[servingko]

Forever is a long time but I will hold judgement until I can actually listen to a cubed amp.  Until then I, like Rob, have a 3BSST2 (a pair actually) driving a pair of Middle T's in my two channel system and couldn't be happier.  In my multi channel system I have a 9BSST and a 3BSST I purchased in 2002 or so.

[Ilkatze]

tdinut,

Brucek offers wise thoughts on the idea of an upgrade.  I stand with him in his view.  It turns out, however,  that I let go of my 4BSST2 around two days ago.

I would certainly have kept it forever.  It never failed me.  I loved it.  Everyone who listened to it did, too.

One reason I changed to a 4B3 model is because I found myself in a position to do so (pockets were temporarily a little more ching-a-ling-y), but the true reason for my change relates to what Rod_S mentions--looks.  Like Rod_S, I much prefer the 4BSST2 faceplate to that of the 4B3.  When I saw the 4B3, I remember thinking that there would have to be something substantial (e.g., noticeable to a non-audiophile/non-gear-centric person/etc.) to the performance of the 4B3 over the 4BSST2 for me to make a switch, as I found 4B3's faceplate mighty unattractive.

But then I saw the 4B3 Pro model.  Its clean, rack-mountable face was a fine sight to behold (to me, at least), and it turned my head away from the 4BSST2.  4B3 Pro’s face, along with the few extra pennies I had around, were sufficient to entice me into abandoning my 4BSST2.  Looks–not specifications–were my undoing.

I still can't believe it.  It'll be bread and water on my grocery list for a while, but with a face like 4B3 Pro's . . . . well, I just had to do it.

Falling for a pretty face is an old story.  I wasn’t strong enough to resist.

Your resistance to upgrade temptation may vary.

Ilkatze


http://bryston.com/products/power_amps/4B-3-PRO.html

[CanadianMaestro]

The real question is, does the 4B cubed smoke the squared version? Regardless of cosmetics.

[Rod_S]

The real question is, does the 4B cubed smoke the squared version? Regardless of cosmetics.

I'd wager good money it does not.

[CanadianMaestro]

I'd wager good money it does not.

Shhhh.  Don't deflate the Blimp. One Hindenburg is enough. 

[tdinut]

Ha! 

[Rod_S]

Shhhh.  Don't deflate the Blimp. One Hindenburg is enough. 

Ok I'll lessen the blow then. I'm sure under measurements examining the areas that the new cubed circuitry made their breakthrough in that the measurements would/will show improvement. Notice I'm not saying under listening sessions

[G E]

The question can be put thusly:

Is the cubed better than the T2, or is it better " in my system"?

It has taken time, much vexation and money to get my system sounding the way it does. It sounds absolutely awesome. The last two steps put me over the top: moving to the 28sst2 and the Grado Master Reference phono cart. The synergies between the components really make magic. A friend down the street made a somewhat wistful comment that he was envious of the sound I achieved for the money spent.  He recently dropped a bundle on Focus speakers and VAC amplification.

So, I am not tempted to change out anything. I don't want to upset the balance of my system

[CanadianMaestro]

^. Same here. So many underestimate the importance of balance. Synergy is hard-earned and often ignored entirely for "newer is better".

[tdinut]

G E and Maestro,

All valid points and very sensible.

[BrysTony]

Yes - I see no reason to consider upgrading my 7BSST²s at this time.  My next upgrades will be to my turntable, BDP-1 and BDA-1.

Tony