B100 SST vs Separates

jaxwired · « **Reply #40 on:** 22 May 2011, 02:14 am »

Quote from: vegasdave on 20 May 2011, 03:10 am

Ok, which ATCs did you have.

SCM 11s and SCM 19s. The 19s are huge stand mount speakers.

vegasdave · « **Reply #41 on:** 22 May 2011, 09:58 am »

Ah ok, but did you have the SCM 50s, 100s, and 150s? And which PMCs did you compare them too?

I dunno, I can't say I won't give PMC another chance, but I see them as an inferior product (compared to ATC and others) with a very high price tag. I wasn't too impressed while listening to them at CES.

No offense to PMC owners here.

niels · « **Reply #42 on:** 25 May 2011, 10:13 pm »

So, what is your impression of the Bryston?

lanchile · « **Reply #43 on:** 27 May 2011, 12:09 am »

Quote from: niels on 25 May 2011, 10:13 pm

So, what is your impression of the Bryston?

yeah! I think is time to know if He liked the B100.

servingko · « **Reply #44 on:** 28 May 2011, 01:02 pm »

I would like to know how he likes it as well. This may be a case where no newsisn't good news but I hope I am wrong.

niels · « **Reply #45 on:** 28 May 2011, 09:38 pm »

Consiering the odds he is probably busy listening, havent heard of many people who didnt like the Bryston transparency.

headshrinker2 · « **Reply #46 on:** 29 May 2011, 09:16 pm »

Greetings Bryston folks,
Yes indeed, I've been doing lots of listening. Source components included:
(1) NAD 541 CDP (digital out)
(2) Apple TV(2)
(3) Bryston BDA-1

Audioquest Type 4 Speaker Cable.
Interconnects from BDA-1 to B100SST: Kimber Kable PBJ and Chord Cable Cobra Plus (both RCA-RCA)

The Bryston B100SST and the Naim XS/FC2x are both excellent integrated options. They definitely have different personalities. Ultimately, like most audio decisions, it comes down to personal preference.

The Bryston is a treat to listen to. As compared to the XS, I'd say the B100SST throws a deeper and wider soundstage, has a more transparent and neutral presentation, and has a more open and airy upper register of frequencies. Compared to the XS, lead vocals on the B100ST tend to be a bit smoother, laid back, and a bit behind the plane of the speaker. Overall, pleasant and non-fatiguing. The B100SST is definitely revealing enough to show almost every system change I tried (i.e. interconnect, speaker cable, power supply). Finally, I also found the B100SST handled complex orchestral pieces a bit better- easier to pick out individual instrument sections and less congested.

headshrinker2 · « **Reply #47 on:** 29 May 2011, 09:30 pm »

Part II.

The Naim XS/FC2x, as compared to the B100SST, is somewhat more fun to listen to. While still warm and full-bodied, the Naim is bit more aggressive, a more up-front presentation. Most notably, the Naim combo excelled on rythymic material. At least to my ears, music with a groove was somehow more engaging. I've played percussion for many years (not my main gig)- the Naim got my feet moving.

While the Naim XS/FC2x and Bryston B100SST are both integrateds, I don't feel I am yet in a position to do any meaningful comparative listening. My Naim system uses all high-quality Naim interconnects and Naim speaker cabling. Naim + Totem is also a somewhat magic and synergistic combination. I auditioned the Bryston with quality, but fairly modest speaker cabling and interconnects. A trusted friend, and ex Bryston dealer, suggested that I have yet to hear what the Bryston is truly capable of (i.e. I should audition/invest in better cabling).

Othe differences: It's also worth noting that the Naim FC2x adds an external power supply for the pre-amp on the XS. And the Bryston has more power than the XS. In other words, this was not an apples to apples comparison.

lanchile · « **Reply #48 on:** 29 May 2011, 09:32 pm »

I am glad you like your Bryston B100. I will soon get my new B100 too. But for that I have to sell my B60 first. I do not want to sell it but, I need the "extra" money to pay for my new B100.

niels · « **Reply #49 on:** 29 May 2011, 10:52 pm »

I wish I had your ears, unfortunately I am younger than I will be but older than I once was so....
I havent invested a lot in cables, and besides, I use the dac in the B100.
My speaker cables are solid core installation cable, stiff, but can be bent around corners.
The B100 is the first amp I have had that makes me forget the equipment, before I was listening for flaws and focused on the equipment, now i just enjoy the music, hard to explain if you havent experienced it yourself.
Spotify Premium sounds terrific and is more or less all I need, ok, now I have said it, bring on the pepper.

(should I give the B100 one little slap over the fingers it would be that the digital feed in the B100 turns itself off when I turn on my tapedeck. The spike created in the powerline must be the culprit.)

headshrinker2 · « **Reply #50 on:** 30 May 2011, 03:08 pm »

Niels,
Getting to the point when you enjoy the music- and not listen to the gear/system... a beautiful thing, indeed! I know that place. I achieved this with my Naim system for several years. Lots of pleasure, with no desire to upgrade.

The BDA-1 was the first piece of gear that "opened" my ears, and lead to a new sonic direction. I look forward to piecing together a balanced Bryston system as well. I'm not somebody who enjoys endless tweaking or upgrading. Once satisfaction is achieved, it's all about the tunes...

headshrinker2 · « **Reply #51 on:** 30 May 2011, 11:46 pm »

P.S. I made my decision. My Naim gear is now listed on Audiogon. Know anybody who might like a minty Naim XS/FC2x?

After listening for the past 30 minutes to "Steps", by Pat Coil (a Sheffield Lab recording) I have made the right decision.

headshrinker2 · « **Reply #52 on:** 20 Jun 2011, 01:56 pm »

Greetings,
I picked up a S/H BP25 at a good price. Considering S/H
(1) 4BST (around $1,500)
(2) 4BSST (around $3,000)

The SST worth the extra money, compared to the ST?

My minty S/H B100SST will be going on the market soon.

Thanks.

SoundGame · « **Reply #53 on:** 20 Jun 2011, 05:29 pm »

Quote from: headshrinker2 on 20 Jun 2011, 01:56 pm

Greetings,
I picked up a S/H BP25 at a good price. Considering S/H
(1) 4BST (around $1,500)
(2) 4BSST (around $3,000)

The SST worth the extra money, compared to the ST?

My minty S/H B100SST will be going on the market soon.

Thanks.

I've actually spoken with Bryston about the ST vs. SST, when I was considering the B100 to replace my 3B-ST (prior to me finally going with a BP6 and 4B-SST/2 combo). Sonically, you would be taking a step backwards by going with an ST vs. your current B100SST (which is essentially a BP16 + 2B-SST). The specs alone won't lie.

To take full advantage of the BP25 you should take the plunge with the SST. You may be able to get away with a 3B-SST and save some money if you don't need that extra power. The BP25 + 3B-SST will sound better than a BP25 + 4B-ST combo.

The BP25 with a 4B-ST will NOT outperform the B100SST (assuming you are not taxing the amplification).

headshrinker2 · « **Reply #54 on:** 20 Jun 2011, 06:55 pm »

Soundgame,
Thanks very much for the reply and thoughts. Quite helpful.

Quote from: SoundGame on 20 Jun 2011, 05:29 pm

I've actually spoken with Bryston about the ST vs. SST, when I was considering the B100 to replace my 3B-ST (prior to me finally going with a BP6 and 4B-SST/2 combo). Sonically, you would be taking a step backwards by going with an ST vs. your current B100SST (which is essentially a BP16 + 2B-SST). The specs alone won't lie.

To take full advantage of the BP25 you should take the plunge with the SST. You may be able to get away with a 3B-SST and save some money if you don't need that extra power. The BP25 + 3B-SST will sound better than a BP25 + 4B-ST combo.

The BP25 with a 4B-ST will NOT outperform the B100SST (assuming you are not taxing the amplification).

SoundGame · « **Reply #55 on:** 20 Jun 2011, 07:41 pm »

Quote from: headshrinker2 on 20 Jun 2011, 06:55 pm

Soundgame,
Thanks very much for the reply and thoughts. Quite helpful.

Glad to help - and let us know what you end up going with.

vegasdave · « **Reply #56 on:** 23 Jun 2011, 10:56 pm »

There's some idiots out there who think the ST is better than SST or SST2.

niels · « **Reply #57 on:** 23 Jun 2011, 11:12 pm »

3BSST vs. the 2BSST, is that noticeable? My B100 should have 100 watts, but spec sheet says 125.
I dont care about the watts though, rarely use more than 1.

SoundGame · « **Reply #58 on:** 24 Jun 2011, 01:16 pm »

Quote from: niels on 23 Jun 2011, 11:12 pm

3BSST vs. the 2BSST, is that noticeable? My B100 should have 100 watts, but spec sheet says 125.
I dont care about the watts though, rarely use more than 1.

Unless you are driving the speaker hard or the speaker is a difficult load e.g. 4 ohm with some crazy drops, the 2BSST and 3BSST will sound virtually the same. More whats is usually tied to more amps which allows for greater dynamics. A B100SST vs. a bp6 + 2BSST will sound virtually the same - in fact the weak link would be the interconnect between the bp6 and the 2B-SST (but that also allows for customization / sound tailoring).

If you're going to a 3B-SST you may want to just splurge a little more and get a 4B-SST (twice the power and better resale - the 4B being Bryston's top selling amp).

vegasdave · « **Reply #59 on:** 24 Jun 2011, 07:17 pm »

Quote from: SoundGame on 24 Jun 2011, 01:16 pm

If you're going to a 3B-SST you may want to just splurge a little more and get a 4B-SST (twice the power and better resale - the 4B being Bryston's top selling amp).

I agree.