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4BSST2 Bias Setting

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larevoj

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4BSST2 Bias Setting
« on: 18 Feb 2012, 04:08 pm »
Hi James,

Is it a good to give a check on the amplifier bias setting every one or two years to ensure its running optimally? I would assume this to be a simple task with a pot screw and multimeter to get this done?

Thanks!
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James Tanner

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #1 on: 18 Feb 2012, 04:18 pm »
Quote from: larevoj on 18 Feb 2012, 04:08 pm
Hi James,

Is it a good to give a check on the amplifier bias setting every one or two years to ensure its running optimally? I would assume this to be a simple task with a pot screw and multimeter to get this done?

Thanks!

It can not hurt but generally if it is not overheating all should be fine.

James
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SoundGame

Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #2 on: 18 Feb 2012, 06:19 pm »
I assume you would have to have some skills with electronics to perform it yourself but for those so inclined, how would you go about it?  There must be a reference bias setting, which has a certain tolerance / preference range i.e. up a bit or down a bit from there based on what you're after in balancing efficiency.

What impact would a higher bias setting have vs. a lower bias setting on the sonic qualities / performance of the amp?  Would it be something that could be adjusted to better match with a specific speaker?
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lanchile

Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #3 on: 18 Feb 2012, 07:45 pm »
it is easy to check and adjust bias and dc offset. Basic tools needed are small screwdriver and a digital multimeter. The dc offset should be as close to "0" volt as possible, usually most amps are in the range under 10 millivolts. The bias is another story...there is not a "standard" voltage for all amps, it depends on the design, output transistors, class etc. since Bryston use "costume made" output transistors, you will need more information from the tech department. :scratch:
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larevoj

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #4 on: 19 Feb 2012, 02:01 am »
James, any guidelines we can use on how about doing this correctly?  :)
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James Tanner

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #5 on: 19 Feb 2012, 10:27 am »
Quote from: larevoj on 19 Feb 2012, 02:01 am
James, any guidelines we can use on how about doing this correctly?  :)

Thats a Mike Pickett question and I am not sure if there is any safety issues involved so it is not something he may be able to comment on :nono:

James
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Laundrew

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #6 on: 19 Feb 2012, 07:55 pm »
Does anyone remember a YouTube video posted here a couple of years ago with an individual "smoking" his Bryston amplifier while working on it? I have been trying to find this video with no success and would like to watch it again.

 :scratch:

be well...
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alexone

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #7 on: 19 Feb 2012, 08:28 pm »
hi, Laundrew...

yes, i can remember that video. if memory serves me right then i just tried 'Bryston' on Youtube at that time and it was there :icon_lol:

greetings,

al.
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Laundrew

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #8 on: 19 Feb 2012, 08:39 pm »
Quote from: alexone on 19 Feb 2012, 08:28 pm
hi, Laundrew...

yes, i can remember that video. if memory serves me right then i just tried 'Bryston' on Youtube at that time and it was there :icon_lol:

greetings,

al.

Thanks al  :thumb:

=http://m.youtube=CA#/watch?v=rLTb3cLjHM4]http://m.youtube.com/index?i=%2F&gl=CA#/watch?v=rLTb3cLjHM4[/url]

Boy, do I require more work on getting the hang of posting with my iPad  :scratch: :lol:

I have been trying so many combinations i.e. "smoked amplifiers" and so on. I remembered getting a good chuckle out of watching this video.

 :D

Be well...
« Last Edit: 19 Feb 2012, 10:32 pm by Laundrew »
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lanchile

Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #9 on: 19 Feb 2012, 09:21 pm »
Quote from: Laundrew on 19 Feb 2012, 07:55 pm
Does anyone remember a YouTube video posted here a couple of years ago with an individual "smoking" his Bryston amplifier while working on it? I have been trying to find this video with no success and would like to watch it again.

 :scratch:

be well...


hahahahahaha yeah this one!
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=video&cd=80&ved=0CFwQtwIwCThG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrLTb3cLjHM4&ei=l7YSTY-HIITGlQe-xez2Bw&usg=AFQjCNHUusU1roNyC8xe3p7qRlmSaj06Mw
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SoundGame

Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #10 on: 19 Feb 2012, 10:15 pm »
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Laundrew

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #11 on: 19 Feb 2012, 10:25 pm »
Quote from: SoundGame on 19 Feb 2012, 10:15 pm
This should be a pin-up on this board as a "BEWARE", leave the engineering to Bryston!.... :duh:

Or how to "void" the best warranty on the planet...

 :lol:

Be well...
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lanchile

Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #12 on: 19 Feb 2012, 10:55 pm »
I build my diy amp, but that does not mean I am going to work on a Bryston amp. first I do not know those output transistors (costume made for Bryston) and second Why should I work on the amp that is still under the warranty?. The good thing on the diy staff is you can build,modified,upgrade etc to your like, since you know your own amp circuitry,voltages,adjustments, parts etc it will be easy to fix and adjust. Maybe the sound will never be as good as a Bryston amps , but at least you will never need to send your diy amp to get fixed by a guy like the one on the video. I had a Bryston B60 and I loved it. I sold it after I build my diy amp  :thumb:
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larevoj

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #13 on: 19 Feb 2012, 11:10 pm »
Thanks for the headsup...  :lol: perhaps the best to send it in to the dealers for a little adjustment if necessary.
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SoundGame

Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #14 on: 20 Feb 2012, 03:26 am »
Looky here what I found on Bryston.com - instructions for adjusting bias setting on Bryston SST amplifiers - with a warning that it should ONLY be done by trained PROFESSIONALS - so owners be warned:

http://bryston.com/PDF/Other/SST_BIASING_INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
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larevoj

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #15 on: 20 Feb 2012, 07:29 am »
Soundgame, you are resourceful!

Its good knowledge but since I don't have an issue I am not gonna meddle with it.

Btw, looking at some pictures online the 4B Bias Trim Pot is now Blue not Grey and the Test Points location looks like the same.  :)
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SoundGame

Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #16 on: 20 Feb 2012, 12:53 pm »
Quote from: larevoj on 20 Feb 2012, 07:29 am
Soundgame, you are resourceful!

Its good knowledge but since I don't have an issue I am not gonna meddle with it.

Btw, looking at some pictures online the 4B Bias Trim Pot is now Blue not Grey and the Test Points location looks like the same.  :)

Thanks larevoj, glad to help and yes, they are blue in the SST2!

This has raised another question in my mind, acknowledging that Bryston amps have a 20yr warranty and have demonstrated to last that long and longer, is there a maintenance cycle for Bryston amps that needs to be followed to keep them at their optimum performance?

In other words, if you want to keep your Bryston amp at peak operating parameters, would it be adviseable to send them in to Bryston every say 5 years for a check and tune-up?  Is there a nominal fee for doing this - since you're not sending it in because it's broken but rather to get it in prime condition?  Like tuning up your hot rod.

Given my locale, perhaps it would be worth a visit to Bryston every 5yrs or so. :wink:
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larevoj

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #17 on: 20 Feb 2012, 01:28 pm »
Some interesting note about the guidelines is the measurements of the bias voltage after its warm and stabilized after sometime. Is there any correlation on some claim the amp sound better after real long warm up time?? 
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Laundrew

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Re: 4BSST2 Bias Setting
« Reply #18 on: 20 Feb 2012, 02:43 pm »
Quote from: SoundGame on 20 Feb 2012, 12:53 pm

This has raised another question in my mind, acknowledging that Bryston amps have a 20yr warranty and have demonstrated to last that long and longer, is there a maintenance cycle for Bryston amps that needs to be followed to keep them at their optimum performance?

In other words, if you want to keep your Bryston amp at peak operating parameters, would it be adviseable to send them in to Bryston every say 5 years for a check and tune-up?  Is there a nominal fee for doing this - since you're not sending it in because it's broken but rather to get it in prime condition?  Like tuning up your hot rod.

Given my locale, perhaps it would be worth a visit to Bryston every 5yrs or so. :wink:

This is a great question as I am only a couple of hours outside of Peterborough, I would diffinately consider a service such as this.

Be well...
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