Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?

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loopyground

My wife thinks it will be!!!
At the Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show (TAVES) last year I listened to Bryston 28B SST2 amplifiers driving the PMC IB2i loudspeakers and was totally impressed.  Later on I was able to have a home demo of the 28B SST2’s driving my PMC PB1i loudspeakers and was absolutely amazed at the improvements in all areas compared with my Bryston 7B SST2 amplifiers (with upgraded transformers and capacitors). 

I guess I should never have listened to the 28B SST2’s at home as I just had to buy a pair.  Loving organ music, the low, deep bass just seemed to become effortless and more realistic.  The sound stage opened up beautifully but realistically and the high end detail was great but never edgy at all with various types of music. 

Having ordered the amps I decided to go for broke (almost literally!!!) and also ordered the PMC IB2i’s.  When I received the amps and speakers together I played my system night and day for a few days (understanding wife!!!) and then started listening to various music and decided that there was a definite synergy with the amps and speakers.  Just so much more enjoyment listening to my system now.  Good job I’m retired and have plenty of time for that. 

I’ll include pictures with this post.  Top to bottom on my stand are Bryston BDP-1, BDA-1, Moon P7 preamp (sorry James!), Logitech Transporter (not in use), Integra CD player (not in use), Parasound zPre2 preamp, Fanfare FM FT1A tuner, Bryston 3B ST Pro amp, Torus RM20 BAL, Bryston 2 x 28B SST2 amps and the PMC IB1i loudspeakers.  The 3B ST Pro amp and Parasound zPre2 feed my home ceiling, wall, deck and workshop loudspeakers.  Unfortunately the Bryston BP26 inputs cannot be switched remotely which led me to purchase the Moon P7 preamp. 






   

Audioexcels

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #1 on: 13 Aug 2012, 02:11 pm »
How is this amp superior to the 7BSST2?

Thanks!

loopyground

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #2 on: 13 Aug 2012, 03:47 pm »
How is this amp superior to the 7BSST2?

Thanks!
I was thinking of first purchasing the IB2i’s but after listening to the 28B SST2’s in my home I decided to purchase both.  I honestly did not expect to hear such a huge improvement in deep bass for organ music especially.  I even measured the frequency response best I could with my Radio Shack sound level meter and test tones but could not measure any increase in low bass but my ears most certainly could hear a huge improvement.  Kick drum on Eagles “Hell Freezes Over” - Hotel California track for example was way more solid and literally shook the room.  Same thing with Paul Simon’s “Graceland” – The Boy in the Bubble track where the drum thwacks had way more impact. 

It took only a few minutes listening to these fully broken in 28B’s to realize the big improvement over my 7B SST2’s.  The highs were so clear and smooth with the opening up of the soundstage.  Even the height of the soundstage increased but not unrealistically.  I have never heard such a big improvement in any upgrade over many, many years and this was all before trading in my PMC PB1i’s for the IB2i’s.  I almost considered just buying only the amps but the PB1i’s would strain somewhat on the lower organ pedal notes but with the IB2i’s not so.  Definitely the 28B’s are worth the extra money to me at least.  I’ve enjoyed the 14BSST and the 7BSST2’s in the past and hope that I can resist the urge to get more gear unless the Bryston Model T loudspeakers at TAVES this year sound irresistible!!!
 

Vipers

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #3 on: 13 Aug 2012, 05:48 pm »
Thanks for sharing loopyground, fantastic system you have there, as a PMC MB2i owner with 7B's who has been craving 28's for a while now you really know how to get my credit card feeling nervous again :wink: but at over £18,000 over here in the UK for a pair of 28's that is keeping the card firmly in may wallet at the moment, but then I guess you have the same issues with buying PMC's over on your side of the pond?

1oldguy

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #4 on: 13 Aug 2012, 09:31 pm »
I've been pretty busy over the last few days....I have finally (After a year of ownership) opened and tried the Bryston 28B's.
I can assure you the slam is real.......And the highs are indeed extending further.And that ladies and gentlemen is with the first power up.
It's shocking it's that good.Loving it. :thumb:

DaveNote

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Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #5 on: 13 Aug 2012, 10:40 pm »
Great system! And in such a tidy room. My audio room is a mess owing a case of terminal laziness. :|

Do you have a challenge with the windows, and if so is that why you seem to have acoustic treatment high in the corners?

BTW, I thought buying my first MB2s were my last major purchase. Then it was my 7BBSTs. Then my MB2is. I dare not believe that the Model T will be my last major purchase. I'll probably end up selling my burial plot to buy 28BSST2s.  :thumb:

Dave

loopyground

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #6 on: 14 Aug 2012, 12:00 am »
Thanks for sharing loopyground, fantastic system you have there, as a PMC MB2i owner with 7B's who has been craving 28's for a while now you really know how to get my credit card feeling nervous again :wink: but at over £18,000 over here in the UK for a pair of 28's that is keeping the card firmly in may wallet at the moment, but then I guess you have the same issues with buying PMC's over on your side of the pond?

Thanks Vipers for your comments.  I guess I’ll never know if I should have bought the MB2i’s but best if I don’t listen to them for fear of being hooked on another upgrade! 

I’m curious if you were ever able to compare the IB2i’s with the MB2i’s.  I never listened to the MB2i’s as I felt I could not justify the extra cost.  Probably just as well!

loopyground

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #7 on: 14 Aug 2012, 12:19 am »
I've been pretty busy over the last few days....I have finally (After a year of ownership) opened and tried the Bryston 28B's.
I can assure you the slam is real.......And the highs are indeed extending further.And that ladies and gentlemen is with the first power up.
It's shocking it's that good.Loving it. :thumb:

Glad to hear you like the 28B SST2’s too.  How could you possibly wait so long to try out these super amps?  You must have been close to the Best Before Date!!!  Bryston’s factory burn in protocol ensures the amps sound pretty good right from the get go and also makes sure no early problems which is so frustrating in new purchases.

loopyground

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #8 on: 14 Aug 2012, 01:12 am »
Great system! And in such a tidy room. My audio room is a mess owing a case of terminal laziness. :|

Do you have a challenge with the windows, and if so is that why you seem to have acoustic treatment high in the corners?

BTW, I thought buying my first MB2s were my last major purchase. Then it was my 7BBSTs. Then my MB2is. I dare not believe that the Model T will be my last major purchase. I'll probably end up selling my burial plot to buy 28BSST2s.  :thumb:

Dave
Thanks for your comments Dave.  You should have seen the room before I tidied it up with Gaffer tape everywhere and the stands supported on Wal-Mart cutting board to make moving the speakers easier for my ageing back and to keep peace with my wife for making many marks in the carpet! 

I never really thought I had a problem with the windows but I was prepared to hang heavy curtains if necessary.  However, I thought I would try out the Cathedral Sound Room Dampening panels but I really did not hear any real improvement or degradation of the sound in my room so I left them in place.

BTW, I already had to sell my burial plot to buy the 28B’s.  Cremation is for me now and my ashes to be sprinkled on my cedar hedge that I have carefully nurtured for the last four years. :lol:

Dave, I was most interested in your review of the Axiom M80 V3 speakers particularly as you are used to some high quality sound from your MB2i speakers.  I will be interested to hear how you find the Bryston Model T loudspeakers although I expect to be at TAVES and listen to them myself.   

DaveNote

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Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #9 on: 14 Aug 2012, 01:51 pm »
Thanks for your comments Dave.  You should have seen the room before I tidied it up with Gaffer tape everywhere and the stands supported on Wal-Mart cutting board to make moving the speakers easier for my ageing back and to keep peace with my wife for making many marks in the carpet! 

I never really thought I had a problem with the windows but I was prepared to hang heavy curtains if necessary.  However, I thought I would try out the Cathedral Sound Room Dampening panels but I really did not hear any real improvement or degradation of the sound in my room so I left them in place.

BTW, I already had to sell my burial plot to buy the 28B’s.  Cremation is for me now and my ashes to be sprinkled on my cedar hedge that I have carefully nurtured for the last four years. :lol:

Dave, I was most interested in your review of the Axiom M80 V3 speakers particularly as you are used to some high quality sound from your MB2i speakers.  I will be interested to hear how you find the Bryston Model T loudspeakers although I expect to be at TAVES and listen to them myself.   

You didn't have to clean up your room just for us! Anyway, I for one want to keep the image of you as an audiophile neat freak.  :D

Moving heavy speakers around is something that has plagued me. I had my giant MB2is on stands, filled with sand, and on spikes. They were killers to move. Axiom told me that they've tested their speakers with and without spikes and found that there is no tested difference. Seeking relief from the difficulty of moving spiked speakers, I took the spikes off my M80s, and I truly hear no difference. This is not an invitation to a forum war about the merits of spiking. I'm only saying with these particular speakers, and for me, no spikes works. I'm happy, and, more importantly, my hernia repair is happy. :thumb:

I'm not surprised that your dampening has not produced a difference you can hear. I have large bass traps in my corners, but hear no difference with or without them. I leave them because it is a place to put them.

I'm happy to see that you read my review of the M80s, but didn't take it as some readers did as a knock against users with different preferences or against PMC speakers. I still think the MB2is are great, and I once owned IB2s which I liked, but ended up liking the MB2s better. My move to the M80 represents a change - or rather a reversion - to a different preference I now have in audio: linearity, accuracy, and high resolution. Not everybody's cup of tea because some things can sound harsh with high resolution speakers, which was never the case with my PMC speakers. But this new preference is the main reason I'm buying the Model T.

But given your postmortem arrangements which I will now imitate, if it takes too long time for Bryston to produce the Model T, do you think I can find a dealer who will take my ashes in trade?  :lol:

Dave

klao

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #10 on: 14 Aug 2012, 04:42 pm »
Hmm...loopyground, you're such a bad influence.  Now, I have to find a way to trade my 7B-SST2 with my dealer's 28B-SST2 demo units.   :green:

Great looking and sounding system you have.   :thumb:

loopyground

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #11 on: 14 Aug 2012, 04:47 pm »
You didn't have to clean up your room just for us! Anyway, I for one want to keep the image of you as an audiophile neat freak.  :D

Moving heavy speakers around is something that has plagued me. I had my giant MB2is on stands, filled with sand, and on spikes. They were killers to move. Axiom told me that they've tested their speakers with and without spikes and found that there is no tested difference. Seeking relief from the difficulty of moving spiked speakers, I took the spikes off my M80s, and I truly hear no difference. This is not an invitation to a forum war about the merits of spiking. I'm only saying with these particular speakers, and for me, no spikes works. I'm happy, and, more importantly, my hernia repair is happy. :thumb:

I'm not surprised that your dampening has not produced a difference you can hear. I have large bass traps in my corners, but hear no difference with or without them. I leave them because it is a place to put them.

I'm happy to see that you read my review of the M80s, but didn't take it as some readers did as a knock against users with different preferences or against PMC speakers. I still think the MB2is are great, and I once owned IB2s which I liked, but ended up liking the MB2s better. My move to the M80 represents a change - or rather a reversion - to a different preference I now have in audio: linearity, accuracy, and high resolution. Not everybody's cup of tea because some things can sound harsh with high resolution speakers, which was never the case with my PMC speakers. But this new preference is the main reason I'm buying the Model T.

But given your postmortem arrangements which I will now imitate, if it takes too long time for Bryston to produce the Model T, do you think I can find a dealer who will take my ashes in trade?  :lol:

Dave

I love your sense of humour Dave. :lol:  I gave up on spikes some time ago in favour of sliders (Herbie’s Threaded Stud Gliders) as I too found no real improvement in sound quality with spikes just major irritation in moving speakers around.  These sliders work well on the IB2i’s making them relatively easy to move for minor adjustments.

I don’t mean to diminish the value of your ashes but I think they could only be traded for a pair of 28B’s if they were in a solid gold pot!  :icon_lol:

DaveNote

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Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #12 on: 14 Aug 2012, 05:11 pm »
I love your sense of humour Dave. :lol:  I gave up on spikes some time ago in favour of sliders (Herbie’s Threaded Stud Gliders) as I too found no real improvement in sound quality with spikes just major irritation in moving speakers around.  These sliders work well on the IB2i’s making them relatively easy to move for minor adjustments.

I don’t mean to diminish the value of your ashes but I think they could only be traded for a pair of 28B’s if they were in a solid gold pot!  :icon_lol:

The Gliders look like an excellent alternative to spikes, but since I found no difference in sound with just the bare speakers sitting on my carpeted floor, they probably are not for me.

Incidentally, as I am using my beautiful MB2is as simple stereo TV speakers (Isn't this something like an audiophile sin? Feels that way to me), I set them up without stands, but sitting on Pulsar Points, which seems a bit better than no stands, no spikes for this (disgraceful) application.

You're right, of course, my ashes probably would not be worth much, even as fertilzer, but audiophiles are, as we all know nuts - often victims of hope over reality.

So if selling my ashes won't work, here's another idea adapted from Thomas Hardy's novel, The Mayor of Casterbridge. Maybe I could trade something else for the Model T. A wife, children, dog...any one of which surely is worth more than my sorry ash(es).  :D

Dave




loopyground

Re: Bryston 28B SST2 and PMC IB2i – My Last Major Purchase?
« Reply #13 on: 15 Aug 2012, 12:24 am »
Hmm...loopyground, you're such a bad influence.  Now, I have to find a way to trade my 7B-SST2 with my dealer's 28B-SST2 demo units.   :green:

Great looking and sounding system you have.   :thumb:

Thanks for your comments klao.  If you can do the upgrade I know you will be as pleased as I was with the purchase.  Good luck with your decision!