[Mag]

I hate to say it but I've come to the conclusion that it might be possible if I had a Bryston 2 channel pre amp. To accomplish the same or similar room filling sound that I presently acheive with 3 Bryston amps, Yamaha RX-V1700 and 10 speakers, in multi-channel stereo.

Previously, using a 3B SST in Pure Direct mode. 2 channel stereo was pretty impressive to the point I almost preferred it to MC. However MC still conveyed a much wider soundstage and better distribution of bass that I think overall is more realistic natural sound.

Having purchased a 3B SST/2 I'm thinking that the extra bass resolution,detail and controlled highs may make having 10 speaker obsolete. Using the Yamaha as a pre amp, I think it is a weak link that prevents me from hearing the full potential of the this amp in 2 channel.

I should give this idea a try, but I'm afraid to discover two speakers can do the job of 10, in my room. I would feel very sick knowing I could have saved thousands of dollars in equipment purchases. 

[K Shep]

If you have purchased your Bryston gear from a dealer I would hope they would allow you to borrow a preamp for an in home audition.

[decal]

If you have purchased your Bryston gear from a dealer I would hope they would allow you to borrow a preamp for an in home audition

I'd like to know where these dealers are that let you take something home to try out.I have heard about these elusive creatures,but,have never encountered one.Are there very many out there,or,are they an endangered species?Just curious.

[K Shep]

If you have purchased your Bryston gear from a dealer I would hope they would allow you to borrow a preamp for an in home audition

I'd like to know where these dealers are that let you take something home to try out.I have heard about these elusive creatures,but,have never encountered one.Are there very many out there,or,are they an endangered species?Just curious.

The 3 dealers that I have grown relationships will allow you to take equipment home that they use in the show room for demos.  Often they will ring up your credit card as a "deposit" so you don't skip town.  But you must use common sense and stop in introduce yourself and share what you are interested in and earn their respect, or at least allow them to realize you are serious about audio and may in fact spend money with them.

Music Lovers S.F., CA http://www.musicloversaudio.com/
Audio Vision S.F., CA http://www.audiovisionsf.com/
Audio High Mountain View CA http://www.audiohigh.com/

[Stu Pitt]

I think a big part of it is that they don't want people to take gear home with no intention of actually purchasing it.  They don't want to be Rent-A-Center, only for free.

Dealers that I've had more than just a casual relationship with - ie I bought something from them in the past - have had no problems with me demoing stuff at home.  Its always been stuff that is open box, used, etc.  I don't think they'd be willing to open a box and not be able to sell the equipment as new equipment if I didn't want it, unless of course it was destined to be a demo piece anyway.  My Naim dealer offered to let me demo an unopened headphone amp at home, which surprised me a little.  He said he bought it to be a demo piece, and I can keep it for a week or two and burn it in for him.  I passed and just listened to it in the store.

I don't look down at a dealer that doesn't allow home demos for unopened gear, so long as they'll make good on it if it doesn't work out in my home.

[srb]

I don't look down at a dealer that doesn't allow home demos for unopened gear, so long as they'll make good on it if it doesn't work out in my home.

That sounds pretty much like one and the same thing to me (and to them).
 
Steve

[werd]

no dont worry mag what you got is something special.... you got the ticket on listening to loud toons.

[Mag]

Thanks Werd, I suspect that the shrill tweeters bothered you somewhat. Your recomondation to get a SST/2 was right on, and the shrillness is gone.

I now rock 3 notches higher on the dial than what you heard.

[1oldguy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdQkUy8s4Rc