[alexi]

I was referred to this forum by Magnepan owners.     Is the newer Bryston 2Bsst sufficient to power up a maggie 1.6QR?      At 180 watts @ 4ohms it seems like plenty but I am told that it is not enough or it will "run out of steam". The recommended power for theses speakers is between 100 - 200 watts. Currently, I use a 50 watt tube amp with ok results but I recently tried it with an 80 watt amp and it really brought out a bit more characteristics that the speaker is known for. Additionally, I noticed that at lower volumes the music was fuller and therefore I did not have to turn up the volume to get more out of the amp. The 80 watt amp is nowhere near the quality of the tube amp but it pointed out the fact that MAggies do need more power so I am looking at 2BSST which seem a bit more affordable to me.       The room dimensions are 15 x 13.  Please let me know what the 2bSST sound characteristics are (low, mids, highs, etc), are they analytical  or warm, all that good stuff.  Lots of detail is appreciated. I am very curious.   Thanks

[James Tanner]

Hi alexi,

I have a pair of the MG3.6's in a 12 x 16 area and I usually use a 3B but have used the 2B SST as well. I think you would find the 2B SST excellent on the 1.6Q.  I have not used the 1.6 myself but I am sure that the 2B SST would have no issues in driving them properly given no problems with the 3.6's.

The 2B SST sounds great by the way - I use it on my Quad 2905's.


james

[Mag]

To answer the second part of your question.
IMO the SST amp is neutral, assuming the rest of your system is up to snuff,speakers pre-amp. It really depends on your source as to how much detail you'll hear, if it's there you'll hear it. With my new universal player I consider the sound warm over my old player. But I really haven't had a reference as to what warm sounding is suppose to be.
  Highs are airy and smooth, mids natural and bass tight and articulate. (On my system with speakers set to large I wasn't hearing the airy highs)

[alexi]

Thanks Mag.   I am currently using an ARC Sp16 w/ phono stage preamp and a VT 50 amp, Maggies 1.6QR, Well Tempered Classic w/ Grado Sonata (high output); Jolida 100 CD.  Interconnect Pro Silway II, and Cardas Cross