2. amps-preamps
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Please tell me.

OK, so I recently got my OLD Harmon Kardon back. It's a PM 655 VXI (20 years old). I currently own a Bryston 4b SST... brand new (a 300/W monster). Why does the HK sound better??? It is SO warm and the bass is sweeter. Reminds me of the Krell KSA 150 I use to own. I can't believe HOW good it sounds on my dyns. WHY????? Is this really as good as it sounds to me????? I'm having a hard time justifying that I spent $2400 on my Bryston when I like the way my OLD HK sounds better. I realize the Bryston is "accurate" and less "colored" but it does not have the sweet warm sound that the HK does... tube like. I'm freaking out on the sound of this unit. Does anyone know anything about it? Please advise.

drum75
drum75
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I am not surprised at all. I bought an older early 80's 50w Sansui Int. amp and I'm completely satisfied w/its sound and performance. Great synergy w/the the Paradigm Phantom V4 I'm currently using in my main system. Beautiful sounding system. Makes my toes tap and brings much enjoyment. Honestly, I do not miss the very expansive amp/pre-amp I was using previosly at all.
wwshull
157 posts
 
the bryston will take at least 100 hours to break in. it will sound better than your other amp at that point
andrewdoan
223 posts
 
Wwshull, All Bryston amps are ready to go without any "break-in" period needed. Bryston folks run all their amps thru a 100 hours " break-in" process at their factory before shipping their amps to their dealers. What you receive from your dealer is good to go. As Bob said, Bryston gears is very neutral at the least distortion with virtually nothing added. If warmer sound is your flavor, go with some tube amps or hybrid amps. The 4 bsst is one of the best value you can get for the money. I myself, just like to have a little flavor ( coloration, distortion...you name it) in my listening session.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
If you go to live concerts...jazz club, symphony hall, theater stage, yada yada; the concert venue itself has a sound. The more famous venues tend to sound great.

A neutral amp is fine if that is what you want; to me it is like being in a neutral concert venue. Might as well wear headphones. My system give me the "coloration" that creates that live concert feeling.

To each his own. Many audiophiles do want to listen to perfect sound. I am not an audiophile in that sense. I am a music lover with a nice system.
drum75 OP
7 posts
 
I definately appreciate all your feedback. I was introduced to high end by people who preached accuracy only. They kind of brainwashed me to think that was what defined "high end". I have accepted that I don't necassarily prefer a "neutral" or "accurate" system. It's boring to me. I too like warmth and coloration. This Bryston definately doesn't have that. It's obviously a wonderful amp but not for me. I'm really curious to try out a tube or hybrid integrated amp. Something in the $2000 range. It has to have plenty of slam and warm bass W/control. I LOVE the Krell KSA 150 (limitless power and bass) on my Dyn's if that gives you an idea. Any suggestions?
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