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McIntosh MC402 vs. Bryston 4B SST

Can anyone enlighten me on the differences between these two amps and how to make a good decision between the two. Other than the obvious price differences which I may exclude from my decision making process and I believe there is also a big difference in warranty. I guess I am more concerned with the differences in sound and listening quality? I have always heard about how great McIntosh's are and had wanted to get one since I originally heard about them, but now I see that the Bryston is highly rated, but how does it stack up to the Mac - or does it stack up at all?

Thank you in advance - confused in the northeast
johnp_coast
paulficarella
43 posts
 
Well sorry I dont want to knock the Mac its a really good piece but I do prefer the 14B sst bryston, but the mac is a bit more
warmer and tube like sounding and the bryston has its own qualities as we all know.I would also highly recommend a Plinius sa 250 or sa 102 its the best of both worlds check out the reviews and most importantly go out and listen to one.
http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/506plinius/index1.html
johnp_coast OP
2 posts
 
Thank for all very usefull comments
hassel
248 posts
 
I think as well that all these are very fine amps. Before going for a Plinius, however, one should be well aware that one needs a large, good-ventilated room, because their amps, working in class-A most of the time, double as additional room-heaters.
Regards, Florian Hassel
maverick_spd
67 posts
 
Am i the only one that noticed this but i thought we were comparing the Bryston 4b sst not the (14)
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