[Grant Hill]

Hi

We will never offer MQA

james

I agree - no need for that imho

[larevoj]

DITTO to 4B3 mono and CONGRATS to JAMES  - https://hometheaterhifi.com/editorial/oped/secrets-q-a-with-bryston-ceo-james-tanner/

1. Monoblocks with 4B3 specs
2. Monoblocks with 4B3 specs
3. Monoblocks with 4B3 specs

[mv038856]

DITTO to 4B3 mono and CONGRATS to JAMES  - https://hometheaterhifi.com/editorial/oped/secrets-q-a-with-bryston-ceo-james-tanner/

I like the idea that James outlined in the interview linked above:
„ ... I’ve been talking with Storm Audio recently about the possibility of us manufacturing a version of their processor in-house, our way. So with this new merger in place, we could conceivably ask Storm for the rights to build the processor in-house in Canada, from the ground up with our modifications, and pay them a royalty per unit. The only thing we would need from them is the software.“

As a matter of fact, I was envisioning the perfect processor years ago on this forum, although I was thinking about Trinnov processing combined with Bryston analog and overall audiophile/technical expertise. While Trinnov’s approach of the flexible PC platform based processing is unique, I am shocked when looking at the inside of the $$$ unit. There has to be enormous potential if the analog side is done in Bryston style.

Storm‘s like Bryston‘s surround processor designs have always been based on MDS platforms. But apparently, there is more to it than just implanting a MDS board into your own processor. It is hard to tell how bare the software is that MDS provides. They do offer a reference design. What does that cover software wise?

To be honest, while I like the idea of a „real“ Bryston 3D Audio processor, I still would be hesitant to spend 15 or 20 grand on a processor.

It is a general problem that the cost of manual labor and high quality components keeps going up. I acquired a used Bryston 6B ST amp once and the seller included the original invoice that listed the amp at $1,750. While that might be some 20 years ago, a 6B pro amp now probably sells for close to $10,000. The good stuff is more and more getting out of reach for a portion of the audio enthusiasts.
My first Bryston amp was a 3B and back then, Bryston‘s nick name was „Ordinary people’s Mark Levinson“ because it offered incredible value and audiophile qualities while being relatively affordable. Looking at current list prices, especially over here in Europe, Bryston easily is on par with ML. While this could be a viable strategy for Bryston, its positioning is quite different to what it was when I was infected by the Bryston virus back in the old millennium...

Another 2 Cents from Germany!

Markus

[Rod_S]

I like the idea that James outlined in the interview linked above:
„ ... I’ve been talking with Storm Audio recently about the possibility of us manufacturing a version of their processor in-house, our way. So with this new merger in place, we could conceivably ask Storm for the rights to build the processor in-house in Canada, from the ground up with our modifications, and pay them a royalty per unit. The only thing we would need from them is the software.“

As a matter of fact, I was envisioning the perfect processor years ago on this forum, although I was thinking about Trinnov processing combined with Bryston analog and overall audiophile/technical expertise. While Trinnov’s approach of the flexible PC platform based processing is unique, I am shocked when looking at the inside of the $$$ unit. There has to be enormous potential if the analog side is done in Bryston style.

Storm‘s like Bryston‘s surround processor designs have always been based on MDS platforms. But apparently, there is more to it than just implanting a MDS board into your own processor. It is hard to tell how bare the software is that MDS provides. They do offer a reference design. What does that cover software wise?

To be honest, while I like the idea of a „real“ Bryston 3D Audio processor, I still would be hesitant to spend 15 or 20 grand on a processor.

...

Another 2 Cents from Germany!

Markus

Interesting concept there. With James now running the ship and his disapproval of room correction coupled with the overwhelming majority of people paying the big bucks for the Storm and Trinnov units room correction is seemingly one of customers priorities so I unfortunately don't think a product playing in that league without room correction would sell enough units for Bryston to recoup their R&D costs. They would need a full featured EQ to move units.

Yeah yeah I know there are those here on the forum who don't want room correction and agree with James' philosophy but you are definitely in the minority.

[Xrm473]

Hi James,

Qualified as a Roon user;

1. A new DAC better suited to a few audio inputs (streamer 1 , streamer 2 and an optical for a TV is all I use). Am I missing something with HDMI?  A HDMI pass-through I would be okay if it was operational in standby.

2. Can a new DAC use the MPS-2 power supply in conjunction with the BP-26?

Other products that may be of interest;

1. A Roon core
2. A Roon core and streamer in combination, eliminating a NAS

Thanks

[alexone]

... the more i think about it, the more i feel that an integrated would be good idea. a combination of the new BR20 and a 3B³ (as a minimum).

al.

[alexone]

..deleted.

[alexone]

...@ Markus:

yes, sadly the price for Bryston when you want a new unit just went through the ceiling. i bought my 26 new for 3600 Euros. now it is 8471 Euros  according to Avitech's website. the years certainly went by when i bought this beautiful preamp new...but this is something i can't understand. especially if you keep in mind that there has been no technical change/improvement (correct me, if i'm wrong here).
however, beeing a long time Bryston user from the bottom of my heart it makes my eyes (and mind) water to understand that maybe in the near future a new Bryston component will become unreachable for me...


al.

[mav52]

I've got to agree with this poster :

"" 3. An integrated based on the 135 or even perhaps the 4b3 that offers balanced inputs and outputs providing a linear upgrade path for those who either want to add monos (Such as 28's) or allow bridging with another matching amp like is done with the 4b3's, while at the same time allowing bi-amping, etc. I’m not sure if this eats into your market strategy but it would make for a very versatile product.

balanced inputs and outputs , more watts, upgraded DAC,  streaming capabilities

[wplash666]

If you could add the Pi to the  'B135/DAC Cubed'  it would be so cool!

[spartana]

I think Bryston has become way too expensive in the last years. I own a 4B3, a BP173 and a BDA3. The price for the 4B3 was 5978 EUR in mid 2016. A year later when the review in the German STEREO magazine was published, it was around 6500 EUR. Today it is 8034 EUR for the same product (all incl tax). That is 12094 CAD.

A B60R was listed (before being discontinued) with 5381 EUR (8098 CAD). Looking at other companie's products in that range it will be difficult to compete. And writing that I want to mention that I do NOT have brands in mind that shifted production to low cost locations.

I like the sound, the 20 year warranty and the brand in general.

It is clear that production in CA is more expensive than in Taiwan. I guess the strategy to handle as much as possible in CA inhouse is key to the overall Bryston quality that is basis for the long warranty. Still I wonder if a wider product range is more preferable than an optimized production process that results in more stable prices to the end customer.

At today's price tag I would hesitate buying the afore mentioned gear and would also need to take also other brands into consideration.

I read somewhere a statement by James that the new company structure will allow Bryston to become less of anassembler and more of a production company that depends less on external suppliers. I guess that is what could turn around the imho too high price increase of the recent years.

[Rod_S]

I agree about the pricing. I know today if I were entering the audio/HT market there is no way I could afford the price of entry for Bryston, certainly not to get what Bryston amps I have now. It's mind boggling how the prices have gone so high over the years. This isn't entirely a Bryston thing, take B&W Diamond series speakers as just one example, the price jump when they introduced the D3 models vs the D2 was ridiculous.

Then of course there is the uber expensive segment like the TAD, Esoteric and D'Andagostino, etc. which price wise make the Bryston pricing model look like dollar store pricing

Another Canadian company, Sim Audio has some gear at those stratospheric prices as well, I think their big mono's are pushing like $100k or more.

[spartana]

One remark about the previously mentioned room correction: 4-5 years ago I bought a pair of new speakers. Actually the ones I always wanted. Small brand from Germany (www.dynamikks.com). Unfortunately I was never convinced of the sound. I changed my power amp to a 4B3. Id did not help. I added a BP173. It did not help. I added the BDA3. Still not what I wanted.


It was strange. I knew the exavt same electronics from an exhibition close to my home town. Other speakers though. I really loved the sound. Hence I concluded it must have been the speakers. I traded in my existing speakers for much more expensive ones. Still not better.


At some point I contacted a specialist for room acoustics. He told me for just 1500 EUR he could check my room withe some measurement gear and develop a concept on how to imrpove acoustics with absorbers and bass traps (hoping that is what it's called in English as well). Of course these could cost several thousand EUR then and would look a bit ... not so nice.


I stumbled across an article in an onoine hifi magazine, reviewing a minidsp SHD. I bought the unit.


Long story short: the improvement was amazing! My system suddently sounded exactly like I expected it to do for that kind of money. 


I did not expect such dramatic effects since my room is quite full with furniture, books, a carpet, etc. BUT it is not symmetrical. That caused serious bass problems.


For 1800 EUR the minidsp became the best purchase of the last years. I cannot live without it.


So naturally I support room correction. I can only recommend to try it.

[redbook]

   I know  this is off topic but since it was mentioned...I have found that  my API 5500 graphic equalizer has balanced the room acoustics very well. Given the shape and size of the listening area it was hopeless to level the bass energy. love the result  

[mav52]

I agree about the pricing. I know today if I were entering the audio/HT market there is no way I could afford the price of entry for Bryston, certainly not to get what Bryston amps I have now. It's mind boggling how the prices have gone so high over the years. This isn't entirely a Bryston thing, take B&W Diamond series speakers as just one example, the price jump when they introduced the D3 models vs the D2 was ridiculous.

Then of course there is the uber expensive segment like the TAD, Esoteric and D'Andagostino, etc. which price wise make the Bryston pricing model look like dollar store pricing

Another Canadian company, Sim Audio has some gear at those stratospheric prices as well, I think their big mono's are pushing like $100k or more.

Everything is costing way more than we used to pay, I mean everything not just audio equipment. Sooner or later everything will tank.  But Audio equipment is getting way out there.

[GrooveControl]

I stumbled across an article in an onoine hifi magazine, reviewing a minidsp SHD. I bought the unit.

Long story short: the improvement was amazing! My system suddently sounded exactly like I expected it to do for that kind of money. 

I did not expect such dramatic effects since my room is quite full with furniture, books, a carpet, etc. BUT it is not symmetrical. That caused serious bass problems.

For 1800 EUR the minidsp became the best purchase of the last years. I cannot live without it.

So naturally I support room correction. I can only recommend to try it.

I don't have the SHD, but do have the miniDSP 2x4HD and absolutely love it. I've never understood people changing pre-amps, power amps and speakers hoping to find that synergy that finally sounds good to them.  miniDSP has a great thing going. 

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/minidsp-shd-review-updated-dsp-dac-streamer.18681/   

[r.strefford]

- Lower Power Monoblocks - Half a 4b3 for example. 

- A Class D range of amps done right. Something to bring the entry price into the bryston brand a little lower. Also with one eye on reduced energy consumption.

- Update on the SP3, but (upgradeable) HDMI inputs only. 2u height.

- Integrated amp Roon Ready, x2 balanced inputs, class D power. Again a gateway product into the brand.

- A Killer MM/MC  phono Preamp stackable with a Roon endpoint, and dac/headphone amp for the head-fi crowd.

[Metal Forever]

BR25? - a BR20 / "defunct B60R" combo.  This would allow to truly have an all-in-one solution and provide the flexibility for those who require the extra power!

[Vhond]

- A Class D range of amps done right. Something to bring the entry price into the bryston brand a little lower. Also with one eye on reduced energy consumption.

Like https://purifi-audio.com/eigentakt/ you mean?

[Rod_S]

Everything is costing way more than we used to pay, I mean everything not just audio equipment. Sooner or later everything will tank.  But Audio equipment is getting way out there.

Unfortunate the tank couldn't come sooner rather than later as there is a whole generation of audio enthusiasts missing out on amazing gear simply because the pricing has gotten so out of control.

I'm sure it's a combination of a lot of factors, supply and demand being one of them, manufacturers are willingly charging high prices knowing they will still see sales, then cost of materials to a degree factors in and goes up over time however there in undoubtedly some level of simple greed, charge more to make more build the empire mentality which is sad.