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
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.
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.
And all the other Parasound amps don't perform as well, don't have the build and parts quality, and once again are made in Taiwan! Bryston wins out, whether you like it or not.

And why is the JC1 and 7BSST2 not a fair comparison? It is a more than fair comparison, to prove that not all Parasound is thousands less than the Bryston.

I'm beginning to think you're nothing but a shill for Parasound!

I call 'em as I see 'em, and I have auditioned both brands extensively.
What I'm suggesting is that the OP could save some coin and get a well regarded brand. I'm not suggesting that Parasound is better than Bryston, but cheaper. Again, the OP wants to save money. Read post one.