We all seem to have a little more surfing time on our hands lately, so why not provide some feedback to our friends at Bryston about what we like and don't like about some of their designs/products? It can be any product whether you own it or not. I am not encouraging discussion about sound quality, just appearances and functionality. I've been a Bryston fan and owner for 35 years or so. I've owed sever Amps and Preamps, but no digital stuff.
In the resteraunt business we use to say "people eat with their eyes". I think this holds true for audio too. We do listen with our eyes. Hence the blind listening tests. If we keep this constructive, I'm sure Bryston will be interested in reading this and will appreciate our input.
Here are some of my thoughts...
1 - My favourite 3B/4B amp dressing dates back to the late eighties pre-NRB model. I've owned several 4Bs and 3Bs from that era and think the black faceplate with the small (home version) Bryston logo and small black handles looked the best. The proportion between panel/logo/handles was just right. No big handles punching you in the face and no lines or curves on the panel trying to impress. This design doesn't draw undue attention to itself, yet the two LEDs remind you of it's presence. These amp say "turn me on and check back in 20 years". Maybe Bryston can re-introduce that as a classic line? If I were to buy a new cubed 3B or 4B, I would definitely get the pro model as I'm even a lesser fan of the buckle than I am the big handles.
2 - The 2.5B throws things out of sorts. Bryston pillars have always been the 2B, 3B, 4B. it should remain that way as long as Bryston continues to make amps. I know today's 2.5B has more power, but the .5 just does roll off the tongue properly. Try saying this out loud "I own a Bryston 2.5B", wait, what was that? a two point what? Also, the case design of the 2.5B and B135 are not very pleasing to look at. The notch for the heat sinks keep me from falling in love with these units. Weird I know, but the heat sinks really have to extend the full depth of the chasis. I know you won't see it in a cabinet, but you know it's there. I prefer the exterior design of the original double height 2B or the 3B over the 2.B5.
3 - I'm really glad Bryston has remote input selection in recent models to go along with the remote volume. I think they should try to bring that to all preamps and integrated amps. My BHA1 serves as a preamp too, so I would love to see remote capability there as well. Not that I would upgrade, but it would make the BHA1 more feature rich and appealing.
4 - I really appreciate the Tape loop and Main-In Pre-Out on my B60. Please don't underestimate the usefulness of this functionality. As an audio enthusiast, I like playing with equalizers, active crossovers, dsp, etc. Some manufactures are designing there top end integrated amps with really weird pre-out and main-in functionality. I think the Yamaha top units made the main-in an item on the input selector which allows the unit to be used as a pre-amp only or power amp only, but not both separately at the same time. Too weird. I could never buy an AS2200 based on this alone. I hope Bryston never takes these features away from the B60, and that Tape Monitor makes its way into the BP17 and B135. This is very useful to get higher S/N when using an EQ compared to main-in Pre-out. These features don't add that much to the cost, and this flexibility contributes to a long term happy relationship between owner and product.
5 - My final comment will be about meters. Why not. Audiophiles really like them. Look at McIntosh, Luxman, Yamaha. When you look at those products it's really hard to ignore the appeal that those meters have. I don't think Bryston will be perceived as "me too" if they offer meters. Especially if they are optional. About 35 years ago I used to have a 4B that had the two strings of LED lights. They were a really cool, but just a tad too bright and rig/studio looking for home use. The meters should not be of any strong colour, but should be big and easy on the eyes. The Yamaha meters are too small, McIntosh too colourful, the Luxman ones are good.
Could my next Bryston product be a "50th anniversary edition 2Bm"? Please Bryston, make it so.
The 2Bm will be 2 rack spaces. It will have the black dress panel like the original 2B, and heat sinks that will extend the entire length of the chassis. The optional "m" version will have meters. The unit will also contain a front panel power switch and headphone out jack. Output will be stated as 100W per channel 8 ohms and 200W per channel into 4 ohms. A 12v trigger will be available for remote startup.
Cheers.
