04-07-2016, 02:29 PM
(Modification du message : 04-07-2016, 02:34 PM par tonton flingueur.)
February 2016
undefined
Bryston 4B3 (Cubed) stereo amplifier
“For me, the most important electronics introduced at CES 2016 were Bryston’s new Cubed amplifiers.
undefined
The 2.5B³, 3B³, and 4B³ stereo amps and 7B³, 14B³, and 28B³ monoblocks are all direct replacements of earlier, similarly named Squared models introduced eight years ago, the names of all of which end with the suffix SST2. (For this new line, Bryston has decided to ditch SST and simply close the superscript 3 up to the B³.
Bryston’s SST2 models have long been held in high regard including by SoundStage! Network writers -- each model offers exceptional sound quality at a very reasonable price, and is backed by a 20-year warranty. And Bryston has a sterling reputation for fixing everything they make, no questions asked. (I’ve run across many companies that offer long warranties, but refuse to fix a problem if they can find a way to blame the buyer for it.)
The Cubed models are purported to sound and measure even better than the Squareds, mainly because of a new, patented input stage that Bryston claims reduces the Squared models’ levels of distortion by 90%. The rejection of common-mode and EMI/RFI noise are also said to be improved. And the Cubeds’ front panels look better than the Squareds’
To me, the sweet spot of Bryston’s Squared line was the 4BSST2 stereo amp -- its power outputs of 300Wpc into 8 ohms or 500Wpc into 4 ohms are enough for most situations, and its retail price is low enough that many serious audiophiles on a budget can afford it.
For me, the 4BSST2 has always been a great benchmark to judge other amps against -- which is why, for a couple of years, my reference system included one. Now there’s the 4B³, with the same specified power outputs and the improvements noted above. Given that the new models are all basically the same as the old, I suspect that the 4B³ will remain the sweet spot in the new line.
As I write this, none of the prices for the Cubed models have been set. But if Bryston’s prices for the new series remain in line with its past products, I suspect that the 4B³ will not cost much more than the previous model -- in which case it should represent at least as good a value as its predecessor.”
Doug Schneider
das@soundstagenetwork.com
Hi James
We received our new 4B Cubed this week.
undefined
We replaced out 4B SST-2 in our reference system.
If I compare the new 4B-3 (Cubed) and 4B SST 2, the advantages of the new Cubed series right out of the box are:
• More spacious and airy
• The high end frequencies are more softer
• Better image
• More depth
• A low bass even stronger and faster
A pure delight !
Jacques Dube
Audition Veritable
[b]undefined Logged[/b]
[b]Hi James,
I'm loving the way the new Cubed amplifiers looks, I think it's a nice change.
undefined
Although I still have not had time to go back to 7B squared's, will do that today.
The new 4B Cubed sounds more delicate, open, airy and transparent than how I remember the SST2's sounded.
In terms of tonal balance (very neutral), bass control and low noise I'm not sure if there are any improvements but I don't think the previous Bryston amps needed any improvements in those departments anyways.
I'm using the 4B with some uber high-end gear from CH Precision and Tenor and have it driving the Magico S7's and it certainly is feeling right at home with its accompanying components that are priced at 10x the new 4B cubed.
I'll give you some more details once I go back to the 7B squared's.
Mark.[/b]
undefined
Bryston 4B3 (Cubed) stereo amplifier
“For me, the most important electronics introduced at CES 2016 were Bryston’s new Cubed amplifiers.
undefined
The 2.5B³, 3B³, and 4B³ stereo amps and 7B³, 14B³, and 28B³ monoblocks are all direct replacements of earlier, similarly named Squared models introduced eight years ago, the names of all of which end with the suffix SST2. (For this new line, Bryston has decided to ditch SST and simply close the superscript 3 up to the B³.
Bryston’s SST2 models have long been held in high regard including by SoundStage! Network writers -- each model offers exceptional sound quality at a very reasonable price, and is backed by a 20-year warranty. And Bryston has a sterling reputation for fixing everything they make, no questions asked. (I’ve run across many companies that offer long warranties, but refuse to fix a problem if they can find a way to blame the buyer for it.)
The Cubed models are purported to sound and measure even better than the Squareds, mainly because of a new, patented input stage that Bryston claims reduces the Squared models’ levels of distortion by 90%. The rejection of common-mode and EMI/RFI noise are also said to be improved. And the Cubeds’ front panels look better than the Squareds’
To me, the sweet spot of Bryston’s Squared line was the 4BSST2 stereo amp -- its power outputs of 300Wpc into 8 ohms or 500Wpc into 4 ohms are enough for most situations, and its retail price is low enough that many serious audiophiles on a budget can afford it.
For me, the 4BSST2 has always been a great benchmark to judge other amps against -- which is why, for a couple of years, my reference system included one. Now there’s the 4B³, with the same specified power outputs and the improvements noted above. Given that the new models are all basically the same as the old, I suspect that the 4B³ will remain the sweet spot in the new line.
As I write this, none of the prices for the Cubed models have been set. But if Bryston’s prices for the new series remain in line with its past products, I suspect that the 4B³ will not cost much more than the previous model -- in which case it should represent at least as good a value as its predecessor.”
Doug Schneider
das@soundstagenetwork.com
Hi James
We received our new 4B Cubed this week.
undefined
We replaced out 4B SST-2 in our reference system.
If I compare the new 4B-3 (Cubed) and 4B SST 2, the advantages of the new Cubed series right out of the box are:
• More spacious and airy
• The high end frequencies are more softer
• Better image
• More depth
• A low bass even stronger and faster
A pure delight !
Jacques Dube
Audition Veritable
[b]undefined Logged[/b]
[b]Hi James,
I'm loving the way the new Cubed amplifiers looks, I think it's a nice change.
undefined
Although I still have not had time to go back to 7B squared's, will do that today.
The new 4B Cubed sounds more delicate, open, airy and transparent than how I remember the SST2's sounded.
In terms of tonal balance (very neutral), bass control and low noise I'm not sure if there are any improvements but I don't think the previous Bryston amps needed any improvements in those departments anyways.
I'm using the 4B with some uber high-end gear from CH Precision and Tenor and have it driving the Magico S7's and it certainly is feeling right at home with its accompanying components that are priced at 10x the new 4B cubed.
I'll give you some more details once I go back to the 7B squared's.
Mark.[/b]