Bryston?


For over 20 years I used Bryston pre- and power amps. Then came the streaming era and somehow I never went back to Bryston. 
Now it occurs to me that nobody on A'gon seems to mention  this once-revered Canadian line. So, what's the story? I know they still have US dealers.

hickamore

I have nothing but good things to say about Bryston. Their MO is not to be the latest new thing, but to carefully refine their designs and bring only real improvements to their products. 

The Cubed series is a step up from the previous line. It's the quietest amp I've ever used and is supremely neutral. I have the 3B3 Pro because that's as much power as I need. The fact that it's 35lbs and fits in my rack is a big bonus. But the larger ones are still easier to handle than most high end amps. The Pro version has trim pots on the back to match my preamp gain better. 

My interactions with Bryston were excellent. I received replies to any questions within hours and the responses were on point. I also had great service from my dealer during the transaction and follow up afterwards. 

As a Bryston fan and long-time owner I can share the following for some background and context:

What happened to Bryston?

SoundStage! Hi-Fi | SoundStageHiFi.com - Bryston: How a Devastating Death Led to a New Lease on Life

2021 public announcement of relocation and some operational consolidations:

(1) Peterborough audio electronics company Bryston sold, relocating manufacturing to Muskoka area | Globalnews.ca

I relatively recently had my 4B ST amp restored by Bryston. It was a very good experience and was previously described by me here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2554910

I have found Bryston staff responsive and very helpful. Responses never came the same day but usually within a couple of days. 

Bryston, like several well-regarded legacy audio manufacturers, has faced the challenges associated with the passing of time and founders.

Also, like some audio companies, Bryston has always maintained a somewhat low- key presence. Anyone heard anything about Quad lately? 

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About a year ago, I bought a pair of Bryston Mini T speakers from my local Bryston dealer. I had been searching for a second set of speakers for a 2nd system and wandered into the shop to listen to various sets of speakers. I auditioned a few speakers from various manufacturers, but then the owner of the shop swapped in the Mini T’s. After about 2 minutes of listening to the Mini T’s, I had to have them.

They are an 8" three way stand mount speaker with low’s extending into the mid 30 hertz range. Very smooth, very accurate. I REALLY enjoy them.

I was using passive subs, an outboard crossover and separate power amps for the low frequencies on this 2nd stereo setup but ended up removing all of the subwoofer setup since the Bryston’s play low enough for my taste and the simplification of the system was the best route for me. Have I mentioned I REALLY enjoy them?

The newest T10 speaker line up is now at my local dealer...and I’m anxious to hear these new line array cabinets. Bryston is alive and well, at least at my local shop

I will also share a hugely positive and recent experience.  Purchased a pair of second hand 7B SST 2 units to replace a McIntosh MC 302 that was simply too bulky and heavy for me to manage anymore.  When I received them, the original shipping cartons were pretty beat up and the speaker cable binding posts had cracked plastic knurls.  Sent Bryston an email with serial numbers and asked how much it would be to purchase replacements and how long it would take.  They sent the binding posts with detailed replacement instructions at no charge the next day and the replacement cartons the same day I gave them my CC.

Replacing the binding posts was a piece of cake and the cartons ensure that the next time I have to move the amps my experience will be trouble-free.  The superb response of a company expertly and proudly supporting superseded gear guarantees I will keep them at the top of my go-to list for electronics.  It's for precisely that reason that Dynavector, McIntosh and SOTA remain go-to manufacturers for me.

Lots of folks here frequently fret over corporate consolidation and The End Of The Audio World As We Know It.  My experiences lead me to believe most higher-end companies rely on positive word-of-mouth to build sales and can go to unusual lengths to make sure that impression is substantiated irrespective of venture capital intrusions.  All of the companies I note above have done so and 3 of them multiple times over 15+ years.  In the case of Dynavector, it's been since I purchased my first Karat 23 Ruby back in the early 80s.  Bryston is the newest addition to that enviable group.

We just have to remember this is a hobby first for everyone involved.  If we treat our fellow hobbyists with respect and give them the information they need to know to help us, they will respond as best they're able.  Everyone wants happy listening.  We need only give those who support that goal the courtesy to provide it.

You don’t hear much about Bryston around here because the gear performs and  doesn’t have problems. I bought a BP25 preamp and 4bST amp in Y2K and had no issues in 19 1/2 years, selling them with 6 months left on the warranty.

The replacements are a BP26 preamp and 4b3 amp and the newer components are even better sounding than my previous units, in a surprising way.

If you have questions James Tanner has been there for as long as I can remember and whenever I’ve emailed an inquiry he has responded promptly. He sends emails of product reviews and owner comments on a regular basis.