Bryston vs MBL

Kalai,  I also consider Pass monos.  Bryston appealed more due to power for dollar, warranty and still have decent looks.  MBL more for curiosity and supposedly high end exotic level amps.  just really want to hear how they would sound in my system.  I am a little concerned on how the Brystons can be had second hand for almost half price?  the 7b3 are current models and asking 7k price now .  please save for me though while I do research ok???

Between the two options you listed, I would go with the MBL.

Another option to consider if you want mono's is the Parasound JC1's.  They're as good as all the reviews say they are.

Good luck with your decision.

Having had a lot of equipment fail and/or be orphaned over the decades, I would require a significant performance premium for anything other than a Bryston.

There is also the question of what might _have_ a significant performance premium over a Bryston amp...


OTOH, Nelson Pass is a genius, so...

" Bryston appealed more due to power for dollar, warranty and still have decent looks.  MBL more for curiosity and supposedly high end exotic level amps.  just really want to hear how they would sound in my system.  I am a little concerned on how the Brystons can be had second hand for almost half price?  the 7b3 are current models and asking 7k price now ."

I know you're not going to want to hear this, but I would say buy based on sound quality, not price. I would even go so far as to say, given the level of your pre and speakers, you're crazy if you do it any other way. Especially when your temporary amps cost 7k.

Cost is obviously a factor here since you're not getting the amps you really want. You owe it to yourself to take the time and get it right. Also, if you've never heard the MBL's in your system, I see no reason to expect better sound quality than from some of your other options. Its not at all uncommon for someone to prefer a less expensive component. For example, in my own system I was looking for a new amp(s). I was willing to spend 20k+ if I had to. In the end, I went with 2 Ayre V-5's that cost less than half of my max budget. Why? They were the best sounding of all the amps I demoed. 

Thanks everyone.  IIm going to do more resarch but its tough to find this level of equipment to bring in for demo in ones own home.  Therefore have to base purchase on reviews.  For now, i think the Brystons are best bang for the buck. Pass Xa 200.5 is stretching the budget but could do if i only knew it was signficantly better than the 7b3.  Back to need auditioning which is unrealistic.