Handling Heavy Amps

Just got back from my Bryston 4B3 audition

It’s a very nice amp. It’s overall better than the AHB2 that I currently have. The Treble is more extended and a little smoother. The mid range a little more relaxed and laid back. The soundstage depth is better and the bass is definitely more impactful and deep. Possibly because of the more than three times the available power.The soundstage width is the same. However I think the AHB2’s base has more definition and texture. Voices on the Bryston are similar to the Benchmark but unlike the ABH2 slightly set back from the speaker plane. If my audition on Wednesday does not favor the Accuphase P-4600 I will get the Bryston and the dealer will deliver and setup.

They had the Hegel 30A power amp next to the Bryston. So Dave at Overture asked if I would like to hear it. He said it was fantastic as they just set it up. Sure why not listen even though it’s $18K, over 100 pounds and large enough it wouldn’t even fit on my rack. So I listened and boy is that a wonderful sounding amp. So detailed but not in your face. Enormous soundstage in both width and depth. And a most lovely treble that is smooth as silk. Bass impact perfect. WOW! If it was smaller and lighter I might be tempted to blow the budget and get it. It’s that good. On Classical large scale orchestra tracks it was stunning. Oh well.

So on Wednesday I will audition the Accuphase and report my experience.

The best way to position a big amp is by themselves in between the speakers on an amp stand with the other components to the side.

@jfrmusic My friend and I both came to the same conclusion as you on the AHB2 when we compared it to the CODA #16. " I think the AHB2’s base has more definition and texture.". However, this was only on 1 very busy song. The others were a tie. My friend does not like the AHB2 overall. I think he wanted to find something nice to say.😀

Recommend using racks with casters so you can move them around.

Why would anybody rest these things on the floor? There is no Sonic impact if you use casters.

 The one area where I think they differ the most with the Pass amps I've had is I think their high fequencies are a little more recessed,with less sparkle. 

@ddafoe The class D goes beyond human hearing so that's not a frequency response thing. Its more likely the difference in the distortion signature of the two amps since distortion is interpreted by the ear as tonality.