Differences between newer and older Bryston 4B SST

jaylevine · « **on:** 17 Nov 2010, 07:57 pm »

Hi,

Are there significant differences between a 4BSST amp that were manufactured before 2004 and those manufactured after 2004?

I just picked up a used 4BSST of 2003 manufacture, and am wondering if there is anything I should consider updating from the newer models.

Thanks!

Jay

rob80b · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Nov 2010, 08:32 pm »

Quote from: jaylevine on 17 Nov 2010, 07:57 pm

Hi,

Are there significant differences between a 4BSST amp that were manufactured before 2004 and those manufactured after 2004?

I just picked up a used 4BSST of 2003 manufacture, and am wondering if there is anything I should consider updating from the newer models.

Thanks!

Jay

Hi Jay

You've got yourself a nice amp, there was a change of face plates, cosmetic only and most recently new capacitors on the 4BSST2 but unless you can compare them side by side I'm sure you'd be hard press to hear the difference. Not that there isn't a difference as Bryston will only offer changes if and only if it will improve upon the existing model.

Robert

jaylevine · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Nov 2010, 10:19 pm »

Thanks Robert. Sounds like I'm in good shape. Was only asking because I choose a 2003 SST over a 2007 SST.

Jay

rmurray · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Nov 2010, 10:49 pm »

I was under the impression that the sst squared was smoother in the highs and mids !

GaryArthur · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Nov 2010, 11:11 pm »

Jay,

I have a 2010 4B-sst2 with all the latest and I have a 4B-sst with a 2005 date. I spent a full 8 hours recently comparing the two amps. Associated equipment included Martin Logan CLX speakers, Acoustic Zen wires and interconnects, Meridian G68 processor, Meridian G98 player and a dbx driverack 260 to split the signal. My conclusion: I have more respect than ever for the 4B-sst. Even though I give a slight edge to the squared, I will also keep the 4B-sst as the power to the side speakers in my primary Las Vegas system and I will put the 4B-sst2 on my mains in Los Angeles. IMHO you have a great amp. Congrats on a good choice.

Gary

rob80b · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Nov 2010, 11:19 pm »

Quote from: rmurray on 17 Nov 2010, 10:49 pm

I was under the impression that the sst squared was smoother in the highs and mids !

Hi rmurray

The 4BSST is very smooth in the highs and mids, I believe those were and are the impressions going from the ST to the SST as I can attest myself, do not recall seeing that comment between the 4BSST and 4SST sq.
And as Gary just mentioned he spent 8 hours comparing the two, maybe noticing a slight edge (wrong word maybe) to the 4BSST2.

Robert

jaylevine · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Nov 2010, 01:47 am »

Heartsick...so I purchased a used 4BSST this week via the web and one channel doesn't work. Good news is the guy who sold it to me is reputable and will refund my money (he runs a web business out of Kingston ON, CA). Bad news is I have no amp and I've waited with great anticipation all week.......

Hugh · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 Nov 2010, 02:03 am »

Jay,

If you already got the amp then send it to Bryston for warranty work.

jaylevine · « **Reply #8 on:** 20 Nov 2010, 02:06 am »

going to return it for refund. there are other used amps out there and even a good deal on an 4bsst2 on audiogon. figure it is easier for me to return this one to Francois at highendaudioexchange where I bought it and just purchase a newer one....

still, waited all week for this unit, even took the day off and now no music....(already had packed my NAD M3)

Hugh · « **Reply #9 on:** 20 Nov 2010, 02:07 am »

Ah.

Sorry to hear.

vegasdave · « **Reply #10 on:** 20 Nov 2010, 03:09 am »

So, you're sticking with Bryston, jay?

jaylevine · « **Reply #11 on:** 20 Nov 2010, 03:16 am »

oh yeah. i'm purchasing a nearly new 4bsst2 tonight on audiogon......cost a little more (well, a lot more) but it is still a deal compared to retail. Would have been fine with the 4bsst I purchased this weekend past, but just boxed it up after checking it out for the tenth time (left channel doesn't fire up at all.....)

so, a little time lost but at least my new (new to me) BP26 pre-amp is all good--listening to my Grado PS2 and some newly downloaded Beatles as I type!

GaryArthur · « **Reply #12 on:** 20 Nov 2010, 03:47 am »

Jay,

Glad to hear your sticking with Bryston. I currently have 11 channels of Bryston power with 2 more channels (a new pair of 28's) heading my way on a "slow" truck from Ontario. I bought my oldest amp 8 years ago. Everyone says that Brystons service is great. I wouldn't know 'cause mine never quit. And I run them long and I run them hard. Good luck.

Gary

jaylevine · « **Reply #13 on:** 11 Dec 2010, 02:51 pm »

Well I finally got my NEW 4B SST2 (ended up purchasing a new one in the box)! Couldn't be happier. Only question I have is what is the "correct" input gain setting on the 4BSST2 if your are running a DAC into a Bryston BP26 preamp, and the BP26 into the 4B SST2 all using XLR balanced inputs?

Thx

James Tanner · « **Reply #14 on:** 11 Dec 2010, 02:54 pm »

Quote from: jaylevine on 11 Dec 2010, 02:51 pm

Well I finally got my NEW 4B SST2! Couldn't be happier. Only question I have is what is the "correct" input gain setting on the 4BSST2 if your are running a DAC into a Bryston BP26 preamp, and the BP26 into the 4B SST2 all using XLR balanced inputs?

Thx

Hi,

There is no one right setting. It justs adjusts the sensitivity of the input stage. There is a slightly lower noise floor with the 2 Volt setting over the 1 Volt setting. i have always prefered the 1 Volt setting even with the balanced cables but it is a bit more forward sounding in most systems.

Also the 2 Volt setting allows for more rotation of the preamp volume control if that is an issue.

james

jaylevine · « **Reply #15 on:** 11 Dec 2010, 03:31 pm »

Thx for the quick response. The system sounds wonderful. I upgraded from a NAD M3 and couldn't be happier.

Napalm · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 Dec 2010, 04:28 pm »

It's like the difference between old and young wine. Except it's the other way round or something like that

vegasdave · « **Reply #17 on:** 12 Dec 2010, 12:34 am »

Cool, Jay. Glad you're happy. Welcome to BRYSTON ownership. Now don't go changing to some other brand, or we'll have to kill ya. haha.

jaylevine · « **Reply #18 on:** 12 Dec 2010, 12:49 am »

Yikes, I thought the ducati crowd was rough

vegasdave · « **Reply #19 on:** 12 Dec 2010, 01:23 am »

haha. Well, I'm only speaking for myself, really. Just in jest.