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Bryston 28 sst's vs Spectron Musician 3 SE ?

I was wondering if anyone has compared both the newish Bryston kw monoblock amps; the 28 sst's; which received rave reviews vs the the class D Spectron Musician 3; rated at around 600 watts, for the pair of monoblocks; in the same ball park on price, $16k for the pair of Bryston; and around the same for the Spectron. I am looking to replace my MBL 8011's powering my MBL 111'es; looking for 'warmth' in the highs, and more punch in the base; with detail and openness...I feel my current amps are not quite powerful enough to fully open my low impedence speakers; at 4 ohms...
Or if people might suggest other high power ss amps to consider; I'm open to other recommendations..The new Musical Fidelity Tritans are a bit out of my range; as are the mbl 9008's...

Thanks in advance for suggestions and recommendations.
mribob
psag
518 posts
 
Top quality class D versus solid state, monoblocks, high power output, similar price, would be an awesome comparison! I use the Spectron monos with Marten Coltranes with great results. The Spectrons were a great improvement over Rowland 201s, but I wish I had been able to do at-home comparisons with the Spectrons and some other top non-class D designs.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I have not had the mono blocks, but with my Maggies the Spectron Musician 3se was not a great match. I thought it was bright.

I loved my 7bsst Brystons, with my speakers, and have only heard the 28sst's at CES driving the tiny Magenpan/bass module concept speakers. That was absolutely amazing, shocking in fact.

I have only heard the MBL's at shows as well so I don't know how they would match. I tend to think the Spectrons are more dry and "accurate" sounding, and the Bryston's more warm and mellow.

Well, that's my experience with them.
mribob OP
229 posts
 
My feeling is that my MBL speakers tend to be a bit dry and cool; and accurate; from what comments are being offered; maybe the Bryston might fit the bill....to provide a bit more warmth..other option is a tubed preamp; but don't want to go there....
before I buy; I think I have an opportunity to audition both amps in my home within the next month or so; but was looking for help before I set up the auditions...
Rest of system is: Meridian 861 processor; Qsonix server; Meridian G-98 player; MIT magnum 2 balanced IC's and biwire speaker cables; dedicated 20amp lines

More comments are welcome...thanks much...
mribob OP
229 posts
 
I guess what I'm hoping for is someone who has listened and can offer opinions of the big Bryston amp...I see many people here in the forum have positive comments on the Spectrons and improved class d amps; but I am looking for description on the Bryston; separate from the glowing reviews in Stereophile, etc...in a real world set up...what they liked; how it sounded to them; strenghts and weaknesses...
thanks again...
radicalsteve's avatar
radicalsteve
146 posts
 
FWIW I had the 7BSST's in my system for a few years and recently heard the 28's and just thought they were more "balls to the walls" but very similar sonic signature. Now I have the Spectron monoblocks with Bybee and oil cap upgrades and would never even consider changing them for anything else (and I have had big tube monoblocks as well). Once you have the Spectrons, you only look to improve your system in other parts of the signal chain.

I did find however, that the Spectrons need a balanced power mains supply to be at their best and they will let you hear the difference between different power cords.
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