BP4 date of manufacture and value?

ocho · « **on:** 15 Dec 2005, 06:39 pm »

Newbie here, so pardon me if this was covered, or if it's boring material. I'm looking at purchasing a Brytson preamp and amp (budget will be about $1100 for both, so this it will be well used equipment, probably). I've found a BP4 for sale, serial 505582, and am wondering how old it is, and what it's value is. Asking price was $550, condition is 9/10 apparently. I'm also looking for a 4B to match it to, so if anyone has one for sale (slim chance it seems - does ANYONE ever sell these things?), and would like to know what a 4B would go for, or a 4BST (might not be able to afford that, dont' know).

Any advice or help is greatly appreciated.

As an aside - I'm a former tech, and once worked with a former Bryston tech at Nortel. It's because of his glowing references that I'm seeking to replace an aging Nak preamp with the venerable Bryston. Plus...no coloration to speak of, and it can drive power hungry Magnepans

Thanks,
Randy

wplash · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 01:33 am »

Hi,
I also own a BP-4 serial # 506439. I called Bryston and they informed me it was made in Nov. 1998. Hope this helps.

ocho · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 10:38 am »

Thanks! That does help. This one was probably made in '97 then (as a guess). Is there a large difference in the audio quality of the BP4 vs the older .5B? (or any of the 80's era preamps, eg 12B?). Is the phono section worth more to most audiophiles?

Thanks,

Randy

James Tanner · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 01:36 pm »

Hi ocho,

The BP4 the .4B the BP5 and the .5B were preamps based on our first preamp called the 1B.

The .4B/BP4 was the same as a.5B/BP5 except it did not have a Phono section - just 4 high level inputs.

The BP version has Balanced outputs added.

After we introduced the newer preamp designs in the BP20 we discontinued the smaller preamps. The new BP6 preamp replaces the .4 and the .5B's.

james

jethro · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 04:55 pm »

Ocho,

I watch the online sites quite closely. You should be able to pick up
the following items at the following prices:

4B-ST : $1200 to $1250 US
4B : $600 US
BP4 : $400 US

Check out www.audiogon.com if you haven't already.

My friend has Maggies with Bryston amps (4B) and a Rotel front-end and
they make for a really good combination (spectacularly clear in the
highs and mids even at amp-clipping levels). If you don't need balanced
outputs then maybe you could get a .5B for around $250 US, and look at
upgrading to the BP-20/25 in the future. In my opinion, there is a big difference between the .5B and the BP-20/25 (I own both), but a used BP-20/25 would use up your budget.

ocho · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 06:29 pm »

James,

Thank you for your reply and the breakdown, that's exactly what I was looking for. Were the 11B and 12B based on the 1B circuit also?

Jethro: Your reply was a great help too! Thanks! Checked out Audiogon, and there's a big selection on there, so thanks for the pointer.

I don't really need balanced outputs right now, so a .5B would work fine - am currently only running a Denon DVM 3700 (CD quality/DVD player). Will probably add a tuner down the road (budget

Found an 11B for sale also, although the condition is not good (bad scratches on top, needs new power cord), probably a 4/10, but very cheap maybe.

Good to know that your friend has a similar setup and it sounds good. Can't wait to hear what these Maggies sound like with some real current behind them. Good advice on the BP20 also, I'll look for one as an upgrade in the future, and probably go with either a .5B or 11B for now. Thanks for the going prices also - very helpful.

Randy

James Tanner · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 07:53 pm »

Hi ocho,

The 11B and 12B were based on the 1B as well.

james

ocho · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Dec 2005, 11:10 am »

James,

Thanks again. A couple more questions: was there a switch to toroidal transformers in the 4B line at some point, and if so, on which model? Does the 4B share the same circuitry as the 4B NRB internally other than the balanced inputs?

Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Bryston seems like a great company (what other manufacturer actually takes the time to answer questions in a forum?!)

Randy

James Tanner · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 Dec 2005, 05:09 pm »

We switched to the toroidal transformers just before we did the NRB series of amplifiers.

The NRB used a new toroidal power supply design and small changes in circuitry.

The ST Series was a substantial change with a completely different input stage.

The SST was another major step with new output stage and power supply.

james

ocho · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Dec 2005, 08:54 pm »

Thanks James,

What is the difference between the 4B THX and the 4B SST? Is there a reason why someone wouldn't want to use a THX in place of an ST?

Randy

James Tanner · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Dec 2005, 10:44 pm »

The THX could be either an NRB or an ST but not an SST version.

james