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.