Does anyone know if the 2.5B3 and 4B3 have the same sonic characteristics? Assume level matched in the 2.5B3 sweet spot.
I don’t know that they can be separated, but I’m less interested in power related dynamics. My question is specific to imaging and sound stage presentation; width, depth, height, separation.
Thanks much
Hi!
I cannot tell you anything about either amplifier but generally - and this is true for all amplifiers, not just Brsston - if a smaller amplifier can provide ample current, there is no point in getting a bigger amplifier.
In other words, this is HIGHLY dependent on the choice of speakers. Getting a bigger amplifier isn't always a good idea as typically, high-power class A/B amplifiers tend to be noisier at lower volumes than low-power amplifiers at moderate volumes. They also consume more electricity!
There's something 'magical' (for a lack of a better word) about high-power amplifiers and the ease with which they deliver the musical energy but the same can be said about low-powered amplifiers when well-paired with speakers.
The hassle is, it will be difficult to tell just by reading the speakers' specs since sensitivity and impedance hardly tell the whole story, not to mention the fact that the manufacturers sometimes blatanty - lie! Don't trust the reviewers either, their job is to sell, not to inform.
Try to arrange for a demo with the speakers you are going to use. This is always the best thing to do and is the best guarantee you are getting the product that best suits your needs. Everything else is academic at best - and if you watch YT reviews, it isn't even academic but rather based on innuendo.
Hope this helps.
Cheers - Antun