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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
tim_p's avatar
tim_p
361 posts
 
I have the Krell K300i with Monitor Audio Platinum PL300 ii and love the sound. 
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Get the Bryston amp(s)

or the Sanders Magtech amp.

  Either will drive almost everything you throw at it, with great headroom, power, finesse, detailed everything, nice bass , 

 the other brands ur paying for.a name, the Mac stuff is great, but if we’re. My money, I would probably lean towards the Sanders Sound Magtech. 

Side note, no such thing as overpower.
the results are stellar, I have 650W feeding my speakers rated at 250W. The no strain, breakup of music, and wicked fast with a tube like sound.
 I’m happy. 
Power you need. Just watch the volume knob. 
Happy metal!
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Out of the amps you mentioned I would go for the 352 but it depends on what kind of sound you prefer. 
w-j OP
5 posts
 
First of all, thanks for your inputs.  I found and purchased a set of Bryston 7B ST's at a relatively good price.  I plan on sending them to Bryston for a checkup and/or repairs, if needed.  

I'm now looking for a preamp to go with them.  I'm also looking to get a CD player, a turntable and, maybe, a music server. My dilemma is whether to focus on my 2-channel setup, and then improve on the video portion later or to simply buy an A/V controller at the outset. 

Another thing, why are preamps so expensive?   

In short, what preamp do you recommend?  
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