With all due respect, I would agree with the minimalist approach. The information has to be clearly presented and be useful. Anything beyond that would not be required.To be honest, anytime a Bryston piece is on its way, I just look up the manual PDF prior to arrival. I don't think I have ever looked at that the printed manual. More impressive with Bryston (and I think this is very very useful), is the spec sheet that comes with each amp.
I was about to buy a demo 4BSST when I came across a 12 yo 14BS(S)T in Toronto for the same price. After listening to the 14B, which was more refined than the 4BSST, I emailed Bryston, who indicated that my particular set (based on serial number) had never been serviced and had another 8 yrs of warranty that got transferred to me. The original spec sheet was lost, but the measurements were on file with Bryston and they forwarded the sheet with measurements on my unit. Long story short, I would much rather have this level of attention to detail than glossy pictures.
I suppose you can have both the glossy manual and the other aspects of Bryston. I, however, really think that there is a beauty, "chic-ness", or elegance in the plain 600wpc, mean monster of an amp. Combining it with slim pre-amp, CD player, etc, the combination works. The paper manual does not help that image: all business and responsible.
Having said all of this, my wife, who is very design oriented, just dismissed my argument above, and thought that the equipment should be adorned appropriately with manuals and brochures. Go figure.
Anyway, don't mean to be disrespectful, but there is a very definite charm to Bryston gear/box/manual. I would not change it.
