[Raynald]

Now to my first question. The amp I just picked up has 4Be written on the back. It needs a bit of work so I have already spoken to Mike at Bryston and have my RMA, terrific service as always. But even he was a little unsure of where the e stood compared to the NRB. He thought they were essentially the same, but that there might be some differences.

The SN 440798 indicated to Mike a production date of around 1994. It has torroids, no rear heatsinks, a 19" front with two creases and squared handles. This looks for all the world like the NRB. I dug up a Stereophile review on the 4B NRB dated 1992, so this e seems to have been made in the NRB era.

Maybe James can clear up exactly where this fits in with the original 4B and the 4B NRB?

One way or another, I think my M3si will like it, and maybe I'll keep the 3B-ST in there too!

[James Tanner]

Hi Raynald,

The BE was the first of the new NRB series of amps before we changed the name to NRB.  The 'E' stood for 'ENGINEERING'

james

[Raynald]

Hi James,

I was hoping that was the case. After reading your explanation of where the NRB came from I guessed the shipper was writing NRB on "e" boxes.

Can you tell me when the e went into production and what it replaced? My guess is it was after the last E core originals with the black handles, but you can probably tell me a lot more. I am trying to place them vs my years in the business and memory gets a bit fuzzy over time.

Any running changes through the e/NRB production run that are worth updating on mine while it is back at the factory?

[James Tanner]

Hi James,

I was hoping that was the case. After reading your explanation of where the NRB came from I guessed the shipper was writing NRB on "e" boxes.

Can you tell me when the e went into production and what it replaced? My guess is it was after the last E core originals with the black handles, but you can probably tell me a lot more. I am trying to place them vs my years in the business and memory gets a bit fuzzy over time.

Any running changes through the e/NRB production run that are worth updating on mine while it is back at the factory?

Hi Ray,

No real changes in the NRB series. Give me the serial number and I can tell you the date of manufacture.

james

[Raynald]

440798

[James Tanner]

440798

Manufactured - 5/19/1992

james

[Raynald]

Thanks. Now it all sort of fits together. I do not remeber selling amps called NRB, but I do remember the amps looking like this one. I guess we came on board before the NRB designation became common.

When did the e generation go into production?

[James Tanner]

Thanks. Now it all sort of fits together. I do not remeber selling amps called NRB, but I do remember the amps looking like this one. I guess we came on board before the NRB designation became common.

When did the e generation go into production?

I think we only built about 50 versions of the E - so very close to the date above.

james

[Raynald]

Wow, a rarity! That's sort of cool in a way, especially given it was sold where I worked.

Last question on this topic: Mike supposed there was no problem mixing the 4e on bass and my 3B-ST for mids/highs on my M3si. There is probably a 1db gain difference. Do you see any problem, or can the gain be matched to the newer vesions if needed?

[James Tanner]

Wow, a rarity! That's sort of cool in a way, especially given it was sold where I worked.

Last question on this topic: Mike supposed there was no problem mixing the 4e on bass and my 3B-ST for mids/highs on my M3si. There is probably a 1db gain difference. Do you see any problem, or can the gain be matched to the newer vesions if needed?

Should be OK.

james

[CR]

I think we only built about 50 versions of the E - so very close to the date above.

james

That is interesting as my 4Be is #440496.

Carl

[Raynald]

Incoming 4Be!

My amp went out today for repair, will be in good hands soon.

[carolinacat]

I have 4 4Be's  serial numbers 440551 440569 440572 and 441219.  the first three i have all the orginal paperwork for and they are listed as Pro amps.  I have only Balanced connectors on the back.  I assume the last one is as well as it looks exactly the same.

[James Tanner]

I will try to find out how many we built before we changed to the NRB and NPB designation.

james
 

[Raynald]

Got an e-mail from Mike, my 4Be is fixed and I might just have it for the weekend!

[carolinacat]

How long does it typically take to have one repaired?   I sent one of mine off the begining of last week.  Just curious because the last one i picked up needs to be serviced as well.  Also I called to see if I need a RMA and he said just put my contact info in the box and send it in.  He stressed that i had the orginal boxes which i did before sending it in. 

[Raynald]

I can say Bryston turnaround is pretty quick. My amp is back home already. Working all weekend, not sure when I will get a chance to hook it up.

[carolinacat]

Mine showed up today.  I will have to agree turnaround is very quick.