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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
cwlondon

Showing 2 responses by kbarkamian

kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Rcrerar gave a very good lineage, so to speak. The C-Series designation is not electrical, it is cosmetic. The C-Series was a facelift during I think the SST series.

In regards to which is the best sounding series, the newer the better. I'd go no lower than the ST series, as that's when Bryston came into their own IMO.

While the house sound stayed the same, there was an appreciable jump between ST and SST. Not huge, but definitely worthy of a new name. If I were looking at Bryston amps in that range, I'd take a model number lower SST over a model up ST - e.g. 3B SST over 4B ST.

If the a new 2B SST2 will power your Maggies sufficiently, that may very well be the way to go. The current line is a good deal better than the previous ones.

People on Audio Circle's Bryston Circle should know about your Maggies. James Tanner may have had a pair in his room at one point.

Bryston doesn't look down on second hand gear IMO. James, Mike Pickett, and others have helped me a lot online and over the phone. Maybe someone over there had a bad day? I've had my integrated amp upgraded too. Never once talked to me like I wasn't important. If they looked down on it, I'm sure they'd change the transferrable part of the warranty.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Magnepan has shown their speakers with Bryston numerous times, if my memory serves me right. If they can choose pretty much any electronics manufacturer and choose Bryston on a regular basis, that says something.
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