Parasound A21 vs Bryston 4bsst 2

Let me see if I got this right; the Parasound is flat out better than the Bryston, and the Bryston is only good for the warranty but not sound quality?

I am not sure if linking another web page is welcome overhere, in terms of a-gon forum policy... If not, I apologize. If so, I would recommend this page:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/bryston-7b-sstsup2sup-monoblock-power-amplifier-page-5

According to Mickey Fremer's opinion, the Parasound top monoblocs Halo JC-1 (400W) pretty clearly outperformed similarly priced Bryston 7BSST monos (600W). The next step-down in both brand lines are exactly the Halo A21 and 4BSST respectively... so, a possible outcome of similar comparison may be easily predictable, at least for ears similar to mr Fremer ones...

I would not vote, of course, since I have never heard any Bryston in my system. But as a former owner of the A21 I can say this amp is one of my most inspiring experience and true entrance-gate in (so-called) hi-end, for minor money. This particular piece of Halo A-21 ended at my friend's place, making him happy last 5 years or so.

I have extensive experience with the A21's bigger brother, the highly reputable Halo JC-1 monoblocs, comparing them many times to Krell-Evo-400 and Evo-400e monos. I can say Halos have not any reason to be ashamed in all those showdown parties with double-priced Krells. Actually, the outcome had turned vice versa sometimes, depending of preamp, speakers, music etc. In terms of final verdict, I would say Krells emerged as a bit more audiophilic, more neutral, sober amps, while Parasound Halos appeared mesmerizing with euphonia, sweet sustain-prone highs and delicious, meaty midband.

As far I could recall the sonic nature of smaller Halo A21, this is the very same type of sound. Warmest recommendation.

Well... linked page above emerged apparently unusable, so I would pinpoint the link verbally, towards the review of the Bryston 7BSST monoblocs in Stereophile (January 2010), page 5, comparison with Halo JC-1s.

"Let me see if I got this right; the Parasound is flat out better than the Bryston, and the Bryston is only good for the warranty but not sound quality?"

The point I was trying to make was that people (“professional” or otherwise) make amplifier comparisons that don't carry much weight... One must A/B two components that are perfectly level matched – tiny level differences make a big difference in sound – you will hear a difference in a component if one is louder than the other - it's just the way our ears work, but it's not necessarily the truth..

I'm not saying all gear sounds the same, but there's a lot of prose out there that is based on emotion and in unreliable test settings...

I'm a big Bryston fan – I've heard their amplifiers countless times in studios and would always recommend them. But when someone is concerned with cost, sometimes other options are better. In my experience, both amps will sonically provide Ricred1 with what he's looking for, and if budget is a concern, go for the less expensive one...

One other comment about Bryston – they claim that going up the product line will only provide you with more power – the sound is the same from model to model (unless you're running a lower powered model beyond it's intended abilities – thus the need to move to a more powerful model)...

Zkzpb8, thanks for your thorough explanation. Much appreciated. There's both pros and cons in subjective and objective testing. I have no problem with how anyone feels about Bryston anymore. I used to get upset about it, but life's too short...