Experience with Bryston 2b, are the 3b and newer sst models similar? Better?

[dsx123]

Over the last few, i have made it a point to try a ton of different amps. One that stood out to me was the bryston 2b, its just really clean sounding, neutral, while retaining good bass/ some warmness. I understand why they have been making this model since the 1970s.

Wondering if the 3b is similar? would it be an upgrade to the 2b? also wondering if newer models like the b100 sst compare, if they are better sounding or?

I have read a lot of former posts, but still am short on info on how these compare. I can say from the 2b, i am a bryston fan.

 

[twiiii]

Its been a long time since I heard the older Bryston. But when I did hear them and we had to service them when being used in professional sound systems such as entertainment systems I found them to be very enjoyable with a enviable reputation. The 3B is more advanced for sure so you might hear a bit cleaner signal presentation. But it won't be a radical difference such as when Crown changed to using class D amplifiers, Yuk!. You might want to consider looking for a 3B MK II. I get nervous about amps when they start reaching 20 years old. Even if Bryston warrants their amps for 20 years for the original purchaser. But home users are less demanding of their Brystons. So as long as the unit you are considering hasn't been treated harshly in professional service and you are buying from the original consumer owner I wouldn't be to concerned. Good Luck.

 

[dsx123]

Thanks for the feedback. I almost wonder if the reason the 2b sounds so good, is the simplicity of the circuit. I have heard a number of amps like this, where they have a super simple circuit, but sound great, due to less crap in the signal path. The 2b looks easy to service. I know what you mean about older amps, all bets are off sometimes, but i do know how to re-cap amps, so might rebuild a 2b. It surprised me how good it sounded being a pro amp. I have run into a few pro amps that beat out expensive hifi for sound, the yamaha p2100/ p2200 is like this. paid $50 for my 2100 and its beaten out a lot of giant over-engineered stuff.

And I agree with the sentiment on class d. comparing a fancy new class d amp, to a good regular designed amp with transistors is kind of crazy. The class d sounds ok-ish by itself, but comparing directly, the class d stuff just completely skips a ton of bass, and sounds just weird. I am convinced the only reason a lot of companies are switching to class d, is because it is much cheaper to make, and easier to engineer.. I feel like its going to be like the switch from tube to solid state.