2. amps-preamps
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B&K with bryston?

Hello all,

I am wondering about a possible scenario for my first setup.

I am finally purchasing my front mains...JM Labs Cobalt 816s. I don't have a reciever/pre-pro +amp yet, and I have a possible combo I would like to get some advice on.

My speakers are super efficient...91.5dBs with a max power handling capacity of 125W. Until now I have been planning on buying a reciever, but I was browsing, and found a Bryston 2B-LP amp for sale, cheap. This amp has reported 60W, but that is pure bryston power. How would this amp work with these speakers in conjunction with a B7K Ref30? I would love to grab a Bryston SP-1, but that is a bit out of my price range. This would also allow me to add a Bryston 5B-ST at a later date, to run fronts and center, and move the 2B to the rears when I purchase the rest of the system. Slick.

So, does anyone have an opinion on how well this combo would work? I really want to go with Bryston power now that I found the 2B for so cheap, and the 5B for a grand. If not the B&K, (but in the same &1500 neighborhood) what other manufacturer?

Thanks,
Z
zstokes
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Zsokes, at the sake of being redundant, listen before you buy. I hope you are not buying a 2B based on the reputation of the Bryston ST's. Not to disparage the 2B but there is a difference.
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Is it possible for a Denon or B&K reciever to sound better than the setup listed below, even if the amp is a 2B-LP? I seriously do not know...I am a newbie at this. I figured that the 2B would be a good place to start...If I don't like how that amp sounds with the mains (this is probably temporary, unless I really like the sound), I could transfer this amp to the rears. I certainly am not experienced enough to tell a major difference in the surrounds, unless it's an astounding difference.

So in addition to the above scenario/question, does anyone possibly have a suggestion for a pre/pro and amp combo to accompany my speakers....JM Labs Cobalt 816s? Thier sensativity and max power handling seem to limit my options, but that's good 'cause my budget is smallish anyway.

Thanks for the input Unsound. Any other comments are welcome and appreciated.

Z
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Please don't discount the Bryston 2B. I honestly don't know how it would pair those recievers. I am also not familiar with your speakers other than they handle up to 125 watts, 91.5 db sensitive, and here is where amp choices are not so generous (I think the Bryston can handle it)the impedance drops to 3.3 OHMS. As far as recievers and surround sound are concerned, I can't help you. I have "issues" with the whole idea. You mention a bargain price. Do you mind sharing your budget so that others might help you?
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Ah the budget. Well, for everyone trying to do this on a 'budget', God help them, and me.

I would like to grab an amp for $800 or less for the mains, however, considering I don't need 250 watts per channel, I think I should be able to spend a little less than that. For center and surrounds (I will employ a 5.1 setup), maybe another $800 to $1000 for a 3 channel later this year, early next year.

I do however, need a pre/pro and or a reciever. I figure I would like to go one way or the other here...using a reciever AS a pre/pro and adding amps seems like a waste or resource, at least to me. My budget for this caps at about $1200 to $1500. The B&K Ref30 seems like a bit of a stretch at $1500, but I did see one that sold already for $1595...just have to make it to my wife at that price. 8^)

Hell, I don't know. I guess I'm lost in the 'newbie' fray. Componants sounds like a good idea for upgrades and even sound/dollar, but the ease of a reciever sounds good also. However, the B&K 305/307 goes for $2000 used, if a fella is really lucky...probably closer to $2500. For that much, I can certainly pick up the Ref30 and even a Bryston 5B-ST. ???

Thanks so much for your imput and guidance.

Z
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