Bryston vs. Krell?

math-geek · « **Reply #20 on:** 21 Nov 2009, 02:30 am »

I know what you mean. My brother has an NAD 2400 PE and, although it's gathering dust these days, it is still a good sounding amp. I know the C320BEE got rave reviews but I wasn't impressed. My 25 year old 2B left it in choking in the dust! This is not audio snobbery, just a fact. I have heard the Cambridge Audio products (and Creek, Music Hall, etc.,,,) due to the fact that Audio Advisor is located near Grand Rapids, MI. They are very impressive for the money. The 840A v2 is a great sounding integrated and as well so is the 840c CD player. I would like to buy an 840C eventually if I can swing it. I actually owned a 640C CD player and ended up selling it because my Pioneer BDP-51FD Blu Ray player sounded every bit as good (don't scoff you naysayers). The Pioneer is the best mult-format player that I have ever heard, not that there isn't better, which I'm sure that there is. My only knock aginst the Pioneer is its slow load times but its performance where it matters (video/audio) is exemplary.

colhogan · « **Reply #21 on:** 21 Nov 2009, 08:24 pm »

I'll ad my 2 cents:
Krell gear is nice,but way too expensive. Bryston,while still not cheap,is a much better value.
Over the years,when I was a previous Bryston owner,and required repairs,they were always handled quickly,and efficiently.
I just picked up an .5 B preamp. Despite being from 1987,it works fine! I was lucky to find one at a decent price on Audiogon.I don't mind paying a few dollars to have the techs at Bryston go over it. I know it will be done right,and they don't try to soak your wallet!
I plan on having this preamplifer for many more years.
P.S I have an Aragon 2004 Mk-2 amp or an Acurus a-250 that I would consider trading for one of the older Bryston amps.
Any interested parties?

mclsound · « **Reply #22 on:** 21 Nov 2009, 08:44 pm »

my 2 cents also.
I phoned Krell 2 days ago and talked to Ray about why i cannot get onscreen volume display...he took my # and never called...i phoned again the next day and Walt asked were i bought my unit (i said private from orig. owner...1yr old) took my # again for Ray to call back and still nothing.
$20,000 amps are worth $10,000 at 2yrs old,so all i can say is wait for the Krells to be at least 2yrs old and you should pay what they are really worth.
my 2 cents

john1970 · « **Reply #23 on:** 21 Nov 2009, 10:14 pm »

My 2 cents,

I have never owned Krell gear; frankly it is more than I can justify spending on audio equipment. Besides I like the idea that Byrston makes all of their equipment in North America; it is my understanding that some of the lower cost Krell equipment is now being made in China. Bryston's service and support is world-class although quite frankly in the 3+ years that I have owned Bryston equipment I have never had an issue. (I had a 4B SST that I traded in for the 4B SST2).

My setup is a BDA-1 ran balanced to a BP25 with MPS2 power supply going to a 4B SST2 power amp. Main speakers are VMPS RM40s and JL Audio F113 subwoofer; a 10B sub crossover is used to blend in the main speakers with the subwoofer. Looking to purchase a second sub in 2010, but in reality I don't really need it!

Cheers,

John

math-geek · « **Reply #24 on:** 21 Nov 2009, 11:13 pm »

If you have read my initial post you would know that I own a Krell KAV 300o=iL integrated am. It operates flawlessly. I do understand that Bryston's service is exemplary. I called there once and a tech. told me how to replace my capacitors and LEDs. He gave me this information when I explined to him my meager financial situation.

I personally could not jusify buying Krell audio equipment new as have many of you noted that it is quite pricey (to say the least).

What ,though considering my Dyn Contour 1.3 SEs, would you consider to be my best Bryston upgrade for the money?

Again, thanks to all of you for the input.

Earl

vegasdave · « **Reply #25 on:** 22 Nov 2009, 12:05 am »

No contest. Bryston all the way. Sound, service, and reliability. Isn't Krell going out of business?

math-geek · « **Reply #26 on:** 22 Nov 2009, 02:05 am »

I don't know! If Krell goes out of business that doesn't really help Bryston. There are way to few North American audio mfgs. as it is. If Krell goes under we might as well give up to complete Chinese control of our audio systems. If cheap Chinese labor kills Krell ask yourselves who will be next?

Gary Listen · « **Reply #27 on:** 22 Nov 2009, 04:16 am »

I question the future direction of Krell. The new majority owner terminated the company's relationship with Dan D'Agostino and his ex-wife, Rondi, who together founded the company.

SHV · « **Reply #28 on:** 22 Nov 2009, 05:30 am »

As a non-audiophile, occasional consumer of audio gear, there seems to be a lot of snake oil sold in "high end" audio. I started with HH Scott tube kits, then moved to Mac tube gear then Mac solid state. I can't tell if wires are liquid, smooth or dry or congested or if amps are bright or dull but I do have the feeling that Bryston sells an honest product at a fair value. I have been quite happy with my Bryston stuff and don't miss the teal green glowing meters. I occasionally get nostalgic for the glow of valves in the Mac MC-275, however. I have recently needed the service dept. and they have been quite pleasant and helpful.

Steve

math-geek · « **Reply #29 on:** 22 Nov 2009, 07:22 am »

Quote from: Gary Listen on 22 Nov 2009, 04:16 am

I question the future direction of Krell. The new majority owner terminated the company's relationship with Dan D'Agostino and his ex-wife, Rondi, who together founded the company.

If that is true it's not Krell anymore then. I guess I know why they now have equipment made in China. My parents have both lost jobs to substsndard Chinese mfg. I am no fan of there c%#$.

math-geek · « **Reply #30 on:** 22 Nov 2009, 08:06 am »

I will confirm this info ASAP. I just called Krell and asked to speak to Mr. D'Agostino. I look forward to hearing their response.

How ironic that I am listening to Metallica "Master of Puppets".

rob80b · « **Reply #31 on:** 22 Nov 2009, 09:41 pm »

Quote from: math-geek on 21 Nov 2009, 11:13 pm

If you have read my initial post you would know that I own a Krell KAV 300o=iL integrated am. It operates flawlessly. I do understand that Bryston's service is exemplary. I called there once and a tech. told me how to replace my capacitors and LEDs. He gave me this information when I explined to him my meager financial situation.

I personally could not jusify buying Krell audio equipment new as have many of you noted that it is quite pricey (to say the least).

What ,though considering my Dyn Contour 1.3 SEs, would you consider to be my best Bryston upgrade for the money?

Again, thanks to all of you for the input.

Earl

Hi Earl,

Just my two cents worth, when running my 1.3MII's off an 3BST for a few years I upgraded to the 4BSST not the SST 2 last year and was surprised by the overall performance boost, and you've seen my recent posts over at avsforum concerning my upgrade to the Special 25's, the 4BSST is doing an exemplary job here too. I see no reason to go to the SST2 at this time although some may beg to differ.
My point is, if you want to go back to Bryston although your Krell is probably fine, the original 4BSST on the used market is probably right now your best Bryston upgrade for the money, although you would require a comparable pre-amp such a a used BP20 or BP25 and you could probably do both for under 3G's.

Robert

Stu Pitt · « **Reply #32 on:** 23 Nov 2009, 05:17 am »

Quote from: math-geek on 22 Nov 2009, 08:06 am

How ironic that I am listening to Metallica "Master of Puppets".

Great album! I just saw them a week ago in MSG. Phenominal setlist and performance.

Oh yeah... Bryston rocks. Sound quality, build quality, yadda yadda yadda...

math-geek · « **Reply #33 on:** 24 Nov 2009, 02:29 am »

Robert, nice to hear from you.

Thanks for the info on the 4B SST. I will probably keep the Krell for a while, at least until I can afford to do the upgrade "right". So how are the Special 25s treating you?

Stu, I am in the process of getting a turntable and phono preamp. When I get it set up I am buying the Master of Puppets half-speed, remastered, Deluxe Edition 2 lp set. I will let you know how it goes.

Stu Pitt · « **Reply #34 on:** 24 Nov 2009, 04:20 am »

That version sounds great, as do all their other vinyl re-issues!

If you have a Hot Topic or FYE in your mall, look for the albums. It'll save you shipping and a few bucks.

vegasdave · « **Reply #35 on:** 28 Nov 2009, 12:09 am »

I will say the single LP reissue (33 1/3) doesn't sound so hot.

math-geek · « **Reply #36 on:** 29 Nov 2009, 05:02 pm »

Well, vinyl is on its way in!

The "old man" hooked me up with one of his turntables, a Technics direct drive unit with an Ortofon TM14 cartridge. I just ordered an Audio Technica phono preamp which is a very well reviewed budget phono preamp.

Here in Kalamazoo, MI we have some decent record shops and I will be a frequent visitor. I can't wait to hear some of my favorites on vinyl. If it turns out well I can see some upgrades in my future. Out with the new and in with the old!

vegasdave · « **Reply #37 on:** 2 Dec 2009, 10:55 pm »

True, vinyl has seen a resurgence of sorts.

That's cool, enjoy that.

I'm a vinyl die-hard. I got heavily into vinyl 15 years ago...after years of cassette and a bit of cd.

werd · « **Reply #38 on:** 3 Dec 2009, 05:56 pm »

Quote from: math-geek on 29 Nov 2009, 05:02 pm

Well, vinyl is on its way in!

The "old man" hooked me up with one of his turntables, a Technics direct drive unit with an Ortofon TM14 cartridge. I just ordered an Audio Technica phono preamp which is a very well reviewed budget phono preamp.

Here in Kalamazoo, MI we have some decent record shops and I will be a frequent visitor. I can't wait to hear some of my favorites on vinyl. If it turns out well I can see some upgrades in my future. Out with the new and in with the old!

Record companies are begining to see the potential again with vinyl. It answers their pirating woes. They need to just start marketing them again. It wouldnt be too hard as they do sound better but unfortunately are lot less convenient.

Sasha · « **Reply #39 on:** 5 Dec 2009, 01:44 am »

I have not heard Krell amp from Evo lineup that I would consider as an improvement over 7B SST, let alone the cost.
Cannot comment on smaller Krells and Brystons. I was not satisfied with amplification till I got 7Bs.
I know of only two amps that I consider clearly better performers, unfortunately they are ~ 5X the cost of 7B SST.