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Bryston vs Modwright?

I'm looking to replace my old power amp with a new one, in the $4500-5000 range; I'm running an ARC ref 5 SE that I got from a friend, and will be driving Dali helicon 400 mk 2s. I have been thinking solid state to complement the ref 5 SE, and have been exploring the Bryston 4bSST2 vs the Modwright kwa 100 SE. Anyone have experience with either or both of these amps?

ilikemiles
ilikemiles's avatar
ilikemiles OP
47 posts
 
Thanks so much for the advice! Yes, the Dali's are on the bright side, so wanted to find something to balance that. Will see if I can get some in-home demos.

soix
10,182 posts
 
Given your speakers don’t present an overly hard load, have a tendency toward brightness in the treble, and your budget I’d consider a Clayton Audio S40 Class A amp.  There's also a Plinius SA103 for sale in your price range if you feel you need more power.  Not sure the Bryston will do much to tame any perceived brightness you may have, so Modwright would probably be the better choice of the two. Best of luck.

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Clayton Audio is a good recommendation, but I don't know if 50 wpc will be enough to drive those speakers.
I'd look into a Wells Audio Akasha, or a Innamorata if you can swing it.

I would go with the Modwright if only using your two choices. The Bryston would probably be too much yin with the ARC preamp and Dali's both being on the bright side of the fence. You need some yang to balance your sound.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,843 posts
 
Second the Plinius. Would also look at Audio Research Ref 75 with KT-150 tubes.
facten
2,957 posts
 
I have the Modwright KWA100SE driving Modwright LS100 preamp and formerly JM Reynaud Offrande Supremes and currently Daedalus Argos V2s. To my ears the KWA100SE is very pleasing sounding, not partial to one part of the spectrum, dynamic, non-fatiguing. I'll put the Argos aside as they are 98db efficient, the Offrandes are 92db and I never found having to crank the preamp above 10 in a 28x20x10 listening room. 
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