AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Bryston Limited => Topic started by: James Tanner on 20 Apr 2017, 11:23 am
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HI Folks,
I am going to start a thread on all things relating to the Bryston Active speakers.
The first versions will be the Model T and the Middle T.
james
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BRYSTON MODEL T ACTIVE SPEAKER
The Bryston Model T loudspeaker is also available in a fully ACTIVE version.
Active loudspeakers differ from Passive speakers in that the crossover that determines which drivers (Tweeter, Midrange and Woofer) get which audio frequencies is controlled by an ELECTRONIC crossover placed between the preamp and the power amplifiers rather than the passive crossover version which is typically built into the loudspeaker. Also all the drivers in the loudspeaker (T.M.W.) have an independent amplifier channel controlling them as opposed to a Passive crossover where one amplifier channel controls all the drivers in the speaker. So an Active 3-way speaker like the Bryston Model T requires 3 separate amplifier channels per speaker whereas the Model T Passive only requires one amplifier channel per speaker.
The advantage of an electronic crossover placed between the preamplifier and the power amplifiers is all the speaker control (crossover slopes, crossover points, gain etc.) are performed at what is called low level signal levels whereas passive crossovers are operating at what is referred to as high level signal levels. Manipulating and adjusting signals at low levels is far more accurate than attempting the same with high level signals. So if you look at the frequency response, the crossover slopes and the volume levels per driver required the Active crossover provides much more accuracy than the passive option.
If you refer to the graph below of the Bryston Model T Active loudspeaker you will see two curves – one (upper) is the ‘Listening Window’ and the other is the ‘Sound Power Response’. With an Active crossover we can adjust and design these two performance areas of the speaker separately and independently whereas with a passive crossover they have to be adjusted in tandem. So in a passive system an adjustment on the listening window affects the sound power directly and vice-versa. The importance of the listening window and power response in a loudspeaker is explained in detail in another white paper available on request. So the flexibility and accuracy that Active crossovers provide cannot be underestimated from a performance perspective.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161195)
The other advantage of Active loudspeaker systems is the fact that the amplifiers output stage is directly connected to the loudspeaker driver. So the Woofer, Midrange and Tweeter all have separate amplifiers controlling their movement directly rather than having to deal with passive components (capacitors, inductors, resistors etc.) required by passive networks.
If you recognize that music is essentially a transient condition, a ‘stopping and starting’ as the music signal requires then any system that can control this stopping and starting of the drivers is much more capable of an accurate rendition of the input signal.
The transient response improvement with the direct connection between the amplifier and speaker in the active system. is mainly due to the fact that the main filter components in a passive crossover network, the inductors and capacitors, are energy storage devices. By definition they both suffer from forms of hysteresis where there is a delay between the energy storage and the release of that energy. This leads to a distortion of the signal’s time signature and it will also be frequency dependant to some extent. The other big area of benefit is that fact that the passive filter network has intrinsic losses and these losses translate directly into a reduction in the amplifier power that actually makes it to the loudspeaker drivers. Removing those losses from the equation translates into a more efficient transfer of energy between the amplifier and the loudspeaker.
If you are considering moving to an Active system at some point in the future then purchasing the Bryston ‘Signature’ version of the Model T loudspeaker is a great first step. You would simply replace the external passive crossover that comes with the Signature version of the speaker with the Bryston BAX-1 Active crossover and add 4 more channels of amplification.
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James
As you are aware I have been tri-amping your Signature T's for almost 2 years using four 7bs and 1 4B. All SST2. I can attest to your comments about improved overall sound and transient response. Further the DSP crossover allows me to modify the sound for less than ideal recordings and/or significant room anomalies. Not room correction in the full sense, but some limited aspects to reduce base boom. I have also used the same setup / technology to good effect with 2 way ESL's and 3 Way Horns. I truly believe it is the future of audio.
Last weekend I was at the Chicago AXPONA audio show. The Legacy Wavelet was the only audiophile multi channel preamp at the show that supported this type of 2 way setup. They are just opening up the closed platform to other brands of speakers and I believe it is a serious game changer. What was really interesting was the number of smaller brand inexpensive speakers offering 100% DSP corrected equalization and class D amplification. The value for the money was outstanding and so was the sound stage. $390 Vanatoo was an excellent demonstration how this technology surpasses a passive crossover.
I cant wait to hear what Bryston has done with their BAX-1 active crossover. I just hope it comes with a few tools to make the final solution slightly user adjustable. The DSPs are so powerful these days it would be a shame not to have some ability to deal with recordings mixed for lesser systems. In my opinion the Quad Tilt control was a brilliant solution to an everyday need.
James, when can we get on an order list? Cheers Drew
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Hi Drew
I too believe Active systems are the future if ultimate performance is the goal of any given design.
We differ though in our approaches as I realize you want a crossover that allows all kinds of manipulation of the signal so you can 'customize' the sound for your specific likes.
The problem there though is you have no idea what is going on when it comes to the dispersion and polar response of the given speaker.
The Bryston BAX-1 Electronic Digital Crossover utilizes a very unique approach. Most electronic crossovers allow you to change the crossover point and slope but our BAX-1 crossover is specifically designed for the Model T or the Middle T speakers. By that I mean the crossover software has been designed by placing the speaker (Model T and Middle T) in an anechoic chamber and making over 600 measurements both vertically and horizontally to make sure the on and off axis polar response is as flat as possible. With a generic crossover there is no way to know what is going on off axis and therefore the polar response is a crap shoot. In fact the software for the Model T is different than the Middle T.
The nice thing about this type of crossover though is you can replace one set of crossover software with another going forward so if you change your Bryston speaker from one model to another and want to stay active you can just load different software. Speakers with DSP and amplifiers built into the cabinet in a contained systems can be designed correctly but the problem there is most of our customers want to choose the amplifiers they want to use rather than have to accept built in amplifiers which generally are power chips due to the small size needed to fit in the cabinet.
I realize this makes the crossover more dedicated to a given speaker than others but it is much more exact in terms of the desired goal - which in our case is a very wide and uniform polar response.
Now we are building a GUI that allows the customer to tailor the low frequency response from 120 Hz down as most room issues fall within these frequencies. You will be able to choose the problem frequency and reduce or boost it a limited amount and also adjust the 'Q'. We are restricting any adjustments above 120 because then you start affecting the off-axis response of the speaker and again its an unknown effect.
So we start shipping crossovers next month and we will see if serious music listeners buy in or if like many attempts at active systems in the past it will fall flat.
james
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James
Everything in Engineering is a compromise. I understand your goals and will trust that Bryston has done it extremely well. Please sign me up for a BAX.
Cheers
Drew
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James
Everything in Engineering is a compromise. I understand your goals and will trust that Bryston has done it extremely well. Please sign me up for a BAX.
Cheers
Drew
Hi Drew
I do agree with you though that we could add more features like frequency tilts etc. and the crossover being software driven there are options which we can certainly entertain in the future.
Also I am thinking about a version of the crossover for Subwoofer/Satellite systems which would allow for adding a Sub to an existing system - similar to our 10B Sub crossover.
james
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HI Folks,
Soundstage Magazine is coming out with an article on May 1st regarding the state of Active Speakers now and in the past and the Bryston Model T Active is featured in the article.
Favorite Quote:
"Their all-Bryston system in 2017 reproduced incredibly deep, tight bass; beautifully clear, detailed mids; superbly extended highs; and a soundstage as awe-inspiring for its width as for its depth.
Rarely, at any audio show, have I heard a system sound so good!"
james
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Hello James, does the BAX1 have digital inputs with a voume control or is it analog in?
Best regards Raimo.
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About 17 years ago I auditioned Paradigm Studio 20's ($800/pair 2-way monitors) against the Paradigm Active 20's ($1600/pair, same 2-way drivers/cabinet). It was no contest. The Active's were much more dynamic, offered super flat frequency response (a revelation in itself), and offered amazingly deep/full bass. Passersby thought we were listening to the Studio 100's ($2,200/pair large floor-standers) and were gobsmacked when they realized where all that sound was coming from. It was a true epiphany.
Highly recommend offering the same comparison to your customers.
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Hello James, does the BAX1 have digital inputs with a voume control or is it analog in?
Best regards Raimo.
Hi
No digital volume control - we prefer analog volume controls.
The BAX-1 is discrete Class A analog in as well as out crossover. Internally the BAX-1 does all the crossover functions in the digital domain.
We are going to have a preamp where you can insert the digital crossover card internally and that way you can keep the digital source signal digital all the way through to the analog output stage of the preamp.
james
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About 17 years ago I auditioned Paradigm Studio 20's ($800/pair 2-way monitors) against the Paradigm Active 20's ($1600/pair, same 2-way drivers/cabinet). It was no contest. The Active's were much more dynamic, offered super flat frequency response (a revelation in itself), and offered amazingly deep/full bass. Passersby thought we were listening to the Studio 100's ($2,200/pair large floor-standers) and were gobsmacked when they realized where all that sound was coming from. It was a true epiphany.
Highly recommend offering the same comparison to your customers.
I still use that system today, Paradigm Active 40 bed channels and Active 20 height channels in an Auro 3D immersive audio setup. You can see the Active 20's on the tall stands and the Active 40's below. That is an Active CC center channel. I don't think you can get the same value for $$$ with a passive system. Every speaker is internally biamped. I have 9 bed channels (including wides) plus 5 height channels. If I were to biamp each speaker in a passive setup I would need 28 channels of amplification plus miles of extra cables. Then you also lose the benefits of the active crossover. As pardigm stopped making these you should get the Bryston's, another great Canadian company.
I heard a rumor that Paradigm used Bryston amps internally for the reference active speakers, I wonder??
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=152962)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=153054)
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Going Active
April, 2017
Model T BAX-1 Active Crossover
Hi James,
I don't know if you remember about an email I sent you regarding my decision to go from the PMC IB2i's to the Model T Signatures.
Just wanted to give you an update...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161466)
Up to this point I have been using a Esoteric K-03x as my cd player, a Esoteric C-03x as my preamp, an Esoteric A-02 as my amp with the Model t's. I have been very happy with this setup. BUT, I have been waiting for the BAX-1 crossover to come available,
and now that it is, I have been thinking of going active.
If I went active with the Esoteric A-02, I would need 2 more, and the cost would be outrageous. So instead it decided to test my single 7B3 (which I have been using on my center channel) on one of the model T's against the A-02, in mono mode.
I was surprised how well the 7B3 performed, so much that I found it difficult to like one over the other. Each had great qualities, but in the end, I found the 7B3 would make me just as happy. Plus the fact that it would improve even more in the active setup.
So, I ending up ordering another single 7B3 and a BAX-1 today, to get me started. I know the Bax-1 will be a longer wait time than the amp, so I can at least run my Model T's in passive mode for now.
I will have to wait for my A-02 to sell before I can get the 2-4B3's, and go active at that point. I will keep you updated on my findings.
Adol
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I vote for an active mini a with no dac or dsp
for home theaters.
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So to clarity for the middle T owners there is a bax-1 for the current tower or is there a signature middle T coming out??? If there is a signature middle T coming can the standard be upgraded or traded up for the active xover?
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So to clarity for the middle T owners there is a bax-1 for the current tower or is there a signature middle T coming out??? If there is a signature middle T coming can the standard be upgraded or traded up for the active xover?
Hi jpg
The Active Middle T is a new speaker.
There was never a Signature version of the Middle T with an outboard passive crossover. So there is no way to bypass the internal crossover in the passive Middle T .
James
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Pulsworks Audio Arts Active Demo
May, 2017
Model T Active System Open House at Pulsworks
Hi James,
Ken and I have just been listening to the new active system before our event tomorrow.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161779)
Although we were always happy with the T's in passive configuration and even more impressed with the Signature version, this active system is on an entirely different level!
The regulars around here know I (Ken) generally don't listen very loud. I find most systems get hard and annoying long before they approach clipping or dynamic compression.
They were amazed, however, to walk into a session where I was literally fluttering pant legs and rattling everything in the room with a big smile of my face!
This system is so clean, pure and powerful that amazing levels can be reached without any hint of hardening or strain. The bass is more powerful, clean and extended that I have ever heard in any system, even those with stacks of uber expensive subwoofers. The upper and mid frequencies also lose a level of grain, become tonally more accurate and are therefore much more revealing of timber and space.
This is a significant upgrade over performance as we already suggested stated was perfectly good! I am sure this system will impress all that hear it, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to demonstrate the new Bryston Model T active system.
Ken Roach/David Puls
Pulsworks Audio Arts
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James,
How many channels of amplification will be needed for the active versions?
Thanks,
Bill
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James,
How many channels of amplification will be needed for the active versions?
Thanks,
Bill
Hi Bill,
3 channels per speaker. Any 3 channels from any Bryston amp can be used.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161813)
james
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston BAX-1 Digital Crossover GUI
May, 2017
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161836)
Hi Folks,
Please see below the GUI that is available with the new Bryston BAX-1 Digital Electronic Crossover.
Most room problems occur below 120Hz due to standing wave issues.
The BAX-1 GUI allows you to modify the factory preset frequencies from 30Hz to 120Hz in 1Hz steps. You can also enter any frequency you wish and make the same adjustments.
You can ‘increase’ the gain a maximum of 3dB or ‘reduce’ the gain by 6dB in 0.1 increments at the frequency chosen.
You can also adjust the ‘Q Factor’ in 0.1 steps. The factory setting for Q is ‘3’
The Red Line in the graph at the bottom indicates the changes you are making.
After making the appropriate adjustment just hit SAVE.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Pulsworks Audio Arts Active Demo
May, 2017
Model T Active System Open House at Pulsworks
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161779)
Just got back from Pulsworks Open House. Turn out was fairly good, met some new people. Gary from former Custom Stereo was doing the demo. First impressions with unfamiliar music was that the bass was incredible! Similar to the articulate bass you would hear at a modern custom movie theater.
Dave then let me have the room to myself which was about an 1 hour an a half. Brought my own music that I am familiar with. First let me say this room is ideal. You can crank the volume and it is barely noticeable outside the room with the door closed.
I had the volume set pretty loud aprox. 95 decibels which I was comfortable with and the amps were warming up the room nicely. With just two Model T's I found the imaging to be immersive. No need for extra speakers to fill out the soundstage.
The treble was smooth with articulate bass. The mid-range was a bit recessed to my liking and I would adjust that upwards.
In summary I had a great evening listening to this showcase Active System. :smoke:
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161779)
Very nice. :thumb:
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BRYSTON MEMO
May 2017
Hi James
The Bryston Active Speaker Demo Show was fantastic!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161854)
The Bryston room was packed all night with many people exclaiming that they had never heard anything like this in their life! With the striking of the bass drum in the Finale of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite many people were in disbelief at the impact of what they just heard.
So many people dropped their jaw, eyes wide open, some shouting out “Yea!!!” very loudly, and others simply sitting speechless as their pant legs rustled with the sonic impact.
It was an experience and a delight to behold. It was a great evening!
Thank you for helping to make the evening a very memorable one for more than the 150 people that came out. This was the first time that any of those present heard an active system—a whole new experience in itself.
I even have a few clients tell me that they have never heard anything like it. I think that it is likely that at least two people will upgrade their Model T’s to active.
Again, thank you for a great evening of music at Pulsworks.
David Puls
Pulsworks Audio Arts
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Hey James
The demo at Pulsworks was fantastic. The night belonged to Bryston ....we had a full room the entire evening.
Wow is all I can say....the resolution and detail of the system was amazing.....top to bottom extension was amazing .....no sub required.
I will add to this when I get home
Garry Taylor
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston BAX-1 Digital Crossover GUI
May, 2017
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161836)
Hi Folks,
Please see below the GUI that is available with the new Bryston BAX-1 Digital Electronic Crossover.
Most room problems occur below 120Hz due to standing wave issues.
The BAX-1 GUI allows you to modify the factory preset frequencies from 30Hz to 120Hz in 1Hz steps. You can also enter any frequency you wish and make the same adjustments.
You can ‘increase’ the gain a maximum of 3dB or ‘reduce’ the gain by 6dB in 0.1 increments at the frequency chosen.
You can also adjust the ‘Q Factor’ in 0.1 steps. The factory setting for Q is ‘3’
The Red Line in the graph at the bottom indicates the changes you are making.
After making the appropriate adjustment just hit SAVE.
James,
Is the GUI accessible from an IPAD.
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James,
Is the GUI accessible from an IPAD.
Hi Adol,
Yes any handheld or computer - just type in the IP address of the BAX-1
james
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James
Thank you for making such a great speaker as the T active system.
I think it is an amazing system that makes music come alive. :thumb:
Have a great day!
David
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Hi James
A follow up to my involvement in the recent Bryston Model T Active speaker demo at Puls Audio.
The demo was very impressive......the systems had incredible control in the room starting with the bottom end through to the highs. I think everybody that entered the Bryston active room thought that we had a sub woofer operating with the system. The bass response moved your body as will as your pant leg were flapping, however it was in total control at all times never hearing any distortion from the system and with this the volumes levels were right up there with no harshness or grain.....it was big fun demoing and listening to this system.
The balance of the system from top to bottom was as good as I have heard on any system at any price point.
Active is the way to go once you hear it and many people said this after entering another room which was 3 times the price and running passive ( nice system )
however everyone ended up back in the Bryston room with the active system!
You have no idea until how good this is until you sit down and listen to it for yourself!!
Garry Taylor
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Hi James,
As I am waiting for my active crossover to be built, I have a question about gain.
My initial setup will be as follows:
I going to be using the 4b3's for the mids and highs, on the 29db gain setting
I will be using another amp on the bass drivers, that has a fixed gain of 28db.
I believe the lower crossover for the Model T is at 160 hz.
So in my scenario 160hz and below would be at 28bd gain.
The Gui for the active crossover would allow me to adjust the gain by +1 db from 30 to 120 hz.
So in effect I would now be running the bass amp at 29bd in the 30 to 120 hz range.
How would this affect the sound in the 120 to 160 range? Could the active cross GUI be updated
to allow me to adjust the gain from 20-160.
Or is there a better way to do this.
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Hi James,
As I am waiting for my active crossover to be built, I have a question about gain.
My initial setup will be as follows:
I going to be using the 4b3's for the mids and highs, on the 29db gain setting
I will be using another amp on the bass drivers, that has a fixed gain of 28db.
I believe the lower crossover for the Model T is at 160 hz.
So in my scenario 160hz and below would be at 28bd gain.
The Gui for the active crossover would allow me to adjust the gain by +1 db from 30 to 120 hz.
So in effect I would now be running the bass amp at 29bd in the 30 to 120 hz range.
How would this affect the sound in the 120 to 160 range? Could the active cross GUI be updated
to allow me to adjust the gain from 20-160.
Or is there a better way to do this.
Hi Adol,
The 180 is where the woofer starts to roll-off as it moves up towards the midrange and we use very shallow slopes so there is a lot of overlap between the mids and the woofer all the way to 800 Hz on the woofer and 80Hz on the mid.
So it is not just the lower octaves that will be affected by the 28dB setting. 1 dB will not make that much of a difference in the overall balance but it is something to be aware of. That's why it is always better to use amplifiers of the same gain and preferably the same manufacturer. What amps are you using for the bass?
james
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James,
I will be using an Esoteric A-02 on the bass until I am able to sell it.
Then I plan to get 2-7b3's.
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James,
I will be using an Esoteric A-02 on the bass until I am able to sell it.
Then I plan to get 2-7b3's.
Ok that should work fine.
james
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Hi Folks,
Here is a graph of the listening window on the new Middle T Active speakers with the Bryston BAX-1 Digital Crossover.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163203)
james
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Hi Folks
Our setup at the LA Show - Active Middle T's.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163222)
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Hi Folks
Our setup at the LA Show - Active Middle T's.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163222)
Looks great, did you partner with anyone for your room?
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Looks great, did you partner with anyone for your room?
Hi
I am not sure as Gary Dayton is running the show.
james
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Active – L.A Show Impressive!!!
June 3, 2017
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163278)
Hi James
I bought the Middle T Active show speakers :)
They could not have sounded better with the new Bryston DSP/Crossover :)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163277)
Sold!
Active setup here we go :)
Drew Baird,
Moon Audio
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Will the Middle T's be offered in a Signature package with passive external XO? Would be nice to break such a large purchase into steps.
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Will the Middle T's be offered in a Signature package with passive external XO? Would be nice to break such a large purchase into steps.
Hi Navy
We looked at a passive outboard model but have decided not to offer that version so far.
One thing we are doing is introducing a 24B Cubed amplifier which will have 6 channels of amplification (2 x 300 and 4 X 75) in one box so the overall active package price will be more affordable for our customers.
james
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One thing we are doing is introducing a 24B Cubed amplifier which will have 6 channels of amplification (2 x 300 and 4 X 75) in one box so the overall active package price will be more affordable for our customers.
james
That would finally make the Bryston Active Speakers an active speaker system. But doesn't it still require lots of wiring (12 interconnects, 12 speaker cables plus power cord) compared to traditional pair of active speakers that have two XLR interconnects and two power cords?
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That would finally make the Bryston Active Speakers an active speaker system. But doesn't it still require lots of wiring (12 interconnects, 12 speaker cables plus power cord) compared to traditional pair of active speakers that have two XLR interconnects and two power cords?
Hi Jim
Yes the connections are 3 fold from a normal speaker but speakers with built in amplifiers have too many performance compromises in my opinion.
Not to mention that I think some customers will prefer to use what they feel is their best amplifier choices per set of drivers.
All I can tell you is once you experience what a great Active system can do its tough to go back.
james
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Yes the connections are 3 fold from a normal speaker but speakers with built in amplifiers have too many performance compromises in my opinion.
What's interesting is some audiophiles who previously obsessed over isolating their external amplifiers from direct physical and airborne vibrations with heavy mass-loaded brass footers or highly engineered stainless steel and ceramic bearing assemblies, will then purchase active speakers with amplifiers inside the speaker enclosures.
Perhaps a simple set of rubber washers was all that was needed? ;)
Steve
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Now we'd just need some 4-pole or 8-pole Speakon connectors on the gear to make plugging things in easier.
Yes the connections are 3 fold from a normal speaker but speakers with built in amplifiers have too many performance compromises in my opinion.
Not to mention that I think some customers will prefer to use what they feel is their best amplifier choices per set of drivers.
I think for some, the weight of speakers with built-in amps would be too much to handle as well.
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Hi Jim
Yes the connections are 3 fold from a normal speaker but speakers with built in amplifiers have too many performance compromises in my opinion.
Not to mention that I think some customers will prefer to use what they feel is their best amplifier choices per set of drivers.
All I can tell you is once you experience what a great Active system can do its tough to go back.
james
Yes, as an owner of single driver speakers and active 2-way monitors I know the advantages of active design quite well. But less "wireful" options exist. The APS Coax for instance is a 2-way with the crossover/amps built into a separate compartment of each speaker cabinet. Or perhaps better yet, the Munro Sonic Egg 150 which uses a separate cabinet for both sets of crossovers/amps and connect to the speakers using a single Speakon cable to each speaker cabinet. Following this scheme you'd have an actual active speaker pair.
BTW my moniker is JLM (my initials) and my name is not Jim.
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Yes, as an owner of single driver speakers and active 2-way monitors I know the advantages of active design quite well. But less "wireful" options exist. The APS Coax for instance is a 2-way with the crossover/amps built into a separate compartment of each speaker cabinet. Or perhaps better yet, the Munro Sonic Egg 150 which uses a separate cabinet for both sets of crossovers/amps and connect to the speakers using a single Speakon cable to each speaker cabinet. Following this scheme you'd have an actual active speaker pair.
BTW my moniker is JLM (my initials) and my name is not Jim.
Hi ?
Yes thanks I am aware of the different types of connectors but my experience when we distributed PMC Active speakers was that consumer audio customers will not accept those type of connectors. With the Pro market they were fine but rejected outright by the consumer market.
james
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163398)
harmonica2
I went on Saturday to the L.A Show. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay very long.
Nicest surprise for me was the Bryston room. Sounded great and they brought a nice library of music to test things out.
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Hi ?
Yes thanks I am aware of the different types of connectors but my experience when we distributed PMC Active speakers was that consumer audio customers will not accept those type of connectors. With the Pro market they were fine but rejected outright by the consumer market.
james
The Speakon example I mentioned in contained within the speaker system, so only the need for custom length cables might be a challenge to consumers. And BTW you can find interconnects with RCA on one end and XLR/TRS on the other if that is a concern. Too bad that there is such resistance in the home to anything professional. Hopefully your "active ready" approach can win over more home audiophiles.
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BRYSTON:
Complete BLISS !
Please do yourself a favour and come and listen to this setup in LA this weekend.
Carlos Warlick
Carlos is a multi-platinum recording engineer with recording & mixing credits to over 50 million record sales.
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Front panel insert for the new 24B amplifier for the Bryston Middle T Active speaker
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163417)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163424)
Hi James,
The Active Middle T’s are amazing!!
Best Regards,
Jerry Willsie
Straight Wire
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James
What power amp solution are you considering for the full size signature T ? Curious.
Will you be adding a provision to the 120 Hz and below user defined EQ to allow for a pair of Bryston Subwoofers? For the all out system!
Drew Wilson
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James
What power amp solution are you considering for the full size signature T ? Curious.
Will you be adding a provision to the 120 Hz and below user defined EQ to allow for a pair of Bryston Subwoofers? For the all out system!
Drew Wilson
Hi Drew
I would say the 7B's on the woofers and the 4B or 3B on the mid/tweet. I have one dealer that has 28B's on the woofers and 4B's on the mid/tweets.
We are planing on introducing a 12 inch and an 8 inch sub with a GUI but the Model T goes flat to 25 so in most cases a sub is not required unless maybe for a .1 channel in surround setups..
james
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active … Turns Pro
June 2017
Hi Folks,
I am pleased to announce that Peter Moore of ERoom Mastering has purchased our Bryston ‘Middle T ACTIVE Speakers and BAX-1 Digital Crossover’ for his Mastering Studio.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163542)
Peter Moore is a Canadian music producer who was first recognized for his innovative recordings of the Cowboy Junkies, produced on a shoestring budget.
Nominations: Juno Award for Recording Engineer of the Year, Grammy Award for Best Historical Album, Genie Award for Best Achievement in Music - Original Song
Movies: Hard Core Logo 2
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163543)
Peter’s credits include:
Neil Young, Garth Hudson, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Oscar Peterson, Diana Krall, Neko Case, Bruce Cockburn, Murray McLauchlan, Finger Eleven, Sloan, and hundreds of others.
He has Won 2 Genie's, won 2 Gemini's. Nominated twice for a Juno."
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Hi!
Just to clarity, does this active crossover take a digital signal directly or does it take an analog signal and converts it to digital for processing?
Cheers!
Antun
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Hi!
Just to clarity, does this active crossover take a digital signal directly or does it take an analog signal and converts it to digital for processing?
Cheers!
Antun
Hi
Analog in - digital processing - analog out.
james
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Hi
Analog in - digital processing - analog out.
james
Thanks James!
Okay, so what is the quality of the A/D and D/A conversion? I sort of have a problem with these types of DSP-based crossovers. While it is true they are way superior in flexibility to analog ones, using them means every source signal before the crossover is inevitably converted to digital. This diminishes the impact of quality source components, especially analog ones, on sound quality.
For example, if you own a pristine condition LP or R2R tape made through an entirely analog process, with a DSP-based crossover before the speakers this signal would first be converted to digital and then back to analog. While modern-day ADCs and DACs have reached their zenith, something will always be lost. What is the point in keeping these analog mediums if they're converted to digital every time you play them?
On the other hand, if you own a DSD-capable DAC and then run it's analog outputs into a DSP-based crossover, the DSD argument becomes irrelevant because no doubt, the crossover operates in PCM. More than that actially, DSP-based crossovers utilise SRCs (sample-rate converters) which set the sampling rate to whatever frequency is required by the software within the DSP. It is usually 96 kHz. Even if we are not talking about DSD, high-end PCM-only DACs become a component that is a lot less important when a digital crossover is thrown in the mix.
One might argue that a properly set-up DSP crossover yields benefits greater than what a good high-end DAC would, or other source components for that matter, but that being the case, you could easily do without all of these components then - run your PC or a BDP straight into the crossover and you're done. You'd be eliminating one cycle of D/A and A/D conversion that way.
It is just how I feel about it.
Cheers!
Antun
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Thanks James!
Okay, so what is the quality of the A/D and D/A conversion? I sort of have a problem with these types of DSP-based crossovers. While it is true they are way superior in flexibility to analog ones, using them means every source signal before the crossover is inevitably converted to digital. This diminishes the impact of quality source components, especially analog ones, on sound quality.
For example, if you own a pristine condition LP or R2R tape made through an entirely analog process, with a DSP-based crossover before the speakers this signal would first be converted to digital and then back to analog. While modern-day ADCs and DACs have reached their zenith, something will always be lost. What is the point in keeping these analog mediums if they're converted to digital every time you play them?
On the other hand, if you own a DSD-capable DAC and then run it's analog outputs into a DSP-based crossover, the DSD argument becomes irrelevant because no doubt, the crossover operates in PCM. More than that actially, DSP-based crossovers utilise SRCs (sample-rate converters) which set the sampling rate to whatever frequency is required by the software within the DSP. It is usually 96 kHz. Even if we are not talking about DSD, high-end PCM-only DACs become a component that is a lot less important when a digital crossover is thrown in the mix.
One might argue that a properly set-up DSP crossover yields benefits greater than what a good high-end DAC would, or other source components for that matter, but that being the case, you could easily do without all of these components then - run your PC or a BDP straight into the crossover and you're done. You'd be eliminating one cycle of D/A and A/D conversion that way.
It is just how I feel about it.
Cheers!
Antun
Hi Antun
We use the same DAC's as we use in the BDA-3 DAC and the CD Player - AKM.
You are correct that a digital crossover offers a lot more flexibility than analog crossovers (we make an analog crossover called the 10B) and Digital crossovers allow us to deal with the Sound Power and Listening window as separate adjustments so it has huge advantages over analog versions.
Also my feeling is that the benefits of using a sophisticated digital crossover and making the speaker Active far outweighs any debate about the superiority or not of one type of crossover vs another.
james
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In the digital age we really need a consumer level preamp that has a volume controlled digital AES/EBU output. There are a few pro products that do exactly this (Grace Design 805, Lynx Hilo, etc). When using active monitors it avoids extra DA-AD-DA steps. I would be thrilled if the BAX would accept a digital input signal. For my current system I am seriously considering the Grace Design monitor controller, it's a pretty cool piece of gear.
I am planning a simple all digital system. I love analog but for me it's not worth the cost/hassle. Of course, for others this is not the case.
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Hi Antun
We use the same DAC's as we use in the BDA-3 DAC and the CD Player - AKM.
You are correct that a digital crossover offers a lot more flexibility than analog crossovers (we make an analog crossover called the 10B) and Digital crossovers allow us to deal with the Sound Power and Listening window as separate adjustments so it has huge advantages over analog versions.
Also my feeling is that the benefits of using a sophisticated digital crossover and making the speaker Active far outweighs any debate about the superiority or not of one type of crossover vs another.
james
Hi James!
I agree with you completely!
My experience has always been that only expensive active systems have potential advantages over passive ones. Imagine this digital "chain":
BDP -> DSP crossover -> three BDAs -> three power amplifiers -> three-way loudspeakers
This would keep the signal completely in digital domain. The cost? To most people, very high.
I remember reading an article by Tom Headley, an acoustic engineer who designed the Kinoshita monitor systems for BOP studios in South Africa (possibly the most amazing studio complex in the world), and his opinion was that passive systems can reach 90% the quality of active systems but at a significantly lower price. He underlined the word "significantly".
Perhaps a unified component that would include a six or even eight channels of D/A conversions from your BDA machines along with an integrated DSP and volume control would be a most desirable product.
If you remember, we talked about this a year or two ago when you throught about making a 2-channel version of the SP3 processor. I vividly recall you saying "would like to add a digital crossover if I may have my way"!
Cheers!
Antun
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Yes our next preamp will have a plug in digital module to do the Active section of our speakers.
james
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Yes our next preamp will have a plug in digital module to do the Active section of our speakers.
james
Oh wow! So, it would basically be a DAC/preamp with crossover function? Would you still keep the BDA and BP lines or would this product squeeze them out considering it combines both of them in a single product?
Cheers!
Antun
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Oh wow! So, it would basically be a DAC/preamp with crossover function? Would you still keep the BDA and BP lines or would this product squeeze them out considering it combines both of them in a single product?
Cheers!
Antun
Hi
We would keep both - More flexibility for our customers.
james
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active – L.A. Show
June 15, 2017
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163974)
LA Audio Show Report:
Loudspeakers - by Neil Gader
Auspicious Debuts
The Bryston Middle T goes active
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163975)
Bryston demonstrated a tri-amped, fully active version of its three-way, four-driver, mid-sized floorstander, the Middle T.
Rather than housing active elements internally like most pro studio monitors, Bryston allows the end user to retain “have-it-your-way” control by adding external amplifiers, including, Bryston hopes, something along the lines of its own B3 Cubed series amps and the BAX-1 DSP Electronic Digital Crossover.
Listening to a selection of Nickel Creek alt-bluegrass, and some sax-driven jazz, I was reminded how often I gravitate towards active loudspeakers.
The immediacy and speed and bass control with slam is so persuasive that it just gets a little addicting.
Neil Gader
Absolute Sound Magazine
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I can't wait for the active mini T's
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We are going to have a preamp where you can insert the digital crossover card internally and that way you can keep the digital source signal digital all the way through to the analog output stage of the preamp.
james
Some how I missed this key bit of information the first time I read through the thread. Keenly interested in such a product. Luckily I am not ready to purchase speakers now, so will be watching with interest and saving my pennies.
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Hi
No digital volume control - we prefer analog volume controls.
The BAX-1 is discrete Class A analog in as well as out crossover. Internally the BAX-1 does all the crossover functions in the digital domain.
We are going to have a preamp where you can insert the digital crossover card internally and that way you can keep the digital source signal digital all the way through to the analog output stage of the preamp.
james
Hallo James, is the inset card for bass module use or a full 3 way system? Does this mean that the insert card has digital inputs?
In that case it should need multiple analog outputs with analog volume control for each separate output?
That would be very nice :wink:.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Vancouver HI-Fi Center Audio Show
June 2017
Hi Folks,
Great Bryston Active speaker setup and sound at our dealer in Vancouver:
Hi-Fi Center
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=164393)
This is a full Active Bryston system:
• Model T Active Speakers
• BAX-1 Active Digital Crossover
• 14B Cubed Amplifier
• 7B Cubed Amplifier (2)
• 4B Cubed Amplifier
• BP26 Preamplifier
• BDP-2 Digital Player
• BDA-3 DAC
• BIT 20 Isolation Transformer’
As one customer commented – “I WANT IT ALL!”
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=164436)
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active System Cables – Straight Wire
June, 2017
Hi Folks,
Straight Wire was so impressed with the sound at the recent Los Angeles Audio Show with the Bryston Middle T Active Speakers they decided to do a custom set of speaker cables for us exclusively available through Bryston Dealers and Distributors.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=164542)
They are a colour coded (black & red) plus and minus tri-wired package with each pair numbered (1 to 6) to provide easy connections and no confusion at the amplifier and speaker terminations.
The Expressivo Grande II is utilized for the bass.
Two runs of Expressivo II for mids and highs
Black sheath with 2 foot open at the amp end and 1 foot open at the speaker end
Cables can be ordered with Spades or Expandable Bananas.
MSRP $3250 - 8 foot Pair
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Hi James,
Are you still waiting on the safety clearance's for the active crossover.
Any idea on time frame before they can be shipped.
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Hi James,
Are you still waiting on the safety clearance's for the active crossover.
Any idea on time frame before they can be shipped.
We get the final clearances on Thursday and start shipping this Friday - :thumb:
Sold 12 systems so far :thumb: :thumb:
james
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So, am I one of the twelve going out on Friday?
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So, am I one of the twelve going out on Friday?
HI
I believe so - check with Bill?
james
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As a proponent of active speakers congratulations on the nice backlog at the time of your crossover's production release!
Here is an interesting article featuring Bryston on the subject "Is It Finally Time for Active Loudspeakers?" http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/opinion/1067-is-it-finally-time-for-active-loudspeakers (http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/opinion/1067-is-it-finally-time-for-active-loudspeakers)
And follow-up from a reader http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/reader-feedback/1071-a-paradigm-active-40-owner-on-active-speakers (http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/reader-feedback/1071-a-paradigm-active-40-owner-on-active-speakers).
When I worked at a HiFi shop it was at a long time Paradigm dealer and they recalled how much better the active versions sounded compared the passive versions of the same speaker model. And how they could not sell them. As the article notes "audiophiles won’t buy ’em, because audiophiles don’t buy active loudspeakers. And non-audiophiles won’t buy ’em because non-audiophiles don’t buy $2000 loudspeakers.”
The article touches on the tension between the simpler systems possible with speakers featuring built-in amplifiers vs. audiophiles' desire to optimize our systems to the Nth degree via mix-and-match every big and little component. Bryston's offerings allow the large sonic benefits of active and the lovely complexity we hard-core audiophiles enjoy yielding max performance of a separate component system. I also believe that when companies demonstrate the longevity and consistent very high performance Bryston has many audiophiles make the (smart) commitment to single make systems source to speakers, as seen in the pics above. Adding active capable speakers and matching crossover allows yet another step up in performance for a 100% Bryston system. In his article Doug Schneider describes the result "Their all-Bryston system in 2017 reproduced incredibly deep, tight bass; beautifully clear, detailed mids; superbly extended highs; and a soundstage as awe-inspiring for its width as for its depth. Rarely, at any audio show, have I heard a system sound so good."
Now as a bit of historical trivia checkout this page from a 1969 JBL catalog courtesy the Lansing Heritage web site. Yes in 1969 JBL recognized the benefit of powered speakers and offered both passive and as they called them 'self energized' versions just like Bryston in 2017. We audiophiles can be rather odd in the ways we pick and choose different bits of engineering to spend decades perfecting or resolutely ignoring.
(http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/jbl/catalogs/1969-home/page11.jpg)
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Hi Norman
Yes many people told me not to bother but you get to a point where improving the performance of a speaker hits a wall and developing a bigger and smaller version of the same just seemed to be a waste of time.
Producing an Active version of the speaker is a true leap forward in performance and is a legitimate upgrade in my opinion for those seeking a real world improvement in performance.
james
PS - the other factor is that our digital crossover was developed with the specific speaker in mind (Model T, Middle T and Mini T) with over 300 measurements in our anechoic chamber optimising the polar response of the speaker.
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Hi Norman
Yes many people told me not to bother but you get to a point where improving the performance of a speaker hits a wall and developing a bigger and smaller version of the same just seemed to be a waste of time.
Producing an Active version of the speaker is a true leap forward in performance and is a legitimate upgrade in my opinion for those seeking a real world improvement in performance.
james
PS - the other factor is that our digital crossover was developed with the the specific speaker in mind (Model T, Middle T and Mini T) with over 300 measurements in our anechoic chamber optimising the polar response of the speaker.
The JBL M2 system, M2 speakers + Crown iTech or DCi/N amp w/appropriate DSP (not the Synthesis version with BSS and Mark Levinson), has met with acclaim and resistance from the audiophile community and dealer network. The Bryston version is of considerable interest to me as it has a different design goal than the M2's.
Cudo's to James and Bryston for persevering in this endeavor. Hopefully the audiophile community is ready. In my view putting together an audio system is not just assembling high quality pieces, rather it is a systems engineering approach that builds a sum greater than the collective parts.
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Hi James,
I would be very interested in reviewing the active Middle Ts.
I was just telling some of the other guys how good the active Model Ts that were demonstrated at HiFi Centre sounded this past weekend in Vancouver.
Like the Cubed amps, very precise and linear sounding from top to bottom. Sounded like a much more expensive speaker system and a lot of expensive speakers don't integrate as well or sound as coherent throughout the entire audio band.
Regards,
Roger Kanno
Associate Editor
Soundstage Magazine
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Hi Folks,
First shot of the Active Model T's with the new BAX Crossover and the 21B 3- channel amplifiers. :thumb:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=164839)
james
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Hi Folks,
First shot of the Active Model T's with the new BAX Crossover and the 21B 3- channel amplifiers. :thumb:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=164839)
james
Wow, I count 14 active drivers between those two speakers :o
Those amps look like they could power the space shuttle. Congrats!
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As a proponent of active speakers congratulations on the nice backlog at the time of your crossover's production release!
Here is an interesting article featuring Bryston on the subject "Is It Finally Time for Active Loudspeakers?" http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/opinion/1067-is-it-finally-time-for-active-loudspeakers (http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/opinion/1067-is-it-finally-time-for-active-loudspeakers)
And follow-up from a reader http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/reader-feedback/1071-a-paradigm-active-40-owner-on-active-speakers (http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/reader-feedback/1071-a-paradigm-active-40-owner-on-active-speakers).
When I worked at a HiFi shop it was at a long time Paradigm dealer and they recalled how much better the active versions sounded compared the passive versions of the same speaker model. And how they could not sell them. As the article notes "audiophiles won’t buy ’em, because audiophiles don’t buy active loudspeakers. And non-audiophiles won’t buy ’em because non-audiophiles don’t buy $2000 loudspeakers.”
The article touches on the tension between the simpler systems possible with speakers featuring built-in amplifiers vs. audiophiles' desire to optimize our systems to the Nth degree via mix-and-match every big and little component. Bryston's offerings allow the large sonic benefits of active and the lovely complexity we hard-core audiophiles enjoy yielding max performance of a separate component system. I also believe that when companies demonstrate the longevity and consistent very high performance Bryston has many audiophiles make the (smart) commitment to single make systems source to speakers, as seen in the pics above. Adding active capable speakers and matching crossover allows yet another step up in performance for a 100% Bryston system. In his article Doug Schneider describes the result "Their all-Bryston system in 2017 reproduced incredibly deep, tight bass; beautifully clear, detailed mids; superbly extended highs; and a soundstage as awe-inspiring for its width as for its depth. Rarely, at any audio show, have I heard a system sound so good."
Now as a bit of historical trivia checkout this page from a 1969 JBL catalog courtesy the Lansing Heritage web site. Yes in 1969 JBL recognized the benefit of powered speakers and offered both passive and as they called them 'self energized' versions just like Bryston in 2017. We audiophiles can be rather odd in the ways we pick and choose different bits of engineering to spend decades perfecting or resolutely ignoring.
(http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/jbl/catalogs/1969-home/page11.jpg)
I have 14 of those Active Paradigm speakers in my HT. I was at an audio show and talked to the Paradigm rep, he told me they were the best speakers Paradigm ever made. :thumb:
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Wow, I count 14 active drivers between those two speakers :o
Those amps look like they could power the space shuttle. Congrats!
Yes thanks - this system sounds amazing - but I am told we are doomed to failure. :duh:
james
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Yes thanks - this system sounds amazing - but I am told we are doomed to failure. :duh:
james
What else can your competition say? That you are going in the right direction and they aren't?
Leaders always have a target on their back, I'm sure you'll manage :D
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Hi James,
Greetings from Italy.
My MIDDLE T’s ACTIVE
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=164874)
Everything arrived safe and sound. And I must admit, the Middle T's Active as well as the 4B3s are simply magnificent!
I will send you some pictures soon.
Best regards,
Dario
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active Model T’s with BAX Crossover
James
First impressions..... My Model T’s with new BAX Active Crossover
Two words: Extremely impressive!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=164960)
Much better than I would have ever imagined possible. You are rivalling my love of ESL mids and highs with outstanding bass.
Perhaps the best overall setup that I have owned...and I have owned a lot of various speaker technologies. Very few with an acceptable WAF.
The Tri-amping I have done over the last three years on my Model T’s was an improvement over the passive Signature crossover but the BAX is night and day better, and I am the first to admit I was as skeptical as they come.
Of course the engineer in me wants to understand how is this possible? Lol. My guess is the phase alignment of the drivers is much better with the BAX.
The pro crossover equipment I have used has no such real capability except for a crude time delay of crossover curves to account for different driver locations in a venue.
So far I am just using the default settings. I used the user interface for 10 minutes to fiddle but just reset everything back to flat for now.
Time for that beer!
Drew
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James
Like others in this forum I firmly believe that the traditional crossover has reached the end of its technological life.
At some point in the future I look forward for a better technical explanation as to what magic your BAX is doing!
So far I am just using the default settings and very much enjoying the great sound stage.
Cheers
Drew
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Thanks Drew
As I have said before the thing I love about offering these Active systems where the speaker and active crossover are designed specifically as a matching pair is they really do take the performance to a better quality level.
james
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Listening to the Signature Ts playing Roger Walters's The Wall at 95 dBa according to the B&K SPL meter. The 7Bs are cooking but the sound is just FANTASTIC. Deep and clear. Not a hint of over driving distortion. Absolutely amazing. A concert in my living room........
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https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2017/07/07/vancouver-audio-festival-2017-bryston-goes-active-or-whats-in-a-crossover-anyway/
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Saskatoon – Model T Active Setup
July 2017
Hi Folks,
Great Bryston Active speaker setup and sound at our dealer in Saskatoon.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=165459)
Hi James,
I have attached a recent picture of the active system in the Bryston Room.
It is absolutely fantastic as the performance is profoundly realistic with rich deep bass, liquid midrange and air in the top.
Any album I have put on has been fantastic!
David Puls
Pulsworks Audio Arts
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Active – Tom in Singapore
July, 2017
Thanks James!
I just played my new Bryston BAX-1 Digital Active Crossover on my Model T Signatures for a short while...
Absolutely superb!
It’s such a refined and polished sound now...and the sound stage and detail is incredible...
It’s not like day and night compared to the passive Xovers...which speaks a lot for the excellent quality of the passives...But it’s a whole new level now in terms of resolution and detail...
Awesome!
Later...I played my MD collection...all from Radion recordings over 20 years...and I never heard this kind of detail...details I have never heard before...complete accuracy...like a veil has lifted!
By the way, the Hana cartridge also came for my BLP-1 Bryston Turntable ...and it sounds great out of the box ...superbly balanced sound...exactly what I was missing all the time.
Cheers and thanks for making it happen James!
Best regards,
Tom in Singapore
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Active – Vancouver Audio Show
July, 2017
Hi James,
I recently had the opportunity to hear the latest Bryston Active Model T system at the Vancouver Hifi Centre Audio Fest.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=165699)
I am particularly interested in the Middle T.
Other than the main speakers in a 5.1 set up, are there any special connection regarding the other speakers? I am thinking of using the Mini T for rears/surrounds as well as the Mini T centre Do you foresee any issues going that route?
The sound quality with the Bryston Active Model T was truly one of a kind.
ALAN CHONG
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Active – Vancouver Audio Show
July, 2017
Hi James,
I recently had the opportunity to hear the latest Bryston Active Model T system at the Vancouver Hifi Centre Audio Fest.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=165699)
I am particularly interested in the Middle T.
Other than the main speakers in a 5.1 set up, are there any special connection regarding the other speakers? I am thinking of using the Mini T for rears/surrounds as well as the Mini T centre Do you foresee any issues going that route?
The sound quality with the Bryston Active Model T was truly one of a kind.
ALAN CHONG
I use a different brand of active speaker so don't know if this experience will apply to Bryston. My experience is that passive speakers will work as surrounds but not as a center channel in an active setup. The match across all 3 front speakers is critical. When I auditioned a passive center channel, even though I had the passive version of the exact speaker I needed it was a very poor match with the actives, like I had a hole in the middle. When I tried three matching L-C-R speakers it was perfect. Maybe Bryston is different but just wanted to share.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active – Customer Feedback
July, 2017
Hi James,
Sorry for the delay in writing you back the first impressions about the Middle T actives and 4B3s / 2.5 B3s set of amps I have received more than 10 days ago.
I was out of town for work so after a couple of days of having this marvelous set in my home I was still unable to set it up immediately. However, I have now had the opportunity to assemble the complete Middle T Active system. I mounted the complete Bryston Middle T Active set: 2 x4b3s + 1 x 2.5B3 + Active Middle T's and Bax-1. Unfortunately I had only the chance to warm up the system for a couple of hours and just see how wonderful these amps and speakers look. I will send you some pictures soon.
And I must admit, the Bryston Active Middle T system is simply magnificent!
Even if your goal (l agree jewelry doesn't have any relevance in playing music) was not to build jewelry pieces of furniture but musical devices the look is magnificent, and the new improvements really achieved new standards for your brand esthetically and functionally.
Sorry for my not perfect English, but my main language is Italian. Will be back soon!
Regards,
Dario
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James
Well I have had the new Bryston BAX-1 with Tri-amped Signatures ( Qty. 4 7BSST2 for the Low and Mids, and a 4BSST2 for the Highs) now for three weeks and I thought I would followup with my longer term observations, as first impressions can sometimes be wrong.
I would have to say the following has been demonstrated day in day out with all kinds of music formats:
1. The speakers are extremely musical and inviting with all music formats. I really cant find something about them that I don’t like!
2. They are well balanced both at low volume and at high volume, which is an unusual comment since most passive speakers have a sweet spot volume and when you go below they sound flat and lifeless. The ear and most drivers are non linear so perhaps there is some software magic in the background. No idea…. but I like the net result. It is very well behaved and as I said above very musical.
3. They are also extremely “clear” akin to an electrostatic driver. I have heard on a few occasions an instrument in the background I had not remembered hearing before during past sessions. Perhaps it is just old age. LOL
4. This clarity of sound makes it very easy to up the volume without realizing how really loud you have the SPL. This is a common observation with good sound systems. Distortion gives us audio clues that we are “loud”, not so much with the BAX - Signature combo.
Really that is it. One very happy customer. Well done James and team.
Cheers
Drew
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James
Well I have had the new Bryston BAX-1 with Tri-amped Signatures ( Qty. 4 7BSST2 for the Low and Mids, and a 4BSST2 for the Highs) now for three weeks and I thought I would followup with my longer term observations, as first impressions can sometimes be wrong.
I would have to say the following has been demonstrated day in day out with all kinds of music formats:
1. The speakers are extremely musical and inviting with all music formats. I really cant find something about them that I don’t like!
2. They are well balanced both at low volume and at high volume, which is an unusual comment since most passive speakers have a sweet spot volume and when you go below they sound flat and lifeless. The ear and most drivers are non linear so perhaps there is some software magic in the background. No idea…. but I like the net result. It is very well behaved and as I said above very musical.
3. They are also extremely “clear” akin to an electrostatic driver. I have heard on a few occasions an instrument in the background I had not remembered hearing before during past sessions. Perhaps it is just old age. LOL
4. This clarity of sound makes it very easy to up the volume without realizing how really loud you have the SPL. This is a common observation with good sound systems. Distortion gives us audio clues that we are “loud”, not so much with the BAX - Signature combo.
Really that is it. One very happy customer. Well done James and team.
Cheers
Drew
Thanks Drew - now I just have to figure out how to get the message out to more customers and dealers. It's amazing to me how much resistance there is from dealers given the obvious leap forward in performance the Active system delivers :scratch:
james
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Thanks Drew - now I just have to figure out how to get the message out to more customers and dealers. It's amazing to me how much resistance there is from dealers given the obvious leap forward in performance the Active system delivers :scratch:
james
Think about it, if you were a dealer and 99% of your revenue came from passive speakers and associated gear how do you tell your customers that they have been barking up the wrong tree?
The problem is first they have to educate the consumer and that education may jeapordize sales of all the passive gear they have in inventory.
Its not a SQ problem, its a business problem.
This is not a new situation. The truth has been known for a long time, check out this article from 15 years ago:
http://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_9_4/feature-article-active-speakers-12-2002.html
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Think about it, if you were a dealer and 99% of your revenue came from passive speakers and associated gear how do you tell you customers that they have been barking up the wrong tree?
The problem is first they have to educate the consumer and that education may jeapordize sales of all the passive gear they have in inventory.
Hi Witchdoctor,
Don't get me wrong there are great passive speakers out there and for most people they are just what the doctor ordered. But, Active systems are the next obvious jump in performance and I am surprised that given the concern dealers have these days about the loss of brick and mortar hi-fi stores and the demise of quality demos at high end audio retailers it surprises me that they do not see the advantages of offering active systems. I can not think of a better way to get customers to come to the store and hear an Active system (certainly not going to happen at your local Best-Buy or ONLINE). Even if customers have no interest in purchasing an active system I would assume many people would enjoy hearing one and traffic in the store increases accordingly.
So Active increases traffic flow and also think about the VALUE ADDED aspect of the sale of an active setup. You are delivering and setting up the systems making the adjustments etc. in the customers home - what better way to reinforce the necessity of a knowledgeable dealer.
james
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I can sense the frustration of customers who have spent $$$ on amps, speakers, and speaker cables that were passive. All of the time spent researching reviews, shopping, tweaking, etc. and having never compared to an active setup. As a dealer would you want to be the person delivering the bad news? :oops:
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I think you are 100% correct that they could use an active system as a source of competitive advantage. I think an e-mail blast inviting people in for an active system audition would work.
If I were you I would craft the invitation in a format that would make it cut and paste easy, put together an outline of the follow up (maybe a checklist) and send to your dealers.
As a customer I personally would enjoy being able to compare passive and active systems after being invited by a dealer FWIW. :D
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I can sense the frustration of customers who have spent $$$ on amps, speakers, and speaker cables that were passive. All of the time spent researching reviews, shopping, tweaking, etc. and having never compared to an active setup. As a dealer would you want to be the person delivering the bad news? :oops:
As a dealer would you want to be the person delivering the bad news?
No, I would want you to be the dealer that shows for those who show interest the next step forward.
Active is not for everyone - its much more complicated and requires a much greater knowledge base which in my opinion sets you as a dealer apart from the main stream merchandizers out there.
Admitting as a dealer you have learned something new is not a dis-service to your customer.
james
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As a dealer would you want to be the person delivering the bad news?
No, I would want you to be the dealer that shows for those who show interest the next step forward.
Active is not for everyone - its much more complicated and requires a much greater knowledge base which in my opinion sets you as a dealer apart from the main stream merchandizers out there.
Admitting as a dealer you have learned something new is not a dis-service to your customer.
james
Agreed
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I think you are 100% correct that they could use an active system as a source of competitive advantage. I think an e-mail blast inviting people in for an active system audition would work.
If I were you I would craft the invitation in a format that would make it cut and paste easy, put together an outline of the follow up (maybe a checklist) and send to your dealers.
As a customer I personally would enjoy being able to compare passive and active systems after being invited by a dealer FWIW. :D
Yes our dealer in Saskatoon did that and it was a huge success and he sold 2 systems.
james
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How to promote active speakers in general is an interesting question.
Form my experience in industry automated noise testing was promoted long before the technology was fully capable. This led to false passes, disappointment and a retraction in the rate adoption. Twenty years later it is more capable than the human it replaced. We can see the same typical history in CD and multichannel audio. Media always seems to over sell a fledgling technology and claim a mainstream adoption time line not based in reality.
Active crossover is not a new idea, but perhaps the technology has finally matured enough to supplant the existing technology. This will not happen overnight, but it will absolutly happen in the next decade. JBL, Legacy, Sanders, Martin Logan, Emerald Physics and many, many others all have active systems. Now Bryston. The slow march has started and it is not going to stop.
I am willing to bet inexpensive Class D amplification will ultimately drive mainstream active crossover as I can foresee the hybrid DSP processors performing both D/A, Xover and even FET/IGBT Switching tasks some day soon. I am reasonably certain it already exists high end in car audio.
Another first adopter will be small bookshelf / 7.1 active speaker systems where high volume and low cost will drive research and further sound optimization. With long through drivers and DSP equalization these small systems are making very impressive sound! Young people simply do not have the living space for the traditional "big is better" speaker design solution.
My simplistic suggestion is to "mandate/loan" each authorized Bryston dealer to setup a modest active demo and let the customers decide. Not all prospective customers will have the money to purchase active but they may aspire to in the future. The word will get out, that you can be sure of.
Drew
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In pro audio, the mid/nearfield monitors are almost exclusively active, as are the portable/transportable PA's. Installed PA speakers are still a bit of a mix, but leaning more to active these days as well.
In the home market, I don't think the change will happen within the next decade for those who already have passives, at least not in any game-changing amount. Rather, the new segment will grow either from those who started off with convenience/compact devices like the BryFi, or crossover from the pro/studio market if Bryston targets them properly (I think the latter there is the most promising route if Bryston can be smart about the marketing).
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The consumer ultimately decides what survives in the speaker market. Smart mfrs adapt accordingly.
Darwinian selection as always. :thumb:
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Hi Folks,
We now have a section on our website regarding the Bryston Active Speakers
james
http://bryston.com/products/active/Active_System.html
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Hi Folks,
We now have a section on our website regarding the Bryston Active Speakers
james
http://bryston.com/products/active/Active_System.html
Hi James, there were a few minor blips/typos/etc. I took the liberty of going through it with very minor edits. You're welcome to use them or not:
Active loudspeakers differ from passive speakers in that the component that determines which driver (Tweeter, Midrange and Woofer) receives which audio frequencies, is controlled by an electronic crossover placed between the preamp and the power amplifiers. This is contrary to passive loudspeakers where the crossover is typically built directly into the loudspeaker. In an active loudspeaker, each driver has an independent amplifier channel controlling them, as opposed to a passive crossover where only one amplifier channel controls all the drivers in the speaker.
The key advantage of placing an electronic crossover between the preamplifier and the power amplifier (Bryston BAX-1 Active crossover) is that all the speaker control (crossover slopes, crossover points, gain etc.) is performed at low level signal levels, whereas passive crossovers are operating at high level signal levels. Manipulating and adjusting signals at low levels using the Bryston BAX-1 Digital crossover is far more accurate than attempting the same with high level signals. Examining the frequency response, the crossover slopes, and the required volume levels per driver, reveals that the digital active crossover provides much more accuracy than the passive option.
One important aspect of the Bryston Active System that is critical to its performance is that each loudspeaker model and BAX-1 Digital Crossover combination is optimized using the factory anechoic chamber, utilizing over 300 measurements. This ensures that the software controlling the active digital crossover maintains the optimal ‘Sound Power’(1) for each Bryston Active Speaker Model.
The overall benefits of an active system include increased flexibility of filter shapes, the ability to make fine-grained adjustments resulting in improved on and off axis response (these are often competing objectives in passive loudspeakers), direct coupling of the loudspeaker to the driver (avoiding losses inherent in passive crossovers), and higher SLP SPL with lower distortion.
The Bryston Active Loudspeaker System combines decades of research into acoustics, electronics, amplification, and state of the art components to recreate your recordings with stunning realism. A superbly designed active loudspeaker system can bring higher resolution and dynamic control to your audio system. The differences are far from subtle and the Bryston Active Loudspeaker System takes the performance to the next level.
(1) add a footnote or link for the definition/explanation of 'Sound Power'
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Active loudspeakers differ from Passive speakers in that the crossover that determines which drivers (Tweeter, Midrange and Woofer) get which audio frequencies is controlled by an ELECTRONIC crossover placed between the preamp and the power amplifiers rather than the passive crossover version which is typically built into the loudspeaker. Also all the drivers in the loudspeaker (T.M.W.) have an independent amplifier channel controlling them as opposed to a Passive crossover where one amplifier channel controls all the drivers in the speaker. So an Active 3-way speaker like the Bryston Model T requires 3 separate amplifier channels per speaker whereas the Model T Passive only requires one amplifier channel per speaker.
The advantage of an electronic crossover placed between the preamplifier and the power amplifiers is all the speaker control (crossover slopes, crossover points, gain etc.) are performed at what is called low level signal levels whereas passive crossovers are operating at what is referred to as high level signal levels. Manipulating and adjusting signals at low levels is far more accurate than attempting the same with high level signals. So if you look at the frequency response, the crossover slopes and the volume levels per driver required the Active crossover provides much more accuracy than the passive option.
The other advantage of Active loudspeaker systems is the fact that the amplifiers output stage is directly connected to the loudspeaker driver. So the Woofer, Midrange and Tweeter all have separate amplifiers controlling their movement directly rather than having to deal with passive components (capacitors, inductors, resistors etc.) required by passive networks.
If you recognize that music is essentially a transient condition, a ‘stopping and starting’ as the music signal requires then any system that can control this stopping and starting of the drivers is much more capable of an accurate rendition of the input signal.
The transient response improvement with the direct connection between the amplifier and speaker in the active system. is mainly due to the fact that the main filter components in a passive crossover network, the inductors and capacitors, are energy storage devices. By definition they both suffer from forms of hysteresis where there is a delay between the energy storage and the release of that energy. This leads to a distortion of the signal’s time signature and it will also be frequency dependant to some extent. The other big area of benefit is that fact that the passive filter network has intrinsic losses and these losses translate directly into a reduction in the amplifier power that actually makes it to the loudspeaker drivers. Removing those losses from the equation translates into a more efficient transfer of energy between the amplifier and the loudspeaker.
Hi James,
I've only just realized my setup is at least semi-active :scratch: or where am i mistaken? :
I use the Bryston 10bsub external crossover to separate the lows from the highs, between the pre and power amp. Send these to my sub, which has its own dedicated amp. The highs are sent to my 2 QUAD ESL's, each acting as one driver (there are 3 panels inside of course but in a different design than the usual 3 driver boxed speaker), both mono amped by the 28b's.
The way understand it is both drivers (sub and esl) have their own dedicated amps, and crossover is externally set. As you describe in the above?
Cheers,
Marius
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Hi James, there were a few minor blips/typos/etc. I took the liberty of going through it with very minor edits. You're welcome to use them or not:
Thanks :thumb:
james
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Thanks :thumb:
james
Hi Marius
No in order to be ACTIVE you must bypass the crossovers in the speaker system and have each driver in the speaker driven by an amplifier directly connected to the driver itself with no components (capacitors, resistors etc.) in the signal path at the speaker input.
james
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James,
is there a chance that the model A speakers become active one day?
thanks,
al.
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James,
is there a chance that the model A speakers become active one day?
thanks,
al.
Hi Al
I do not think so at this point - no demand.
And in the A Series price range most speakers use internal chip amplifiers or Class D type amps where I prefer the external amplifiers like in the T Series Active.
james
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...ok, thanks.
the 875 HT amp has 8 channels for amplification. let's say a customer would want a pair of Bryston's active speakers - would you recommend this combination??
al.
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...ok, thanks.
the 875 HT amp has 8 channels for amplification. let's say a customer would want a pair of Bryston's active speakers - would you recommend this combination??
al.
Yes that would work well - 2 channels bridged for the bass and the other 4 channels for the Mid/Tweets.
james
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...the 875 has 2 transformers and 8 outputs. the 21B has 3 transformers and 3 outputs, correct??
would you say that the design of the 875 compromises the sound quality in any way compared to a 3 way mono amplification?
al.
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...the 875 has 2 transformers and 8 outputs. the 21B has 3 transformers and 3 outputs, correct??
would you say that the design of the 875 compromises the sound quality in any way compared to a 3 way mono amplification?
al.
Hi al
I like the idea of a separate transformer for each channel. In the 875 I would use the 4 left channels for the left speaker and the 4 right channels for the right speaker and that way each channel still runs on its own transformer.
james
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active … Dario in Italy
August 2017
Hi James,
I have finally had the opportunity to test for a few weeks the Bryston Active Middle T loudspeakers system.
GEAR:
• Bryston 4B3 cubed power amp for low + another Bryston 4B3 Cubed for midrange + Bryston 2.5B3 Cubed for the high frequencies.
• BAX-1 Digital Electronic Crossover
• Bryston Middle T Active Speakers
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166557)
It hasn't been an easy task because for the first time in my life (I have owned a lot of expensive gear and auditioned much more at shows and at friend's homes) with this Bryston setup I kept hearing to music itself and not to the electronics involved in sound reproduction.
This to say the quality is so high in terms of timbre, with amazing dynamics and huge but believable soundstage the music really seems played as I remembered at live concerts.
All the instruments seem in the right place, perfectly located in the stage with razor shape definition.
I mainly listen to Classical music, Blues and Jazz with a strong preference to medium/small acoustic ensembles, so a performance so natural and realistic is really a must!
James, I really think going active is the future if a great leap forward in music reproduction is the final goal.
Dario Camuzzini
Italy
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I am willing to bet inexpensive Class D amplification will ultimately drive mainstream active crossover as I can foresee the hybrid DSP processors performing both D/A, Xover and even FET/IGBT Switching tasks some day soon. I am reasonably certain it already exists high end in car audio.
Drew
I use an SST Ambrosia Pre and some of these functions already exist. A little over my head to explain so here's the idea.
"The line amplifier incorporates sophisticated bass and treble tone controls with four selectable inflection points. Tone controls?! I totally agree with Bongiorno that it's an indispensable feature in tuning one's system, since as he points out, "there is no such thing as a flat room."
So along with your prediction of coming tech I will add the return of the full feature pre amp with similar controls as well, however they will most likly be digital unlike the Ambrosia which does it all in the analog domain versus digital DSP based systems.
Ric
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active System – The Inner Ear
August, 2017
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166598)
THE COMPONENTS FOR WELL-TEMPERED AUDIO — TRI-AMPED LOUDSPEAKERS
Last weekend, I listened to three well-arranged audio systems at Bryston’s V/P James Tanners home.
The Bryston Middle Ts driven with the Bryston 28B Cubed mono blocks in room 1.
The Bryston A2’s with the 7B Cubed mono blocks in room 2.
Finally, in room 3 the Active Model T with the new (and amazing) 3-channel model 21B mono blocks. Each 21B amp is actually a 7B Cubed and a 4B Cubed in one chassis.
A pair or 21B amplifiers will drive the Model Ts in an active configuration whereby the bass drivers are fed with the 7B and the midrange and tweeters are handled by the 4B and of course an active system needs an electronic crossover so the Bryston BAX-1 Digital Crossover.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166599)
It was the winning system and, although powered by more electronics than the other two systems, it rendered the musical material exceptionally well with an organic quality that almost completely transcended the complicated system arrangement.
The stunning performance made it impossible to find a signature sound and rivaled, possible outperformed, some the best audio I have ever heard!!!
Ernie Fisher
The Inner Ear Magazine
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Wow - nice comment and nice system!
The new 21B3 looks cool,
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Hi James
I purchased the Active Middle T's recently.
I followed your suggestion and I moved the active Middle Ts a little bit wider apart, so now the speakers are almost 2.5 meters far from each other.
Wow...! I understand the importance of off axis response, as the soundstage is bigger, even more realistic while the center focus is still fantastic.
I continue to be amazed how much control at low frequencies and how similar to real life the musical reproduction is listening to active Middle Ts. The coherence is so perfect the speakers actually disappear.
Thanks.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: New Bryston Active Speaker Dealer
August, 2017
Hi Folks,
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of another dedicated Bryston Active Speaker Dealer.
Welcome to: ‘Audio By Mark Jones’
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167165)
Mark has a fully ‘Active Bryston System’ on display consisting of the following:
• Bryston Model T Expresso Walnut Active Speakers
• Bryston BAX-1 3-way Active Digital Crossover
• Six channels of Bryston Amplification
Having a dedicated listening room to allow customers to hear how much better Active Speakers can sound is paramount and I thank Mark for his commitment to this concept.
In a market where customers are asking for more value added from their dealer the in-home setup and calibrated active Bryston speaker system is a perfect fit.
“James, keeping in mind that I am accustom to the best gear on the planet --- CH Precision, Tenor, Magico, Kronos etc… These Active Bryston Model T’s sound just awesome !!!”
Mark Jones
Audio By Mark Jones
http://www.audiobymarkjones.ca/bryston-active-system-in-the-house/
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Hi Folks,
Nice shot of 1/2 of an Active system in one of our dealers :thumb:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=168098)
james
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Hi Folks,
Just got our first order for an Active Model T system for Norway :thumb:
james
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Hi Folks,
Just got our first order for an Active Model T system for Norway :thumb:
james
Nice :thumb:
Hope its for demo in Lyric Hifi, would love to hear an active Bryston system :D
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Hi Folks,
Nice shot of 1/2 of an Active system in one of our dealers :thumb:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=168098)
james
jeepers james! this Bryston stack looks like something from Star Wars, and Darth Vader! Very very nice! :thumb:
i've been trying to figure out the best way to move towards a fully active bryston system. I can cover the amplification channels, and think the next step is
buying the external x-over. then the speakers.
i've been reading up on your website, and maybe have encounted a typo in the BAX-1 description:
"The benefits include increased flexibility of filter shapes, the ability to make fine-grained adjustments resulting in improved on and off axis response (these are often competing objectives in passive loudspeakers), direct coupling of the loudspeaker to the driver (avoiding losses inherent in passive crossovers), and higher SLP with lower distortion".
Should it read...."higher SPL with lower distortion"
for me, that's the beauty. Clean and loud. love it.
Thanks James
TJ
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jeepers james! this Bryston stack looks like something from Star Wars, and Darth Vader! Very very nice! :thumb:
i've been trying to figure out the best way to move towards a fully active bryston system. I can cover the amplification channels, and think the next step is
buying the external x-over. then the speakers.
i've been reading up on your website, and maybe have encounted a typo in the BAX-1 description:
"The benefits include increased flexibility of filter shapes, the ability to make fine-grained adjustments resulting in improved on and off axis response (these are often competing objectives in passive loudspeakers), direct coupling of the loudspeaker to the driver (avoiding losses inherent in passive crossovers), and higher SLP with lower distortion".
Should it read...."higher SPL with lower distortion"
for me, that's the beauty. Clean and loud. love it.
Thanks James
TJ
Yes thanks for catching that - should be SPL.
james
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Absolute Sound - Middle T Active Demo
Hi Folks,
AUSPICIOUS DEBUT!!!
Nice response to our Bryston Middle T Active system demo from The Absolute Sound Magazine
Check it out on page 112 in the October 2017 issue of TAS!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=168832)
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The last line in that article about getting addicted to the speed and bass control with slam of active speakers is spot on, especially when you push up the SPL's. Congratulations James, I appreciate you and Bryston pushing the boundaries of what is possible in an audio system by thinking (literally) outside the "box". :thumb:
If I were to buy a Bryston Active system today I would want the BryFi, I like the one and done approach, all you need is a phone and you are playing music.
http://www.soundstagesimplifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/18
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Today I took a break from cooking Canadian Thanksgiving dinner and sat out on my front porch to drink a coffee.
Supertamp was playing in the living room. I was amazed by the sound mix so far away. Base mids and highs all were balanced and sounded just fine. It made me reflect that the Bryston T with BAX are the best all around speakers, most consistently musical, I have ever owned. This is referenced against solutions I still own costing many times more.
Don't just take my word for it. Please take the time to go to TAVES in TO this coming weekend and listen for yourself. ( My assumption is they will have a demo, but I don't know, just guessing).
I predict Active Crossover two channel solutions are going to flourish when the message finally gets out. Hats off to the pioneers like James.
Cheers
Drew W.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: New Bryston Active Speaker Dealer
October, 2017
Hi Folks,
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of another dedicated Bryston Active Speaker Dealer.
Welcome to Audio Ark in Edmonton Alberta
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170007)
Audio Ark will have a fully ‘Active Bryston System’ on display consisting of the following:
• Bryston Model T Walnut Active Speakers
• Bryston BAX-1 3-way Active Digital Crossover
• Six channels of Bryston Amplification
Having a dedicated listening room to allow customers to hear how much better Active Speakers can sound is paramount and I thank Audio Ark for their commitment to this concept.
In a market where customers are asking for more value added from their dealer the in-home setup and calibrated active Bryston speaker system is a perfect fit.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active Speaker Dealer Demo
October, 2017
Hi Folks,
This weekend we are demoing the new Bryston Middle T Active system at Audio Video Therapy in New Hampshire.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170170)
Gary Dayton from Bryston will be there with Active Middle Ts, the new BP-17³ preamplifier and more.
Please come by if you have a chance.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170171)
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I stopped in for a few songs and thought the system sounded very nice on both jazz and Nine Inch Nails.
They also looked quite nice in white.
George
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I stopped in for a few songs and thought the system sounded very nice on both jazz and Nine Inch Nails.
They also looked quite nice in white.
George
Thanks for the feedback George - much appreciated.
james
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Hi James,
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170253)
I just heard a demo of the BAX1 digital crossover in the new active speaker system put on by Gary Dayton at Audio Video Therapy in New Hampshire.
It’s a brilliant product.
It’s about time someone stepped up against the endless fiddling and fussing with passive crossovers which I think has gone about as far as it can.
Bob
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HI
I heard the active Model T’s at TAVES with 3 channel 21B’s.
Outstanding!
Dwight Angus
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: New Bryston Active Speaker Dealer
November, 2017
Hi Folks,
I am very pleased to announce a dedicated Bryston Active Speaker Dealer.
Welcome to: “Absolute Audio Video” in Calgary, Alberta
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170574)
Ross and James will have a fully active Bryston system on display consisting of the following:
• Bryston Middle T Active Speakers.
• Bryston BAX 3-way Active Digital Crossover.
• Six channels of Bryston Amplification.
Having a dedicated listening room to allow customers to hear how much better Active Speakers can sound is paramount and I thank Ross and James for their commitment to this concept.
In a market where customers are asking for more value added from their dealer the in home active Bryston speaker system is a perfect fit.
James Tanner
Bryston
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Hi James,
If you recall I'm the person who reviewed your Bryston Mini T speakers for The Inner Ear magazine.
I've been convinced for years now that the correct way to do a multi way speaker is with an electronic crossover and multi amps.
I'm really glad to find another manufacturer who realizes the potential of the format and is actively pursuing it.
Allen Edelstein
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active Middle T Demo – Capital Audio Fest
November 2017
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=171123)
Well James, I am nowhere near experienced enough in high end audio to critique your new active speaker system, but I have a system that would list for twice what the full Bryston setup in your room cost, and what I heard has really got me thinking.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=171124)
Unfortunately my wife and I did not make it to your room until the end of the day Sunday. We were unable to spend as much time as I would have liked listening to different types of music. I would really like find another opportunity to demo this setup again, as I would have to sell off most of my system to facilitate the purchase.
Considering that I am contemplating selling what I would consider some world class gear, that took me a couple of years to assemble, to enable me to purchase your latest achievement, should be pretty high praise as to what we heard.
The tonal balance, and clarity of the active version was astounding. Not to mention the bass! I kept asking Gary if he had a sub hiding in the side room. My wife and I were both VERY impressed!
Congratulations on quite an achievement!
Regards, Rob.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Announcing the Bryston Mini T Active Speaker
November 2017
Hi Folks,
I am pleased to announce the introduction of the “Bryston Mini T ACTIVE” speaker.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=171769)
The Active Mini T joins the Model T and Middle T Active systems to round out our Bryston Active Series of speakers.
These Bryston active speakers are used in conjunction with our dedicated BAX-1 Digital Active Crossover and six channels of amplification to provide a level of performance unobtainable with the current passive systems available today.
Active loudspeakers are those in which the drivers (woofer, mid-range, tweeter) are directly connected to the output of an amplifier. There are no "passive" components (large resistors, capacitors, coils etc.) in the signal path between the amplifier and the loudspeaker driver(s).
An Active System can bring a much higher resolution and dynamic control to your audio system.
The differences are not subtle and speakers like the Bryston Model T Active loudspeakers take the performance to the next level of accuracy.
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James,
Do you have pricing for the new Mini T Active with BAX1 crossover?
Thanks
Bill
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James,
Do you have pricing for the new Mini T Active with BAX1 crossover?
Thanks
Bill
Hi Bill,
The Active speaker is the same price as the passive ($3700 the pair) but of course you need the digital electronic crossover which is $3,495.
james
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Hi Folks,
A pic of a Model T Active speaker at one of our dealers in the new Expresso finish
james
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=171945)
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What has 6 channels, only 2 speakers, and now comes in painted white?
Our new Active Loudspeakers of course! There is a lot more to Active Speakers than just tri-amping.
Our BAX-1 performs crossover functions far more complex than what can practically be achieved with passive components for a new level of detail and realism.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=172001)
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Love the white color with the gray grill cloth
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james,
what an incredible photo of the middle T's in white! very modern looking photo James. wonderful presentation of Bryston gear! nicely done.
any indication whether the MiniT will be available in white?
cheers, TJ
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james,
what an incredible photo of the middle T's in white! very modern looking photo James. wonderful presentation of Bryston gear! nicely done.
any indication whether the MiniT will be available in white?
cheers, TJ
Hi
Yes White will be available with all models.
james
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james,
what an incredible photo of the middle T's in white! very modern looking photo James. wonderful presentation of Bryston gear! nicely done.
any indication whether the MiniT will be available in white?
cheers, TJ
They look even better in person!
George
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Right on James :thumb:
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They look even better in person!
George
Do you have a pair?
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Do you have a pair?
No.
I just recently saw and heard them at a local dealer event.
George
-
Thanks George - it would be really neat to hear a pair,
-
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: New Bryston Active Speaker ‘Distributor’
December, 2017
Hi Folks,
I am very pleased to announce a dedicated Bryston Active Speaker ‘DISTRIBUTOR’.
Welcome to: “AViTech in Austria and Germany”
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=172128)
• Bryston Middle T Active Speakers.
• Bryston BAX 3-way Active Digital Crossover.
• Six channels of Bryston Amplification.
Having a dedicated Active System available to allow their dealers and customers to hear how much better Active Speakers can sound is critical and I thank AViTech for their commitment to this concept.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=172129)
In a market where customers are asking for more value added from their dealer the in home active Bryston speaker system setup is a perfect fit.
AViTech
Czerningasse 16 A-1010 Vienna, Austria
Email: office@avitech.at
www.avitech.at
-
James - not sure if you saw this?
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2017/07/07/vancouver-audio-festival-2017-bryston-goes-active-or-whats-in-a-crossover-anyway/
Nice effort to explain active and amazing images.
-
Hi Folks,
New link on the Bryston website showing the new Active speakers.
http://bryston.com/products/active/Active_System.html
james
-
Awesome photos James, on your new website link! :thumb:
-
James
Can the leds on the BAX 1 be switched from blue to green at home like the cubed amps or when you order you have to specify led color.
Thanks
-
James
Can the leds on the BAX 1 be switched from blue to green at home like the cubed amps or when you order you have to specify led color.
Thanks
HI
I believe they can be switched at home - why?
james
-
For now I’ll be using SST amps for active setup...when funds permit upgrade to cubed amps with blue led.
-
For now I’ll be using SST amps for active setup...when funds permit upgrade to cubed amps with blue led.
Ah OK - so give us the list of the gear so far.
james
-
Currently Oppo 105 4bsst2 passive model t
Hopefully changing....if very thing works out Oppo 105 BAX 2 x 3bsst & 4bsst model T sigs
-
Hi James,
I've updated the BAX-1 product page to include more product images and I've also updated the product description for clarity. You can find the page here:
http://bash.codes/client/bryston/testing/products/active/BAX-1.html
If you like what you see I shall make it live immediately.
Cheers,
Richard Branch
-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=173078)
New Bryston Active Speaker AD
-
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T ACTIVE Speakers – Customer Feedback
January 2018
Hi James
I just had my left knee replaced this morning, and while in the hospital, I wanted to make sure I took the time to thank you so much for taking care of my equipment desires.
It took me a long time to put everything together but managed to finish last night. I did not have the time to do any tuning however, I was completely blown away by the results!
I have the SP3 as the pre-amp into the BAX-1 Active Digital Crossover. Driving the mids I’m using 7B3s, and for the woofers & tweeters I am using 7BSST2’s.
As you have said, going ACTIVE is a tremendous upgrade. The soundstage is so smooth, silky, detailed, and engaging.
When going into surround mode with a 4B driving the rears, and a 7B3 in the center, oh my goodness, fantastic! When I have all cubed amps and get it tuned up, well, I honestly can’t imagine how good it will be.
Thank you sir!
Is it live? No, it’s my Bryston’s!
Best,
Marc
-
Hi Folks,
Finally finished the Active MINI T's and got them set up in Room 3 with custom Target Stands :thumb:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=174456)
-
Now we're talkin'!! looks great James :thumb:
-
Hi Folks,
I was asked today from a customer that has ordered a pair of Active Mini T’s a question I thought would be of interest to others – see below please.
Hi James
On the Audiocircle forum you posted a comment noting that you "finally finished the Active Mini-T's". Out of curiosity, what was the last stage needed to finish them and what are the shipping dates for the speakers and BAX-1 looking like?
Hi
We test the speakers in the anechoic chamber with the Bryston BAX-1 digital crossover and we do over 300 measurements all around the speaker (vertical as well as horizontal) to make sure the ‘Sound Power’ and the ‘Listening Window’ of the speaker is as accurate as possible.
Then we do blind listening tests to make sure what we are measuring translates to what we are hearing.
So it’s very time consuming but critical to get the best possible on and off axis smoothness for a specific speaker with the BAX1 crossover.
We finally arrived at what we think is the best overall response and listening accuracy we can achieve at the factory and my 'at home' listening test is the last assessment because I am very familiar with how the different Bryston speakers perform in my 3 rooms.
Attached is the Listening Window and the Sound Power response of the Active Mini T through the BAX-1 Crossover
james
-
https://www.whathifi.com/news/bryston-unveils-flagship-active-loudspeakers
-
Wow. I hate grills, but these grills are super cool. I would leave them on. I don't think I've ever felt that way about any speaker system before. Nice work.
*Unfortunately, I have nothing like the budget for these. But I thought I'd weigh in on the aesthetics, since I'll never hear them. :|
-
James,
Beautiful looking!
This overall visual statement should get an award! Not to mention the sound too!
https://darko.audio/2018/01/bryston-go-active-with-model-t-middle-t-mini-t-loudspeakers/
-
I agree on the visual - gorgeous
-
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Austria – Bryston Middle T Active Speakers
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=175081)
Hi James,
We are just testing the Bryston Middle T ACTIVE powered speakers with 3 stereo amps as we are preparing for upcoming Hamburg Show.
It “Sounds Really Fantastic – so relaxed and easy” !!!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=175082)
Thank you, thank you and thank youuuuuu!!!
Best regards
Edvard Potisk
Austria
-
Hi James
For the small Active Mini T do you have plans to introduce a smaller 3 channel amp? I thought I saw a preview of this product at Taves last year.
Would love to go active on a small set up.
Cheers
Drew
-
Hi James
For the small Active Mini T do you have plans to introduce a smaller 3 channel amp? I thought I saw a preview of this product at Taves last year.
Would love to go active on a small set up.
Cheers
Drew
Hi Drew
Not 3 channels - the new 24B is 6 channels - 2 channels at 300 watts for the woofers and 4 channels at 75 watts for the mid/tweets
james
-
James, are there any dealers in southern California currently set up to demo the active speaker systems?
Will you be at the LA Audio show in June with an active speaker demo room?
Thanks, Al
-
James, are there any dealers in southern California currently set up to demo the active speaker systems?
Will you be at the LA Audio show in June with an active speaker demo room?
Thanks, Al
Hi Al,
No dealers so far in Cal - its a hard sell to dealers as they do not see the value in that amount of floor space and commitment given the limited sales available. I have 4 dealers in Canada and we have sold about 20 pairs overseas.
I believe we will be doing LA but not sure what system.
All I can tell you is when you go Active you will not go back !!!
james
-
Hi Drew
Not 3 channels - the new 24B is 6 channels - 2 channels at 300 watts for the woofers and 4 channels at 75 watts for the mid/tweets
james
Hi James,
Are these power ratings are at 8 ohm or 4 ohm for the active speakers?
Thanks.
-
Hi James,
Are these power ratings are at 8 ohm or 4 ohm for the active speakers?
Thanks.
Hi
At 8 ohms.
james
-
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Capital Audiofest 2017– Bryston Middle T Active Demo
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=175704)
Kemper Holt
The first thing I noticed walking into the Bryston room was the layout, they chose to put the speakers on the long wall and have us sit in the nearfield. My first impression was I'm too close and was this a wise decision? Turns out it was a very astute choice as the room sounded great. Bryston was showing an active loudspeaker, The Bryston Middle T Actives which unlike the norm does not have the amps and active crossovers built, they are outboard.
Performing the necessary tasks were a pair of Bryston 21B Cubed 3 channel amps, BAX-1 active three-way crossover, BP 17 Cubed preamp, BDA-3 DAC, BDP Player, all plugged into a BIT 20 conditioner.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=175705)
The old adage about audio companies specializing in a particular vein of equipment and unable to make top notch equipment in all categories falls flat on its face here.
In an all Bryston system, a great deal of synergy applied itself and the room just made music. The low bass on Boz Scagg's "Thanks to You" came through as powerful and deep almost matching the megabuck room, tight and had the true low extension that makes you take notice. I played some tracks from Paul Simon's Graceland and the result was spectacular. The speakers vanished, the coral parts were displayed on a vast soundstage including height, nice individualization of voices, percussion dynamic and exciting, natural tone, and Paul's voice sounded as it should.
A guest put on an orchestral recording that really showed off the system, big soundstage, nothing tied to the speakers, explosive dynamics, natural string tone, horns were particularly real sounding, I was brought into the music and thoroughly enjoyed being engaged into just relaxing and letting the piece wash over me.
Wonderful room!
-
Looks great! Love the looks of the Middle T in white. :thumb:
Any idea of the speaker cables used in this photo?
TJ
-
Straight Wire
james
-
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Mini T Active – Customer Feedback
Hi James,
I've now had my Active Mini-T's running for about 5 days and am very happy with their superb sound! I also changed from a BP26 to a BP17cubed at the same time because I didn't have the patience to stage them in separately, so can't definitively attribute specific improvements to one change or the other... but there are definitely many improvements.
My previous setup was BP26 - 7B3 - Mini-T Passive.
The new setup is BP17C - BAX1 - 7B3/2.5B3 - Mini-T-Active
I was quite pleased with my passive Mini-T's but knew from experience that the move to active would be a major change and it was:
• Soundstage is more 3D, more depth and layers
• Attacks and percussion are crisper
• Articulation of individual notes is clearer
• The music overall is clearer, a veil has been lifted!
Late night/very low volume listening has been good since moving to Mini-T's a year ago but it is now even better. At my normal volumes (still comparatively low due to small apartment constraints) the bass seems to have about the same low extension but is clearer and, for example, I heard a very clear bass line in an old recording that I'd never noticed before. Every instrument seems more clearly defined on the soundstage and sounds more distinct compared to my passive system. Marimbas and xylophones seem to have more "glow" as do tablas. Orchestral works sound richer and more "full-bodied" even though the passive Mini-T's sounded great too.
Although I'm sure the BP17C should be getting some of the credit, there is one very welcome improvement that it clearly offers: the slower response on the motorized volume control - important to me in adjusting levels in my limited volume range.
Overall, I'm very pleased. Thank you to you and the team for deciding to offer an active version of the already-great Mini-T's!
Norm
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T ‘ACTIVE’ – Dealer Feedback
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=176520)
February, 2018
Hi James,
Just hooked up the new Bryston Middle T active speakers.
So far, excellent.
Will play with the parametric EQ to see if I can clean the room up a little.
My first impression is what my suspicion was:
“Once you go active, you can never go back.”
I will follow up with you after more time with them.
Thanks for your passion and "end to end" product!!!
Thanks,
Dave
-
Hello Gentlemen,
Just a quick thank you note (detailed impressions later).
I received my 21B Cubed 3 channel amplifiers for my Active Model T's today.
An hour out of the box, these amps are ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!
I’m impressed how far above the six 7B mix I was using (4x 7B SST2 and 2x cubed for mids). Well done.
Thanks!
Marc
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Active – Distributor Feedback - Norway
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=177451)
Dear, Brian & everybody @ BRYSTON !
Attached please find Håvards picture of our BRYSTON rig with 21B3 amplifiers and the BIG Model-T speakers with BAX-1 Electronic crossover etc... .
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=177452)
Håvard hadn't time to wait a minute more, when I unloaded the shipment yesterday. He connected the BIG Bryston 21B3 amplifiers and we listened yesterday to different music and we concluded early on but which we felt stronger and stronger about as we continued to listen and can confirm:
The Bryston 21B3 Cubed amplifiers lifted the experience of the Model-T Active sound above everything we have heard earlier. They played with authority and control and with details in the high frequencies we have never experienced before.
We were astonished by the extreme control of the lowest of the low frequencies. You Brystoners have made an extremely good match with the 21B3, BAX-1 and Model-T Active
speakers. Now it's more than a pleasure to come to work and listen to this setup. Thank You, Bryston!
Brian, say hello to your employees from us, we are very thankful for what you have done for us and soon for the Audiophiles in Little Norway. The future is very bright.
Best regards from
Håvard &, björn
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active – Customer Feedback
March 2018
Hi James
Model T Active vs Middle T Active
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178056)
So far my initial impression with the new Middle T Actives is a very similar clean, neutral and refined presentation!
The Middle T speakers are brand new...and I must crank up the volume a bit more to get a similar same scale of the Signatures...but I am sure they will run in slowly in the next weeks...
The highs seem to have more sparkle and resolution, and I am very happy that the bass is still very impressive and fast.
You remember I was a bit scared because the Signatures spoils us with such a magnificent bass punch... maybe someday we add a middle “sub” to get the ultimate bass weight.
I just played “Mean to Me” from Rita Coolildge...one of my personal reference tracks...and the double bass is well defined, fast, and airy, just like on the Signatures.
Overall, a speaker with fantastic value...and definitely “signature” sound quality...plus, great for the wife factor, due to the compact dimensions!
Cheers to you !
Tom from Singapore
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DEALER FEEDBACK
James,
The four Mini T ACTIVE speakers are installed. Along with single Mini T sub.
Running with Bryston 4B on woofers and 3Bs on mid-range and tweeters.
Client is ecstatic. I will be sending pictures hopefully next week when I revisit the job site to tie up Loose Ends.
Thanks,
Dave
-
James
Congratulations on the launch of the new 24Bcubed amplifier. What is the suggested list for an active Middle T system using the 24B amp and a BP17 preamp. Thinking this might be a very wife / daughter friendly system with excellent sound.
Cheers
Drew
-
James
Congratulations on the launch of the new 24Bcubed amplifier. What is the suggested list for an active Middle T system using the 24B amp and a BP17 preamp. Thinking this might be a very wife / daughter friendly system with excellent sound.
Cheers
Drew
Hi Drew
The speakers are the same price as normal but you need the BAX 1 which is an additional $3495 list.
James
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Demo – Absolute Audio/Video - Calgary
April 19th 2018
Hi Folks
Please drop by our dealer for 2 straight days of Bryston audio system demos in Calgary on Thursday and Friday.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=179015)
Room one will feature a fully ACTIVE Bryston Middle T System.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=179016)
System consists of the the new Bryston BAX-1 dedicated digital 3-way electronic crossover and the new 3-channel 21B amplifiers.
Room two will feature the passive Bryston Mini T system
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=179017)
-
Those Mini T's look gorgeous! :thumb:
james - are these a special run - or is this finish luck of the draw ..?
-
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active Demo – Mark Jones Audio
April 2018
Bryston Active event at Audio by Mark Jones
A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Mark Jones to attend the Bryston Active event at his place. James Tanner of Bryston was presenting the new active loudspeaker system featuring Model T Signature loudspeakers and BAX-1 electronic crossover.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=179441)
I am familiar with "active" loudspeakers, such as those produced by Meridian Audio. They have amplifiers built right in and all you need is a source, like a CD player or a network streamer.
Bryston's Model T active loudspeaker system is different. The loudspeakers' drivers (woofer, mid-range and tweeter) are directly connected to an amplifier's output. This is known as active bi-amping or tri-amping, since there are no passive components, i.e. crossovers, are present in the signal path between the amplifier and the drivers. Not to be confused by "passive" bi-amping or tri-amping, where a separate amplifier is assigned to each driver, but internal crossovers are still used to control which frequencies are handled by which driver, as well as roll-off characteristics.
But in a truly active system this is handled by an "electronic crossover" placed between the preamplifier and individual amplifier(s), basically in a small signal level stage. The electronic crossover used in this presentation was Bryston BAX-1 dedicated Digital crossover.
The other components in the system were:
• BP17³ preamplifier (bottom box in the photo above)
• 2 x 28B³ power amplifiers to drive the woofers
• 2 x 4B³ power amplifiers to driver mid-range and tweeters
• BDA-3 DAC
• BDP-3 Digital Player
The BAX-1 electronic crossover is controlled through a Bryston developed app from an iPad.
Although it is more costly to properly develop a truly active system, it has a number of advantages:
more efficient use of power superior direct coupling of drivers to the amplifiers provides better control of drive units and damps unwanted resonances in drivers splitting frequency bands before amplification results in easier design of crossover filters simplified control of amplitude and phase (delay) and driver anomalies higher SPL's are achieved in larger systems (you get 4dB improvement in level with the same power) it can be used to tune the system to any room with any acoustic deficiencies
As James Tanner remarked, music reproduction is a transient condition, where stop and start signals are transmitted to the drivers. With the amplifier being connected directly to the speaker driver this condition is improved and better controlled, which results in a much more accurate reproduction of the music. True active system can bring a much higher resolution and dynamic control to an audio system.
And this is exactly what I experienced with the system that was being presented that night. James first played some of his own selections. But then one of the guests brought his own musical selections on a USB stick. As they were played, the gentleman remarked that this is the best reproduction of these tracks that he has ever heard.
• Besame Mama by Poncho Sanchez and Mongo Santamaria
• The Black Messiah (Part Two) by George Duke
• Good Bye Pork Pie Hat by Uzeb
Each musical selection showcased the system's full potential. The clarity, the level of detail, the instrument separation and air around each instrument were simply superb.
The bass was tight and powerful even without any subwoofers. The imaging was precise. Soundstage was truly three-dimensional with depth, width and height clearly defined.
I have only heard this level of reproduction in systems that cost tens of thousands more than Bryston.
That is not to say that the electronic crossover does not have its weaknesses. The main one being that you cannot currently use BAX-1 in any other system. Current design only works with Model T speakers and Bryston amplifiers (ED: For very good technical and performance reasons).
But all in all it was very enjoyable experience and I am grateful to Mark and James for the presentation.
Alex G.
-
Hi Folks,
The sales of the Bryston Active system has been better than we expected so we have decided to do a dedicated Bryston Active Speaker Brochure:
http://www.bryston.com/PDF/brochures/Active_BROCHURE.pdf
-
Great to see you can now buy any of the speakers in a passive configuration and upgrade them to active configuration if you want to go that route. Future proof. That will help move even more of your products. Nice brochure.
-
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/05/09/axpona-2018-bryston-actively-demonstrates-superiority/
-
Hi Folks,
The sales of the Bryston Active system has been better than we expected so we have decided to do a dedicated Bryston Active Speaker Brochure:
http://www.bryston.com/PDF/brochures/Active_BROCHURE.pdf
Hi James,
How does the conversion of model year 2018+ speakers from passive to active take place with the future purchase of a BAX as stated in the brochure?
Thanks.
-
Hi James,
How does the conversion of model year 2018+ speakers from passive to active take place with the future purchase of a BAX as stated in the brochure?
Thanks.
You will have to remove the back plate on the speaker and replace it with the 3 connector active backplate and reattached the wiring.
james
-
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=180275)
-
Hi Folks,
First 'professional review' of the Bryston Mini T ACTIVE loudspeaker:
http://innerearmag.com/reviews/speakers/Audio_Observer_Bryston_Active_System.shtml
-
Nice review!
-
Best in Show!
Active Mini T
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k6uSh8fmSE
-
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: It’s All About System Resolution - Hi Res vs Redbook
June 2018
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181627)
I am not sure if you know Mark Weldrep of AIX Records. He has a blog regarding “TRUE" High-Res music recorded and mixed in 24-96. He has serious concerns about all the so called High-Res disks sold based on Low-Res masters from the good old days.
Well a few days ago he put out a challenge to see if a 100 or more people would participate in a blind test to see if they could discriminate between the 24-96 and the CD 16-44 standard. It was not easy because the files were extremely well recorded and sounded just fine in both formats.
High- Res might be:
Tune 1
Tune 2
Tune 3
Tune 4
Tune 5
Tune 6
It seems I accurately achieved 5 out of the 6 correct. Which apparently was very unusual. Mark wanted to know how I did it, (see answer below). Basically I attribute it to the excellent Bryston Active System and the flexibility of the Bryston BDP Digital Player.
“Hi Mark
I was using a Bryston Digital Player and the new Bryston Active Model T speaker setup.
It is the best sound I have ever known irrespective of price. Primarily because it is truly phase aligned with a DSP. It rivals the punch of Dynamic speaker with the highs and sound stage of Electrostatic.
I was listening mostly for the high frequencies like cymbals and percussion. Female voice had more “depth” and “complexity”.
Cheers
Drew”
-
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active Demo – Mark Jones Audio
April 2018
Bryston Active event at Audio by Mark Jones
A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Mark Jones to attend the Bryston Active event at his place. James Tanner of Bryston was presenting the new active loudspeaker system featuring Model T Signature loudspeakers and BAX-1 electronic crossover.
I am familiar with "active" loudspeakers, such as those produced by Meridian Audio. They have amplifiers built right in and all you need is a source, like a CD player or a network streamer.
Bryston's Model T active loudspeaker system is different. The loudspeakers' drivers (woofer, mid-range and tweeter) are directly connected to an amplifier's output. This is known as active bi-amping or tri-amping, since there are no passive components, i.e. crossovers, are present in the signal path between the amplifier and the drivers. Not to be confused by "passive" bi-amping or tri-amping, where a separate amplifier is assigned to each driver, but internal crossovers are still used to control which frequencies are handled by which driver, as well as roll-off characteristics.
But in a truly active system this is handled by an "electronic crossover" placed between the preamplifier and individual amplifier(s), basically in a small signal level stage. The electronic crossover used in this presentation was Bryston BAX-1 dedicated Digital crossover.
The other components in the system were:
• BP17³ preamplifier (bottom box in the photo above)
• 2 x 28B³ power amplifiers to drive the woofers
• 2 x 4B³ power amplifiers to driver mid-range and tweeters
• BDA-3 DAC
• BDP-3 Digital Player
The BAX-1 electronic crossover is controlled through a Bryston developed app from an iPad.
Although it is more costly to properly develop a truly active system, it has a number of advantages:
more efficient use of power superior direct coupling of drivers to the amplifiers provides better control of drive units and damps unwanted resonances in drivers splitting frequency bands before amplification results in easier design of crossover filters simplified control of amplitude and phase (delay) and driver anomalies higher SPL's are achieved in larger systems (you get 4dB improvement in level with the same power) it can be used to tune the system to any room with any acoustic deficiencies
As James Tanner remarked, music reproduction is a transient condition, where stop and start signals are transmitted to the drivers. With the amplifier being connected directly to the speaker driver this condition is improved and better controlled, which results in a much more accurate reproduction of the music. True active system can bring a much higher resolution and dynamic control to an audio system.
And this is exactly what I experienced with the system that was being presented that night. James first played some of his own selections. But then one of the guests brought his own musical selections on a USB stick. As they were played, the gentleman remarked that this is the best reproduction of these tracks that he has ever heard.
• Besame Mama by Poncho Sanchez and Mongo Santamaria
• The Black Messiah (Part Two) by George Duke
• Good Bye Pork Pie Hat by Uzeb
Each musical selection showcased the system's full potential. The clarity, the level of detail, the instrument separation and air around each instrument were simply superb.
The bass was tight and powerful even without any subwoofers. The imaging was precise. Soundstage was truly three-dimensional with depth, width and height clearly defined.
I have only heard this level of reproduction in systems that cost tens of thousands more than Bryston.
That is not to say that the electronic crossover does not have its weaknesses. The main one being that you cannot currently use BAX-1 in any other system. Current design only works with Model T speakers and Bryston amplifiers (ED: For very good technical and performance reasons).
But all in all it was very enjoyable experience and I am grateful to Mark and James for the presentation.
Alex G.
Nice review, but as with the inner ear article linked it is incorrect in stating that the BAX has to be used with Bryston amplifiers. In my view the ability to use other amps is what makes the Bryston approach the best in the business. I upgrade rarely and in stages. I cap my spending on any upgrade at $12,500 [arbitrary number that I think most of us have for most items in our lives, dollar value will obviously differ]. I am sure having all Bryston would have a synergistic effect, but the ability to get there is multiple steps is critical for me.
I have been researching active speakers for a two channel system. I run active DIY LCR's in my home theater and will not go back to passive XO's with all their limitations.
I am considering Bryston, Kii, Dutch and Dutch, ATC and Legacy [Legacy is not fully active but has the Wavelet which helps offset XO limitations). What separates Bryston is the flexibility. I use the dbx Venu360 for XO/DSP in my HT speakers and love it's flexibility. But, the overall system performance is limited to MY ability to measure and establish XO points, slopes, driver delays, and phase. The Bryston does all this for me, and with anechoic data I cannot readily replicate at home. No way I can produce results as well as audio engineers with real lab grade equipment, but then again the Bryston audio engineers could probably not sequence and annotate a bacterial genome. For HT my DIY speakers are fantastic, but for a serious two channel system I will leave design to the professionals.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: James Hayward Visit To The Bryston Demo Rooms
July 2018
“Good morning James:
Listening to the three Bryston demo systems on Saturday was a very interesting and enjoyable experience.
I would summarize my overall listening impression this way. Each of those systems demonstrated state-of-the-art performance for a significantly different set of price points.
The little Mini A speaker did an excellent job of imaging and had an impressive depth of field. With its obvious limitations in output at extremely low frequencies, it still did an admirable job of accurately producing lower midrange and bass information with minimal exaggeration of enclosure and driver resonances.
The Middle T Active system is very easy to listen to. Its increased dynamic range, extended lower frequency response, increased clarity in the lower midrange bring an ease to the listening experience.
The Model T Active is clearly my favourite system.
It does everything right and with total ease! I can listen to it for hours as it uncovers amazing musical detail let effortlessly reproduces bass and lower midrange without any hint of exaggeration in both dynamic range and frequency response.
Thanks, James, for the great time.”
Best regards,
James H.
Jim Hayward is an electronic technologist, pianist and a perfectionist whose deep love of music put him on a lifelong quest to accurately capture the reality of treasured musical performances. After a 28 year career managing high tech engineering and operations groups in Bell Canada, he taught electronics and supervised student designed audio projects at Radio College of Canada for 10 years. He was Chairman of the Toronto Section of the Audio Engineering Society in 2000/2001 and has been an active executive member for 24 years. As a contributing editor to Andrew Marshall’s Audio Ideas Guide, he wrote three feature articles on the electrical characteristics of cables and their relevance to audio performance. He also wrote a feature article for the Bryston Newsletter, Volume 5, Issue 2, on the characteristic impedance of cables highlighting its relevance in the professional audio world.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active Speaker Setup Demo
August 2018
Hi Folks,
Please see link below regarding a demonstration at one of our premium dealers on the Bryston Middle T Active speaker.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=183409)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkWrx_xJ6gk&t=6s
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Cool video James - thanks for posting.
Can you expand on the point about converting passive Bryston speakers to the active version?
I had thought we were unable to convert....
thanks!
TJ
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Cool video James - thanks for posting.
Can you expand on the point about converting passive Bryston speakers to the active version?
I had thought we were unable to convert....
thanks!
TJ
Hi
We are looking at that now but it is a bit more difficult than we thought so still seeing if its possible.
james
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ok, thanks JT.
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Hi James,
With the new BAX-1 and the rest of components needed:
If not using Bryston amps - how do you balance the sound levels if the amps used have different gain? Is it simple to do or handled by the BAX-1?
Also, if I understand, most systems will have D/A conversion and possibly a preamp for source or volume control if needed.............then an additional conversions in the BAX-1. Is the additional BAX-1 conversion of A/D and then back to analog again for the amp outputs considered transparent? Seems like a lot of conversions from analog to digital or vice versa but just something I wondered about.
Thanks,
Bill
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Hi James,
With the new BAX-1 and the rest of components needed:
If not using Bryston amps - how do you balance the sound levels if the amps used have different gain? Is it simple to do or handled by the BAX-1?
Also, if I understand, most systems will have D/A conversion and possibly a preamp for source or volume control if needed.............then an additional conversions in the BAX-1. Is the additional BAX-1 conversion of A/D and then back to analog again for the amp outputs considered transparent? Seems like a lot of conversions from analog to digital or vice versa but just something I wondered about.
Thanks,
Bill
Hi Bill
You must use amps of equal gain or have gain controls on the amplifiers.
The AD conversion is done with quality AKM DAC's at 96/24. But that's not really that critical. The important performance advantage of any active system is the fact that the amplifier is directly connected to the driver and bypasses all the passive components in a typical passive crossover.
Believe me the difference is not subtle and once you experience Active speakers your will never go back.
james
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Hi James,
Do you think a 2.5Bsst2 is powerful enough to drive the the three woofers on an active Model T set-up to 85-90 db listening levels? Thanks.
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Hi James,
Do you think a 2.5Bsst2 is powerful enough to drive the the three woofers on an active Model T set-up to 85-90 db listening levels? Thanks.
Hi
A lot would depend on the size of the room of course but one of the big advantages of an active system is the speaker efficiency is much improved - up to 4dB greater sensitivity.
Which translates to needing about 1/2 the amplifier power in an active system vs a passive system.
james
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Hi
A lot would depend on the size of the room of course but one of the big advantages of an active system is the speaker efficiency is much improved - up to 4dB greater sensitivity.
Which translates to needing about 1/2 the amplifier power in an active system vs a passive system.
james
Thanks for the information. I didn't realize there would an increase in speaker sensitivity when going active. That is a significant difference.
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Hi Bill
You must use amps of equal gain or have gain controls on the amplifiers.
The AD conversion is done with quality AKM DAC's at 96/24. But that's not really that critical. The important performance advantage of any active system is the fact that the amplifier is directly connected to the driver and bypasses all the passive components in a typical passive crossover.
Believe me the difference is not subtle and once you experience Active speakers your will never go back.
james
Thank you James,
Can the Model T Active with BAX-1 be used with different manufacturers amps (if all channels are gain matched) or do you have to use Bryston amps?
Thanks,
Bill
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Thank you James,
Can the Model T Active with BAX-1 be used with different manufacturers amps (if all channels are gain matched) or do you have to use Bryston amps?
Thanks,
Bill
Hi Bill
You can use other amps as long as you match the gain.
james
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=183797)
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T ‘ACTIVE’ – Customer Feedback
September, 2018
Hi James,
After some months of intense hearing and testing the Middle T Active system as promised, here I am with a more definitive feedback...
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=184335)
The system required some fine tuning and correct placement in the room (5x6 metres) to get the maximum from it.
Testing was conducted in many ways and with many albums of acoustical ensembles, always correct recorded music. Guess this is a good way to test the timbre and dynamic performance of a hi-fi system.
I involved as well a professional musician (guitar player) and compared his own music reproduced by the Bryston system and the real live concerts he has held, his own opinion being of course very important.
Results: outstanding performance of the Active system, the artist being reproduced in a life like manner, with incredible fast transients, perfect imaging and very natural and dynamic performance. Absolutely stunning. Every musical instrument, as well as voice were very material, perfectly isolated from the others, full bodied. Transparency and detail at top levels.
I guess the only upgrade possible would be moving to the bigger model T’s... The only tweak I have done was to place 30 kg of lead over each speaker, this leading to an even better detail and micro dynamic reproduction, not a dramatic improvement but definitely perceptible.
Thanks James...!
Dario
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For those of you who have followed the Bryston Active Speaker thread you will recognize that I am a big believer in DSP based active speaker crossover design. I had been playing with my own versions a few years before the BAX product introduction using the Model T Signatures. Mine was never as good as the BAX but it was still an improvement over the passive external crossover.
Bored and curious I have recently started playing with a new variant of Bryston speaker. Not sure what engineering problem I was trying to solve as the factory solution sounds exceptional, but tinker I did.
For lack of a better name I will call it a “Tower” arrangement made up of the Model T on the bottom and a Middle T placed inverted ** on the top. This forms a basic D’Appolito driver pattern. Not a true line array, but not a point source either. Especially when you consider the tower stands 7’-6” tall and 10.5” wide.
I got the idea from listening to two very large PMC speakers stacked inverted on top of one another about a year ago in a low ceiling basement. The sound was awesome. Also my other speakers are the SoundLab A3-PX which stand almost as tall and are 3 times wider. Frankly the Model Ts looked small against the giant ESL,s not to mention the 19’ ceiling of my open concept L shaped listening room.
This Tower with it’s 5 base drivers, 3 mids and 3 tweeters were driven by the BAX with quantity four 7Bs for the lows and mids and a 4B for the highs. First impressions were..... incredible efficiency / dynamics and sound everywhere. Like a night club. Interesting but not necessarily ideal.
After a short time I began to realize that it was too much of a good thing. The far field had been pushed out to beyond my listening position ( unfortunately I can’t change) and the various driver sound levels changed as you moved from sitting to standing.
Not one to give up I experimented with attenuating the upper Middle T versus the output of the Model T below. This idea was based on work by Toole, Cox and D'Antonio when designing line array speakers. They use the term “shading”. After all if the Model T below sounds very good by itself, adding another speaker above is not worth the effort and expense unless the sound gets even better.
To make a long story short, for my tall room adding 6 to 10 dB attenuation ( still not decided which shading value I enjoy more) to the inverted Middle T individual drivers on top, resulted in yet a better overall sound stage. It seems to fill the room fuller with sound especially when standing with no negative effect to the sitting position. Great sound walking around or sitting!
Obviously it would be interesting to try this arrangement with other variants of the Bryston T series speakers ( active or passive). I am thinking of perhaps two Mini Ts stacked and inverted in a smaller room situation or two Model Ts towered in a very large room where the seating position is at least 12’ or more back. Ie home theatre setups.
I am hoping others might like to give this arrangement a try for themselves. Please feel free to post your thoughts on this subject. The more people who give this a try or comment, the more we will collectively learn.
Conversely Bryston could try this arrangement out in their anechoic chamber for a more scientific investigation and offer their take on near field/ far field listening positions, shading values, etc. Perhaps a new product will result. Let’s hope so.
** ( Legal Disclaimer: Just be sure you take precautions so there is no chance the upper speaker might fall and injure someone. They are a significant weight / hazard ).
Cheers
Drew
Now all I have to do is resist the temptation to turn it up even louder.
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Hey Drew - thanks for posting this experiment. A very bold undertaking!
Any chance you could post a picture of the "Towers" - would love to see it! :thumb:
Cheers, TJ
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Hi Drew
I am a big advocate at moving lots of air at very low distortion so your setup certainly is moving in that direction in my opinion - real world dynamics and transients can really stress a system and cause severe compression. :thumb:
The only point I would make is that the different radiation patterns (polar response) of the Model T vs the Middle T may be the reason you have to reduce the output from the Middles. So I think your idea of stacking the same 2 speakers would probably work well due to the similarity of the sound power between the two sets of speakers.
I have been looking at the sound power response in the anechoic chamber on stacked versions of the T Series and they look really nice over a very broad area both vertically and horizontally. Also having the woofers radiating into the room at both the floor level and the ceiling level really smooths out the bass response in the room and reduces the standing wave issues dramatically.
james
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James
Well I own two sets of middle T's as well so perhaps I will give that a try when the snow comes.
TJ Photo posted as requested.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=184910)
Drew
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Holy shit Drew! That is just down right cool. You rock man. Love it!!
thanks for posting...
TJ
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=184910)
Oh my, now my Mini T's seem so...........mini :oops:
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James
Great setup of your active T Rex model T’s at the Toronto Audio Show this weekend. I look forward to listening to the tower arrangement of the middle Ts soon.
I noted that there were 4 different companies demonstrating active speakers at the show. It is definitely the future.
Please let me know when the B24 is available to purchase.
Best regards
Drew
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James
Great setup of your active T Rex model T’s at the Toronto Audio Show this weekend. I look forward to listening to the tower arrangement of the middle Ts soon.
I noted that there were 4 different companies demonstrating active speakers at the show. It is definitely the future.
Please let me know when the B24 is available to purchase.
Best regards
Drew
Thanks Drew - always enjoy our discussion about all things audio!
james
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Model T Active – USA Dealer Dedicated Listening Room
October 2018
Hi Folks,
Great set-up in one of our premium USA dealers.
Dedicated room for the Bryston Active Model T speakers and complete Bryston Audio System
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=186123)
• Bryston BDP-3 Digital Player/Streamer
• Bryston BDA-3 DAC
• Bryston BP-26 Preamplifier
• Bryston MPS-2 Power Supply
• Bryston BCD-3 CD Player
• Bryston BAX-1 Digital Active Crossover
• Bryston 3-Channel 21B (x2) Amplifiers
• Bryston Model T Active Speakers
• Bryston Isolation Transformers (x2)
• Target Equipment and Amplifier Stands
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Hi Folks,
Got our first order for a pair of T-REX Active speakers today.
All the way from California!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=186190)
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Congratulations! Now good luck finding a truck big enough to ship them in :D
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Congratulations! Now good luck finding a truck big enough to ship them in :D
HI
They come in 4 boxes 5 feet each.
james
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...cool!! what an order :thumb:
al.
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Hi Folks,
Never figured on this but got an order for Mini T-REX :thumb:
james
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Hi Folks,
Never figured on this but got an order for Mini T-REX :thumb:
james
I believe it! The Mini T's are something special!
Am i right JT, that all Rex setups are active?
cheers, TJ
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I believe it! The Mini T's are something special!
Am i right JT, that all Rex setups are active?
cheers, TJ
Hi TJ
Yes all T-REX are active.
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Hi Folks,
Another of our premium USA dealers has committed to demo a complete Bryston Active System – my thanks to Ivan for his commitment to this concept.
Please see attached pic and comments - the picture of the complete system is superb!
James
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=187121)
Hi James
"This Bryston Model T Active System breaks out from the mold of "just another stereo."
It has real character, presence, and new found clarity. It is achieved with ease, and positively separates itself from the crowd.
Very Well Done Bryston!”
Best, Ivan
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Hi Folks,
Just got a copy of a new review from Soundstage Magazine due out next week on the Active Middle T's.
Will post when available.
james
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Hi Folks,
Just got a copy of a new review from Soundstage Magazine due out next week on the Active Middle T's.
Will post when available.
james
:drool: :drool:
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=187458)
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active Middle T’s – Soundstage Review
Hi Folks,
Please see below the link to a very extensive and thorough review of the Bryston ‘MIDDLE T ACTIVE SYSTEM’ from Soundstage Magazine.
https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1227-bryston-middle-t-active-loudspeaker-system
Favourite Quotes:
“No matter what I listened to, the Bryston system always sounded bigger and more dynamic than I thought it would. Its clarity and precision even rivaled that of my reference MartinLogan Masterpiece Classic ESL-9 speaker hybrid electrostatics recognized for their fast, detailed sound.”
“If you’re willing to try active speakers, give the Brystons a listen. Even if you aren’t, you should hear them, to find out what kind of sound is possible from today’s powered speakers.”
“With the Bryston Middle T Active system, everything sounded perfectly balanced, the dialog and effects precisely tracking their apparent visual sources onscreen. The experience was so involving that I felt as if I were sitting in the mixing studio.”
Roger Kanno
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From the review:
"In fact, Bryston says that the latest versions of their passive T series can be modified in the field for use as active speakers."
How do you mod a passive to make it active?
As Doug Schneider noted in his feature report from the 2017 Montreal Audio Fest, “Is It Finally Time for Active Speakers?,”
Doug Schneider recommended my current active speaker in 2002 and raved. Here we are 15 years later and NOW is it time? It should be IMO.
"This began as a pet project of James Tanner, VP of Sales and Marketing, who wanted a reference speaker for his own use. To achieve the level of performance he desired, the speaker developed was a fully active design."
A DIY project gone rogue eh James?
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The BAX-1 external crossover, required for all T Active models, uses digital signal processing (DSP) to divide the frequencies into three signals, each then individually amplified, and sent to the bass, midrange, and high-frequency drivers in each speaker. To achieve this, the BAX-1 uses two AKM AK5572 A/D chips to convert the incoming left- and right-channel analog signals into digital at 24-bit/96kHz resolution. The BAX-1 also has a total of six AKM AK4490 D/A chips, one for each outgoing signal, and a large toroidal transformer for its substantial power supply, to ensure that there’s plenty of juice to power the complex DSP and the six analog output stages.
When I saw the BAX price tag I was surprised. Now I see the BAX is the "secret sauce". Couldn't you get 90% of the performance with a traditional internal active crossover and reduce the cost? This BAX reminds me of the outboard equalizer JBL uses in the Synthesis line the SDEC.
https://jblsynthesis.com/productdetail/sdec-3000.html
If I was a two channel fan I would just buy these and a streamer and be done. GREAT review. Did you catch the compliment "delivering a wonderfully surreal aural experience?" It sounds like the reviewer fell in love with this system.
One thing he went on and on about was the bass. I never knew why the bass in an active system was so in your face dynamic. When he described how the signal gets directly coupled to the driver I was enlightened. I recognize that dynamic slam when I hear an active system but could never put my finger on how to describe it and he did a good job.
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A question for James..
Does the tweeter on the active version of the speakers have any capacitor wired in? Just in case?
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A question for James..
Does the tweeter on the active version of the speakers have any capacitor wired in? Just in case?
Not sure - I will check.
james
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Thanks,just curious
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Thanks,just curious
Hi
I checked and yes it does have the capacitor wired in.
james
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HI Folks,
My new ACTIVE MIDDLE T-REX setup in RM 1
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=189233)
james
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=188960)
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Still using the BP-26?
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Still using the BP-26?
YUP!
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James
I thought you might be interested in my FFT measured tonight on my Model T & Middle T Trex set-up after a few hours of adjustments to the 120 Hz room correction and below. Active setups still remain my favourite.
This is far from an ideal room, being a large L shaped open concept. Sitting position is against the narrow side with the opening to the right. Having some ability to change the left vs the right BAX setup would help with this difficult room. Not sure I trust this FFT app for the upper frequencies but I wanted to show another example setup with the same tool you used.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=189148)
Cheers
Drew
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Wow thats a great result - there are certainly advantages with the TREX in smoothing out the response - bet it sounds great!
james
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Hi Folks,
Just received this extensive review on the Bryston Model T Active system from a long time veteran of our industry.
Here is the first page of the PDF - email me if you want a copy. - jamestanner@bryston.com
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=189487)
Brian’s Bio
“A music lover all my life, I first joined the electronics industry while attending school in Toronto, as a part-time employee of Brack Electronics. After completing an unrelated degree, I knew that I loved the industry that dovetailed so well with music and entertainment, and stayed on at Brack. In a strange twist, hands-on experience with a certain Swiss turntable system led to an invitation from Harry Pearson of The Absolute Sound to join the staff of the magazine in Sea Cliff, NY. TAS was a remarkable and invaluable experience, bringing me together with many of the leading minds & manufacturers in the audio field.
Eventually the path led me to serve as the US representative for electronics designer Ed Meitners’ start-up company, Museatex Audio, based in Montreal. While Museatex didn’t go the distance, it did bring me back to Canada. During the time period when residential custom-installed AV was not only emerging, but also beginning to morph into property wide intelligent control, I founded Architronics Integrated Electronics Systems, which immediately found acceptance with clients both in North America and internationally. Architronics was fortunate to ride the wave of its’ timing, and quickly garnered a positive reputation for skill & competence with challenging projects with manufacturers of upscale control systems. Leading edge audio & video products were also a natural fit with such projects, and allowed me continuity with my personal passions.
Following the sale of Architronics, I was privileged to head up the design, construction and project management of numerous private theaters and listening rooms for select clients.”
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Thanks James !
Very interesting indeed...one of the best reviews I read sofar...probably because its done by a professional 👍
Cheers and best regards,
Tom
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I'm the author of the review referenced above by James. If anyone has any questions or thoughts, I'd be happy to hear or respond to them.
James, I wanted to add the following thought to what I wrote earlier. Since sending you my comments, I've had much more time to continue the dive into my music library, including older recordings that I hadn't listened seriously to in years. It's been a lot of fun.
Many recordings are again sounding as I either knew they could, or assumed they should. They are revealing nuances and dynamic colors that I'd heard previously on mightier systems than I personally owned, but weren't as audible in the passive speaker version. In some recordings that are newer, I feel like I'm getting more value for money paid for the music.
The active system upgrade has caused one unexpected knock-on effect though. It's stimulated some pretty significant "cost overruns" in new music purchases . . . no apparent end in sight . . .
Cheers
Brian
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Great to hear you are enjoying your music collection Brian - that’s what this gear is all about :thumb:
James
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Recent show in Russia
Bryston Mini T Active System
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191225)
http://www.salonav.com/arch/2019/02/sistema-iz-komponentov-bryston.htm
I have an English PDF if you want - jamestanner@bryston.com
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Hi Folks,
One of the observations that became clear to me when developing the Bryston Model T-REX speakers was the need to go ``ACTIVE`` and the need to ``MOVE AIR AT LOW DISTORTION`` if you want to achieve a state of the art audio system.
Please see the attached from one of our customers that has assembled a full Bryston T-REX system and his thoughts on the resultant performance.
james
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston - Marc’s Model T-REX Audio System
March 2019
Hi James,
I remember the lunch we had a few years ago where you discussed the desire to build the Bryston T-Rex, and I asked how many people you thought would actually buy it. Well Sir, I am incredibly fortunate that I‘ve had the opportunity to do just that!
From the initial Signature T, to the T-Active upgrade, to the 21B3 amplifier, to the T-Rex upgrade, Bryston has continuously delivered HUGE improvements in performance every step of the way.
Please excuse the curvature - from the wide angle lens
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191302)
Here are my observations:
• The Bryston T-Rex is a visual monolith, but it sonically disappears!
• The soundstage is absolutely huge while being natural and focused.
• It has a surprising level of ease when producing both subtle and highly dynamic details; it seems like it’s sitting back and relaxing on the couch just like you are.
• The clarity is as close to “being there” that I have heard, challenging mega-buck systems
• It triggers an emotional response on a regular basis.
• It brings out details you didn’t know were there in the content as well as enhancing details that might have previously been subtle.
• I’ll never forget when I first played Erich Kunzel’s “Love Theme from Superman” off the Time Warp CD (1984) on the T-Rex, I didn’t know if I should stand up and conduct, or cry for how beautiful it sounded – so I did both!
• I never thought analog FM stereo could be reproduced in such a superb fashion; I can enjoy detailed listening for hours!
• It does raise the height of the soundstage, but in no means is that a bad experience.
• As great as it is in stereo, it’s actually more impressive when used as part of a full Model T surround sound system; I challenge any movie theater to sound as good.
• The Model T Subwoofers in the system are only used for movies, and you can hear the T-Rex easily joining in.
• My only problem is my 65” OLED display looks small now…
I’m not sure where you guys could go from here, but I can easily say I now have a system that I can’t find any fault with, and can’t imagine it sounding better. Thanks to you and the entire Bryston team for helping me assemble this dream system. Best of all, without having to re-mortgage the house.
Respectfully,
Marc Richman
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Demo – Listening Impressions - Gary
March 2019
Good morning James.
Thank you for letting me audition your Bryston Middle T-REX speakers in your personal demo room.
My Middle T-Rex impressions.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191305)
The Middle T-Rex active speaker set-up had a rather commanding physical presence in the room at just under 7' tall.
As the lights were lowered and the music cued-up these large towers all but disappeared in the room, never drawing attention to themselves. The sound-stage was not only wide and deep, but also conveyed impressive height.
The presentation had amazing natural vocals and great top to bottom tonal balance. The music reproduction was very true to life and had an effortless quality in the way it was delivered.
Well done James!
Gary Hall.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston – Model T Active System
March 2019
Hi James,
I have the Model T Active system but have not had the chance to log in to the GUI.
Next will be tweaking the position of the speakers and using the DSP of the BAX-1 to refine things.
Enclosed is the picture of the “half-cooked” set up.
Yet to be included are the BHA-1 (currently in storage), BCD-3 and BDP-3 (both on order).
Thank you
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192174)
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston – Howard Gladstone – Middle TREX
March 2019
Hi James
I was thinking about the Middle TREX Active system I recently heard at your home.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192216)
I was listening to my own system today with the big PMCs, and thought about how the sound from your system was in comparison - the sound was bigger and came from a higher place - makes sense since the drivers are placed at a higher level.
More than that - the system sounded so effortless… it did not even break a sweat.
I have never liked that Carmen suite (my own taste) as I think the strings sound harsh and grating on the ears - your Bryston Middle T system played it back perfectly. So that is a compliment.
The country and blues and acoustic music you played sounded realistic and accurate and no fault could be found.
Cheers
Howard
Howard is a very talented Singer/Songwriter in Canada
Check out his website: - http://www.howardgladstone.com/
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=193023)
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Milan Hi Fidelity Show 2019 – Bryston Demo
April, 2019
“Hi James,
Yesterday I went to Milan at Milan Hi Fidelity Show 2019 and placed the order for the Middle T-Rex speakers from your Italian distributor.
I’m very excited in waiting for them to be able to hear the results this Bryston Active speaker upgrade will provide.
At the show, with my great surprise, yesterday the full Bryston Middle T Active System was playing in the Audio Reference room.
Really this Bryston active system has the edge. One of the best sounds at the show, if not the best!
Attached a couple of pics I’ve taken.”
Best regards,
Dario
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Hi James,
Has the B24 been released for sale yet? I am interested in an audition.
The alternative is perhaps purchasing a pair of B2.5 cubed along with an existing 4B cubed.
Still loving the sound!
Drew
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Hi James,
Has the B24 been released for sale yet? I am interested in an audition.
The alternative is perhaps purchasing a pair of B2.5 cubed along with an existing 4B cubed.
Still loving the sound!
Drew
Hi Drew
We are still having issues with the safety and hydro certification - knowing this bureaucracy it will be a while longer.
james
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Hi Folks,
Never figured on this but got an order for Mini T-REX :thumb:
james
How does a mini T Rex differ from the TC-1 other than the crossover, or lack thereof? Same cabinet and drivers? Just curious.
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How does a mini T Rex differ from the TC-1 other than the crossover, or lack thereof? Same cabinet and drivers? Just curious.
Hi servingko
The TC1 is a Center channel so the spectral dispersion is adjusted differently (horizontal) rather than a vertical speaker dispersion like the Bryston Mini T.
Also the T-REX is a stacked Active speaker whereas the TC1 is a single Passive speaker.
james
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T ‘ACTIVE’ – Customer Feedback
July, 2019
Hi James,
I picked up the Bryston BAX-1 Active Crossover today from Ron at Altronics.
Ron said he spoke to Bryston and advised Bryston of my setup and that the BAX-1 was already programmed for me. Basically plug and play.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196537)
So that’s what I did and I remembered to reverse the cables for the one amplifier. I powered up everything and the lights on the BAX started in red and then went to yellow and then turned green. I put a CD into the player and listened to a few songs that I use to gage the quality of speakers and I have only one word.
WOW !!!!
It is simply more of everything with much greater detail, imaging and presentation than I ever imagined.
It is not just an incremental increase but a whole new ball game.
The speakers now coax out detailed sounds in the music that I never heard before. Bass, midrange and highs are all more pronounced and present.
Well done guys you deserve a resounding pat on the back. I am officially addicted.
I will put the speakers through their paces this weekend in more arduous testing.
Sincerely,
Dave
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James, have you tried hooking up your active speakers to an SP4 yet? If so what configuration?
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James, have you tried hooking up your active speakers to an SP4 yet? If so what configuration?
Yes at a show recently we setup the Active Crossover feature in the SP-4 to replicate a Bryston BAX-1 Active crossover and it worked great!
james
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Yes at a show recently we setup the Active Crossover feature in the SP-4 to replicate a Bryston BAX-1 Active crossover and it worked great!
james
It is a stunning combination, IDK if it is your taste but EDM (like Pet Shop Boys) with active speakers in an immersive setup just doesn't get any better. The entire room starts dancing, and it takes you right into a "club" type atmosphere. There is something that an active speakers does with bass that I can't describe. You can just push and push the volume and the bass is just tight and in your face. Yes action movies are great but I don't experience the type of nuance you get with bass heavy music. I know THX recommends crossing over all channels at 80 HZ but I found 40 HZ works best in my room. Where do you find the SP4 typically sets the crossover with Bryston Active speakers?
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Hi
We tend to recommend the lowest frequency point possible on the Subs assuming the Mains are going down low enough to support the frequencies around the crossover point chosen.
THX recommends 80Hz because their systems tend to be built around smaller Mains.
james
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=197922)
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Customer Report – Active Middle T-REX
August 2019
Hi James,
Eventually the Middle T Rex tops arrived a month ago so I had the opportunity to pair them with my current Middle Ts in Active configuration.
The difference is really audible, all parameters are on steroids now.
The really good news is they integrate perfectly and the system sounds like a mini monitor but with impact of a huge system, as it is visually.
Actually they do not sound like mini monitors nor as electro-stats or horns or any other loudspeaker type.
They sound as close as possible to the real event. (I had the opportunity to test some musical pieces, mainly jazz and blues recorded unplugged I previously heard live).
Conclusions:
Imaging, dynamics (micro and macro) timbre, detail, reproduction of low, low to upper frequencies is as natural as it should be, and the instruments sound rich and full bodied, with a lush of its own.
Spatial three dimensionality is also outstanding.
Dario,
In Italy
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=200812)
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston MODEL T-REX Speakers Gets A New Home
Hi Folks,
My thanks to James Kliewer of Performance Home Theater for his commitment to install a complete Bryston Home Theater system in his facility.
His current setup is with a single (Front Left & Right) pair of Model T passive speakers.
The new setup will include a ‘FULLY ACTIVE Model T-REX system’!
James
Here are a few pic’s of our current demo theater. The Bryston T-Rex will fit in with a little remodeling.
When we have the T-REX speakers installed we will rebuild our website with photos and info on the new Bryston system.
We will meet with clients by appointment only.
Thanks for all your help,
James Kliewer.
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=202987)
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle TREX – Customer Feedback
January 2020
“I had the good fortune to hear an absolutely remarkable Active Bryston system a week or so before Christmas – “hear” isn’t an adequate descriptor – “experience” is much better I think. It moved me, and changed my entire attitude toward Active systems.
I was purchasing a Bryston turntable for my passive Bryston system, which I always thought sounded very good. While picking it up I met James tanner and he invited me to listen to the Active system he had assembled. It was composed of the BDP-3.14 Digital Player/Streamer, BP-26 Preamp/MPS-1 Power Supply, BAX-1 Electronic Crossover, Middle T-REX speakers, driven by two 21B3 amplifiers and all connected with Bryston cables.
I asked James how loud he normally listened to that system. To my surprise (given my own listening habits), he indicated that he listened at a rather lower volume than I expected. I own a pair of Middle T’s and they are well driven by my 4B3 power amp, so to see the Middle T-Rex’s assembled, hovering over me, well I was expecting to be blown away by the sheer power and volume of the system. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Importantly, however, it wasn’t the power or volume of the listening experience that so moved me – though the system doubtless was capable of massive volume and power if that is your preference. It was the sonic clarity, texture and dimensional composition of the music that was playing. Volume didn’t need to be massive at all to hear sonic details of music that, as well as I knew most of the music, hadn’t heard like that before. Regardless of the kind of track, from classic rock, to jazz, to classical, the sound stage was absolutely massive – much wider than the speakers themselves were apart from one another. Guitar finger role-offs, the feeling and images of movement of drums from one side of the kit to the other – the subtlety of vocals at once close to the recording mic, and then backing away – absolutely breathtaking, all without massive volume to find those sounds I’d not heard on those recordings previously. The Active system seemed to clarify well-known parts of the music, but simultaneously lift more subtle aspects of the music from sonic darkness to light.
I’m a convert! I love my own passive system – but not like I like James’ Active System. Time to become more Active I think.”
David
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My New Active Mini T setup in room 3.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=205013)
james
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Elegant 8)
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Hi James,
Hope you are keeping well. I retired a month ago just before all insanity broke loose.... so lots of idle time on my hands.
I had a few "engineers" over to my home to listen to the Middle T-Rex setup. The were very suitably impressed with the sound, but one complained that "if only it could sound like a night club".
After careful consideration I have managed to create that sound by combining a SP2 ( in Stereo5 mode) and four Middle T's running at four corners of the room along with the Middle T-Rex in a traditional 2 channel position slightly louder than the surround. Add in two 15" Vellodyne 1250W RMS subs for the chest shaking rumble and well I have a night club in my living room. All I need now is a well stocked bar!
If only this social distancing was not making me live like a hermit.
Love the active crossovers. Any new features coming?
Stay safe.
Drew
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Hi Drew
Yes the hermit idea is affecting us all. I am hard at work though on my OMNI project so its given me tme to play around a lot more.
I am glad you are enjoying the Middle TREX - I have mine setup in room 1 and have done many demos for a number of people and some are surprised at how refined it sounds for such a big system
Anyway enjoy your retirement sir!
james
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Hi James,
Omni or Dipole? I have always loved the sound of a Dipole with reduced SPL ( or via acoustic treatment) rear firing drivers. Creates a bigger ambience in the room. Get closer to planner speakers but with the advantage of more punch.
I have never seriously listened side firing woofers. Could be interesting if they were configured as subs, as you always need a minimum of two subs to reduce room modes. Build it right into the speaker as a music sub. Sadly almost all subs today are home theatre variety.
All active of course.
Enjoy
Drew
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Here's the link to what I am playing with now.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=167306.0
james
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Drew, check out mixcloud to get the "night club" experience going full tilt. AWESOME mixes, you just hit play and it is like DJ in your own space.
https://www.mixcloud.com/djmitsuru/soulful-house-mix-05032020/
https://www.mixcloud.com/dashboard/new-uploads/
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Question: Would a Bryston 875H work well for a Mini T based active system in a smaller room?
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Question: Would a Bryston 875H work well for a Mini T based active system in a smaller room?
Hi veloceleste
I Have used a lot of combinations of amps with the Mini T Active and depending on room size and levels any combination will work.
I think you are better off though with amps other than the 875. I would recommend in most setups a 3B with two 2.5B's as a good combination.
Plus in the future with the multiple amps any resale would be much easier.
james
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Hi veloceleste
I Have used a lot of combinations of amps with the Mini T Active and depending on room size and levels any combination will work.
I think you are better off though with amps other than the 875. I would recommend in most setups a 3B with two 2.5B's as a good combination.
Plus in the future with the multiple amps any resale would be much easier.
Hi. James,
Thanks for your thoughts and quick reply.
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206635)
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston MODEL T-REX Ultimate Theater
Hi Folks,
James Kliewer of Performance Home Theater in California has designed and installed an ‘ULTIMATE’ Bryston Home Theater.
The new setup includes a ‘FULLY ACTIVE Model T-REX system!
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206796)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206797)
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston MODEL T-REX Ultimate Theater
James Kliewer of Performance Home Theater in California has designed and installed an ‘ULTIMATE’ Bryston Home Theater.
Hi James
We have sound!
I hope your doing well and staying virus free. I appreciate you and everything done to get these speakers built. I remember meeting with you early one CES morning when Bryston speakers were just being released. You were so excited about this T Rex concept, with 2 speaker parts stacked upon each other and how you dreamed they would perform. I left that room 6-7 years ago SOLD! Now they are a reality. I remember you had some resistance on your T Rex concept. Thank you for not folding to the resistance.
The sound of the Active T-Rex is huge. The theater space is full, there is no area of the room where the saturation of sound isn’t. It even sounds so much better in our theater lobby. Details like drum brushes, horn note drops and vocal details are now so clear even in our lobby with the doors open. Our theater seats 18 people, it’s not a small space. The
T Rex speakers have a large volume sweet spot that excites, even at lower volume levels.My first demo response was WOW,WOW,WOW, I have not had chill bumps like that before!
What I like most about Bryston speakers is a value you seldom hear, and that’s the lack of listening fatigue. I have listened to music in our theater for 14 hours straight. Most, if not all speakers will not perform this way. The sound is amazing. We also added the Bryston TOW on wall speakers.
Now we are in Business. This room was meant for these speakers. I demoed the theater Saturday, and the response was continued WOWS and I’m getting chill bumps.
Thanks again
James Kliewer
Here is a list of my Bryston components.
• 2- Model ACTIVE T REX Left/Right
• TC-1 Center
• 6- TOW On-wall
• BIT 20 Isolation Transformers
• 21B 3-Channel Amplifiers
• 28B Mono Amplifiers
• SP4 Surround Processor
• BAX 1 Active Digital Crossover
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Hi Folks,
We have a very detailed review coming up in Secrets of Home Theater magazine on our Bryston Middle T ACTIVE speakers with many measurements and listening comments.
Here is a email I received from the review so it should be a good one aye!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=211986)
Hi James!
I know I sound like a broken record, but I really appreciate the opportunity to review such a fantastic loudspeaker and amplifier set.
Just remarkable stuff!
Awesome!
Please continue to stay safe and be well!
Secrets of Home Theater & HiFi
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Hi Folks,
Well a speaker review does not get any more professional than this!
Middle T ACTIVE review from Secrets of Home Theater.
https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/speaker/floor-standing/bryston-middle-t-active-speaker-review/
james
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James a big thank you for all you did !!!!
Well it was long time coming but finally got the Signature Model T's set up.I had to come on here and tell everyone that the T's are the REAL DEAL!!!!! Slam,and gentle at the same time! The imaging is incredible.Powerful and have a calming effect as they just to not stress.These are by far the best speakers I have ever heard.Everyone in my family feel the same.These are truly giant killers! and if they are 4 times the cost they would still be an incredible speakers!!!!! Hats of to James for this most incredible speaker! The Model T's are really something to hear and proud owner here!
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HI oldguy
Great - glad you are enjoying them !!!
james
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I have a pair of Middle T Active that I'm currently driving with a pair of 7B-ST for the bass and a pair of 3B-ST for the mids and highs.
Question: I've been looking for another pair 3B-ST to split the highs out but I have come across a pair of 2B-LP and was wondering if those would be safe to use as they're listed as 200W bridged at 8 ohm but the Middle Ts are 4 ohm?
I would love to upgrade to a pair of 21B 3 cubed but alas I can't afford those anytime soon so used market for now.
On a side note, I'm also considering getting a pair of 7B 3 Cubed - I'm guessing those work best in the bass section...am I wrong?
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I have a pair of Middle T Active that I'm currently driving with a pair of 7B-ST for the bass and a pair of 3B-ST for the mids and highs.
Question: I've been looking for another pair 3B-ST to split the highs out but I have come across a pair of 2B-LP and was wondering if those would be safe to use as they're listed as 200W bridged at 8 ohm but the Middle Ts are 4 ohm?
I would love to upgrade to a pair of 21B 3 cubed but alas I can't afford those anytime soon so used market for now.
On a side note, I'm also considering getting a pair of 7B 3 Cubed - I'm guessing those work best in the bass section...am I wrong?
Hi
Are you using an BAX-1 electronic crossover?
james
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Hi
Are you using an BAX-1 electronic crossover?
james
Yes sir.
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Ok so I an not understanding what you want to do - are you thinking of replacing the two 3B's with two 2BLP's?
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Ok so I an not understanding what you want to do - are you thinking of replacing the two 3B's with two 2BLP's?
No, I would run the two 3B would be run bridged as mono for the mids and the two 2BLP would be run bridged as mono for the highs.
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HI
No I would not do that - bridging a stereo amplifier reduces the ability of the amplifier to deliver instantaneous high current at lower impedances.
james
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HI
No I would not do that - bridging a stereo amplifier reduces the ability of the amplifier to deliver instantaneous high current at lower impedances.
james
OK, as always thanks for all your input on these questions. I have one last one:
In my setup: pair of 7B-ST driving bass, and a pair of 3B-ST driving mids and highs of my Active Middle Ts, would you recommend upgrading the 7Bs to 7B cubed OR upgrading the 3Bs to cubed for the mids and highs? I know the 21B cubed would be best but I would only be able to afford making one of these mentioned upgrades anytime soon.
Thanks again.
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Hi
I would go with the upgrade on the Mids and Tweets.
james
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Hi
I would go with the upgrade on the Mids and Tweets.
james
Awesome, that’s what I was thinking too!
Thanks.
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=237972)
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James, continuing the conversation from Facebook, who should I reach out to for help with my speaker problem? After switching all cables from left to right, at the source, the pre, the BAX, the left speaker remains the one with the issue.
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Hi,
I would have the dealer return the speaker to us for service.
If just the driver needs replacement then I am sure the dealer can accomplish that for you.
james
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Unfortunately, I didn't use my local dealer, rather Music Direct.com.
I'll reach out to them, thanks.
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=260282)
Behind that cat is a fully active tri-amped speaker system I built around 2011. Couldn't find a better picture.
I have been a major proponent of active systems since my mentor had demonstrated his fully active system to me in the early 2000's. The difference is absolutley night and day - even with less expensive electronics.
A fully Bryston active system is still a dream of mine.
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Hi Pontifex
Totally agree - so many times we as audiophiles move sideways when we try different amps or speakers or cables etc.
Going active is the best way to move forward from a performance standpoint.
best
james
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Hi Pontifex
Totally agree - so many times we as audiophiles move sideways when we try different amps or speakers or cables etc.
Going active is the best way to move forward from a performance standpoint.
best
james
Thanks James.
I think it's also been discussed in this lengthy thread but how much would you say that a fully active Bryston system negates the need for subwoofers? I would imagine that external subs would still have the benifit of independent placement from the speakers for optimizing modal response?
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Thanks James.
I think it's also been discussed in this lengthy thread but how much would you say that a fully active Bryston system negates the need for subwoofers? I would imagine that external subs would still have the benifit of independent placement from the speakers for optimizing modal response?
Its a good question and much of the answer would be relative to the very low frequency capability of your Main speakers relative to your Subs. To some degree the best location for your Main speakers for best Soundstage may not provide any benefit for very low frequencies and therefor adding a Sub can help. Also integrating the Sub with the Mains can be problematic.
In my room a speaker like the T10 can easily do 18Hz and still be 4 feet from the back wall - so I get a really good balance overall. With the Active T-10 there is a GUI which allows you to tailor the Bass response below 120Hz as well.
best
james
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In my room, which is on the larger side, and using Model T's in active mode with the BAX-1, the ability to fine tune the bottom end was very effective.
Those speakers are now gone, soon to be replaced by T10's. I still expect the EQ ability will be helpful, however the split woofer placements in the line sources should help to even out LF presentation in the space.
Brian
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=260415)