Spoke to son of Magnepans founder about amp matching and Bryston is it.I think the 3 series Maggie has been matched with the Bryston more often then any other combo because it works.Plenty of current in the 4B ST (rated at 225 and benches near another 50 watts more).Mono's would be better but you may not need it if room isn't too big and you don't play too loud (not a head banger speaker anyway) but they do suck it down.My choice would be a 4B ST and then when you have some more ching-a-ling get second one to bi-amp HORIZONTALLY with a Bryston 10B X-Over.I got the 3.6 4ST for buddy and I keep telling him it would be worth it.I have not heard that Levinson (latter models with other speakers yes and they are fine amps) but think Raquel has idea with those excellent 400 watt mono Parasounds.Love to hear by buddies hear with 'em.
Best Value in Used Bryston Amps and Monoblocks
As a long time fan of Magnepan's, I have always wanted to try Bryston amps, especially their monoblocks which are rumoured to be a very good match for my speakers, and have also been recommended by Magneplanar over the years, albeit off the record.
What I can't figure out, however, is the logic to the Bryston product line, where there is value in the used market, or which version or vintage I might buy for a reasonable price.
I can't tell which ones are monoblocks vs single chassis stereo amps, I don't care about "THX" designations or multi channel and I don't know what "SST" means.
From time to time, I will see a SINGLE monoblock for sale, which I keep in mind for my next mono system, or perhaps when I want a mismatched, high powered center channel.
I find weird ads which supposedly have brand new, never opened, but 5 years old "NOS" (new old stock) which I suppose were obtained through a time machine or recovered from a sunken ship in perfect shape.
Then I find ads for what look like basically new ones, which are suprisingly expensive, or battle scarred old amps with faceplates so scratched they look like they were traded in a drug deal and ended up in a pawn shop.
I read good things about Bryston's customer service, but every time I have reached out to them to try and better understand this, I get more than a whiff of we really don't care if you buy our products or not attitude, despite the fact that there is no dealer in my area.
So in summary, can someone please explain the history of these amps, which ones sound best, and what vintage might represent the best value in today's market?
I don't have a set budget, but thinking I would sell my Levinson 23.5 for $2-2500, so < $3K would be great.
Thank you,
cwlondon
What I can't figure out, however, is the logic to the Bryston product line, where there is value in the used market, or which version or vintage I might buy for a reasonable price.
I can't tell which ones are monoblocks vs single chassis stereo amps, I don't care about "THX" designations or multi channel and I don't know what "SST" means.
From time to time, I will see a SINGLE monoblock for sale, which I keep in mind for my next mono system, or perhaps when I want a mismatched, high powered center channel.
I find weird ads which supposedly have brand new, never opened, but 5 years old "NOS" (new old stock) which I suppose were obtained through a time machine or recovered from a sunken ship in perfect shape.
Then I find ads for what look like basically new ones, which are suprisingly expensive, or battle scarred old amps with faceplates so scratched they look like they were traded in a drug deal and ended up in a pawn shop.
I read good things about Bryston's customer service, but every time I have reached out to them to try and better understand this, I get more than a whiff of we really don't care if you buy our products or not attitude, despite the fact that there is no dealer in my area.
So in summary, can someone please explain the history of these amps, which ones sound best, and what vintage might represent the best value in today's market?
I don't have a set budget, but thinking I would sell my Levinson 23.5 for $2-2500, so < $3K would be great.
Thank you,
cwlondon