2. amps-preamps
  3. 168624-82876

Bryston, McIntosh, Krell or Mark Levinson

Greetings Audiogoners, 
I know that these speakers have been discussed ad nauseam here.  But I'm overwhelmed with information.  I'm searching for a used amp for my Thiel CS2.3.  The following are my top choices:  Bryston 7B SST, Mark Levinson No. 331, and McIntosh MC352.  Which one would you recommend?  Is the Bryston too powerful for my speakers?  Secondly, I'm considering a Bryston 4B for my Thiel SCS 3 center channel speaker.  Is the 4B too powerful for it? Finally, I found some Sonics brand amps, which are said to be Brystons in disguise.  Do you advise purchasing them?  

I don't like to listen at loud volume, but I do sometimes.  For the most part, I like good, clean, detailed music.  Please advise on the above, and I welcome any suggestions.   

Thanks. 
w-j
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
Bryston services every amp they have built. Customer service is one of the best in the industry. You can also go to Audio Circle forum and Bryston CEO James Tanner has an active thread. He'll answer any question you have.
soix
9,699 posts
 
You’ve got three very different amps there.  What amp are you using now, and what improvements are you looking for?  And what’s your budget?
erik_squires
16,301 posts
 
I don't know any of those amps really, but for your speakers I'd go with Parasond in a heartbeat.

The point I think you should listen for is the high frequencies.  Too much detail will make the speakers tire your ears out quickly. 

Parasound is a more neutral and laid back presentation which won't add any more in that range. On the other hand, if you need more etching, McIntosh.

Best,

Erik
68pete
1,004 posts
 
If the Mark Levinson 331, has been serviced (good caps) up to date it will be  great amp. Great detail at low volume. Good midrange and highs the bass will not be as good as some others, but it will not be bad. Very smooth sounding. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,921 posts
 
Check out the new LSA Voyager 350 GAN amp for $3K. I am breaking it in with the Thiel CS3.7 and it sounds excellent. It is definitely nicer than my old Bryston 7B-SST. I had that on a Thiel SCS4 at one time years ago.

I had the Parasound A23 (not their best) with the Thiel SCS4 and it was nothing great. Too much warmth.

I have a KRELL K-300i and it is excellent with the Thiel CS3.7.

I liked the ML 585 integrated but never heard it with Thiel. Heard it with Magico A3.

Not a fan of MAC.
More to discover