[promark747]

Hello,

I'm a proud new owner of a 9B-SST and had a couple of questions.

The amp, mounted in a rack with plenty of space all around it, seems to get very warm after a few hours, even at idle.  I decided to use my trusty Raytek infrared sensor to measure the surface temperature, and this is what I got:

Top of case: 105-110 degrees F, with the higher readings in the center channel (probably expected as the center can't shed the heat as well since it is surrounded by the other channels).

Heat sinks: 115-120 degrees F.

Using a non-scientific method (the hand test), it is somewhat uncomfortable to leave my hand on it for more than a few seconds.

Is this heat typical for this particular model due to its compact/modular design?  I've had other amps that didn't run nearly as warm, but then again, they were not of the same quality.  I had planned on leaving the amp on 24/7 to minimize thermal stress and to have it always in prime shape for listening, but I am reconsidering that.  I am also considering adding a rack fan just above the 9B-SST to pull out some of the hot air from my rack closet.  Would this have any effect on the Bryston or would it be negligible?

Thanks,
Brian

[drummermitchell]

I'm curious is the 9B-sst a squared(latest)2.

[promark747]

I'm curious is the 9B-sst a squared(latest)2.

Nope...the previous model, circa 2004.

Regards,
Brian

[AnthonyH]

Using a non-scientific method (the hand test), it is somewhat uncomfortable to leave my hand on it for more than a few seconds.

My 4B-ST also ran rather hot, too hot to leave my hand on the top of the case for more than 10 seconds. I sent it back to PMC (UK Bryston service agents) for a service and re-bias and now the amp runs warm rather then hot.

Hope this helps

[denjo]

Same here with my Bryston B100 SST Integrated! Even the front panel and volume control gets really hot. Fortunately, I have the remote control. 

[Levi]

My 9Bsst is just warm to the touch.  I would definitely contact your dealer for service.  I normally go to my dealer because they give me a spare amp to use.   However, Harvey Electronics went out of business so I would probably deal with Bryston directly for service.

115-120F is hot.  I know because the Bryston SP1.7 runs that hot normally.

[alexone]

promark,

the SP2 has always been a bit hotter than the 26 as i can remember. i didn't do any temperature measuring or so but the top and the front of the processor was always a bit hotter...
so if it really comes to boiling things just contact your dealer.

in any other case...enjoy the sound!

al.

[James Tanner]

Hi All,

There will be some variation in heat from unit to unit and from product to product because we hand tune each product and even each channel in our power amplifiers. On the amplifiers the bias is set after 100 hours of stressful operation to a point where you achieve the maximum performance level. There are also thermal sensors on all products which monitors the heat and if it every reaches dangerous levels it will turn off the amplifier and allow it to cool before allowing a restart.

So unless the amplifier is very hot (you should be able to keep your hand on it at idle) do not be too concerned.  If it becomes an issue we can certainly lower the bias level to reduce the heat output.

james

[promark747]

Thanks James.  I really appreciate the support you provide on this forum...it's been great reading your prior posts and learning a lot about the Bryston philosophy.  I look forward to being a customer for life.

Regards,
Brian