[JohnnyB]

My 5.1 system amps: Krell KSA-200S (200wpc) for my left and right channel; Bryston 5B-ST (3X120w) on my center channel and surrounds.

I recently upgraded my speakers to B&W 802D and an HTM2D across the front. 

I should upgrade the amp supplying the HTM2D.

I need your help in deciding between new Bryston 7B-SST2 or used Krell FPB 250mc / 350mc (~6 to 10 years old).

Both are super amps.  I like the Krell's Class A variable bias design but this is a more complicated design.  The Bryston's are rock solid, simpler design, and very neutral.

There is probably no wrong decision. 

I would appreciate your ideas, particularly variable bias Class A vs Class AB.

Thanks, JohnnyB

[FullRangeMan]

IF I understand right you will buy a new amp pair.  Well, my personal suggestion is the Bryston, bacause 20 years Warrantie, great custumer service, great resale value, Golden Ear award on TAS magazine, great sound etc...

[JohnnyB]

My first thought was to get a single monoblock for the HTM2D and run the Bryston 5B on the Rear Surrounds (one channel would not be used since it is a three channel amp).

It is not worth selling the Bryston 5B-ST since it is worth about 600-800 dollars on trade-in.  I'll just use on the rear surrounds.

I love the Krell on my left and right channels for stereo.

I find myself using the system for Blu-Ray, movies and music, far more than audio only.  The 5.1 experience is better to me that 2 channel.  Roy Orbison, Talking Heads, Chicago & EWF, Queen are all great in the latest Blu-Ray music videos!!

So the demands on my center channel are getting far greater than they used to be.

JohnnyB

 

[Phil A]

Am I mistaken or is the Krell about 15 years old?  If that is the case, you would want to find something for the center that sonically matches it which might be tough.  The Bryston ST and SST series (or the SST squared series) won't side identical either.  So if you like what you have find something like sonically matches it for the center.  If not, I think you may be better off selling the Krell and perhaps buying a used Bryston 6BSST for the front three channels.  The ST and SST series are different.  You could sell stuff on Audiogon and get more than trade-in values.  I thought I read a post by James somewhere that the 3BST was capable of being upgraded to an SST.  I'm not sure about the 5BST.

[Mad Mr H]

I don't think ANY ST series can be made into SST - But I would love to be wrong !


On the Krell front - Im very sorry but I would not have ANY krell amp.......

Sorry! unfair to go into why but thats my feelings. Does not have to be Bryston but anything but Krell.

(Runs for cover........)

[gerald porzio]

I'd consider the cos's future in the mkt. place, Bryston has staying power, a great warranty & well received kudos for  performence by critics & owners alike. Does Krell meet that benchmark? That's the choice. Both make SOA components.

[brucek]

I should upgrade the amp supplying the HTM2D

Why not simply bridge two of the three channels of the 5BST to realize ~460 watts of power for your center channel.

Use the remaining 5BST channel for a 6.1 system rear center. The 5BST three channels are actually measured individually about 155 watts. The bridged specs are incredible.

Look at your measured spec sheet of your 5BST for THD at full rated power and intermodulation distortion and total noise, and then tell me it's worth getting any other amp.

brucek

[Mad Mr H]

The Specs of any Bryston amp are amazing.

But that does not tell you about the ability to reproduce detail in the image.

For sure the SST is a step up from the ST, I had 3,4,7 of both series.

I have none of the sst2 so cant comment on them (yet  )

Andy.

[brucek]

The Specs of any Bryston amp are amazing.

But that does not tell you about the ability to reproduce detail in the image.

Of course it does. The electrical specifications tell you everything. Audio amplifiers are linear systems and as such don't change the spectral characteristics of the signal. This characteristic is specified by the THD+N numbers. Harmonic distortion and noise reveal everything you need to know about an amplifier, providing the testing is professionally carried out at full rated power (as is the case with Bryston products). The math is solid on this score and it really can't be debated. The specs for Bryston amplifiers are out of this world. It wouldn't matter if you listened to a 5BST, 5BSST, 5BSSST²², the sound would be the same IMO.

brucek

[Mad Mr H]

Have you tested this yourself?

Testing between different series of the same model?

I have......

and yes I hear changes.

This was not just one amp.

same speakers,cables, source - different amp, different signature.

[Mad Mr H]

PS - If what you say is true why do people upgrade same model to different series?

All reviews say how things have improved from ST to SST2........


Would a 4B just be louder than a 3B and no change in audio?
Thats not what people post.

PPS - Did I really change ELEVEN bryston amps in my system from ST to SST for no reason  ?

[werd]

Of course it does. The electrical specifications tell you everything. Audio amplifiers are linear systems and as such don't change the spectral characteristics of the signal. This characteristic is specified by the THD+N numbers. Harmonic distortion and noise reveal everything you need to know about an amplifier, providing the testing is professionally carried out at full rated power (as is the case with Bryston products). The math is solid on this score and it really can't be debated. The specs for Bryston amplifiers are out of this world. It wouldn't matter if you listened to a 5BST, 5BSST, 5BSSST²², the sound would be the same IMO.

brucek

I am sure if you drove into clipping they would all sound the same .... i agree

[Sasha]

Of course it does. The electrical specifications tell you everything. Audio amplifiers are linear systems and as such don't change the spectral characteristics of the signal. This characteristic is specified by the THD+N numbers. Harmonic distortion and noise reveal everything you need to know about an amplifier, providing the testing is professionally carried out at full rated power (as is the case with Bryston products). The math is solid on this score and it really can't be debated. The specs for Bryston amplifiers are out of this world. It wouldn't matter if you listened to a 5BST, 5BSST, 5BSSST²², the sound would be the same IMO.

brucek

I disagree, IMO measurements should only serve as a guideline. The story about amps measuring the same and sounding the same does not fly, audible differences are far from subtle.
And speaking of numbers alone, THD+N numbers are far from sufficient information.

[vegasdave]

I personally would buy a new Bryston over a used Krell.

[nikon]

FYI

Article about Krell ...

http://hometheaterreview.com/what-happened-at-krell-and-why-the-dagostino-family-is-out/

I would also buy new Bryston over anything Krell

[Sasha]

I would also buy new Bryston over anything Krell

X2

[Laundrew]

Bryston and Krell were my two final choices for my new system. One of my major concerns was the high temperatures that Krell operated at (Class A). You could really feel the heat off of these units, even from a couple of feet away. The Krell I was interested in was the Krell FBI - awesome sounding machine and a huge, well made integrated amplifier.

When I auditioned the Bryston big boys - I had to have them, case closed.

There is something truly unique about 1 Kilowatt (cough, cough…1200 plus watts @ 8 ohms) mono-blocks that can produce music as delicate as silk and at the same instance, you know that an insane amount of highly controlled energy lurks just beneath the surface (I get Goosebumps when I think about this and listen to it). Combine these amplifiers with my JBLs - you have an extremely ecstatic Laundrew. 

The twenty year warranty speaks volumes and you only have to read some of the posts on this site to learn how Bryston looks after their customers after the sale. But, when all is said and done - it is what sounds best to you. After all, music is truly in the ears of the beholder.

I have never regretted my Bryston purchase.

Be well…

[vegasdave]

Cool, man. I wouldn't regret it either!