The stores dissing Bryston? What do THEY want to sell you?
Magnepan goes to shows with Bryston. What does that tell you?
Given my listening habits, I'd be VERY happy at the 4B level or perhaps even the 3B level. Simply couldn't make the $$$ part of it work so I didn't buy 'em.
The OTHER amp I'd consider, and never heard with panels, is the PASS.
I have 1.6s