2. amps-preamps
  3. 1338298846

Ayre V-5Xe or Bryston 4B-ST

All,

I am currently using a Bryston 4BSt driving my sonus faber cremona speakers. Seems like a great match since the bryston is very neutral and the SF well you know their character. I have an opportunity to purchase an Ayre V-5XE and have heard great things about the Ayre. Large sound staging, quiet, and great frequency response. I know that listening is very subjective but was wondering if anyone could make a suggestion if the Ayre would be an improvement over the bryston. I am using a tubed preamp with some really nice NOS tubes.

Thanks in advanced. Doug
dougwhitesell

Showing 1 response by raquel

raquel
841 posts
 
I have not heard that combo, but all things being equal, my experience has been that most people prefer the sound of a zero-feedback amp like the Ayre. The Bryston is an honest product that features very good build quality for the money, but it sounds closed-in and two-dimensional compared to typical zero feedback designs.

PS - I owned a 4B-ST for five years.
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