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McIntosh MC402 vs. Bryston 4B SST

Can anyone enlighten me on the differences between these two amps and how to make a good decision between the two. Other than the obvious price differences which I may exclude from my decision making process and I believe there is also a big difference in warranty. I guess I am more concerned with the differences in sound and listening quality? I have always heard about how great McIntosh's are and had wanted to get one since I originally heard about them, but now I see that the Bryston is highly rated, but how does it stack up to the Mac - or does it stack up at all?

Thank you in advance - confused in the northeast
johnp_coast
paulficarella
43 posts
 
Yes the 14 b sst has a twenty year warranty the bryston is more reliable you don't have to worry about paying to get it repaired after you already paid $5500 for it. The bryston the 14b has more power 108,000 MFD of filter capacitance per channel the brystons power is just as clean in terms of distortion and is extremely neutral. I have heard both and prefer the bryston even though the Mcintosh is also very nice but I prefer the Brystons sound stage bass control and mids and highs are equal of the Mac, plus the bryston
plus the Bryston has the reviews to back it
up.
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
Which is better between the Bryston and the Mac I don't know, as I haven't heard the Bryston, but Paul's statements are subjective at best.

Yes the 14 b sst has a twenty year warranty the bryston is more reliable ...
This doesn't mean the Bryston is more reliable.

The bryston the 14b has more power 108,000 MFD of filter capacitance per channel...
Specs do not guarantee good (or better) sound/performance.

plus the Bryston has the reviews to back it.
So does the Mac.
paulficarella
43 posts
 
Well sorry I dont want to knock the Mac its a really good piece but I do prefer the 14B sst bryston, but the mac is a bit more
warmer and tube like sounding and the bryston has its own qualities as we all know.I would also highly recommend a Plinius sa 250 or sa 102 its the best of both worlds check out the reviews and most importantly go out and listen to one.
http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/506plinius/index1.html
johnp_coast OP
2 posts
 
Thank for all very usefull comments
hassel
248 posts
 
I think as well that all these are very fine amps. Before going for a Plinius, however, one should be well aware that one needs a large, good-ventilated room, because their amps, working in class-A most of the time, double as additional room-heaters.
Regards, Florian Hassel
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