[Oil Country]

 
  Hi I am a newbie to this forum, but I have become very intrigued since I decided to upgrade my HT with Bryston Amps.


First here is what I have for speakers

Mains:  PSB Stratus Goldi's
Center PSB Stratus C6i
Back Speakers  PSB Status Mini's
L/R Surounds Paradigm Studio Reference ADP v.2 Dipole speakers

PreAmp but wish to upgrade in future :  Sony STR-DA5400ES will use Pre/Pro outs ( Any suggestions for future welcome)

Now my issue is I have finally broke down and realized I can not make these Gold's perform with this Sony or the B&K AV 5000 series 2 (125x5) I used before I went to 7 channel setup

What I have been leaning towards is a 4BSST squared for goldi's and a five channel amp for surrounds and center such as a used 9B or 9BST or a another manufacturer for 5 channel amp depending on what I can find second hand.

However the issue is or my questions are the following:

1.  If I go a 4BSST squared for goldi's how will the set up sound if I use an lets say Anthem MCA50 or NAD or Sherbourne 5x200 , B&K, Emotiva etc...?  Will there be such tonal differences that I may not be happy?  Or would it be better to go with a Bryston 6BST or another Bryston 3 channel amp for front 3 speakers then mix and match for remaining 4 speakers?

2.  Is there a Bryston 3 channel amp that can power Goldi's?  Pretty sure new 6BSST sq can but what is history of Bryston 3 channel amps?  I think I need at least 200WPC to run goldi's?  Center C6i not so crucial or power hungry.

3.  Is it really important to have same power source for front 3 or can I use that Sherbourne etc.. to power center?  Or can I use maybe a smaller and older  2 channel Bryston amp (suggestion please to power center to match with 4BSST sq.)  Will this sound better than using other amp company?  How much power to run that PSB stratus ci?

4.  Taking monies into account I can find a Lexicon 512 5 channel amp to use but have heard this is a (9B or 9BST in makeup but have heard mixed answers to this any help on this greatly appreciated.


There seems to be out there on open market a lot of 5 channel amps and 2 channel amps but not many 3 channel what do you or everyone else do here to match up everything or am I am being to concerned over something I will not notice during movie anyway and Pre amp will make up for any differences?

  I really want to get that 2 channel Bryston after researching company and how they take care of their customers.  A lot can be said for that in todays market.  Sorry for being long winded but want to make right choice.  And monies do play a factor so if someone has any other suggestions for models of Bryston amps that will work here please do tell

Cheers


Oil Country  (#1 Bryston fan who doesn't own one yet)

[sfraser]

I cant answer all your questions, but I do have a pair of the PSB Goldi's . I currently use a older Bryston 4B amp, and I have by times used a pair of 4B's switched to  mono mode with them as well (500 watts per side if I recall). Depending how loud you like your music I would stick with either a 4B or a pair of 7B's for the mains and a 3x120 watts (5B ?) for the remaining channels. The PSB's can handle a fair amount of power, it all depends on your listening habits.

Cheers,

[Oil Country]

  Thanks for the help so far, as for how loud I listen to music the room is almost 100% used for HT.  I really do not play my movies super loud, it is more of a concern is to be able to  control the speakers.  Bring them to their 100% potential.   Have an amp show how good they can really sound.

 I did not know you can switch the 4B's to mono mode.  Does that work with all 2 channel Bryston amps?  If so I could by the new 4BSST sq. and pick up a smaller 2 channel amp and switch it to mono mode instead of buying a mono block like a 7B is that correct?

Cheers

Oil Country

[sfraser]

Yes I believe most can be switched into mono mode. Careful about the impedance of your speakers however. I would not recommend the older 4B's in mono on the Stratus Goldi's i ran into a few impedance issues. The min. impedance for a 4B in mono mode is 8 ohms i believe. Maybe James or some one else can comment with the new models? I currently use a 2BLP in mono for my centre channel, it works great!

I think you would fine a new 4B SST would work great with the Gold i's

[Oil Country]

Thanks once again!!  Yes I think that is a great ideal to bridge the 2BLP.  I checked the impedance of center channel and it is 8 ohms.  I called my local Bryston dealer and he said however amp was not intended for that and the power transformer?  Might not behave properly in this mode and it would be better not to do this if possible.

Is this true?   Or can any Bryston amp with that mono switch be able to function as a bridged amp and perform just as well as a two channel amp but acting as a monoblock.  I personally think Bryston would not offer this feature if it sacrificed sound quality.

Any feedback on this would help greatly as having trouble finding 6B on used market and highly considering doing this.

Cheers

Oil Country

[mikepos]

I have the following:

PSB startus Gold
PSB c61 center
Paradigm adp-370 surrounds
Hsu vtf-3 mk2 sub

Arcam avr300
I just got a used Lexicon 512 (5ch 3B-ST)

It powers the golds fine and I play it quite loud in a 14x18 room.  It really brought the 300 and the golds to life, no comparison.
I also just got an oppo95 and the bass is very tight and very strong (talking about 2 channel - no sub).  Im looking at different cables to add a bit of warmth now, silver stagers are a bit brittle though very clear and detailed.

BTW I find the speakers need to be way out of the corners to sound good and I have to compromise by staying near the side walls to avoid blocking the screen.  Fantastic home theater though.