Is the 14B-SST different from 2 x 7B-SST ?

jethro · « **on:** 23 Sep 2004, 12:33 am »

This question is mostly directed at James although others may have some input on this.

In the October Stereophile, the 14B-SST is listed as a class-A (stereophile rating, not amp topology) amp and the 7B-SST as a class-B amp. I'm not questionning stereophile's rating, but it has got me wondering again whether the 7B-SST x2 is just as good as the 14B-SST (sound-wise) ?

gazza982 · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Sep 2004, 12:19 pm »

I contacted James Tanner when I was purchasing my B&W Nautilus 800s. James recommended 2 x 7B SSTs over the 14B SST if space wasn't an issue. So I'm puzzled by Stereophile's rating.

perose · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Sep 2004, 05:50 pm »

The older 7B-ST was rated class A.

If I recall correctly, I seem to remeber reading one of the reviewers stating that he liked the top end zip of the older 7B-ST vs. the newer SST version. Seems kind of strange to me since the 14B and 7B-SSTs are supposed to be very similar if not identical.

afblaster · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 Sep 2004, 06:20 pm »

You may not be aware that there is a review of the 14B-SST by David Allcock of Hi Fi News in the Review area on Bryston's web site. He reviews the 14B and compares it with his own 7Bs. AFAIK he now owns a 14B, if that means anything.

James Tanner · « **Reply #4 on:** 23 Sep 2004, 07:20 pm »

The confusion is that the review by David is comparing the older 7B ST to the 14B ST which is in fact the first of the SST Series.
The 14B SST is identical to the 7B SST - except - the 7B SST has a bit more heatsink than the 14B SST.
Also the 7B SST being MONO allows the amp to be placed close to each speaker there-by reducing the speaker cable length.

james