2. amps-preamps
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9B-ST for Home Theater Amp

I am using an Acurus 125x5 for the home theater surround setup, but I think my speakers need something with more bass control. The "slam" that I like is just not there in the mid-bass and lower frequencies. Can I get that out of a Bryston 9B-ST? I have the 4B-ST for my separate audio system, and the thing rocks. I'm worried that with a 9B I'm basically just buying 5 3Bs. Anyone have any other recommendations aside from Bryston? I thought about waiting around for the new 6B-ST and combining it with a 4B-ST, but then of course I'd have to get a new amp for my audio system. Ahh, decisions, decisions. Input would be appreciated.
argent

Showing 3 responses by argent

argent OP
245 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I auditioned Aragon (Palladium, 8008) and Proceed when I was looking for my audio amp. I settled on the 4B-ST. My impressions were as follows:

Aragon - musical
Proceed - raunchy power
B&K - had punch, sort of
Bryston - pure control

The Bryston literally tamed the bass drivers into submission. And that's really what I'm looking for. Thanks for the info, Sdcampell, on the 6B-ST, but I have a pretty good relationship with my dealer. I know he'll cut me a good price. I have thought about going with the 5B for the center and rears like you mentioned. Possibly an 8B to bump up the power for the center channel. Have you noticed any sound drop-off or sluggishness in your center or rears because of the power varience between the 4B and the 5B? That is my main reason for waiting on the 6B.
argent OP
245 posts
 
I use Energy C-8's for front, C-6's for rears. Energy has no comperable center channel, so I went with the most neutral speaker, PMC LB-1 (essentially a professional monitor). I know I've broken every rule in the book by using a different tweeter and driver cone than the rest of my system for the center channel, but I must say the PMC does not color the sound at all. The transition across the front three speakers is seemless. But the PMC just strains the heck out of the center amp (Acurus 125x5). The Energy's are extremely efficient, but need to be tamed on the lower end (enter by Bryston 4B-ST). The PMC is woefully inefficient, but it utilizes a spectacular Dynaudio driver. This is why I toyed with getting an 8B and splitting it into a three channel amp (mongo power for center, and 120 at the rears). I feel that 120 on the center may be a hair underpowered. But if an 8B is more expensive than a 6B, I may just get the 6B. Anyway, thanks for everyone's assistance.
argent OP
245 posts
 
To answer the post above, check the 9B-THX review that Stereophile did (Vol.23 No.9) - also check Bryston's site for more reviews. Looking through my 2001 Recommended Components list from Stereophile I show they rated it Class A.
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