[techguy0192]

Just wanting to get some thoughts on this upgrade path, as I attempt to determine whether going with a 3B3 or 4B3 is really justified.  I currently have a 3B SST2 amp, along with the BP26, and plan to upgrade to the Cubed line.  Would it be simply a lateral move if I only go up to the 2.5B3?  I have a dedicated listening room that is approximately 12x14.  I’m not into listening at window shattering level; typical peaks at the listening position typically top out at about 85dB.  One of the main reasons I ask about the 2.5 is due to the power increase that puts it very near my current 3B.  Also, it would be about $1K cheaper than a 3B3.  My current speakers have an efficiency of 86dB and a present a nominal load of 6ohm.  One thing I question is how quickly will the 2.5 switch from class A to A/B?

Additional information/background.  I had a ’92 vintage 2B-LP in my system for a while, connected to a different pair of speakers.  The 2B was used with 90dB efficiency Vandersteen 1Ci speakers.  In comparing it with the 3B SST2, I could have totally lived with the 2B-LP, the differences between it and the newer 3B were not as significant as I assumed they would be.

It is my understanding that all Bryston amps sound/perform the same.  Moving up the line is really only relevant to how much power is needed and not improvements in performance.
Thanks!

[schmidtmike76]

I have the 2.5 cubed and choose it simply because the cost over power is not needed.  Im running a set of focal 1027be and I push them to 88DB without a issue clipping or anything like that at all.  All I say about the 2.5 is its really good and does so many different things well.  I came from more power before this move and to be honest this was the best move I have made in a long time.  Im not even thinking upgrading for more power.  As for moving up the line in power terms Ive seen posts that you get more oomph the higher up you go and Ive also read that the 2.5 is the smoothest amp in the line. 

Ive never pushed that amp to point of clipping and I dont even know what that would sound like.

[Mag]

IMO first wait for the BCD3 reviews, I suspect it is going to be a game changer. Imagine the majority of cd's sounding better than vinyl, but some recordings are so bad that nothing can fix them.

You can still upgrade to cubed down the road which I would do also if funds permit. For now I have to be content with my 3B SST/2 which sounds pretty darn good.

[Rod_S]

I'd go so far as to say even moving from the 3B-SST2 to a 3B Cube would most likely be lateral, potentially 0 audible to your ears improvement, so going to a 2.5 cube would most likely simply end up being a reduction in available power for you. If your speakers aren't hard to drive and you don't drive them loud as you indicate you probably wouldn't gain much going to a 4B, be that a SST2 or cube.

[techguy0192]

So, based on some calculations, I should be able to hit my typical listening volume with only 2 watts of power.  I'm note sure what % of power from the cubed series is class A, but would assume 2 to 3 watts would be within class A operation for a 2.5B.  My speakers are approximately 9 feet away from the listening position. 

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html

IMO first wait for the BCD3 reviews, I suspect it is going to be a game changer. Imagine the majority of cd's sounding better than vinyl, but some recordings are so bad that nothing can fix them.

You can still upgrade to cubed down the road which I would do also if funds permit. For now I have to be content with my 3B SST/2 which sounds pretty darn good.

I'm very happy with my current sources: Ayre CX-7e MP CD player, Rega RP8 w/ Apheta 2 cartridge, and a Magnum Dynalab tuner. 

I plan to move up to the Cubed series.  I guess my question is more related to overbuying power that I'll never remotely use given my small listening space.  Sort of like buying a V8 when a 6 cylinder engine is more than adequate.

I'd love to hear Mr. Tanner's feedback on this.

[srb]

I'm note sure what % of power from the cubed series is class A, but would assume 2 to 3 watts would be within class A operation for a 2.5B.

Bryston engineering has previously said that Class A watts are ~ 1% of rated power.  I wouldn't imagine that B³ would be much different.

[threshold t-50]

I have a 9 month old 2.5 SST2 which works great w/my CJ ET-3SE. I have a small room and it easily runs my older Aerial 6B's. My next move is undecided. I'm thinking of the cubed upgrade, a bigger TV or a Lingo for my Linn. Hard to make a decision. I change my mind daily.

[James Tanner]

Hi Folks,

Circuitry changes aside between the SST2 and the Cubed the advantage of more power in any given setup is control and transient power delivery. Depending on the specific impedance curve, reactivity, power handling and phase issues with a given speaker more power can be useful.  The more difficult (how reactive it is) a speaker is to drive when it comes to delivering large amounts of voltage or current the better a more powerful amplifier is able to cope.  For example on transients an amplifier is asked to deliver more than 10 times the power required under normal music demands. Most speakers are more difficult loads than people realize and at some frequencies they require large amounts of voltage and at other frequencies large amounts of current. The amplifiers output stages ability to provide this voltage and current instantaneously is critical.

I am a big advocate of amplifiers that can deliver huge transients without stress and therefore tend to recommend more power than you would assume is required by the rating on a given speaker.  Music is a transient medium - it's a 'stopping and starting' of the waveform and the better the amplifier is at controlling this stop/start the better and more lifelike I think it will sound.

My 02 cents.

james

[techguy0192]

Thanks for the feedback James.

In my situation, do you feel that moving to the 2.5B3 from my 3BSST2 would be an upgrade or more of a lateral move?

[James Tanner]

Thanks for the feedback James.

In my situation, do you feel that moving to the 2.5B3 from my 3BSST2 would be an upgrade or more of a lateral move?

Do you have a measurement showing the impedance curve of the speaker?

james

[techguy0192]

Do you have a measurement showing the impedance curve of the speaker?

james

My current speakers are Evolution Accoustics MMMicroOne.  If I were to change speakers, I'd obviously consider Bryston.  Vandersteen and Magnepan would be a couple of top choices with the Magnepan 1.7 being the largest panel that would fit in my small room. 


Thanks for your help!

[James Tanner]

That looks fairly benign so you should be fine.

Here is the Model T impedance as an example:



james

[techguy0192]

Thanks!

So can I assume that a 4B on a speaker like this or similar such as the Bryston is way overkill for my 12x14 room and non-rock concert levels?  And the 2.5B and 3B are more than adequate.

[James Tanner]

Thanks!

So can I assume that a 4B on a speaker like this or similar such as the Bryston is way overkill for my 12x14 room and non-rock concert levels?  And the 2.5B and 3B are more than adequate.

Hi

Yes the 3B would be my choice but the 2.5 will do just fine as well.

james

[James Tanner]

Whats interesting is you can see from 200Hz to 5000Hz how different the load is on these two speakers which may explain why the same amplifier would behave differently driving speaker A vs speaker B

james