Personally, I tried the 4bST, and couldn't take it for more than 20 minutes. Way to bright to my ears. IMHO, Bryston is way too bright, and that is what is bothering you. A different pre amp may help.
Sound shaping recommendation with Bryston 4BSST
I am using a new Bryston 4BSST/BP25 combo with a Shanling T200 CD player and Aerial 7B speakers. Unfortunately, I'm not hearing the creamy smoothness I was hopinng to get with the Shanling tube CD player. At high volumes, the treble is like shards of crushed ice in my ears. So...any suggestions? Is it a question of replacing the BP25? Help...many $$$ spent, and no audio nirvana yet.