[Audiolover718]

I'm looking to upgrade my power amp. I currently have an audio research Ls17 feeding an adcom gfa555se, feeding a set of Maggie 1.6's..the source is an scd-5400es. It sounds great......I want more. People have disrespected my adcom, saying it's the weakest link.... I got it because it was the cheapest power I could afford at the time.  It will feed a bedroom system at some point..

14b sst and 4bsst2 overlap price wise on the used market. I think I want one of these two amps. I'm reading the squared versions are superior in sound quality, but the extra power of the 14 b sst might do more for me than the 4b sst2. What would you do? I like the idea of high resolution at Low volume. I hear the sst2 is great at this, but what about the big power of the 14b? That's gotta make some impact on low vol. listening.  A little advice?

Thanks

[spinner]

As I understand it the 14B would have a greater amount of class A watts due to the higher power available.

[Elizabeth]

I own a 4B-SST²and certainly would like to own a 14B-SST²
I do not know if i would go for a 14B-SST though.
First off if the 4B-SST² is not stressed (IE maxed out and still more need for power) it is going  to sound better than a not ² model.
So if you are wondering about low level use,, then buy the 4B-SST²
If you plan on filling a home/stadium with Rock concert levels, then buy the 14B-SST.

[Ron D]

while I never had the chance to compare a "squared/2" version of the 4B to anything else I did own/compare a 4B-SST to a 14B-SST and found that the largest difference in my system using the 1.6s that I had at the time were the details within the music that were present when listening at lower levels. While the larger amp was able to convey better bass at louder levels my "ah ha" moments comparing these 2 amps occurred when listening at lower levels.

Acquiring the latest and greatest albeit smaller amp would be nice and provide you with the most up to date sonic presentation that Bryston offers.

Many would say that the 14B would be overkill with the 1.6s but having the extra juice for a potential future speaker choice (like maybe 3.6s/3.7s  ) wouldn't hurt, not that a 4B-SST2 won't do a great job with the larger Maggies.

As is always the case YMMV - good luck with your decision.

[Audiolover718]

Okay- the plot thickens- a brand new 4bsst2 is 5k plus tax.

If I could get a used but in great shape,  14bsst squared version for 4.5k out the door, would that be considered a deal I couldn't refuse? I don't want to have buyers remorse, and I want to get the best value for my hard earned dollars. I like the way you think Ron.  The adcom 555 would be a killer surround amp for my mmgs. ThAt used to be my front stage. The 4b would be incremental, the 14b would be GAME OVER....future proof. But almost 2k more. But is that 2k worth it?

[Ron D]

Well now the landscape is a little different...

I doubt you'd think, "what if" I get the 14 (which would appear to be about half price of a new unit and most likely has maybe 15 years warranty remaining) would the 4 have been enough? I suspect that you would be more inclined to think what if I had got the 14 and not the 4.

I can't tell what an additional $2K is worth to you, it's your scratch to spend but I know what amp I'd get.

[Audiolover718]

I hear ya Ron.  Now, I've emailed bryston about the amp, and gave the serial number, and I'm awaiting a response. The issue is that the retailer, does not gave the original receipt from the original owner. This could be an issue. I sure hope not. I want this to have a happy ending.  :

[vegasdave]

how did you make out?