or Bryston) should match up nicely with the rest of my system. The Anthem (new) could cost me anywhere between $800 - $1300 (depending on which one - either the PVA2 or the MCA20). They are clearing out the Rotel (I actually did not check which model it was) for around $500. And a new Bryston will cost me anywhere between $2500 - $3500. I'm not sure if I'm ready to drop that kind of money for the Bryston because I'm also considering adding a sub too so the extra money that I'd spend for a 2BSST or a 3BSST could go towards the cost of the sub. Anyway, I plan on listening to the Anthem (they only have the MCA20 in stock) and the Rotel too but thought I'd post something here to see if you guys can provide me with any experience you might have. My music tastes vary from A-Z. Every so often, I like to crank it, but that's not always the case. Will I notice much of a difference between the Anthem's as the PVA2 is rated at 125 watts/channel or 105 watts/channel with all channels driven and the MCA20 is rated at 225 watts/channel or 200 watts/channel with all channels driven ?

Thanks.
bacs68
I own the MCA2 or 20, I forget which. It's the 200 watt stereo model. I also have the TLP1 and I have been very happy with the setup. My sources are a Scout with Dynavector 10x5 and a Denon CD player. The speakers are Vandersteen 2ce sigs.
How about the Audio Refinement? Made by YBA, affordable, and SWEET! Sounds like tubes with the slamming accuracy of solid state. Also try the Audio Analouge, Italian made, similar. Just as great. I have had both and I loved them.
Post removed 
I would just look for a used Bryston 4B-ST on Audiogon. Being very well built, it likely won't break and will sound as good if not better than a new Bryston SST amp. The Rotel and Anthem products are both quite respectable at their price points, but the Brystons are more bullet-proof and can be made to sound quite good with good cabling. I lived with a 4B-ST for five years, and now own what most people consider top tube (VAC Renaissance) and solid-state (darTZeel) amplification, and can assure you that the Bryston ST series amps sound very good for their price point.