Finally took the Bryston 4B Cubed plunge


Back in January, I solicited folks on the forum for input on the Bryston 4B cubed amp. I was kicking around the idea of replacing my Parasound A21 amp. After dealing with poor health for the past few months, I finally did it! My take on the Bryston is: it's a keeper. It is a better sounding amp than my A21, but by only a very small margin. The Bryston gives the feel of being in a concert hall. An extremely full sounding amp with great detail and there's more emphasis on instrument placement than I've experienced before. The bass doesn't suffer at all either, very tight and clear. In comparison only to the two amps I'm discussing, if the Bryston were a "10", the Parasound would be a close "9". If I were to improve on my system (God forbid, I already have $35K into it), the 4B cubed would definitely be driving it. A premium solid state amp. 
To all the the forum members that were willing to guide me with their opinions, I give a heartfelt thanks. My previous posts (inquiries) were met with sincerity and am grateful that none of the discussion went off the rails. A few members contacted me personally, some I couldn't respond to. I didn't try to ignore anyone, there's simply a downside to old age and a weak heart.
professorsvsu
Thank You for the kind words - professorsvsu.I consider myself fortunate as I grew up with music in my parent's home.In fact, I cannot remember a time when a stereo was not in my family's home. It was entertainment back in those days, long before cable tv and the internet.  I bought my 1st stereo in 1988 although mid-fi in nature. In 2000, I stepped up into entry level hi-fi with Rotel, B&W gear. Around 2011-12 I re-discovered my musical gear passion and began the next Audio journey via traveling for my work until 2015. During those critical years I visited several excellent dealers/retailers who helped narrow down my short-list.Reading the audio press is the flipside of this coin. I read Stereo Review and Audio Magazine from the late 80's until publication ceased.I picked up and subscribed to Stereophile and The Absolute Sound starting in 1993 to present date. I picked up and subscribed to HiFi+ and HiFi News & Record Review starting in 2011 to present date.  For web-based reading, check out dailyaudiophile.comStill, the best way to progress and grow is auditioning the Gear. I do not have the good fortune of several dealers/retailers in my immediate area.I must travel to Atlanta, Nashville or New Orleans.Now, to address the Marantz 8005 mod- it is still fairly new and not many audiophiles own this spinner. SACD is in production more so in Japan than the U.S.A. Reissues are hot as well as new releases for Classical themed music. For Jazz, Pop and Rock titles, eBay / Amazon offers thousands of used discs going all of the way back to initial pressings in 1997.
Yes, you made a wise and excellent choice purchasing the BCD-3. Bryston has made a promise and commitment to the owners that stock parts and service will be available for many years to come. Digital is far from a dead format both player and dac offerings.Happy Listening!



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elizabeth and jafant,
If you ever make your way to northern Michigan, let it be known. I'm buying dinner and drinks.
Glad to hear that your Bryston experience is as positive as mine was. Did I mention that they are bullet-proof? While shifting the 4B ST, I accidentally touched the output posts to a slab of aluminum chassis - basically, using it as an arc welder. It shut down immediately, and came back to life some minutes later, none the worse for wear. What build quality!
terry9
I rarely laugh aloud, but your story got me going. I don't plan on doing any welding with my amp, I think I'll just stick to using it for listening."Built like a tank" is one of the main reasons I looked hard at Bryston. I dealt with customer service once, and they're something special too. I'm pretty sure this amp will still be kicking long after I am not and I plan on enjoying the time we spend together.