Hi,
I know the B60 is BP20 and 2b-lp. I guess to more clearly state my question: How sonically similar/different are a 2b-lp and a 3NRB? I understand that doubling power only gives 3db more but that is not my concern.
Hi veloceleste
Up until the SST output stage implementation on the larger Brystons, the 2BLP was always regarded as the sweet spot in the lineup, which was why many used it to power the top end when bi-amping. When I upgraded my 2BLP to the 3B NRB in 92, I noted that the 3B was not as refined in the top end but had better control of the lower frequencies, but I should mention that the balanced inputs on the NRB were closer to the ST's input stage which helped reduce distortion in the upper frequencies.
Now is the B60 similar to the 2BLP; I’m just starting to get into HT and in August I picked up an older 2BLP PRO (with volume pots) to directly power some surrounds, of course out of curiosity I compared it to my 4BSST, the 4B’s top end, sound stage and width and lower end were obviously superior over the older 2BLP.
Just this past week I replaced the 2BLP with a B60R and did another comparison, the B60R was more in line with the 4BSST’s sound signature, everything was just presented in a smaller scale and warmer but the overall listening experience top to bottom was superior over the 2BLP.
The preamp stage is most likely closer to the older .5/B5, the BP20 having a better external power supply and layout would be better than the integrated B60 although pretty close as the preamp and amp sections have been optimized to work together.
The thing to remember is that Bryston’s improvements are centered on classical amplification where the layout and components have been refined over the years to reduce the over all noise level and increase the signal purity.
Having started with the 2BLP in the 80’s, the a 3BNRB, 3BST and now the 4BSST and also a .5 to a BP25P the improvements in amplification have always been appreciated.
