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Used Bryston 3B-ST or Schiit Vidar?

On the surface, these would seem like similar amps. Used prices of a Bryston 3B-ST are now comparable to a new Schiit Vidar. They have roughly the same power output and both have been praised for their neutral balance, dynamics, and bass control. Both have been criticized for maybe not being the last word in treble refinement. But they are very different designs, so presumably there are some sonic differences.

Does anyone have experience with both? 


aalden
ron1319
57 posts
 
I have owned both but I have not had both at the same time or with the same speakers.  My Vidar is currently for sale (idk if I’m allowed to plug where here or if it matters, but you could find it easily enough.) For my speakers, I decided to go with a used Levinson 333.  The Vidar sounds good, but I needed more power.  As I only ever used the Bryston with my Vandersteen 2Ce signatures that I sold a couple of years ago, I would have a hard time giving you an accurate comparison that you’re looking.  Depending on the rest of your system and what you are looking for, the Vidar might be a great fit.  It has a lot of detail and sounds really good.

If my Vidar sells at my asking price, then I will have tried it for a month for free buying and reselling at the same price.  
terry9
2,354 posts
 
Bryston is bulletproof. This does not matter until the unexpected happens. But at that point ... 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
aalden


22years old v new with also latest surface mount components, you have a hard choice, myself knowing a little of the topology of both my money would go on the Vidar.
Both should be able to drive your Thiel 1.5’s impedance load, as it’s basically benign 3-4ohm resistive.

https://www.stereophile.com/images/TCS15fig1.jpg

Cheers George
fillmoor
58 posts
 
Bryston is known for the long warranty, but schitt is longer than some at 5 yrs. The limited experience I had with bryston power was just demos and also owning a b60 integrated years ago. Long story short, I liked it’s preamp section better than its power section.
I do currently own a Vidar and posted my impression of it in the Vidar thread. Just guessing and it’s only a guess, bryston would be "cleaner" and soundstage wider but somewhat shallow. Vidar would have less stage width, but better depth, equal or better bass, somewhat less detail but better instrument tone. Lastly the Bryston would be quieter (i.e. hum and noise).
Generally in comparing direct coupled amps that have no servos or caps in the signal path to ones that do, there is a better timbre of instruments on the direct coupled designs.
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