Bryston vs Classe

dspgolf · « **on:** 14 Jul 2011, 06:24 pm »

Just was wondering how classe amps and electronics stack up compared to Bryston? I own and love my Bryston but was just curious if James or anyone else might provide some input on this. I know they are both Canadian companies. Have never compared Classe to Bryston directly.

Thanks,
David

James Tanner · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 Jul 2011, 06:31 pm »

Quote from: dspgolf on 14 Jul 2011, 06:24 pm

Just was wondering how classe amps and electronics stack up compared to Bryston? I own and love my Bryston but was just curios if James or anyone else might provide some input on this. I know they both canadian companies. Have never compared it to Bryston directly.

Thanks,
David

ANY PRODUCT FROM CANADA IS FIRST "CLASS"

JAMES

won ton on · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 Jul 2011, 06:52 pm »

i thought classe moved production to the far east. though i could be wrong

srb · « **Reply #3 on:** 14 Jul 2011, 06:56 pm »

Because you posted in the Bryston circle, I would guess most of the responders would say Bryston is the better product. If you post in a Classe forum ..... well you get the idea. Same goes for Simaudio, also another Canadian company with fine products.

Describing the sound, many have characterized Classe as "slightly warmer" and Bryston as "very neutral".

To my knowledge, neither Classe or Simaudio has invested as much time and energy as James Tanner in maintaining a forum that addresses questions and concerns with an extraordinarily quick response time.

As far as (analog) warranty, Bryston has the longest.

Bryston: 20 years
Classe: 5 years
Simaudio: 10 years

Steve

SoundGame · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 12:42 am »

Both are high fidelity products. Both are well built. Though I own Bryston, I would say that fit and finish is similar as well as overall build quality; however, attention to styling and cost going towards exterior beutification goes to Classe - by an edge. Though those with the liking for a more rugged/studio quality will lean towards Bryston.

Sound between the two was more different in the past. Pre-SST series Bryston's were rougher around the edges than the corresponding Classe products - with the Classe definitely having a little more sonic finesse. With the SST that gap was closed considerably and I would say that now with the SST² Bryston has just as much finesse - definitely when you're comparing to Classe's Delta line. I have not heard anything higher up in the Classe line but would say that the Omega would have the edge over Bryston but Omega's are unapproachable from a cost perspective.

I would also say that the Bryston is more linear than Classe with - as mentioned previously - Classe carrying some additional warmth.

If you like the Bryston sound - especially if you've moved to the SST2 you shouldn't worry about it. But give them a lisen if you get a chance.

Diamond Dog · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 02:39 am »

I would agree with Steve that any Classe amps I've heard would be a good bit warmer sounding than Bryston - not Mac-warm but sort of in-between. From what I have read on other forums, they seem to be having some reliablity issues with their disc players these days.

D.D.

vegasdave · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 03:19 am »

Classe? Ok, but no big deal. Sounds best with the newer B&W speakers. B&W owns Classe.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 05:41 am »

I wanted to audition both the Bryston and Classe' at my dealer. He did not have the Classe' amp to demo in stock. and was pretty firm in saying the Bryston was the better item.
(He would order the Classe' for me, he is a Classe' dealer)
So I was a bit annoyed at the time, but after auditioning the Bryston, and satisfied with the sound, i bought the Bryston.
Now, with Classe' moving production to China, I am glad i bought the Bryston. (plus the twenty year warranty)
And with other upgrades, the bryston is still not the limiting factor. And i bet it will not be!

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 06:06 am »

Quote from: dspgolf on 14 Jul 2011, 06:24 pm

I know they are both Canadian companies.

Thanks,
David

Seems Classe is owned by B&W from UK.

vegasdave · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 07:15 am »

Quote from: FULLRANGEMAN on 15 Jul 2011, 06:06 am

Seems Classe is owned by B&W from UK.

Correct.

mrhyfy · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 11:10 am »

Quote from: vegasdave on 15 Jul 2011, 07:15 am

Correct.

B&W is owned by a Canadian and former "Peterboroughian", Joe Atkins. Bryston is from Peterborough too!! A coincidence?????

SoundGame · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 11:43 am »

Correct. The connection is actually between B&W, Classe and Rotel.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joe Atkins (Canadian) is current owner and chairman. He is the successor to Robert Otto Trunz, who led the company after founder John Bowers died in 1987.

Bowers & Wilkins is based in its home town of Worthing, West Sussex, England.

B&W is part of the B&W Group Ltd, which also includes:

Rotel (midrange) and Classé audio (high-end).

B&W previously offered a range of electronics (amplifiers etc.) under the Aura brand, but it was discontinued in 1997. Other sub-brands were 'John Bowers' for the Active One loudspeaker and preamp and 'Rock Solid' for a lifestyle speaker range. The B&W 'Blue Room' brand for 'Pod' speakers disappeared as these are currently produced and sold by Scandyna.[1] From 1988 to 1996 B&W ran their own record label.

95Dyna · « **Reply #12 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 01:00 pm »

Both are top notch products. I auditioned the CA401's twice when I bought my 7B SST2's in '09. I wasn't able to audition the 7's but bought them over the Classe's anyway. There was just no way to justify the price difference of $3K. I'm more than pleased with the 7's.

95Dyna · « **Reply #13 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 01:18 pm »

Quote from: James Tanner on 14 Jul 2011, 06:31 pm

ANY PRODUCT FROM CANADA IS FIRST "CLASS"

JAMES

I thought you were V.P. of Marketing and Sales. You sound more like the Corporate Diplomacy Officer.

Levi · « **Reply #14 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 01:39 pm »

I have owned Classe amps. They have different sound than Bryston.

They are both high end and innovative.

dspgolf · « **Reply #15 on:** 15 Jul 2011, 02:16 pm »

I have the latest amp the 4Bsst sq and the BP 26p pre-amp. As an audiophile I'm always intrigued by other manufactures equipment and just like to know what other products have to offer. Sometimes that's not always a good thing, and i just need to be happy with what I'm using and enjoy it! I think I definitely made the right choice going with Bryston and have no regrets whatsoever.

Dave

nobel · « **Reply #16 on:** 20 Jul 2011, 12:54 pm »

Since I have stopped buying mags seeking comparisons and looking for the ultimate i have enjoyed the Brystons immensley. It shows that people who are looking for comparisons mean either they are not happy with what they have got or cant kick the audio habit. For me i am happy. As long as there is communiction with the music then there is bliss. Bryston have done this for me and i dont need a mag whose aim is to sell to tell me that the newer product is a revelation. Many a time i have been disappointed and wondered what the fuss is about. My grip is getting the best production from the music so that the system can bellow.

I am not not biased in any way and am settling into old age. The Bsst was the great improvement in the bryston rang and the square giving a certain polish which although good was not major in my opinion . Dont worry about Classes . Naim, etc.. you are in good stead with the equipment you have. Rest assured and enjoy the music.

won ton on · « **Reply #17 on:** 20 Jul 2011, 01:18 pm »

i'll 2'nd that i think audio mags are there to keep you unhappy with what you have.then you will buy something that is advertised in their mag. i did all my research for my system on the internet. bryston

jackman · « **Reply #18 on:** 20 Jul 2011, 01:21 pm »

Very sad that Classe is now made in China. I'm happy Bryston is still Canadian made and will continue. I would not consider Classe at this point but have appreciated their performance and build quality in the past. Bryston is high on my list and I respect their committment to quality and control over their production and design.

SoundGame · « **Reply #19 on:** 20 Jul 2011, 06:36 pm »

Quote from: jackman on 20 Jul 2011, 01:21 pm

Very sad that Classe is now made in China. I'm happy Bryston is still Canadian made and will continue. I would not consider Classe at this point but have appreciated their performance and build quality in the past. Bryston is high on my list and I respect their committment to quality and control over their production and design.

I'm not sure how recent the move has been to Classe building in China but I have a couple of questions on this:

With the move to China, I assume manufacturing costs went down - did Classe prices drop accoringly OR at least not rise for a given period of time OR the increases in price are significantly lower?

There are many speaker companies that have moved to China but are still producing high-quality products. Much of it comes down to their training, sourcing and quality assurance. If the process is managed very closely by the parent company then this can minimize if not eliminate quality concerns - however, there is always the risk in China of a leak / loss in intellectual property, resulting in some Chinese no-name firm reverse engineering your product.

The real question is whether manufacturing in China brings anything to the customer i.e. lower cost, higher quality - if not, and it's just so the the company can make more profit (which is often the incentive), well, there just isn't anything in it for US buyers.