[PMCIB2fan]

Hi gents. First time poster long time reader.

I've got a pair of IB2's currently teamed up with my old faithful Aragon 4004 MKII.  I have had this amp for just about 15 years. It sounds great and is bulletproof. Plugged in and left on for 95% of those 15 years!  For those who might not know, it is a dual mono class ab stereo amp. It is said to put out about 400 watts per channel into 4 ohms (IB2's).

I am wondering if a move to a pair of 7b sst squared's would up my game significantly? Can I expect similar, yet elevated class ab sound quality? Is a move to the 4b sst squared stereo amp enough of an upgrade with these beasts?

I tried a pair of class D mono's and was not pleased.  I much prefered my old Aragon class ab sound with the IB2's.

[95Dyna]

Hi PMCIB2fan,

According to "Pro Audio Review"  the first 25 watts put out by the 7B are class a (hopefully James can confirm or deny this).  Go to the 14B SST page on the Bryston site, click on the reviews tab and the review is at the top of the list.  The 7 is the same amp as the 14 broken out into two chassis.  It would be difficult for anybody to comment on the degree of upgrade the 7B would make without having heard both in a variable controlled audition.  However, it seems logical to me that since the SST came out in 2002 and the SST2 in 2009 that either might be a technological advance over the circa 1994 Aragon.  When you consider the class a operation and the list of performance based enhancements in the SST2 taken from the 28B it should be a safe bet on a significant enhancement.

Curiously, you and I may end up with the same system.  I'm planning on upgrading my electronics to 7B, BP26 and BCD-1 to drive my 18 year old Infinity 9 Kappas.  I have to do so without the opportunity to audition so if it doesn't work out I may sell the Kappas and take a strong look at the IB2's as I know they have great synergy with the Bryston line.  I'll hope to see a review from you if you go for the 7's.

Thanks,

Bill 

[vegasdave]

Yes, go for the new 7Bs if you have the money! I heard them @ CES...fantastic!

[95Dyna]

One thing to add to my last reply is the 7/14B SST2 has been independently measured at over 1 KW per channel into 4 ohms.  This provides significant headroom over the 400 wpc Aragon 4004 MKII which should translate into improved performance.  Documentation of this power measurement can be found in the measurements section of the "Stereophile" review found just below the "Pro Audio" review on the 14B page.

[mvwhiting_83]

Yes an improvement will be heard with pair of Bryston 7B's on your PMC's. ... A match made in heaven. aa