[Bjammin]

Does the 28bsst2 sound at all different than the lower models, or is it just more powerful?  Will the "first watt" sound the same as my 4bsst2?

Is Bryston now accepting SST2 amps for upgrade to the cubed version?  Have upgrade prices been announced?

Thanks

[srb]

Because the Bryston amplifiers run in Class A for ~ 1% of the total power output, that would translate into
Class A outputs of (@ 8 ohm)

2.5BSST²    ~ 1.35W
3BSST²       ~ 1.5W
4BSST²       ~ 3W
7BSST²       ~ 6W
28BSST²     ~ 10W

The first watt or several watts should be the same, depending which two amplifiers you're comparing, but the greater amount of Class A watts available should give a bit purer sound, particularly at lower volume levels.

Steve

[Rod_S]

What srb demonstrates with respect to Class A is exactly what I have observed. I own 28B-SST2s, 7B-SST2s, a 4B-SST C Series (previous model to SST2) and a 6B SST C series. During typical listening i.e. relatively low to moderate volumes the 28's and 7's come across as more full bodied as if nothing is really missing at the lower volumes. With the 4 and 6, yes I realize they are not SST2's but at the same low to mid volumes the sound just isn't quite as rich or full bodied. I think this is the difference in Class A vs AB, where the 28's and 7's are probably still in Class A the 4 and 6 at the same volume have probably moved into their Class AB region and that's what I'm hearing.

When really driving the system to levels I know are above even the 28s Class A cutover I believe I would be hard pressed to hear any differences.

[Bjammin]

Thank you for the replies.  I'm considering moving to the 28bSST2's from Parasound JC 1s.  I like the JC 1s - they are smooth, full bodied, and musical, but a touch laid back.  I'm looking for something with a bit more detail and "air."   My speakers are the extremely demanding Revel Salon 2s, and my room is fairly large, so it would not be uncommon for the amps to run above 10 watts.  The JC 1s actually run higher in class A up to 25 watts.  I use a 4bsst2 for my rear channels, and have done a few tests swapping this onto my Salon 2s.  I liked what I heard, but I think they had a touch less bass slam.  I need to do more tests.   Would love to hear from any Salon 2 owners that run 28b's.

[G E]

I had 4bsst2 amp and went to the 28bsst2 mono blocks.

The 28s are sweeter sounding and provide more air and detail than the 4. the 3D sound field of the 28s is uncanny.  And there is way more power. I don't play music as loudly as I used to but having 1000+ watts provides a reserve for effortless reproduction of sound.  Nice if you have inefficient speakers. I have VMPS RM 30 Series II speakers, musical and highly resolving. Deficiencies in upstream electronics and cabling are starkly exposed.

[tdinut]

G E,

That's a great description. I agree and I don't think Bryston really gets the respect that they deserve.

I had 4bsst2 amp and went to the 28bsst2 mono blocks.

The 28s are sweeter sounding and provide more air and detail than the 4. the 3D sound field of the 28s is uncanny.  And there is way more power. I don't play music as loudly as I used to but having 1000+ watts provides a reserve for effortless reproduction of sound.  Nice if you have inefficient speakers. I have VMPS RM 30 Series II speakers, musical and highly resolving. Deficiencies in upstream electronics and cabling are starkly exposed.

[James Tanner]

G E,

I agree and I don't think Bryston really gets the respect that they deserve.

Just call me the Rodney Dangerfield of the audio business

james

[kngale1]

Thank you for the replies.  I'm considering moving to the 28bSST2's from Parasound JC 1s.  I like the JC 1s - they are smooth, full bodied, and musical, but a touch laid back.  I'm looking for something with a bit more detail and "air."   My speakers are the extremely demanding Revel Salon 2s, and my room is fairly large, so it would not be uncommon for the amps to run above 10 watts.  The JC 1s actually run higher in class A up to 25 watts.  I use a 4bsst2 for my rear channels, and have done a few tests swapping this onto my Salon 2s.  I liked what I heard, but I think they had a touch less bass slam.  I need to do more tests.   Would love to hear from any Salon 2 owners that run 28b's.

Checkout Hegel H30 and will not disappoint!

[tdinut]

Ha! James, So true.

Just call me the Rodney Dangerfield of the audio business

james

[tdinut]

The Hegel H30 is a great amp, and I had one. I moved on to the 28BSST2's and find the 28's to be smoother/sweeter on top and just better overall. The H30, to my ear, was a bit more aggressive. Aggressive is a characteristic that I do not like in my music.

Checkout Hegel H30 and will not disappoint!