Theta Prometheus Monoblock vs Bryston 7BSST2


I was all set to buy the Bryston 7B-SST2 amps to mate to a KEF Blade (or Blade2). However, the recent review of the Theta Prometheus on Stereophile has me intrigued. I like the benefits mentioned for the class D amps over AB or A. Less power consumption, run cool, small footprint.

I heard these amps at THE NEWPORT SHOW this year and they sounded very good but I cannot really tell in a show (unless it is really bad sound). I know how the Bryston sounds and like the fact that I would have a great RELIABLE amp if I went with Bryston. My pre-amp in the SS BAT VK-42SE. I will have a 2 channel computer based system, with the PS Audio DS DAC.

Anybody using these new Theta amps care to provide feedback on your experience. I would prefer to hide any new amps in a closed audio rack because of potential damage (spills etc..)
yyzsantabarbara
Statman, if money was no object, would you prefer the Thetas vs. the D'agostino Momentum? I have read the latter has a veil over the sound compared to the more transparent amps...

Yyzsantabarbara hi.

The Kef Blade II are hard but not too hard a load to drive at 87db and 3ohm min right across the low to mid bass. And there are no nasty - phase angles to worry about.

So a very good 4ohm capable amp would do, I myself would be looking at Pass Labs XA class of amps.

I do not think class D has come of age yet, as the switching frequency technology is not yet high enough.

Another amp worth looking at is the Parasound Halo JC1 mono-blocks in their higher Class A mode that's switchable on the back, I listened to these on a pair of Wilson Alexia's, a real evil load (.8ohm epdr), and they sounded great with this amp.

Cheers George
"I do not think class D has come of age yet, as the switching frequency technology is not yet high enough"

George, which amps have you experienced which are the audible cause of your pessimism?

G.
I didn't consider the D" Agostino amps "veiled" at all. The actually "bloom" in the midrange, giving it a somewhat "tube like" sound in the mids and highs. Plenty of power and low end to spare. They just cost way too much for an application as mine.