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Bryston or Classe audio ? what do you think of both?

hi!
i am currently planning all my system slowly..
and i've heard bryston and classe only few limited times on poor speakers in audio shops near my place.. ( montreal )
so i couldn't really tell about them
but i've heard only good things!

so i wish to know..what is the difference in sound between both companies?

i know that bryston carries a 20 years warranty wich is a big + whenpurchasing stuff that are that pricey :P

the system that i am building slowly will be used at 90% of the time in stereo to listen to music ( mostly acid jazz classic..some elect )
and the rest of the time for HT using DVD or video games consoles..
so the musicality is really important to me :)

thanks :)
( please keep in mind that i am rather new to all this stuff but i am really a music/great sound lover!! )
jinmtvt
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
If you have a chance, check out Belles "Hot Rod" version of their amps, they have the 150A and 350A. Both have serious power/current capability and an amazing musicality that is really hard to resist. Others may disagree, but these two amps will give Bryston and Classe a serious run for YOUR money.

The 350A can be purchased with either 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 6 channels.

The 150A is rated at:
Power20 to 20,000 Hz
125 Watts per channel 8 ohms
225 watts per channel 4 ohms

The 350A is rated at:
Power 20 to 20,000 Hz
250 Watts per channel 8 ohms
400 watts per channel 4 ohms

Belles 150A
Belles 350A

Here's some reviews of the 150A to give you an idea of how highly rated they are:
Soundstage 150A review

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/belles_150a_hotrod.htm

Audiophile Audition 150A review

http://www.audaud.com/audaud/MAY01/EQUIP/equip3MAY01.html
tom_munro
162 posts
 
As a former Bryston 7B ST owner, and current Classe owner, I'll throw my vote in for Classe. I don't think this is an apples to apples comparison. The Bryston line is less expensive, yet capable of very respectable sound quality. Its when you compare the two that you realize that Classe is more refined across the board, more in control, and provides more texture and dimension to objects within the soundstage. This is especially true if comparing some of Classe's higher end models.
abecollins
219 posts
 
Tom_Munro, very well said... Classe is "higher-end" and a more expensive product line than Bryston but they are both outstanding values compared to the mega-buck names. Bryston has a longer warranty - but when I'm shopping for audio gear, I'm not "listening" to the warranty! Hyudai cars have a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty but would *I* buy one? ;-)
perfectimage
406 posts
 
I love Classe but I have never heard Bryston. Classe has the best customer service I have ever seen. I lost a remote while moving which they replaced for free and fixed a dac for me that I bought used. Not only did they fix it for free even though it wasnt under warrenty but they also paid for shipping both ways. The whole process only took about two weeks and was even returned to me in the original manufactures box. This was a nice suprise being that it didnt come with the original box when I bought it used. Great company!
jinmtvt OP
58 posts
 
Perfectimage :

wow!!
heeh that's nice to hear..as i plan to purchase my amp used ( i really don't have the budget to buy thoose stuff brand new :p )

though Classe manuf site is only few minutes from my place :) ...i don't think i would have to pay any shipping :P
eheh

So from what everybody said:
they are both excellent amps, but Classe is more musical and a little more high end ( and more $$ too)
than bryston ..

i think i will have to listen to both in the same environement to really see the difference for myself..

i'll start a new thread and ask you all..how to listen :)
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