I own a Bryston 4B-ST and 5B-ST, but have done some extended listening recently to the 6B-ST. I think the overall audio quality of the 6B-ST is better than the 4B-ST, although not "night and day" better. I think the 6B-ST is an excellent amp, and I'd characterize its tonal qualities as very similar to the new 14B-ST. I think you will find the 6B-ST to be an excellent choice -- if I were in the market for a more powerful version of my 5B-ST, I'd definitely go with the 6B-ST.
Which amp is better...
I have narrowed my search to between the Proceed HPA3 and the Bryston 6B-ST (sort of). I know that listening is the key, but unfortunately I do not have the option of listening to either amp. I own a 4B-ST right now, but I am in desperate need of some decent center channel amplification. I've posted on this subject before, and you all have provided some good advice, but now I'm kinda stuck. The Bryston does wonders with my system for movies and excellent for music (other equipment includes B&W N804s, HTM-1 center, Proceed AVP, Meridian 508.24, & Sony DVP-9000ES, music 60%,movies 40%).
I have auditioned the Proceed AMP 5 (great sound, I love the option to use both balanced and single ended ICs at the same time, but just lacking in bass) and as I mentioned I own a 4B-ST (great bass, but lacking some of the detail that the Proceed provided). My question is, is the HPA3 a last-amp-you'll-ever-buy amp, or has Bryston added a few more goodies to the 6B-ST to enhance its quality over the already superb 4B-ST? I'm not so concerned with warranty anymore (5 years from Proceed is good enough). Remember, I will have to buy either of these amps sight-unseen. I know this goes against every rule here, but the hi-fi market has virually shut down where I live. The 4B-ST will be sold to help finance this purchase (moving it to the rears was an option until the stock market tanked). Anyway, thanks all.
As a side thought (for less money), there are so many 4B-STs for sale on this site CHEAP, anyone ever run one as a mono-block?--good quality? For the cheap prices they are selling at it might almost pay to just run one channel and let the other one idle. That would be a quick solution that I could live with. Sorry for the long post, but I'm kinda in a corner right now.
I have auditioned the Proceed AMP 5 (great sound, I love the option to use both balanced and single ended ICs at the same time, but just lacking in bass) and as I mentioned I own a 4B-ST (great bass, but lacking some of the detail that the Proceed provided). My question is, is the HPA3 a last-amp-you'll-ever-buy amp, or has Bryston added a few more goodies to the 6B-ST to enhance its quality over the already superb 4B-ST? I'm not so concerned with warranty anymore (5 years from Proceed is good enough). Remember, I will have to buy either of these amps sight-unseen. I know this goes against every rule here, but the hi-fi market has virually shut down where I live. The 4B-ST will be sold to help finance this purchase (moving it to the rears was an option until the stock market tanked). Anyway, thanks all.
As a side thought (for less money), there are so many 4B-STs for sale on this site CHEAP, anyone ever run one as a mono-block?--good quality? For the cheap prices they are selling at it might almost pay to just run one channel and let the other one idle. That would be a quick solution that I could live with. Sorry for the long post, but I'm kinda in a corner right now.