Joining the family - pulled the trigger on the 4B SST2!

nocrapman · « **on:** 28 Jun 2011, 08:06 pm »

After having debated back and forth between an Ice-amp based and Bryston, the 4B SST2 won. I am so very excited, and I just wanted to share it with everyone here. I have been a lurker on this subforum for the most part. This is my first Bryston gear.

Have a couple of questions though.
- How hot do these amps get? They will be in a closed cabinet with passive ventilation holes at the back. I can add a thermostat/fan setup at the back in heat builds up fast.
- For now I am planning to connect this directly to a EE minimax DAC, with no preamp in the loop. The preamp is still in the works... Will this create any problems or damage the amp in any way?

Thanks!

95Dyna · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Jun 2011, 08:26 pm »

Congrats and welcome to the Circle. You're gonna love the 4B. If there's a better buy in an amp out there I don't know what it would be. I was tempted by the ICE amps also before buying my 7B SST2's especially the Bel Canto 1000 but am so glad I went with the 7's. They have been an absolute delight. I also have a large cabinet with cable egress ports in the back and doors in the front. The 7's don't get as hot as many amps of its power range but I would not run them or even let them idle with the doors shut on the cabinet. Your experience will no doubt differ in that your speaker loads may be easier than mine, you may listen to different music or db levels. I'd experiment with the doors closed and measure the ambient temp inside. Perhaps James or another member more knowledgeable than I could comment on what temperature level you would want to avoid rising above.

Regards,

Bill

sweetspot · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Jun 2011, 09:59 pm »

I myself have been considering the 4b & bp-6. I was wondering-Is there that big a difference between the 4bsst & 4bsst2? My current system is comprised of PSB Stratus Gold loudspeakers(keepers),Bryston bcd-1(keeper),Nad c-162/c-272-pre/power amp,technics sl1200 w/ ortofon 2m blue & kimber interconnects/speaker cable.

PRELUDE · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Jun 2011, 10:51 pm »

great choice.

4bsst and 4bsst2 are my most favorite amps.

jas007 · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 Jun 2011, 10:52 pm »

I just went over and placed my hand on my 4BSST2. It's been on a while and is barely warm. For whatever that's worth.

GaryArthur · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 Jun 2011, 10:57 pm »

Gentlemen,
This is a picture of some of my electronics in their almost completed location. The top left amp is a 4B-SST^2 and the top right is a 4B-SST. I ordered a rack mountable faceplate for the 4B-SST but they sent me one for the squared

This system is now in full operation but I am on the road and this is the best photo that I have. These power 10 Martin Logan speakers.

As to heat, I can run this without fans at moderate volume, but they do get very warm if I don't us a fan. They are vented out the back and I have a fan drawing air in each of the 4 columns. With fans on, even with 10 channels running, everything stays very cool. There is a chance that your 4B-SST^2 will be fine without a fan. I would say give it a try and if you're not comfortable with the temp then add the fan.

As to the difference between the 4B-SST and the 4B-SST^2, the difference IMHO is modest at best. I spent a full day (more than 8 hours) A-B testing. And I felt like I could almost hear an improvement with the squared almost. It's not much. And again, in my opinion, I would not upgrade if I had the non-squared. Note that this is only for the 4B-SST vs. 4B-SST^2. The associated equipement in my testing were Meridian 861 v6, Meridian G98DH, Martin Logan CLX's and Acoustic Zen cables.

Regards,
Gary

sweetspot · « **Reply #6 on:** 28 Jun 2011, 11:07 pm »

Thanks Gary, Perhaps I'll seek out a 4bsst and save a chunk of dough!!

nocrapman · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 Jun 2011, 11:08 pm »

Quote from: sweetspot on 28 Jun 2011, 09:59 pm

I myself have been considering the 4b & bp-6. I was wondering-Is there that big a difference between the 4bsst & 4bsst2? My current system is comprised of PSB Stratus Gold loudspeakers(keepers),Bryston bcd-1(keeper),Nad c-162/c-272-pre/power amp,technics sl1200 w/ ortofon 2m blue & kimber interconnects/speaker cable.

I had asked a similar question a while back - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=89362.20
See post #57 onwards.
BTW I am upgrading from a NAD 272 also!!

nocrapman · « **Reply #8 on:** 28 Jun 2011, 11:10 pm »

Quote from: GaryArthur on 28 Jun 2011, 10:57 pm

Gentlemen,
This is a picture of some of my electronics in their almost completed location. The top left amp is a 4B-SST^2 and the top right is a 4B-SST. I ordered a rack mountable faceplate for the 4B-SST but they sent me one for the squared This system is now in full operation but I am on the road and this is the best photo that I have. These power 10 Martin Logan speakers.

As to heat, I can run this without fans at moderate volume, but they do get very warm if I don't us a fan. They are vented out the back and I have a fan drawing air in each of the 4 columns. With fans on, even with 10 channels running, everything stays very cool. There is a chance that your 4B-SST^2 will be fine without a fan. I would say give it a try and if you're not comfortable with the temp then add the fan.

As to the difference between the 4B-SST and the 4B-SST^2, the difference IMHO is modest at best. I spent a full day (more than 8 hours) A-B testing. And I felt like I could almost hear an improvement with the squared almost. It's not much. And again, in my opinion, I would not upgrade if I had the non-squared. Note that this is only for the 4B-SST vs. 4B-SST^2. The associated equipement in my testing were Meridian 861 v6, Meridian G98DH, Martin Logan CLX's and Acoustic Zen cables.

Regards,
Gary

OMG...
Do you have like a special cable run from the local electric grid to power that setup.
I hope u have more pics in your profile...

sweetspot · « **Reply #9 on:** 28 Jun 2011, 11:20 pm »

Thanks nocrapman-the nad c272 has served me well with the psb gold's,great synergy.Hoping the 4b will take things up a few notches!

GaryArthur · « **Reply #10 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 12:08 am »

Quote from: nocrapman on 28 Jun 2011, 11:10 pm

OMG...
Do you have like a special cable run from the local electric grid to power that setup.
I hope u have more pics in your profile...

I have a total of 80 amps dedicated to this system 4 by 20 amps. They are conditioned at the breakers and then there are also 2 panamax's in the system. For sure you are going to enjoy your 4B-SST^2. And it is nice to know you have room to grow with other Bryston's. My mains are driven by the 28B-SST^2 which are really one of the worlds best. They make me smile. But I will say those 4B's are really, really good too.

When Bryston sends me the proper faceplate, I will take some better pictures and post them. They say they are being machined now and I should have them soon.

Enjoy the music.

Gary

rollo · « **Reply #11 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 12:26 am »

First off good luck and great choice. Yes they get hot, the amps that is. Fans, quiet ones are available from Music Direct for a reasonable price.
I would also be concerned about wire management and magnetic field issues with the gear so close together. Enjoy !!!!

charles

vegasdave · « **Reply #12 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 01:28 am »

Congrats on your purchase, nocrapman! As others have said here, good solid amp.

vegasdave · « **Reply #13 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 01:32 am »

Quote from: sweetspot on 28 Jun 2011, 09:59 pm

I myself have been considering the 4b & bp-6. I was wondering-Is there that big a difference between the 4bsst & 4bsst2? My current system is comprised of PSB Stratus Gold loudspeakers(keepers),Bryston bcd-1(keeper),Nad c-162/c-272-pre/power amp,technics sl1200 w/ ortofon 2m blue & kimber interconnects/speaker cable.

Cool system. You're gonna dig the 4B. It's head and shoulders above the NAD amp.

Diamond Dog · « **Reply #14 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 02:10 am »

Quote from: sweetspot on 28 Jun 2011, 11:07 pm

Thanks Gary, Perhaps I'll seek out a 4bsst and save a chunk of dough!!

Hi : FWIW unless that 4BSST turns out to be your BFF, the resale will be better on the Squared version if you end up selling it to finance an upgrade...

D.D.

vegasdave · « **Reply #15 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 03:13 am »

Quote from: Diamond Dog on 29 Jun 2011, 02:10 am

Hi : FWIW unless that 4BSST turns out to be your BFF, the resale will be better on the Squared version if you end up selling it to finance an upgrade...

D.D.

I agree.

GaryArthur · « **Reply #16 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 07:11 am »

Quote from: Diamond Dog on 29 Jun 2011, 02:10 am

Hi : FWIW unless that 4BSST turns out to be your BFF, the resale will be better on the Squared version if you end up selling it to finance an upgrade...

D.D.

I understand your point. If the price for the 4B-SST^2 and the 4B-SST are the same or close then of course one should go with the squared. Currently on Agon there is one 4B-SST for $2250 and a 4B-SST^2 for $3790. You can argue with the validity of these prices but if I had to choose at these prices I would purchase the 4B-SST and keep the $1540 in my pocket. Even if I later sell the 4B I will have a smaller loss with the SST.

I purchased most of my Bryston equipment new including my 7B-SST's 8 years ago and BP26 on May 31st to beat the price increase. I want James and company to prosper and bring us new products. However the 4B-SST and 4BSST^2 were both purchased used and I paid $700 more for the squared. I have lived with these two 4B's for more than a year and this thread got me to ask myself if I would pay the $700 premium if I were to do it all over today knowing that I would not perceive much if any sonic difference between the two. And the answer is yes because my SST^2 is 5.5 years newer than the SST and I like the power switch on the newer models better.

Please note that the above are my observations however others may observe things differently.

Regards,
Gary

drummermitchell · « **Reply #17 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 02:33 pm »

Nice setup

,course the SST looks quite naked without handles.

SoundGame · « **Reply #18 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 03:07 pm »

Quote from: nocrapman on 28 Jun 2011, 08:06 pm

After having debated back and forth between an Ice-amp based and Bryston, the 4B SST2 won. I am so very excited, and I just wanted to share it with everyone here. I have been a lurker on this subforum for the most part. This is my first Bryston gear.

Have a couple of questions though.
- How hot do these amps get? They will be in a closed cabinet with passive ventilation holes at the back. I can add a thermostat/fan setup at the back in heat builds up fast.
- For now I am planning to connect this directly to a EE minimax DAC, with no preamp in the loop. The preamp is still in the works... Will this create any problems or damage the amp in any way?

Thanks!

Congrats on your new amp. I just upgraded from a 3B-ST to a 4B-SST/2 this May to beat the price hike. Bought new (though my former 3B-ST was a used purchase). I also bought a BP6. The BP6 was a dramatic increase in performance - the 4B-SST/2 was a step up in terms of liquidty and overall naturalness.

The SST vs. SST2 choice is a difficult one. I would say that the SST2 provides a smoother, more liquid, more lifelike / "audiophile" performance (especially in the midrange), with the SST having a more noticeable attack on the leading edge of notes (most evident in the bass) and a little more hardness in the upper mids. Your perceptions will vary depending on the resolving powers of your speakers and the source / pre-amp sections. I would say the SST2 is more tubelike. It takes the best of solid state and adds some of the tube-like magic, though it definitely retains it's solid state signature. If the price is reasonably close - you are probably better off with the SST2, as you'll be another model ahead.

Bryston philosophy is evolution not revolution (as James has stated time and time again), so it's continual enhancement (though noticeable with each iteration) model to model by way of design tweaks and better parts. Keep in mind that the SST2 has been around for a few years and we may see a new model in the next 2 to 3 years. Perhaps a SST3???

One thing to note is that if you purchased a latter model SST (late 2008 or old stock in early 2009) you would have the SST2 internals with the SST badging. SO in such cases an SST will sound exactly like an SST/2.

GaryArthur - could this be your situation?

klao · « **Reply #19 on:** 29 Jun 2011, 05:06 pm »

Congrats to you nocrapman!

I've been down to the ICEy road before due to limited funding. They're very good amps for the money, but the Bryston STT2 amps are just GREAT.

Cheers.