Bryston 28bsst2 worthy upgrade from a krell fpb70?


I am using a magnepan mg 20.7, i was wondering if the bryston 28bsst2 is in the same league or better than my older krell fpb700? The krell is already 11 years old and am thinking of moving on to something new. Btw preamp is a jadis jps2

Thanks in advance
lecram

Showing 4 responses by wrm57

Hi Lecram,

One thing to consider in making your decision, of course, is impedance matching between your Jadis preamp and the Bryston 28B-SST2. From what I can gather, the JPS2 has an output impedance of 1.5K ohms. The 28B has an input impedance of 15K single-ended or 15.5K balanced. Typical rule of thumb says 10X at a minimum is needed on the amp-side, and many people prefer 20X or more to prevent distortion and dynamic compression. So, that puts the 28B right at the edge of compatible with your preamp, perhaps too close for comfort. It might sound just fine but you really should try before you buy. Just thought I'd point out this possible issue, since no one has mentioned it in the thread.

All that being said, the 28B is an excellent amp. I've been using a pair with a VAC Phi Beta preamp (output impedance of 200 ohms) for a few years and really enjoy them. For comparison, I also have a VAC 300.1a tube amp and a Reference Line Silver Signature, which is a boutique pure class A, solid state amp from the late 1990s. The 28Bs more than hold their own against these others, to the point where I've been unable to part with the Brystons despite their obvious redundancy in my system. Never heard the Krell, though, so I can't make a direct comparison to that well-regarded piece.

Good luck.
Uh, right. I think he already knows that his present amp is compatible with his present preamp.