Niels

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 4.00 votes

Price Paid:  $3500.00 from Local Shop

Summary:
I also find it astonishing that this gem is a "secret", dont get fooled by the price, its well worth it.
In my search for a suitable amplifier to drive my Martin Logan Aeon I speakers I first tried my 2 x 350 watt, 5 x 125 watt home theater amp, but no, it just didnt sing.
The volume had to be turned way up before the speakers woke up.
Then I borrowed a digital amp, a highend brand, but it didnt even play music. This sounded very bad and I began to dislike my speakers.
Then, I followed a suggestion from the dealer, why not try the Bryston for a day ? It couldnt hurt, and then i could say that I at least had heard a Bryston amplifier. It was costing quite a bit more than I had as a limit anyway.
Well, okay, I took it home, connected it, and it took me a split second to decide.
The speakers woke up and painted me the most beautiful musical pictures.
Its difficult to explain, but finding the right equipment is rarely about listening and comparing for hours after minute details, you will hear it at once, and then you know what highend is all about, pure music, simple life.
The Bryston you can trust, you can then concentrate on the music.
As an example, people tend to get keyed up on watts, with Bryston it hardly matters. I have played as low as I can, because of neighbors late at night. i can hardly squeeze the volume further down, and yet, still my wife often ask me to turn it down a bit ! I have never ever experienced that before, and it shows you the dynamics and control this amplifier is capable of.
I do not have the DAC option, but I seriosly consider it, if its possible to have it put in after a purchase.

Strengths:
Install it and forget it.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
Not in this price range.

Kishan Singh

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.75 of 5, 12.00 votes

Price Paid:  $35000.00 from Mod'nSound Durban

Summary:
I am surprised that there has been no consumer reviews on this magnificent, integrated amplifier, designed and built by Bryston, so I felt it most appropriate to share some of my experiences with this piece of audio equipment. I bought this amplifier in August 2005 and I have it biwired, through double Kimber 8TC's, to a pair of B&W NT9's, an incredibly revealing pair of full tonal range speakers. As the source I am using the award winning Rotel 965BX CD Player connected to the Bryston via the Madrigal Digital Cable, popularly known as the Fat Boy. It would be pointless to attempt to describe the audio detail that this system is able to deliver to the listener. My comments below are but a vague idea of my experiences with this amplifier. It must be noted that this amplifier was purchased with an on board Digital to Analogue Converter from Bryston, this additional accessory alone is worth the total cost of the amplifier, such is the sonic delivery from this DAC. It is therefore quite believable that whilst audio technology is constantly advancing, this DAC and this amplifier will be as fresh and crisp in 20 years as it is now. By the way, the amplier is guaranteed by Bryston for 20 years. All I can say is that when the Bryston replaced the original Harman Kardon AVR7000 receiver, the NT9's seemed to reach lower than ever before and they just seemed to remain in perfect control as they move air, irrespective of whether the LFE was sustained or impact. Double base information (like on Nora Jones's Come away with me, or Holly Cole's Temptations/Don't smoke in bed)is reproduced with an effortless control at extremely low frequencies. The amplifier has an ability to accurately define low end detail and manage the loudspeaker with incredible agility. Quick and tight baselines are energetic and extremely pacey as well. The delivery of midrange and upppers are refined to the point that it becomes virtually impossible not to listen to a complete track. Human voice reality is supported by artiste emotion and this comes across extremely well. It is therefore very easy to become emotionally engaged and literally shed tears as you listen to music on this amplifier. The reproduction of piano passages, generally a real difficulty for all amplifiers, proves exceptional as Tsaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 is delivered. At times the detail that comes across is simply frightening, especially with detailed, live recordings. Overall the amplifier is extremely engaging and 'quick listening' becomes a difficult task. Naturally the amplifier is intended for a seasoned audiophile and needs to be coupled with extremely high end equiment, including cables. The ability of the NT'9 to reach as low as 20-25Hz as well as the outstanding design of the FST (fixed suspension transducers)as well as the Nautilus tweeters on these full range speakers make them a perfect match for the Bryston. I have been advised that the amplifier will simply improve as it burns in over the next five years, that is just a bonus for me. Out of the box, the unit was just a real joy. The remote (another optional extra) also carries a 20 year guarantee and is absolutey solidly built. It has a light sensor and will backlight automaticaly depending on the lux levels in your room, very neat if you are using the Bryston to power up your front speakers of the HT system as well, like is the case with me. I am intentionally not going to mention the technical details nor the inputs and outputs that are available on this amplifier, at this price point this is an amplifier beyond technical details, the music is all that matters. Interested audiophiles wanting more information and professional reviews on the Bryston B100 SST DAC should visit the Bryston website or talk to Derek at Mod'n Sound 031 5665510, Durban RSA.

Strengths:
The Bryston would compare and probably outclass many of it's counterparts at 3 times the price point, including high end separates. It is really a neutral amplifier losing its presence in the delivery of the music, a characteristic of a true amplifier. This is classed as a REFERENCE amplifier. The option of adding on a MM for vinyl listening is also available, at a price!!

Weaknesses:
Depending on price points, anything can be criticised. What an audiphile must clearly understand, is that ultimately, it is the music that must be listened to and not the equipment.

Similar Products Used:
none at the same price point.