b&k or Bryston or McCormack?


Greetings. I am purchasing the new Martin Logan Ascent (replaces the SL3)loudspeakers.My quandry regards amplification. My budget is limited following the speaker purchase but I need amps. The B&K Reference 4420 is on closeout at my local retailer for $800 (225 watts @8 ohms x2). I was originally considering buying either the Bryston 4b-st, of the McCormack 225. However for less than the price of one of those amps, I can buy two B&Ks and bi-amp. My room is 27 ftx 18 ft, speakers are for music primarily, but will see some HT action. My musical tastes are varied but primarily alt/classic rock. I don't really have the luxury of an in-home audition, so I thought I would turn to the web for some wisdom. Thank you all in advance for your thoughts and consideration, I really appreciate your input.
mspencerod2cd0

Showing 1 response by martice

I own a B&K EX4420 2-channel amp. My associated equipment is as follows: Acurus ACD-11 CD player MSB Link DAC Aragon 24K pre-amp PSB Goldi Speakers NBS Dragonfly ITC's DH Labs Q-10 Bi-wire cables Denon 1500CD-RW Player I am totally satified with the performance of the B&K amp that I use and it has no problem handling the full range of music and frequencies that it's reputation promises to deliver. Is it quiet? Yes!! Is it powerful? Yes!! Does it have the same characteristics of the Bryston or McCormack? I doubt it. Does it sound better than either of the two amps in question? That's relevant to your system and how it's put together. Do I wish I owned a Bryston or McCormack? For bragging rights maybe. Hey, I did always want to date the prom queen back in the days but my girlfriend who ended up being my wife turned out to be the steal of the century!!!