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Bryston or Classe for NHT 3.3

Hi all,

I have a question where you hopefully can provide some input/experience.

I'm currently using NHT 2.9's for L/R in a 5.1 set-up. The 2.9's are powered by a B&K reference 4420. I'll use the 2.9's/B&K as surround speakers and will use the 3.3's as L/R.

Now I'm tryimg to decide which amplifier would best match the NHT 3.3's.

I hear at lot of people like the Classe/NHT combination. On the other hand I have also heard good things about the Bryston/NHT combination. And of course the excellent warranty from Bryston (consider that important, since I'll buy used).

Now, what do you guys think? Anybody with 3.3.'s (or 2.9's) having any experience with these amplifiers?

Ah, and I understand that the Bryston warranty is transferable. What do I need to look for, that is, do I need a receipt/purchased from an authorized dealer to get the warranty?

Thanks a lot for any feedback!
scubasoul
scubasoul OP
2 posts
 
Thanks guys.

I don't have any problems with the 2.9's (B&K amp) as far as fatigue is concerned. Love them, they will make good surround speakers for hirez music.

The first one on my list was/is actually the Classe, since it is known for a "warmer" sound. All a matter of taste I guess, since there are also people who like the Bryston/NHT combination.

The CA 300 is certainly on my list.
tomd2
7 posts
 
I used the BAT vk300x se for a month with the 2.9's and the sound and control were very pleasing and although nothing is ever the BEST, the combo with vinyl(Shure) and cd(Genki) was of that "first rate" experience we all dream of and if we stay with the hobby sometimes witness. IC's= Red Dawn; MAINS= Blue Heaven or AQ Granite. The BAT was a demo and I felt the right 6h30 was not so super at least compared to the left so I returned(cried) it. Also used MF 3.2 and Arcam FMJ ints. and they were nice but not up to the challenge. Vintage Kenwood KA7100 (DC,twin power supplies pure class A integrated 55w/ch measured @ 85 by J Hirsch) blew those two outta here but not as powerful as the BAT indicates that strong class A's would be good also. Next trip to Vestal ny I'll take a pair of 2.5's to Audio Classics to try the MAC 6900 which gets great recommendations by NHT 2.9 owners on the forums. McIntosh has a tube version of 6900 (100w/ch) new this year which also holds great promise.Anything electrically said about 2.9 is exactly true for 3.3 as they use the exact same drivers (only the cone size 10" vs 12" is different, same motor) 3.3's need to come away from the walls more,NHT web has Kantors' placement recommendations. 2.5i is harder to drive so anything good for them is better for 2.9/3.3's. Classe are good, but my experience is limited with 3.3.
jose21
93 posts
 
I would recommend the Classe for the NHTs. IMO, the Brystons/NHT combo are just too fatiguing with music. I use to have a 9b driving my VT3s but I was always tweaking it. My current Sim Titan worked a little better but I finally sold mt NHTs.
eleveille
1 posts
 
I have found that the rotel rb 1090 works well with mine. Plenty of power and slam, but stil on the warm side to tame them.
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