[blackfly]

To all, James Tanner especially.

I purchased a 14B SST brand new 4 weeks ago, and have been enjoying it tremendously in my system.  It is the first purchase of many I hope to make to inject new life into my system.  My new purchase is speakers, and although I am not sure what yet, the budget is set about $10 000.  Should get me something good.  But in reference to the amp alone, I cannot say enough things nor can I describe how much of a difference it has made in such a short time.

I am a vintage fan, and have a Rotel RA 1412 amp (modest 110wpc, but REAL 110) and a RT 1024 analogue tuner that would put most new tuners to shame.  Sound from this combo, and the preamp part of the 1412 is especially good.  But with the injection of the 14B SST, things took on a whole new dimension.  I am using Paradigm 9seMkIII's that are almost 15 years old.  Not the best but decent.  The amp makes everything better.  Highs are extented and sweet without being harsh, mids are clean and not piercing in any way; natural is the best description.  Bottom end is the best.  I have a GOOD sub system but I no longer use it, as I do not need it.  Low end it tight, defined, impactful and bottomless.  I cannot believe and amp can make such a difference.  Makes me want my new speakers so bad to see how good it can get but my listening room is NOT good, so not till I move.  But to anyone who thinks the amp cannot make a difference:  you could not be more wrong.

I realize the retail list for this amp (brand new version) is not cheap, but you get what you pay for and then some.  I cannot see how I would need to replace this amp with anything better for 20+ years.  Moreover, if I did graduate to a larger amp system, I would without hesitation buy the 28B SST pair and that would be it.  If the 14B SST is this good, I can only imagine the 28B SST being that much better still.

Highly recommended as the last amp you will ever purchase.  I know it is expensive, but if you can find a way to afford it you will not regret it.  In fact, if you index the cost of a modest 20 term, the life of the warranty, you are getting a bargain.

Thank you Bryston.  I always wanted one and now that I do, I cannot say enough good things.  I hope to get the CD player in a year.  OR sooner, but speakers first.

[James Tanner]

Well thank you blackfly for your comments - I will pass them on to all at Bryston.  It is always great to know that our efforts are appreciated.

james

[blackfly]

Actually, the list of amps I was going to look at was VERY short.  I knew exactly what I wanted even before I went shopping.  I ruled out Krell, McCormack, Mark Levinson et al as the cost associated with what you were  getting was out of my ball park.  Bryston and Classe were the two contenders (the fact both are Canadian is purely coincidental, as is I) but I found the esthetics of Classe not to my liking.  I know this may seem trivial to those who like Classe, but at the price level, everything has to be right or I go elsewhere.  I am a big fan of simple amps with handles, and Classe did do this years ago but abandoned it years ago.  Bryston gave me the watts, confidence, warranty and sound all at a price I could live with.  Classe has a 200wpc amp that cost MORE than the 14B SST which is 600wpc.  And Bryston is famous for the bottom end sound of their amps which I like.  The reviews of the 14B SST also went into its favour.  The shop that sold them was close, one I am familiar with and like, and they were able to give me a "discount", small but enough to help.  Classe's amps prices were final.  Surprising.

But with the confidence instilled from the amp, it makes it that much easier to look at other Bryston products later in the upgrade game.  Not to say others wouldn't be looked at, but if the amp is this good, then what else Bryston makes must also be (and sound) as good.

I have absolutely no regrets about the 14B SST in any way, even cost.  Plus, this gives even more positive reinforcement to the listening experience which, as a perceptual event, makes the sound that more good.

What more could I say.

[James Tanner]

MEMO - Bryston Customer Feedback
SUBJECT – Bryston 14B SST Stereo Amplifier

Hi James

Hope things are going well. I attended an audio show in London over the weekend, and thought I'd give some feedback. Although Bryston wasn't represented there, I had the chance to listen to a few amplifiers of a power rating similar to my 14B -SST.
 
These included the Krell Evo 600's, some high powered Macs, the Electrocompaniet Nemos, some Bel Cantos, and I'll also throw in a musical fidelity kw550 (630wpc) that i own for comparison. Each of these amps has its own pluses and minuses; the Krells are well built and rugged; the Macs look retro; the Nemos sound relaxed and look good too; the Bel Cantos are easy to transport; and the MF has amazing soundstaging and bass.

However, when it comes down to sound quality, I really didn't hear anything that gave me as good a mix of qualities as the Bryston. The Krell system was a bit hard and uninvolving, the Mac system just didnt sound like hifi, the Nemos were probably very good, but perhaps due to the speakers they were hooked up with, didn't sound involving either, and the MF lacks the clarity and timbral rightness of the Bryston.  Although I'd never make any final judgements based on show demos, I just didn't hear any other high power amp system that had the clarity, timral rightness, vocal and top-end sweetness and of course the warranty, all rolled into one package. I did hear some systems powered with lower power amps that were very good, but they would never be able to drive the speakers I make the 14B drive.

What's interesting is that I'd probably have picked a number of the aforementioned amps over my former 4B-ST amp, but the 14B is just something else in terms of musicality.
 
Best,
Ghazanfar Saleem