[scanido]

Hi All,

I've been an active reader since i got my 4BST and have now finally registered to get some advice from the experts.

When i first got my 4BST I bought it as an interim solution because the 4BSST was out of my price range at the time. I have been happy with my 4BST and thought i would settle but I find it runs fairly hot and i've heard the 4BSST is more efficient and runs warm. In addition to the newer design, better electronics/parts of course. I'm concerned on the efficiency because this 4BST gets too hot for my liking - even idling?  

Will i benenfit from anything else other than the efficiency (ie. heat), little longer warranty (if that makes a difference with these amps) and looks by going with the 4B-SST? Keep in mind this upgrade would set me back $1200-$1500 CAD. Is it worth the differential?

My setup consists of an Arcam AVP700 and B&W 804S.

What are your thoughts!

THanks.

[Jason Nugent]

More knowledgable people can comment, but I'm pretty sure the sonic improvements with the SST line over ST are quite significant.

As for heat, my 4B SST runs slightly warm to the touch.   My 9B SST runs hotter, but there are five channels there, as well.

[elcaptain88]

I much prefer the SST (which is a completely new design) to the older ST series. Having said that, I've gone with a different brand of amp - but for solid state - its about as smooth and natural as they get without spending really big bucks. I don't care for B&W speakers - but I would imagine from the times I've heard them it would be a good match for many folks.

[mv038856]

Hi Scanido!

I owned a 4B ST and was shocked to discover that even the 9B ST sounded audibly better in my setup.

The new output devices that are cited so often when talking about the changes from ST to SST seem to be only half the story. The 9B ST, being the latest ST design with the old output devices, is very close to the SST in terms of layout/signal path/grounding... The 6B ST and 14B ST are, as James doesn't get tired to point out, besides some small changes in the power supply, identical to the 6B SST/14B SST.

I wouldn't worry about the temperature of the amp, als long as ventilation is good enough. I think it is obvious that Brystons goal is not to manufacture the most energy efficient amps, but the best sounding ones. Besides, in contrast to my 9B ST, my 4B ST didn't really get hot. Maybe you should check on ventilation. The new SST heat sink design might be better in dissipating the heat energy, however, this is of little use if ventilation is poor (e.g. because the amp is in a closed cabinet with no ventilation).

To make a long story short: If you own a 3B ST, 4B ST, 5B ST, 8B ST I would expect a change to a 3B SST or bigger to definitly be "worthwhile".

Since the move from ST to SST brought an increase in power on some models, a move from 4B ST to 3B SST could also be an option if cost is an issue and the speakers are not too power hungry.

Hope this helps


Markus

[Phil A]

I've owned a 4BST in the past and then bought a 6BSST (3 channel version of the 4BSST) and used that for a bit on the front 3 channels before getting a 14BSST for the front 2 channels and using the 6BSST on the center and rears.  I bought both my SST amps used (each about a yr. old).  I have no doubts there is a good deal of difference.

[scanido]

THanks for the reply folks.

I'm honestly still not convinced! The price differential is upwards of $1500 CAD and I need to justify if this is worth the added cost.

For the folks that have 'upgraded' from an ST to an SST, would you please take a minute and describe what differences you heard?

I'm going to the dealer this weekend to do a critical listen and it would be beneficial if i knew what to look (hear) for!

THanks,

[Fife12]

Hey fellow canuck and welcome to the circle.

I have had both the 4B ST and 6B SST.

I found that the SST produced a larger soundstage, more depth and detail.

These were all used on the B&W Matrix and NT series.  If you are a heavy 2 channel listened, the SST is a no brainer.

I found that when using the 4B ST with the 7NT, the sound was more flat. My Matrix speakers provided a much smoother and larger soundstage.

When using the 6B SST, both speakers were more airy and detailed, but this was more prevailent with the Matrix 805.

Since you are planning on using them with the 804S, the SST will defnitely orovide you with much more detail and depth as compared to the Matrix.

However, I do not find that Arcam + B&W + Bryston is really a good match.

I find Arcam + B&W/Bryston causes listening fatigue. My ears just get sore. Maybe you should either consider changing your Arcam if that is an option and go for a Bryston amp. Sorry I am not a fan of Arcam.

Just my 2 cents.