[scb]

Besides power and number of channels, is there a noticeable difference in sound between the 6B and the 9B?

My main listening environment is 2 channel music, but I still want the ability to have 5 channel sound, so I was really trying to have 1 amp for everything.  I'm starting to think that I should try to figure out a way to fit 2 amps into my system, with a 6B for the front 3 and a smaller, much cheaper amp for the surround channels, unless you tell me that the 9B sounds close enough to the 6B.

(currently running an Arcam P7) 

[JfTM]

Bryston amps are modular.  So a 9B SST2 with two channels is the "same" as one with five.  The modules are the same

[scb]

I realize that.  My question is about the 6B vs the 9B, not a 9B 3 channel vs a 9B 5 channel

[JfTM]

Sorry, everything I've seen and heard, there are no voicing differences between the 300W and 120W modules.

With Bryston, in the same series, the more powerful versions may tend to sound better as they have more reserve, but they voice the same.

[PRELUDE]

Besides power and number of channels, is there a noticeable difference in sound between the 6B and the 9B?

My main listening environment is 2 channel music, but I still want the ability to have 5 channel sound, so I was really trying to have 1 amp for everything.  I'm starting to think that I should try to figure out a way to fit 2 amps into my system, with a 6B for the front 3 and a smaller, much cheaper amp for the surround channels, unless you tell me that the 9B sounds close enough to the 6B.

(currently running an Arcam P7)

What are your speakers?

[scb]

fronts are currently Von Schweikert Unifield 3

[PRELUDE]

fronts are currently Von Schweikert Unifield 3

Very nice.
I have experience on older VR4 and VR6 from friends who brought them over to upgrade the crossovers.
Any way,most of the time the difference on sound is really depends on your speakers.I am not in the movies so I do not know too much about 5 or 6 channel amps like 9BSST2  but if I were you and had a desire for 5 channel amp I would buy a 6BSST2 and a4BSST2 to have 5 channel @ 350W.Most of the time the subs are powered and you only need 5 channels not 6 unless you have a pair 3way active speakers then 2 x 6BSST2 could be a nice package.If you go with a 4 and 6B it would cost you less then 2 x 6BSST2 without sacrificing any power and you could use the 6B for front stereo and center and use the 4B for back speakers.
I think 9BSST2 is nice when it used only for a separate surround sound but for hi-fi I do not like to go under 200W each channel at least.

[scb]

Surround channels really aren't a main concern of mine.  My main priority is 2 channel music, so I could either get a good stereo amp and then a multi channel amp for the center and surrounds, or a good 3 channel amp and then a cheap stereo amp for the surrounds.  Since 3 channel amps (like the 6B) are usually the same as 2 channels with an extra channel, I figure I wouldn't lose anything in terms of quailty over a stereo amp if I got a 3 channel. A 6B is basically a 4B with an extra channel, right?

I hope I'm making sense. 

So I'm thinking I get a 3 channel and then add something cheap for the surrounds, like an emotiva upa-200 or something.  I don't need 300 watts per channel for rears, surround isn't my main priority, so no need to spend a ton on an amp for those channels.

Now to completely switch gears, do I jump on a deal for a Levinson 533H or look for a 6Bsst²?

[PRELUDE]

Surround channels really aren't a main concern of mine.  My main priority is 2 channel music, so I could either get a good stereo amp and then a multi channel amp for the center and surrounds, or a good 3 channel amp and then a cheap stereo amp for the surrounds.  Since 3 channel amps (like the 6B) are usually the same as 2 channels with an extra channel, I figure I wouldn't lose anything in terms of quailty over a stereo amp if I got a 3 channel. A 6B is basically a 4B with an extra channel, right?

I hope I'm making sense. 

So I'm thinking I get a 3 channel and then add something cheap for the surrounds, like an emotiva upa-200 or something.  I don't need 300 watts per channel for rears, surround isn't my main priority, so no need to spend a ton on an amp for those channels.

Now to completely switch gears, do I jump on a deal for a Levinson 533H or look for a 6Bsst²?

Then in this case,all I can say is you will not be disappointed with a nice 6BSST2.

[gtaphile]

I had a 9Bsst and two channel stereo was my main priority although the system had a center channel and surrounds. The 9B could not drive my LR 4 ohm load floorstanders to the point that I replaced it with a 6bSST for LCR. The 6B had no issues whatsoever - just like a 4BSST.

[Mag]

Now to completely switch gears, do I jump on a deal for a Levinson 533H or look for a 6Bsst²?

When I auditioned my SP2 the dealer used a 6B SST/2 on the fronts and 4B SST/2 on Surrounds, with Cambridge CD player, using the internal dac on SP2. It sounded very smooth.

IMO, the advantage of SST/2 amps are the linear highs. Now being that you're a two channel enthusiast, you're probably not aware of your preferred listening habits. You may prefer a rolled off sound like Digital Dolby has or you may prefer linear highs of straight stereo.

Now I haven't heard Levinson amps, but perhaps it has a rolled off sound that you may prefer. However if linear sound is your preference, then the Bryston SST/2 combined with a BDA-1 is your ticket.

So you are going to have to audition both amps to know which sound you prefer. Levinson amps maybe linear as well.

[mkaiser]

Besides power and number of channels, is there a noticeable difference in sound between the 6B and the 9B?

My main listening environment is 2 channel music, but I still want the ability to have 5 channel sound, so I was really trying to have 1 amp for everything.  I'm starting to think that I should try to figure out a way to fit 2 amps into my system, with a 6B for the front 3 and a smaller, much cheaper amp for the surround channels, unless you tell me that the 9B sounds close enough to the 6B.

(currently running an Arcam P7)

How large is your room size?
How loud do you like to listen at?
What is the impedance and sensitivity of your speakers?
Do you live in a house or condo/apartment?

These are the 4 main factors that should decide if you need more or less power.

The 6B sounds just like the 9B but 6 is twice the power.

[gtaphile]

How large is your room size?
How loud do you like to listen at?
What is the impedance and sensitivity of your speakers?
Do you live in a house or condo/apartment?

These are the 4 main factors that should decide if you need more or less power.

The 6B sounds just like the 9B but 6 is twice the power.

I have to disagree... a 9B does not sound like a 6B if you compare them to each other. There is a large difference even at lower listening levels. That being said one may be totally satisfied with a 9B.  Your budget and one listening session will guide you.

[mkaiser]

I have to disagree... a 9B does not sound like a 6B if you compare them to each other. There is a large difference even at lower listening levels. That being said one may be totally satisfied with a 9B.  Your budget and one listening session will guide you.

Both 9b and a 4b ( not a 6b at the time of audition) were tested side by side - same voicing just more power handling with the 4.

[scb]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I ended up going in a totally different direction when I came across a deal for a Krell 3250e.  It hasn't arrived yet, but should be here soon