[Russr]

Hi folks!  Russ here, from a very soggy Houston, TX.

Joining AC to get closer to the Bryston community, in part to figure out how to eke out additional years from my beloved Bryston Amps!

I first encountered Bryston with a re-labelled Lexicon NT512 in 2001.  I was looking for a set-up to drive my Martin Logan Aerius ESLs, and happened upon a fella in Florida (Front Row, I think).  I ended up with the Lex/9B-ST and an Anthem AVM2.. probably my favorite combo of all time!

As I "progressed" into the madness of the never-ending-upgrade, my SL3's needed a bit more oomph, and I tried a 4B NRB, then added a 4B-ST (repurposed the NRB), and a couple of PowerPacs (125's, if I recall correctly) for the rears.

Time moved along, first (US) startup was struggling a bit, so I downsized, but kept my 4B NRB (I was my first true Bryston!) and a Lexicon NT225 (4B-ST) in the garage.

Things stayed that way for a while, had a kid, well, technically my ex did that bit of work!), boxed up my collection of ML's (a pair of SL3's, 2 pairs of Aerius, a Stage & a Theater), and deployed an Anthem AVR all-in-one-box to simplify life.

Now that I have some time & space (note "Ex" above!), I'm looking at resurrecting my system of old as I educate my 9-yr old boy in all things AV.

An old love of mine reappeared, so I'm setting up my current system using a collection of Kef RDM2's... my very first hifi speakers were Kef Cadenza's back in the 80's, and the RDMs kinda take me back!

I dusted off an old Anthem AVM50, hauled my 4B's out... and ugh!  Status lights on the ST (Lexicon) were hitting red for a while, then stayed red, and the NRB has one channel showing no status (and I recalled just prior to mothballing it, I had sent it to Bryston for the same issue.. I still have the note telling me it was just a fuse, and in future I could just change 'em myself... but more of that for another thread!).

I started looking up the Bryston site, and called in, and was frankly a little disappointed.  Now, I AM very aware of the state of several facets of supply chains these days (due to another slow-moving startup I am involved in!), but effectively I was told that to fix "an issue" would cost $800, if other issues arise, each of them would be another $800, and there is no longer a refresh/refurb program. I must admit, I'm more than a little heart-broken.. I thought I would be buried before my trusty Brystons!

Anyways, don't wanna come across as too whiny on my first post, but glad to be here and hope to learn a lot from youse guys!

Russ

[Mag]

  Welcome! From another Bryston Fanboy.
It's unfortunate that you have older equipment, I find Bryston Servicing to be exceptional. When equipment though is past warranty then I think it is reasonable that Bryston no longer foot the bill.
  My Bryston system has been on the back burner the last while because of my job. When I retire in two years it will be back front and center. For the time being I am using wireless earbuds so I can listen to music on my long road trips.

[zeeman]

Your Bryston gear is, at minimum, a decade past the original 20 year warranty.  Your post is akin to complaining about paying real money to fix a 30 year old beloved muscle car.  If it's too expensive to fix, it's time to look at new gear.

[Russr]

Hi again

After 20+ years on more than one of my 4B's, I am in no way moaning/bitchin' about the gear or the warranty or warranty service.  Back in 2022, Bryston announced the "Back to the future" program, for restoring older amps. Here's the press release:


Peterborough, Ontario | July 7, 2022 – Bryston (Bryston.com), a leading manufacturer of ultimate-performance audio electronics and loudspeakers for music and cinema systems available through the finest dealers worldwide, has introduced a Back to the Future vintage product restoration service.
The Back to the Future program offers three basic tiers of restoration services that can be purchased individually or combined on each vintage product. Prices below include shipping to and from Bryston (within North America).

    TIER 1 ELECTRICAL: Complete check out of all electrical and mechanical functions with replacement of appropriate parts $1000.00 USD
    TIER 2 COSMETIC: Cosmetic upgrade includes a reworked faceplate, top, and handles. This involves a total refinishing of the current hardware on your vintage amplifier. (Does not include chassis, back-panel, or heatsinks. Our technicians will do their best to fix dents, imperfections, bends etc.) $600.00 USD
    TIER 3 OUTPUT DEVICES: Output power transistors replaced with the most recent applicable power devices $400.00 USD

“Because we have such a large number of beautifully designed and manufactured amplifiers out there that have been in use for as many as four-plus decades, we felt that offering these restoration service options to our customers was important,” explained Bryston CEO James Tanner. “We have built our brand based largely upon a reputation for audio products that deliver outstanding performance and durability—this program certainly reinforces Bryston’s commitment to quality and service.”

I was hoping to use this program later this year, as soon as I have enough in the piggy bank.  I'm perfectly happy with the sound of my 4B's and my Martin Logans (which I have replacement panels for, so I should be good until I lose my hearing!).

When I submitted a service-related question a few weeks back, I inquired about refurbs, and was informed that due to parts availability, that was not an option (hence my "belly-aching" about it in my post up top).

Is there a definitive answer about whether the "Back to the future" program still exists?  Even if it takes 3 months... I'm siting with a dead amp right now, anyway.

Russ