[vetinry]

Evening everyone
Having managed to resist the lure of upgraditis for some time, and hugely enjoying listening to my 9B ST (partially upgraded to SST by PMC during repair), I'm considering a few options.

First the speakers.  For a long time, I've been running the Brystons with Proac Response 1.5s.  The general view I could find on the internet was that this was going to be a terrible combination, but I would actually say it's worked out pretty well.

However, I think that the Bryston is capable of more and so I have been looking at a couple of PMC options, including OB1i's, and Twenty 24s.

I've seen that there are a few IMAX amps floating around and these appear to be based on 7B NRBs.

I would love some 7B SST(2) but for now, at least, they are out of my reach.

So, my question.  How would a 7B NRB (or the IMAX equivalent) compare with my 9B ST.  Currently I am only using 2 channels for the front speakers but did previously bi-amp with 4 channels.  It's hard to draw a direct comparison because I've massively renovated room etc but I think that the 4 channel configuration was better.

Also, are there any upgrades available for the NRB, or have they really had their day now?

Really hope that someone can give me a little bit of insight here.  Am unlikely to be able to listen side by side pre purchase so the more help the better please

Many thanks

Steve

[werd]

Stay with what you got. What pre amp are you using?

[vetinry]

Thanks Werd
Using SP1.7 for pre-amp
Was tempted to sell and just use Oppo 105 direct into 9B but haven't tried it to see what it sounds like.
Using SP1.7 on 2 channel direct, it sounds sublime.

What makes you say stick with what I've got?  Doesn't the extra power of the NRB help get the best out of speakers, or have things moved on with the ST / SST's?

Cheers

Steve

[servingko]

I am currently running a 9BSST directly into an OPPO 105 and it sounds sublime as well.  Prior to that I was also utilizing a 1.7 and was contemplating the SP3.  I also have a 105 running directly into a 4BSST2 and prefered it to my previous BP6 and BP26.  If you don't need the connectivity of a dedicated preamp and will maintain a simple system, it is very nice indeed.   Depending on the sensitivity of your speakers, you should be able to set it up using 80-100% volume to maintain as much resolution as possible with the volume control.  Theoretically you are truncating bits but I found that the openess of the sound was highly prefered to any bits that may be truncated. 

For my multi channel setup the volume is relatively fixed - much like a movie theater and I haven't missed the volume control a bit.  For two channel I find that for late night listening sessions I often go into the menu and reduce the output on the balanced connections so that I am in the 80-100% range.  I have not noticed any issues running direct at normal listening levels but depending on your loudness preference and speaker sensitivity, you may or may not be able to find a sweet spot.  I would recommend giving it a try and reporting back what you find.

[vetinry]

Thanks Servingko

Looks like I will have to give it a try.  Is the keeping things at 80-100% because of a resolution issue with digital control of volume from the Oppo at lower volumes?

I must admit that I've probably not thought that one through because I currently have the SP1.7 set to 0dB and then use the Oppo's volume control, which for late night listening goes pretty low.  Am I attenuating the signal by doing this, and is there any information about this?

Any thoughts re 7B Monoblocs vs my 9B either single or bi-amped?

Steve

[servingko]

In terms of overall sound improvement, I think your modified 9B ST (upgraded with SST output devices), would sound superior to any NRB series amplifier.  Unless you are overdriving your current amplifier, I think you would be giving up too much sound quality - particularly mid range and upper frequency purity and openess.

[werd]

If you are going to continue using the same speakers it might be appear a bit bright at the volumes those speakers are best at. A new 14 or 7Bs would be great with the Proacs you got though.

[vetinry]

Thanks Guys
Based on your comments, I decided against the NRBs

Think I will try and upgrade the speakers next and then see how I go from there

Best wishes

Steve