[jimdgoulding]

I have measured up and cannot fit a PP300 anyway.
So I have ordered the PP120 

I also figured as it will be mounted on the back of the speaker therefore with no cable loss, so, even if the loss was say 3dB down the old cable before, that brings the PP120 up to almost the equivalent of my 4BSST2 driving the fronts anyway..

Cheers

Nice idea, I think.

[Alpha10]

I am still having nagging doubts that I should try and fit a PP300 somehow 

Does anyone have any experience of either or both the PP120 and PP300 driving a PMC CB6i? Would I really notice any difference?

Cheers

[redbook]

 Would anyone say that the sst powerpacs are less dynamic than the 4B ST ?

[CR]

Would anyone say that the sst powerpacs are less dynamic than the 4B ST ?

I might be able to answer that as I have a 4BST and a PP300.
Currently I use the 4BST for my two fronts and the PP300 for the center.
Processor is a Bryston SP1.7
Speakers are triad Golds
Cables are balanced for both amps.
When listening in music mode the amps all seem to match pretty well. When doing a movie or something off satellite , I use a glass toslink for digital. The center really comes alive and the dynamics are all there. It doesn't collapse or sound less but supports the center dialogue very well.
Actually, I have 2 of them that I ran for the fronts but then decided to go back to the 4BST.
Eventually, I wouldn't mind getting a 3rd and using 2 for my Gold surrounds Attached is a shot of one of my Triad Gold Surrounds next to the PP300

[Alpha10]

I have placed my order for the PP-120 today, I will feedback how I get on with it against my 4BSST2, once it has arrived.

Cheers

[servingko]

I have considerable experience with all the power packs and have owned 5 PP60's, 7 PP 120's, and 5 PP300's, as well as ST, SST, and SST2 versions of the 3B and 4B.  Currently I am running a B100SST for preamp and surround channels, a 4BSST2 for right and left, and a PP300 for center channel.   I have found all the amps to be a great match in terms of sonic signature, particularly if you are not running 5 identical speakers in a surround setup, as you will notice a far greater difference between the speakers and room interaction than you will the circuit topology.

It pretty much comes down to power, and in terms of power, I liked the PP300 for it's greater dynamics as a center channel amplifier, but my speakers are not as efficient as what you have.  I am running 5 Gallo Ref's that are listed as 88db efficient, but I think they are closer to 84 or 85.  I really like the PP series of amps and preferred a pair of PP300's to the 4BSST, but like the 4BSST2 the best.  I am another potential buyer of a single channel 4BSST2 and would like to see an updated version of the PP300 with full "squared" updates and greater heat dissipation.  I think it will eventually come once all the other projects are complete and production is running smoothly and meeting demand.

Overall I think you will be very happy with your purchase of the PP120.

[alexone]

I have considerable experience with all the power packs and have owned 5 PP60's, 7 PP 120's, and 5 PP300's, as well as ST, SST, and SST2 versions of the 3B and 4B.  Currently I am running a B100SST for preamp and surround channels, a 4BSST2 for right and left, and a PP300 for center channel.   I have found all the amps to be a great match in terms of sonic signature, particularly if you are not running 5 identical speakers in a surround setup, as you will notice a far greater difference between the speakers and room interaction than you will the circuit topology.

It pretty much comes down to power, and in terms of power, I liked the PP300 for it's greater dynamics as a center channel amplifier, but my speakers are not as efficient as what you have.  I am running 5 Gallo Ref's that are listed as 88db efficient, but I think they are closer to 84 or 85.  I really like the PP series of amps and preferred a pair of PP300's to the 4BSST, but like the 4BSST2 the best.  I am another potential buyer of a single channel 4BSST2 and would like to see an updated version of the PP300 with full "squared" updates and greater heat dissipation.  I think it will eventually come once all the other projects are complete and production is running smoothly and meeting demand.

Overall I think you will be very happy with your purchase of the PP120.

...sounds interesting, Servingko. now that you have good experience with the 4B SST² (left, right) and PP300 (center) - how would you rate the difference in terms of sound etc...? is it huge or is it more slightly?

thanx,

al.

[servingko]

It's rather subjective, but for me the difference between a pair of PP300's and a 4BSST2 was significant in that I felt the improvement justified the cost.  There was greater detail and a more 3-D presentation to the sound all creating more of a "you are there" effect to the sound.  In particular, low level retrieval at low volume levels was much improved but again, it is subjective as these differences may not be as noticeable to someone else in another system or room.

Low frequencies seemed a bit more thin with the 4BSST2 vs the PP300's but as I have listened more it sounds a bit more lifelike and detailed.  Upper frequencies seem smoother and more extended with greater "air" around instruments and voices.  As has been mentioned before, I would say it's evolutionary not revolutionary but noticeable and in my opinion, worth the cost.

[spinner]

 So would you say that the 4B has a greater sense of  "refinement" overall?

[SoundGame]

So would you say that the 4B has a greater sense of  "refinement" overall?

I think it's clear that the SST2 series raises the bar on performance - in all respects, when compared with the SST series.  The SST2 brings an extra level of refinement, control, finesse and smoothness, with just an ever slight touch of warmth vs. the SST.  The PowerPacs are SST series and therefore will outperform the ST series amps but will still fall short of the SST2.
 
Anyone, in the past who may have referred to Bryston amplification as being unrefined, harsh and lacking refinement, has not heard the SST2 series.  The SST2 series, seriously brings all the audiophile qualities into play and offers very little room for any criticism. 
 
So, in short, you will get a higher level of performance from the SST2 series over the PowerPacs but it is evolutionary and mainly in the sense of refinement across the board.  This all would require that you have speakers and cabling that are at least mid-fi to reveal the differences.

[CR]

It is good to see others that have the PP300 in comparison to the 4B'S.
One thing I forgot to mention in my posting is the PP300's I have are the SST versions. I have yet to acquire a 4BSST2 for my main fronts, which I will eventually do. On another Bryston thread there was discussion for the 4B in the mono block version or a mini 4BSST2. Personally,  like others on the forum , would welcome such a unit. 

[SoundGame]

It is good to see others that have the PP300 in comparison to the 4B'S.
One thing I forgot to mention in my posting is the PP300's I have are the SST versions. I have yet to acquire a 4BSST2 for my main fronts, which I will eventually do. On another Bryston thread there was discussion for the 4B in the mono block version or a mini 4BSST2. Personally,  like others on the forum , would welcome such a unit.

Perhaps a 6B-SST2 which is essentially a 4B with 3 channels might be the option for a number of people but if you already owned a 4B, then that would involved probably selling it first or perhaps using it to drive the rear channels.

[CR]

I thought about that but alot of times I just listen to the 2 fronts while doing work. My experience in having 2 channel or less is more for me, because , if one of the channels goes out on a 3 channel or 5 channel amp then I would be out all those channels until the amp would be returned.

[SoundGame]

I thought about that but alot of times I just listen to the 2 fronts while doing work. My experience in having 2 channel or less is more for me, because , if one of the channels goes out on a 3 channel or 5 channel amp then I would be out all those channels until the amp would be returned.

Interesting, however, it's a Bryston and reliability is way up there as well as service if something did kick out.  I'm sure they could get it back to you before you exhibited any life-threatening music withdrawal symptoms....

[spinner]

 Yes , I'm waiting for the 4bsst2 mini monos as well. 

[Alpha10]

Yes , I'm waiting for the 4bsst2 mini monos as well. 

If that happens I will buy one for my centre and then an extra PP120 so I have two for the rears