2. amps-preamps
  3. 158833-148732

Blew a channel on my Bryston 3B

Ok, so I just put my system back together after about 15 years in storage and being completely off the audiophile wagon.  After about a week of using the system, the dreaded red light of death shows up on the front panel with a blown fuse.  Changing the fuse was futile, on channel gave up the smoke.

So, I was going to eventually replace it anyway, as it always sounded a bit hard with my Apogee Duetta II's. Though I'm in touch with Bryston about the possibility of having it serviced.

So looking around, is it me or have prices gone insane?

Anyway, I'm willing to spend up to around $1500 for a replacement amp. I don't really want to deal with tubes, though I doubt I can find any tube amp in that range that'll drive the Apogees.

I'm open to suggestions as what brands to look for.  I'm also open to fairly recent used models.
ctor
ctor OP
23 posts
 
I think I'm going to try the PS Audio S300.

They made a very generous offer on a trade-in for my beloved but aged PS Audio 5.0 preamp.  And now the preamp search begins... ;)
tweak1
3,655 posts
 
From what Ive read the Apogees are a very difficult load, which could be why your 3B never clicked with them

Im sure you can get great help her, but start a new thread Which amp for Apogee Duetta IIs
mt9894
7 posts
 
For Apogees, the way to go is the H2O Audio S250 Signature. I had one running Scintillas briefly, then Duetta Sigs; beautiful combo and effortless.

Henry (the designer, manufacturer) knows his stuff combining B&O modules with a huge linear power supply. The S250 is dual mono - two transformers, huge capacitor setup, nice power rating - 250W/500W, 8/4-ohm. Henry specifically designed it for running the 1-ohm Scintillas, Duettas are a piece of cake..

No connection to seller but there's one on US Audio Mart for $2K, new modules, new wiring, as new and re-done by Henry:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649632070-h2o-audio-s250-signature-stereo-amplifier-updated/

If I still had Apogees I would jump on it.
Post removed 
ctor OP
23 posts
 
Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions. I now have en route to my listening room a new PS Audio S300 and a demo Emotiva XSP-1 Gen 2. Both for just slightly over what I was willing to spend on a power amp. I'm excited, this is the first new equipment I've gotten in around 20 years, not counting my HT stuff.
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