4B-SST2 to 7B-SST2 worth it?

schugh · « **on:** 31 Mar 2013, 05:57 am »

I have an opportunity to get a pair of 7B-SST2 from a local person.
They are supposedly unopened and new in box.
I will trade my almost 2 year old 4B-SST2 and some money of course.

Of course the 7B-SST2 has a lot more power but I am now wondering if it's really worth it or not.

I am driving Maggie 1.7 speakers and I recently upgraded my preamp to the the Audio Research LS27.

Any thoughts in short order would be much appreciated.

klao · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 09:08 am »

I'm not sure how much more $$$ you'll have to put in after trading the stereo amp, so it's hard for me to say whether it's worth it.

A couple of years back, I got a similar deal. The previous owner sold me his brand-new/still-in-boxes 7B-SST/2 pair. He had 9B-SST/2 connected to the system. We tested the 7B's for a while before I took the amps home; sound improvement from 9B in terms of dynamic and bass slams was obvious.

Prior to my selling a unit of the 7B-SST2 pair last week, I also had them hooked to a fully balanced, tube preamp and Maggie 1.7's for about 1 year. With a short run (1.5 m.) of speaker cables, they sounded just fantastic together.

I've not heard the 4B-SST/2 before; however, I believe you'll get more details/shadings from running the 7B's in complex/loud musical passages.

Laundrew · « **Reply #2 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 02:52 pm »

If you can, bring the pair of 7B-SST² over to your place and compare them directly with the 4B-SST²

The 7B-SST² is an awesome amplifier and ironically, there is not a huge amount of difference between them and the 28B-SST² and in my situation, I spent the extra cash and opted for the 28B-SST². If you do buy the 7B-SST², they may be the last amplifiers that you will purchase. On another note - higher power amplifiers "coast" when playing music at normal listening levels and there is always a huge amount of power on tap - truly a delight all around.

Be well...

Laundrew · « **Reply #3 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 02:57 pm »

One thing I forgot to mention that is also very important. Make sure that they were purchased form an authorized dealer or you may experience warranty issues!!

Be well...

Diamond Dog · « **Reply #4 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 03:41 pm »

Quote from: schugh on 31 Mar 2013, 05:57 am

I have an opportunity to get a pair of 7B-SST2 from a local person.
They are supposedly unopened and new in box.
I will trade my almost 2 year old 4B-SST2 and some money of course.

Of course the 7B-SST2 has a lot more power but I am now wondering if it's really worth it or not.

If the deal is right, the answer is "Yes". You may love your current speakers but some day, you may also change 'em up. The 7's will take on pretty much all comers. You're also getting a lot more power in reserve here which is also a big plus. Your current amp is sweet. The 7's are just that much sweeter. Make sure that they are recent enough to have benefitted from the transformer upgrade ( the serial numbers will tell the tale - several threads here about that ).

D.D.

schugh · « **Reply #5 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 03:50 pm »

Thanks for the replies so far.
The deal is for $3500 + my almost 2 year old 4B-SST2.

The deal looks all legitimate but there is a hint of something not quite right. I won't mention any names but the seller is in the same city as me.
The amps are being shipped to him from Winnipeg from a dealer that is not listed as a dealer on
Brystons site. I have checked the supposed dealer's name though and he does look legitimate but probably an individual outfit running out of a small place or house.
While doing a search and reading reviews about the 7B-SST2, I found the seller also sold a pair last year and he apparently does this regularly.
So I am not convinced anymore if the seller is being completely honest with me when he said he wants the 4B-SST2 for his small living room.

Anyway, assuming it's all good, I am quite happy with my 4B-SST2 which was supposed to be my last power amp.
So I am just being sure that I am not being impulsive and if this would be a good step up or if I should save money for something else. The only thing I can think of would be to upgrade my speakers a year from now to the maggie 3.7s instead. I am quite happy with my system otherwise and don't feel I need to upgrade anything else.

Unfortunately I can't bring a pair of 7B-SST2 to try out.

-- Sanjay

Laundrew · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 03:50 pm »

Quote from: Diamond Dog on 31 Mar 2013, 03:41 pm

"... Make sure that they are recent enough to have benefitted from the transformer upgrade ( the serial numbers will tell the tale - several threads here about that )..."

D.D.

²

Be well...

schugh · « **Reply #7 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 04:46 pm »

I've got some information from James as well.
It certainly appears as if things should be all legit after all.

-- Sanjay

Diamond Dog · « **Reply #8 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 05:07 pm »

Sanjay : Coupla things -

a) As to whether the price is right, check Canuck and see what your amp is going for and what those 7's would go for. That'll allow you to see whether this is the deal for you or not.

b) The "supposed dealer" you refer to is not a "supposed dealer". He is a "dealer." He is one of two in that region and of the two, he's the one I would recommend to anyone, having dealt with both over the years. He is a good man and your post says some things which border on innuendo. He doesn't deserve that. He has always been exemplary in terms of how he has dealt with me before and after the sale. His customer base is fiercely loyal and for good reason.
That being said, you're not dealing with him. It's a private sale. It's your look-out from here on in.

If you decide to pursue this transaction, you've received some good advice from people here to help light the way. Get a copy of the original bill of sale for warranty coverage. If you decide to walk away, that's fine, too. It's your money to do with as you see fit.

D.D.

schugh · « **Reply #9 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 05:13 pm »

Quote from: Diamond Dog on 31 Mar 2013, 05:07 pm

Sanjay : Coupla things -

a) As to whether the price is right, check Canuck and see what your amp is going for and what those 7's would go for. That'll allow you to see whether this is the deal for you or not.

b) The "supposed dealer" you refer to is not a "supposed dealer". He is a "dealer." He is one of two in that region and of the two, he's the one I would recommend to anyone, having dealt with both over the years. He is a good man and your post says some things which border on innuendo. He doesn't deserve that. He has always been exemplary in terms of how he has dealt with me before and after the sale. His customer base is fiercely loyal and for good reason.
That being said, you're not dealing with him. It's a private sale. It's your look-out from here on in.

If you decide to pursue this transaction, you've received some good advice from people here to help light the way. Get a copy of the original bill of sale for warranty coverage. If you decide to walk away, that's fine, too. It's your money to do with as you see fit.

D.D.

Thanks.

a) Yes. Already doing that. It looks good to me. Will check some more.
b) Yes, I know that now. James has also verified it for me. Perhaps I should have been more careful with my wording. My apologies to McCulloch.

Yes, I realize it's a private sale. If I do decide that I want to buy them (still deciding) I just wanted to make sure I will have the warranty coverage.

Sorry if I offended anyone.

-- Sanjay

Diamond Dog · « **Reply #10 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 05:22 pm »

Quote from: schugh on 31 Mar 2013, 05:13 pm

Thanks.

a) Yes. Already doing that. It looks good to me. Will check some more.
b) Yes, I know that now. James has also verified it for me. Perhaps I should have been more careful with my wording. My apologies to McCulloch.

Yes, I realize it's a private sale. If I do decide that I want to buy them (still deciding) I just wanted to make sure I will have the warranty coverage.

Sorry if I offended anyone.

-- Sanjay

Speaking for myself, not offended.

That dealer's been great to me over the years and I know I'm not alone in feeling that way. We should all be so lucky as to have a dealer like him.

Let us know how you make out, Sanjay.

D.D.

klao · « **Reply #11 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 05:55 pm »

Sanjay,

At some point in the future, you should try to get the 7B-SST2 to drive the Maggie 3.7.

That would be very nice.

Cheers,
Klao

PRELUDE · « **Reply #12 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 06:04 pm »

I think you already got all the advices here but here is my thought very simple and short.
I would not even care if you have a small Maggie or big one or any panel speakers.
Marry them to the pair of 7s or 28s and you done for the life time.
If you do not use the opportunity that you have now, you will end up to pay the full price later with no doubt.

Ron D · « **Reply #13 on:** 31 Mar 2013, 06:28 pm »

Bill is a stand up guy. I have bought at least 4 Bryston products through him and won't deal with anyone else when it comes to any of the lines he carries.

As to what you should experience in terms of the sonic changes I went through a similar situation a few years back when I moved from a 4Bsst to a 14Bsst - the amount of low level detail that came through was the most astonishing improvement. I suspect that you will observe a similar result. I had a LS-26 mated to the 14 at the time and it did very well so your 27 will be that much better. I now have a Ref 3 married to the latest 7B amps and couldn't be happier. Also have Maggie 3.6s so I can advise (like many others) that this is also a very nice match up. Due to some room constraints I do consider at times what the new Model Ts would bring to the table.

I should add that I cannot vouch for your local seller but if JT says you are covered I think it's a slam dunk....

schugh · « **Reply #14 on:** 1 Apr 2013, 03:43 am »

Well, I actually talked with Bill McCulloch over the phone earlier today.
He was a very nice guy and clearly a man of principals.
Bill gave me the clear information about the amps, which is more than I can say about the seller.
Although Bill did say he has dealt with the seller and he is at least an honest guy even if he didn't tell me clearly the story in this regard.

Anyway, the amps have indeed never been used although they are about a year to year and a half old. They were purchased from Bill by one of his very good client in Calgary. He just never used them. Bill is just helping him out I think in some respect but Bill in no way is selling them to the guy in Edmonton from whom I will be making the purchase (most likely).

What I found most impressive was that Bill said he will make sure I have the proper bill-of-sale and whatever paperwork I need for the Warranty.

It will take a week or more for the amps to arrive. I hope I don't change my mind by then.
I hope I am getting a good deal. It seems so.

-- Sanjay

95Dyna · « **Reply #15 on:** 1 Apr 2013, 01:40 pm »

Quote from: schugh on 31 Mar 2013, 03:50 pm

Thanks for the replies so far.
The deal is for $3500 + my almost 2 year old 4B-SST2.

The deal looks all legitimate but there is a hint of something not quite right. I won't mention any names but the seller is in the same city as me.
The amps are being shipped to him from Winnipeg from a dealer that is not listed as a dealer on
Brystons site. I have checked the supposed dealer's name though and he does look legitimate but probably an individual outfit running out of a small place or house.
While doing a search and reading reviews about the 7B-SST2, I found the seller also sold a pair last year and he apparently does this regularly.
So I am not convinced anymore if the seller is being completely honest with me when he said he wants the 4B-SST2 for his small living room.

Anyway, assuming it's all good, I am quite happy with my 4B-SST2 which was supposed to be my last power amp.
So I am just being sure that I am not being impulsive and if this would be a good step up or if I should save money for something else. The only thing I can think of would be to upgrade my speakers a year from now to the maggie 3.7s instead. I am quite happy with my system otherwise and don't feel I need to upgrade anything else.

Unfortunately I can't bring a pair of 7B-SST2 to try out.

-- Sanjay

If the 7's are S/N 01826 or later and the dealer is authorized (i.e. warranty intact) this is an exceptional deal. Current list on the 7's is $10,200.00. Authorized dealers will not discount beyond 15% so the best you could do on a new pair from an authorized dealer is around $8,700.00. Subtracting the $3,500.00 asking price he's giving you $5,170.00 for the 4B which is right around its current list price. In summary you are getting the best discount you could possibly get from an authorized dealer on the 7's plus he's giving you full current list price for your 4B. Somebody please check my math and correct me if I'm wrong.

schugh · « **Reply #16 on:** 1 Apr 2013, 05:36 pm »

Quote from: 95Dyna on 1 Apr 2013, 01:40 pm

If the 7's are S/N 01826 or later and the dealer is authorized (i.e. warranty intact) this is an exceptional deal. Current list on the 7's is $10,200.00. Authorized dealers will not discount beyond 15% so the best you could do on a new pair from an authorized dealer is around $8,700.00. Subtracting the $3,500.00 asking price he's giving you $5,170.00 for the 4B which is right around its current list price. In summary you are getting the best discount you could possibly get from an authorized dealer on the 7's plus he's giving you full current list price for your 4B. Somebody please check my math and correct me if I'm wrong.

If I was buying at the retail price I think that would be correct. But I am buying used (well, new in box never used) at $6500. So really I am getting $3K for my 4B-SST2 which I think seems correct from what I've seen on the for sale sites.

I think I am most likely going to go for them unless I get cold feet at the last moment.

-- Sanjay

schugh · « **Reply #17 on:** 2 Apr 2013, 04:00 am »

You know what I find really cool.
I e-mailed Bryston about the possibility of getting the front face plates changed.
I heard back from James and I've been conversing with him about this sale and warranty.

I can't believe that I when I send him an e-mail, a few minutes maybe an hour or two at the most later I get a reply.
I mean, the guy has to be super busy probably right!?
With every other company I expect the usual "we will get back you in so many hours or days" and then you hear back from them a few days later.

James has been replying to me over the long weekend, and just now in the evening.

Amazing.

-- Sanjay

schugh · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 Apr 2013, 12:57 am »

BIG RANT. If you don't like Rants, don't read.

Nothing to do with Bryston. They are great people. Perhaps this message shouldn't even be here.
I am just quite upset right now. Well, not upset I guess. Just miffed. A part of me is actually happy the deal fell through.
Although it certainly felt OK, there was some uneasiness in the whole affair.

Hmmm...after writing my rant, I am not so sure if I should after all. I've deleted it.
There's a lot of nutcases in the world and I had already given the seller my home address where he was going to come to today with the amps.
He lives in the same city and who knows if I rant about him here and mention his name...
I sooo want to though.

Anyway, the turd at the very last minute pulls the rug out from under me and decides he is not going to sell them to me but to another buyer.
Apparently he has a gut feeling that I will give him a hard time.

I guess he doesn't realize the hard time he might get pulling a stunt like this.

Let's see I have my cash ready. I have trusted him that everything is legit. All I was trying was to be sure and comfortable I will get the bill-of-sale.
He does not have one. He is not the original owner of the amps. I called him to get the serial #s. The original authorized dealer has said for me to give him the serial #s than he can get me the bill-of-sale. Not sure what's wrong with that.

Thinking about it now sitting here, I now ask myself why the heck was I having to go through the original authorized dealer to get the bill-of-sale.
Is this not the seller's responsibility?

Anyway a little miffed. But throughout waiting for them, I just had an uneasy feeling about this guy. He was never upfront and clear in talking about the amps. Communicating with him in the e-mails was at times confusing and on the phone today and yesterday he was quite pushy and not very pleasant to talk with. In fact my good and friendly local dealer that came by today to readjust my phono cartridge had heard about him and warned me about him and told me to be just careful.

So time to go spin some vinyl and recognize I still have one heck of an amp in the 4B-SST2 and remember that there are people on this small planet that have nothing really. We are all so lucky to have what we have.
Anyway, it's not like there won't ever be 7B-SST2 for sale again.
Who knows I might even save some money for a couple of years and get the 28Bs.

The funniest laugh I have is thinking when he has told me that he is trying to start an "audio business". Wow. Someone needs to learn how not to treat customers.

Mag · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 Apr 2013, 01:21 am »

Had a similar situation with a BDA-1. I think the unit was stolen and the seller knew it and didn't like lots of questions.

There are people who will not hesitate to buy stolen gear, but I don't support that market. You're protecting a Bryston owner that has had his stuff stolen when they need to produce a bill of sale and serial numbers.

Unfortunately a fence doesn't play by the rules.