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
I have an AR Ref 2 that I paired up with Odyssey Audio Kismet mono amps (in the Khartago case).. Great match up and 3D soundstage with Magnepan 3.6r’s and Vandersteen subs. Prior to the Kismet mono amps, I used an AR 100.2 (which is a terrific amp) for more than 10 years. That said, the Kismet mono’s were a significant step up in my system, particularly in the midrange... Just amazing
The thing which nobody seems to have mentioned yet is that Bryston has a virtually unheard of warranty on everything they sell.  Dig this...  It's a *20 year* full warranty that is transferrable.  In other words you can buy an 18 year old Bryston amp from someone you never met on EBay and Bryston will still service it under warranty. 

That does wonders for your re-sale value.  Today's $8,000 audio wonder is tomorrow's $4,000 white elephant.  With Bryston, you'll be able to much more easily resell it later.  Or if you like, you can buy an older Bryston amp and know that it's still under warranty today.
russbutton, I kinda agree with you on transferable warranty perk but who wants to buy 18 year old crap in times where everyone wants a piece of new technology.  

Gone are the days where you could get decent value for your used well kept gear.  Everyone out there wants to lowball on the gear that's already markdown at 50-60% off orginal retail. 

IMO, 20 year warranty is a mute point in today's tech world. 
Great point.  Odyssey Audio also offers a 20 yr transferable warranty.  Give Klaus at Odyssey a call.  He is a great guy that has been in business for years.  You'll get honest answers to your questions even if you do not buy his products.
I love the comment about "18 year old crap".    I'm not suggesting that anyone buy an 18 year old amp.  The point is that Bryston holds its value over time, much better than other product lines.  Look at all the high-ticket, 3 year old items on Audiogon that are selling for 50% of retail.  Expected resale is something worth considering.  That's one of the great advantages in buying a classic Mac tube amp.  You know you can always get your money back out of it whereas that wonderful new technology you so love will drop half its value in just a few years.