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My current options: Anthem MCA30 or Bryston 3bSST2

Hi all,

Without going into detail, my current options for setting up my 3.1 system is going with a 3 channel amp by Anthem (i.e., MCA30) or getting 2 Bryston 3bSST2. The quick reason is that I am confined by space limitations (my shelf is only 13" deep). I spent hours spec'ing out a lot of amplifiers (not including Class D; I know there are plenty) so I narrowed it down to the Bryston 3bSST2 or an Anthem MCA30.

Let's face it, money is also a deciding factor so I'm leaning toward the Anthem. Question is, how much am I missing out on the Brystons given the price point? I feel like the Anthem should be good.

OR do I just keep my underpowered Rotel RSX1055 to drive my Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M and Liuto Smart center channel until I can splurge on the Bryston 3bSST2?
spizzi
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
I wouldn't say Bryston is high priced in terms of high end pricing. I find their products to be a good value compared to much higher priced units. Parasound is cheaper because it's made in Taiwan...I'd rather go for something built in Canada or the US and pay a little bit more.
runnin
397 posts
 
Bryston amps cost thousands more than Parasound Halo amps, so I'd submit the characterization "pay a little bit more" is a little off. But that's fine, buy what you want and pay what you want. The fact of the matter is that most people want to pay a little less if they can. Nothing wrong with that either.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Thousands? Not really. The JC1s are $9000. Compare that to the Bryston equivalent, the 7BSST2 at $10000. And again, the lower price of Parasound is because Parasound is made in Taiwan. Bryston is much better quality, imo, and you do get what you pay for. Not saying that Parasound is junk mind you, but the truth of the matter is the build and parts quality is not really equal to that of Bryston. Although the JC1s do use Nichicon filter caps, that certainly is a plus.
runnin
397 posts
 
Yes really. You've cherry picked the one cost-no-object(by comparison) amp by Parasound. All the other amps they make are thousands less. To my above suggestion to buy what you want and pay what you want, I'll add believe whatever you want. I'm not going to get into a debate over build and parts quality, I think John Curl designs speak for themselves.
yyzsantabarbara
4,802 posts
 
I also own both the Parasound A23 (for desktop system, KEF LS50's) and Bryston 4B-SST's on main rig, Thiel SCS4. The Bryston is much better than the A23 which cannot drive my Thiels well.
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