Bryston 28 sst's vs Spectron Musician 3 SE ?

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.

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...

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...

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.

I figured I should post so others can read.

I picked up a pair of 28 Squared mono's recently so my system would not be down in between listening to other amps as some times this can happen from time to time and you have to wait for a bit.

My most recent amps being CAT JL3 Sig. MKII mono's, and recently demoed MBL 9008, the big 9011's.

My speakers are MBL 101E's

I have never heard the Spectrons in my set-up, almost pulled the trigger at one time but it just didn't feel right after receiving certain info. When you add up the costs of the two upgrades above the base price the list price is really up there also and I'm sure a new version will be coming out soon.

So back to the Bryston 28 SQ mono's, I must say I am absolutely shocked with the performance to date and only getting better and these are the only solid state amps that I have ever heard in my set-up which had me wondering if there where actually tubes inside. They are the first amps that I truly have been able to listen to at very low volume and really enjoyed, 1st watt sounds as the same as the last watt over 1k into 8 ohms that is.

The amps are truly Bryston build quality with a fabulous warranty to boot.

They just get better and better every day.

A buddy had dropped by unannounced one day, we were chatting and he could hear the system playing. My buddy is an absolute tube and vinyl fanatic and feels nothing else compares period so when he sees solid state or digital he just disqualifies it period. Well my friend comments to me saying "boy those Cat's are really sounding sweet" and goes on and says "the bass is so realistic possibly the best I've ever heard" he asked could he have a quick listen. Well all I can tell you is he could not stop cursing when he saw what he was actually listening to and just could not believe it and went on and on, the quick listen turned into 2 hours and then some.

I will say I'm shocked with these also, at the beginning they really did not do anything for me but after some hours of burn in well it's a whole different story.

Now I do have each plugged into a separate Torus RM20 unit and these do work and are a must if you truly want to hear what these amps are capable of.

I have a tube pre-amp ARC REF3 mated up and it sounds nice so I would recomend a tube pre.

Regarding the two amps Mribob, if you can get both in for a comparison in your own system I would do it but just make sure both are well broken-in and with the Bryston you use the Torus 20's with them and if possible a tube pre-amp and then let us know what the outcome is. I would like to hear the Spectrons in my set-up to compare but Radicalsteve mentioned the REF3 is not compatible and I'm not about to just go out and buy another pre to listen to these amps, my REF3 has worked with every other amp I have ever had or demoed with no issues what so ever.

My thoughts anyways.