I own a 9BSST for my primary surround system and needed to add two more channels for another room (with a Lexicon MC-8B doing the processing). I was looking at another Bryston but ended up finding a Meridian 557 at half the price.
Based on excellent reviews of the 557 and the fact it is rated at 200 wpc (vs 120 for the 9B) I decided to try inserting the 557 into my system as the main amp for the front L/R channels, just to see how it compared. The result? The Bryston was MUCH better in my opinion. Crisper, tighter and just better. The Meridian's "warm" sound didn't compare to what I have come to love about the Bryston.
Bryston for me has now become one of those companies that I feel will be my sole choice for life, similar to how I feel about Rolex and Apple.
