[JfTM]

To fit my budget, I'm looking for a later 4B ST; a couple on Audiogon at 1250 and 1300.  If you have one and want to sell it, let me know (I'm in Canada btw).

If I wander up in price it looks like I could pick up a pair of 7B NRBs, or a 4B SST for about the same money.

I've heard both the 4Bs and am reluctantly willing to go ST for budget reasons.  But if I come into some money (who knows I could win a lottery) does the SST refinement win out vs the NRBs, or does the greater power of the 7s win?

Thanks in advance.

[Elizabeth]

Depends what is important to you in sound.
If the overall refinement and upper frequency smoothness are more important than gut shaking slam, then buy the later SST. which is the jump from average to better in terms of 'audiophile' qualities. The 7's would be the rock and roll death machine, letting folks a block away know YOU are Boss.
This is just my opinion. and other long term Bryston users may argue about my focus.

[rmurray]

Is this to say the ST has better base than the SST? I've heard the term"laid back" applied the SST. Does this mean a more receded over all sound? The ST is right in your face front row experience. Refinement is great if the SSTs can still provide that great "slam" effect.

[JfTM]

I don't know the degree of difference between the ST and the SST, what I've discovered (through research) is there is a pretty consistent view that the original 4B was bass strong but cold in the mids and highs.  The progression NRB to ST produced a better balanced sound, more musical if you will; and not losing the bass control.

[Diamond Dog]

The 7's would be the rock and roll death machine

Worthless Trivia Corner :  The Beechcraft was the original rock n' roll death machine: Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, Richie Valens, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves,Otis Redding, Jim Croce and Randy Rhodes all died in one version or another of this aircraft. The 7B just sounds killer...

We now return to our regularly-scheduled programming.

D.D.

[sfraser]

Now when I come out with things like that at home my wife   says "all right Cliff (Claven))"   

[vegasdave]

I'm surprised James hasn't chimed in. This really is a question for him, I'd say.

[JfTM]

Yes, it would be helpful.  Just saw a 4B St go for 1,000 Cdn; may change the financials.

[James Tanner]

Hi Folks,

Sorry i have not commented earlier - sometimes I feel I stick my nose and my bias's in to these discussion way to early.

Anyway

NRB - terrific Bass slam and great Transients - a little forward sounding in the mids and tweets

ST - Smoother on top with a little less slam in the bottom

SST - refinement of the whole spectrum better control in the bass and better at mids and highs in balance with the bass and also soundstage placement improvements.

SST2 - different across the board. Similar sound at low and loud levels. All  models can drive lower impedances with more current delivery. Excellent balance of sound spectrum and better control of really deep bass and soundstage placement does not vary with level. Also the noise spectrum is approaching theoretical limits. New power supply design provides terrific transient capability

So if I was buying used the SST2 is the better unit if your looking at overall musicallity and drive capability with most real world speakers but the other older models may fit a specfic speaker or taste. For instance a subwoofer using the NRB would be excellent

james

[PierreB]

Have you look for a 2B SST or a 3B SST instead of a 4B ?????
Why do you want a 4B or a 7B 

[Laundrew]

Hi Folks,


SST2 - "... Excellent balance of sound spectrum and better control of really deep bass and soundstage placement does not vary with level. Also the noise spectrum is approaching theoretical limits. New power supply design provides terrific transient capability

So if I was buying used the SST2 is the better unit if your looking at overall musicallity and drive capability... "
james

I noticed this issue of highly refined and precise bass control of the better amplifiers when I started looking into this gear. Many auditions of some amplifiers experienced great difficulties with respect to handling a complex bass sequence in the music to the point where it was “very soggy.”

I have always wondered if it is truly more difficult to get the bass right compared to the mids and highs. I absolutely enjoy the detail and all the subtle nuances that my Beasties and the JBLs bring out in my music. You really notice how complex a bass sequence can be when a great amplifier and speakers are paired up - truly a most delicate but iron fisted control.

Be well...

[JfTM]

Thanks James!

[rmurray]

Yes, thanks James , That was what i wanted know.