Bryston 4BSST a good match to VMPS RM40s?

john1970 · « **on:** 9 Jun 2006, 11:58 pm »

To all VMPS RM40 owners,

I may be upgrading my amp over the next few months and am wondering if the Bryston 4B SST (500 W / channel @ 4 ohms) would be an excellent choice.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. If I do the upgrade I want this to be a once in a lifetime upgrade.

Thank you,

John

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Jun 2006, 12:06 am »

Some would say yes, but IMO a much more liquid midrange is needed for 'best results' with the RM40s, ala a tube amp, hybrid, or equiv.

alana106 · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Jun 2006, 01:48 am »

John,

I agree with Joshk. I originally used a 4bst after purchasing my RM40s, and found it much to bright and harsh, even with a Rogue tube preamp. YMMV.... as I understand that the 4bsst may be better.
Although I can't say that I won't be changing amps again soon

... I presently biamp with a VTL tube amp running the FST and ribbons, and a Carver ZR digital for the woofers. At some point I would like to try a tact 2.2x preamp with these 2 amps or maybe others...

Alan

warnerwh · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Jun 2006, 04:53 am »

Josh is right. These speakers will shine best either biamped with tubes on top or maybe a hybrid running full range. The AVA 550 will do the job nicely full range. The Blue Circle hybrid amp I had running the top will also do a great job.

SS amps just don't seem to get the most out of the planar/ribbon section. I've heard it said before and now have to agree: tubes and planars are a match made in heaven.

The Blue Circle hybrid I owned and the Fetvalve 550 I now own both have some attributes of tubes but are not very tubey sounding. Enough though to get the richness and body making the planar/ribbons sound very much like live music.

PLMONROE · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Jun 2006, 02:55 am »

If you "REALLY" want to go to sonic heaven (IMHO) not only consider tubes but beyond that try a pair of SETs (but you will want a pair that puts out at least 27 watts for a normal room). Look for a pair that use 845 tubes to get to that power range.

ka7niq · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Jun 2006, 03:30 am »

Quote from: john1970

To all VMPS RM40 owners,

I may be upgrading my amp over the next few months and am wondering if the Bryston 4B SST (500 W / channel @ 4 ohms) would be an excellent choice.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. If I do the upgrade I want this to be a once in a lifetime upgrade.

Thank you,

John

Cruel And unusual punishment!
Friends don't let friends use Brystons on RM 40's!
My advice, find a used Moscode 600 tube/mosfet hybrid.
You can roll the input tubes to tailor the sound for your tastes.

They can be had used for 600 to 1000.00, are reliable, and still supported.
They will flat light an RM 40 up with about 500 wpc into 4 ohms.

The think I like about a hybrid amp is you are never "stuck" with the sound.
Just simply change input tubes, and radically change the sound.
Want thick and creamy, use Mullards or RCA Clear Tops.
Want detail ? Use RCA Black Plates

You can even roll the Moscodes regulator tubes for even more change in sound.

shokunin · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Jun 2006, 04:15 am »

Quote from: PLMONROE

If you "REALLY" want to go to sonic heaven (IMHO) not only consider tubes but beyond that try a pair of SETs (but you will want a pair that puts out at least 27 watts for a normal room). Look for a pair that use 845 tubes to get to that power range.

While I agree that an SET amp on the Midrange and tweeters are wonderful, 27w on the RM40's will be too limiting SPL-wise. If you bi-amp then go for the an 845SET or push-pull 300b setup.

warnerwh · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Jun 2006, 05:39 am »

It appears John that some sort of tubes on top seem to be the best answer. I couldn't agree more. Jim Romeyn told me that I don't know how good my RM 40's can sound til I try tubes. I couldn't put it better myself.

In my opinion though too much tube sound is not realistic. That's why I like the hybrids. I've heard pure tube amps on BG 75 diy speakers which are similar and the creamy midrange and lack of treble sparkle wasn't my cup of tea.

Of course this is a decision you'll have to make for yourself. I know one RM 40 owner runs Kora tube amps full range and is completely satisfied with the way it sounds.

The consistent advice you've received from very experienced people should say something

mlawson66 · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 Jun 2006, 11:19 pm »

I've got RM30s in my system, and I've had the opportunity to try NuForce, CineNova and Ampzilla amps in this system. Oh, I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I started out with Outlaw Audio. Anyway, the Ampzillas have a great deal of finesse and detail in the mids and trebles. They have a warm and liquid quality about them that is reminiscent of tubes. If I were to use cooler traditional SS amp, I would consider using a ModWright preamp, or a tubed source.

Also, biamping is a good way to go. For the longest, I had a Son of Ampzilla driving the top half of the speakers, and NuForce Ref 9s driving the subs. The NuForce amps really exert a lot of control over the subs. They have a huge damping factor (greater than 4000), so they make for very tight bass.

Another good candidate for sub biamping is CineNova. I've got a Larger sub on order, and will be driving it with a CineNova 3.

Kudos to John Casler for suggesting these components for my system.