2. amps-preamps
  3. 156729-132677

Bryston Amp Experience Needed

I am currently running Kef R11’s (rated 15-300 watts) with an Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3 amp (300wpc).

I am looking to upgrade to a Bryston from the used market.

I can get a 3B3 (200wpc) for around 3K (which is my budget), or I can not eat for a few months and get a 4B3 (300wpc) for around 4K.

Since I am used to the 300wpc on the Emotiva - am I going to notice a huge difference with a drop to 200wpc with the 3B3?

I do like to crank up the volume from time to time, but I generally listen at low to medium volumes.  I also mostly listen to modern metal/rock/synth-pop/r&b/hip-hop, and a lot of Tori Amos.....

Thx !!
drhelzer
dayglow
2,126 posts
 
Since you want to upgrade your preamp you could avoid this with an integrated amp as an option? Bryston B135 has plenty of power to drive the R 11. This way you avoid purchasing another Emotiva component.
drhelzer OP
17 posts
 
Upgrade for the Emotiva is the "trade-up' program and it will only run me $650.  I need it for Video.  
I actually was thinking about a used B135 cubed for the exact reason of getting the 2ch off of the Emotiva - but I didn't think it would have enough power at 135 watts - i.e. the whole reason for this thread 200 vs 300 watts.  But then I see some people running large cabinets like B&W 802/803 D3's with the B135 so.........
dayglow
2,126 posts
 
It's amplifier current that determines speaker performamce not just w/ch. From what I have read the B135 is very conservatively rated. 
edlchiang62
17 posts
 
I have the bryston b2.5 cubed Amp which is the amp version of the b135 int amp and it effortlessly drives my performa3 f206 speakers
drhelzer OP
17 posts
 
I just want to say thank you to everyone who chipped in with advise on this post.  It was extremely helpful, as I have no way to audition the 3B3 or the 4B3.
I have pulled the trigger on the 4B3 and it should arrive with in a week or so.  I'll report back soon with my results/thoughts, in case anyone is interested.
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