[robertgalka]

I know this was discussed 15 years ago, but I figured I would start a new thread. I lost interest in audio for a few years, but a pair of Fostex LS2 speakers came up locally, so I had to buy them. They sound great with the couple of old integrated amps that I have, but I feel they deserve better. I really don't want to buy separates if I don't have to.

Both of the amps that I am looking at are 19 years old and just serviced. I like the B60 because it is simple, less to go wrong with it. The 2B-LP amplifier section has been around forever, I've had a couple of them over the years. It doesn't have much of a remote, but I think I can leave it on all of the time and just use the volume button. I think the B60 is also quite a bit heavier than the B100 if that means anything.

The B100 does have more power, not that I need it, a better remote, but is more complicated. The one that I am looking at is silver, but I prefer black. The B100 is only $200.00 more than the B60.

[R. Daneel]

What's the impedance and sensitivity of those speakers?

As Solar Flares said, the B60 is basically a combination of the BP6 preamp and 2BLP power amp in one box and as such, a splendid little amplifier. A true high-end piece. But it is not happy driving low impedance loads!

Mind you, neither is the B100SST exactly a powerhouse and it too is happy with a high(er) impedance but it is more powerful than the B60 nonetheless.

Also, be sure to get really familiar with what has actually been done to the amplifiers. Even if the cosmetics are good, that doesn't mean the amplifier did not have a busy life. Request additional information on who carried out the service, when and what was actually done. There has to be some trace of it - a receipt or other documentation. Remember that when buying used, this can quickly turn into a nightmare. Personally, I would much rather have a mint entry level amplifier than a top-end one that's had a busy life. Not even a hard life, just a busy life.

Now, Bryston's reputation is excellent but that doesn't mean you have to buy a proverbial lemon, especially in the case of B100SST. It's based on the BP16 preamp and so all the controls are electronic and sometimes they can misbehave. Make sure to do a thorough checkup of all of its features. Being a Bryston, I can't imagine it's that cheap and given the fact you're buying used, chances are, you work for your money like most of us.

Cheers - Antun

[Solarflares]

I certainly agree with Antun there.
Myself, I would not buy a used Bryston product that has been serviced by anyone other than Bryston, with at least an email description of work carried out. A -100dB noise level doesn’t grow on trees, but there’s plenty of monkeys about.
Like Antun says, the B100 has more to go wrong, with it’s front panel switching, and it’s silver, not black.
Going by the specs of the lovely Alnico LS2 - the B60 is a clear match.
Having a B60 remote is a rarity these days, so that’s also a plus.
If the seller is the original owner, then it means they spent real money at the time, taking the remote option - which is a good sign.

Both amps make their rated output into 8ohms, and share the same damping-factor of a more than healthy 500.  Which means they’ll both control those cones nicely.

[robertgalka]

The B60 is at Bryston right now, I'm not sure what is getting done to it, or why it is there. The seller has good feedback and has been around for a while. I'll probably buy it unless something else comes up.

Here are the specs on these speakers, the picture Solarflares posted is cut off. They came with a Technics SU-V8 amp from the same era, early 80s. They sound great to me, but I would like an amp with a remote. I bought them because they are a piece of local history.

[robertgalka]

I'm in Canada, so everything is basically double here. I used to buy audio equipment in the USA, but shipping is crazy now and our dollar is not that valuable. I miss the days when it was worth more than the US dollar.

The one that I am looking at is $1,600.00 CDN shipped. There is another one listed for $1,000.00 plus shipping, but it is the non remote model, older, and not serviced lately. I think the last generation of the B60R came out in 2005 or so. This one is dated May 17th 2006, so it must be the latest version.

[wplash666]

I have Klipsch Cornwall lll speakers that I have used with Bryston B100 SST  , and B135-SST-2 and I have to say I prefer the sound of the Bryston 2B-LP amp with a Bryston SP-1 pre-amp in analog mode. That is what I am currently using.

[robertgalka]

I have Klipsch Cornwall lll speakers that I have used Bryston B100 SST  , and B135-SST-2 and I have to say I prefer the sound of the Bryston 2B-LP amp with a Bryston SP-1 pre-amp in analog mode.

I actually was thinking of doing that. Those AV processors/preamps can be found cheap and there is always lots of 2B-LP amps for sale in Canada.

[R. Daneel]

OK, now I understand why the mid crossover point is at 7kHz, it's a horn-loaded design.

I just wonder whether the resolution of the Bryston amplifier would be too much of a good things for horns.

Also, keep in mind that specs are one part of the story, meaning, large drivers benefit from current capability, irrespective of the driver sensitivity.

One step at a time though. Make sure those Bryston amps are fully operational before you decide.

Cheers - Antun

[Solarflares]

Indeed Antun.
Since an amplifier can sometimes produce twice it’s rated output when driven into distortion - it would make sense to have fuses in-line on the vintage, hard-to-replace tweeters.  In this case, probably somewhere between 1 and 2 amps. But I’m just quoting the Bryston manual here…

[R. Daneel]

Indeed Antun.
Since an amplifier can sometimes produce twice it’s rated output when driven into distortion - it would make sense to have fuses in-line on the vintage, hard-to-replace tweeters.  In this case, probably somewhere between 1 and 2 amps. But I’m just quoting the Bryston manual here…

Hi!

My nephew uses capacitors just before the tweeters in his DIY soeakers. They're big suckers too - a remake of a classic Wharfedale open-baffle speaker with 15'' woofers - the Troels Gravesen design, just with isodynamic tweeters. I believe these are qzasi-ribbons and so extremely sensitive to low frequencies. Now, of course, those capacitors do get in the way so he purchased really expensive Mundorf ones.

That being said, I don't think the horns are that sensitive to lower frequencies because of the sheer SPL that they can reach.

I'd really love to hear these - the dynamics must be awesome, especially at low volumes.

Getting slightly off-topic here, sorry, but I have never even seen speakers these big. They look more like PA speakers than something to be used at home. Still, it too can be a rewarding experience I imagine.

Cheers - Antun

[Solarflares]

They're big suckers too - a remake of a classic Wharfedale open-baffle speaker with 15'' woofers - the Troels Gravesen design.

Getting slightly off-topic here, sorry, but I have never even seen speakers these big. They look more like PA speakers than something to be used at home.

Troels Gravesen - now there’s someone that really knew their onions.  Their JBL L100 Century 4311 x-overs are a miracle!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.
These massive 100Kg System 215’s are simply the best hi-SPL speaker money can buy, if you want ‘music’, rather than ‘audio’.
Unreal that you could buy these used for £2000 15 years ago.  My System 15’s had the same DC-driver in a 140litre cabinet, and were equally astonishing. 
Then of course there’s the £70,000 Tannoy Kingdoms - if you want to really splash out, and let Diana Krall rearrange your internal organs.

But yeah - I’d love to hear those Fostex LS2’s.

[R. Daneel]

Troels Gravesen - now there’s someone that really knew their onions.  Their JBL L100 Century 4311 x-overs are a miracle!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.
These massive 100Kg System 215’s are simply the best hi-SPL speaker money can buy, if you want ‘music’, rather than ‘audio’.
Unreal that you could buy these used for £2000 15 years ago.  My System 15’s had the same DC-driver in a 140litre cabinet, and were equally astonishing. 
Then of course there’s the £70,000 Tannoy Kingdoms - if you want to really splash out, and let Diana Krall rearrange your internal organs.

But yeah - I’d love to hear those Fostex LS2’s.

Solarflares, I tried to reply to your PM but the server wouldn't allow it. Your inbox might be full.

Cheers - Antun

[Solarflares]

Solarflares, I tried to reply to your PM but the server wouldn't allow it. Your inbox might be full.

No. My account has been restricted Antun.
I am unable to access my own messages.

[Solarflares]

Solarflares, I tried to reply to your PM but the server wouldn't allow it. Your inbox might be full.

Wednesday is the big day. All is geared preparing for that right now.
Thanks for the help and clarity.
I think I’m fairly settled on the BDA-2 at least.  The BUC-1 is maybe the best easy choice to give me AES/ABU conversion and extra bandwidth, and the important Bryston synergy?
My thought is that I can work on music with my usual low-latency Motu M4 soundcard - getting to the final stages of production. Then if I wish, I can then simply switch the BP6 over to the BDA-2/BUC-1 for post-production and mastering - where latency is not such a crucial factor.

On topic - I love my BP6 and 4BSST combination. For the OP, I can repeat some observations from other posts…
The purely analogue platform of my setup is desirable for me, as there is less to go wrong.
I would be hesitant to buy a B100, simply because of it’s onboard input-processing and electronic switching, with those pesky panel-buttons.  The B60 would be a more dependable unit in that regard.