[dubkarma]

Not being in a position, for now, to afford a 4B3, I am considering buying a 2011 4B-SST2 from a local fellow.

When comparing the back panel of the 4B-SST2 to the 4B-SST I've enjoyed for some years, I noticed one striking difference.

The power consumption (if that's the correct term) of the 4B-SST is specified as 2100 VA while that of the 4B-SST2, 550 Watts.

Can any one translate one of those into the other for me? Or explain what they mean?

For now I'm wondering how a class A/B power amp rated at 2 x 500 W into 4 ohms could only draw 550 Watts.

But maybe I just don't understand what I'm reading. . .

Any help appreciated!

[jcn3]

Not being in a position, for now, to afford a 4B3, I am considering buying a 2011 4B-SST2 from a local fellow.

When comparing the back panel of the 4B-SST2 to the 4B-SST I've enjoyed for some years, I noticed one striking difference.

The power consumption (if that's the correct term) of the 4B-SST is specified as 2100 VA while that of the 4B-SST2, 550 Watts.

Can any one translate one of those into the other for me? Or explain what they mean?

For now I'm wondering how a class A/B power amp rated at 2 x 500 W into 4 ohms could only draw 550 Watts.

But maybe I just don't understand what I'm reading. . .

Any help appreciated!

according to the manuals, the sst and sst2 have the same power consumption:

[dubkarma]

Good to know! Thank you.

I'd still, though, like to understand what data Bryston is putting on the back of their amps.

Having looked around the Net a bit more, I see they sometimes print figures denoting W(atts), sometime A(mps), and sometimes VA (transformer rating?).

Like power output, which is always denoted in Watts, you'd think there'd be a reason to be consistent.

Fortunately, this inconsistency does not detract from their performance!