B&W 803s and Bryston 9B-SST

[RebelMan]

No. I've heard the old N802s through a different Amp, but I've only heard my 802Ds bi-wired and bi-amped to the 9B SST. I had always planned on either getting a two channel amp (perhaps the 14B SST) or two monoblocks (perhaps the 7B SSTs) for the 802Ds later on, though I'm considering other options now as well. My reason for staying with Bryston on those would be to use the 9B SST for the rest of a 7.1 setup and have the whole system integrate well.

If you weren't looking for a multi-channel (5.1 or 7.1) setup would you still supplant the 9B-SST?

It seems that at present you are 100/0 with your A/V preferences. True? How will this change after you build your 5.1 or 7.1 setup?

[JKalman]

Yeah, if I were just making a 2 channel stereo setup, I wouldn't buy the 9B SST. I would look at buying two 2 channel amps, possibly the 4B SST, or 2 monoblocks like the 7B SST.

I'm using the speakers to watch HDTV satellite and DVD via my Denon DVD-5910, and even without back speakers the 802Ds sometimes seem to manage a modicum of surround sound. I'm definitely leaning stronger on the Audio side, which is why I will buy 805S for the surround channels (and rears if I add 7.1) and a HTM2D for the center channel. I'll likely buy a ASW 855 for the sub, but I might get a cheaper model 8 series sub instead. I love watching films and somtimes enjoy music surround sound, it can be meditational with new age recordings. I mainly prefer recordings that use surround to present the acoustics of a performance space, so I don't need anything as profound as the 802Ds in the back in order to match up, I do worry about the HTM2D vs. the HTM1D, but space and price considerations make the HTM2D seem like a sensible decision (hell I could always buy a used HTM1D in a few years).

I wouldn't say it is 100/0, since I have the Denon DVD-5910 which has some of the best DVD video ouput quality on the market as well as a HDTV (Sony XBR 36") and HDTV Sat receiver. My only problem is the TV is a little small, though I do have a 56" Rear Projection TV in the other room, which I foolishly moved out because of a small amount of burn in; it could easily stand in as a nice sized widescreen until I get the Sony SXRD. The problem is, the XBR weighs too much to move alone, and even with one other person it is a painful moving experience. I would like to go with a projector, but it seems like for the price, the DLP-hybrid SXRD 1080p is going to give me the most for my money.

Nothing needs to change if I build a 5.1/7.1 system except the considerations I previously noted in the post, e.g. another amplifier or more amplifiers depending on which layout I eventually choose. The nice thing is, all the amplifier units I want to try out can be found within a 30 minute radius or less of my house and I have bought stuff from the dealers who have the gear, which means they will let me demo things at home that they have in stock.

[Gump]

Last time I checked, the Tucson dealer doesn't have any Bryston equipment to demo. The Prescott Valley dealer seemed to be more supportive in this regard but unfortuantely they didn't have the 9B-SST either. Both dealers seemed pleasant and willing to help but they had rather limited resources. Not to mention that neither one of them carry B&W's in their show rooms which is another problem in itself.

Interesting. Thanks for the info. Even if they had B&W's in their stores I prefer to hear the demo in my home in the room I use for listening. I learned that lesson the hard way when I almost made a huge mistake and was going to plunk down a sizable chunk of change on Linn equipment that seemed to sound pretty good in the showroom but sounded very un-impressive (to me) when the salesman came out to my house and re-demo'd it there.

I still break out in a cold sweat when I think of how close I came to buying that amp and processor and how I would've been stuck with a sound that would not have made me completely happy.

That is why I am currently doing exhaustive research and demoing to try and not make the same mistake. When I pull the trigger on my next set of electronics I want to be as confident as possible that I made the right choice---for me, that is.

[RebelMan]

Even if they had B&W's in their stores I prefer to hear the demo in my home in the room I use for listening. I learned that lesson the hard way when I almost made a huge mistake and was going to plunk down a sizable chunk of change on Linn equipment that seemed to sound pretty good in the showroom but sounded very un-impressive (to me) when the salesman came out to my house and re-demo'd it there.

I agree this would be the ideal situation, when the opportunity lends itself to it. Speakers and component matching is crucial if one wants to achieve the right synergy. Curious, was the equipment and speakers used in the demo room a mirror image of your system at home?

If you get the opportunity to hear Bryston with your B&Ws, take it. They sound incredible together.

[Gump]

I agree this would be the ideal situation, when the opportunity lends itself to it. Speakers and component matching is crucial if one wants to achieve the right synergy. Curious, was the equipment and speakers used in the demo room a mirror image of your system at home?

If you get the opportunity to hear Bryston with your B&Ws, take it. They sound incredible together.

Yes, 803D's driven by Linn 5100 with a unidisk pre/player. I listened to it several times and, depending on the CD, it would sound outstanding one minute and then a little too bright for my ear the next. I was assured by my salesman that the setup would actually sound better in my listening room at my house. (even though he had been to my house previously to tune a new cd/dvd player and sub for me and was familiar with how my listening room was setup, dimensions, etc., I was still convinced this was just a sales ploy due to the belief that the demo rooms in most of these stores are designed to bring out the best in the equipment---or so I thought.)

At any rate I went ahead and bought the whole set up. The speakers came in first and I took them home and hooked them up to my existing A/V receiver (Marantz 8300). And you know what?... He was right, those 803D's did sound better in my home. They were, and are phenomenal.

In the mean time there was a glich between Linn and the store and the amp/pre/player were delayed for several months. That was when I asked the salesmen to come out and hook up the Linn store demo equipment at my house because I started to get curious (and nervous) about how it would sound. I was having second thoughts.

Well I listened to the Linn stuff at length in my house. The bass and mid-range were superb. It makes the music seem fast and vibrant sounding. My salesguy would call it "engaging". Very detailed and sharp. But the highs were too harsh and bright for me. There was very distinct sibilation especially with female vocals. The more I listened the more I didnt like it. My salesman tried to convince me that I just needed to get used to the more "refined" sound but I wasn't buying it----literally. I had him refund my money for the Linn eqiupment and now I'm on this great search for an amp/pre that will do justice to these 803D's and make me a happy camper!

So far I like the sound of Classe, very rich and velvety to my ears anyway. At the suggestion of my salesman we teamed the Classe 5200 amp with the Linn unidisk...very interesting combo. Maintained the richness and audible silk of the Classe but seemed to pickup the quickness of the sound , sort of energized it, but in a good way. I only mention this because it fascinates me how a little tweaking one way or the other can effect the sound of the same material so much.

I've also listened to Rotel and Mcintosh. Next up I've set up a demo (in home) in the next couple of weeks with the local dealer for BelCanto amps and Meridian. After that I was going to contact the previously mentioned Bryston dealers and demo the 6B SST. Then I'll re-evaluate.

The point is I have no intention of making another rash decision. I'm going to take my time and be as sure (as possible) that I'm making the right choice.

I want to be so happy that I have to slip on a pair of Depends before I hit the power/play buttons!!

[RebelMan]

The point is I have no intention of making another rash decision. I'm going to take my time and be as sure (as possible) that I'm making the right choice.

I want to be so happy that I have to slip on a pair of Depends before I hit the power/play buttons!!

I hear you. I didn't care much for Meridan when I heard the 803D's with them. Classe' on the other hand is on my short list, but it's doubtful I can swing my budget that high, wife has a baby on the way.

I am curious about the Bel Canto eVo's myself. Kindly share your opinions when you have the opportunity.

P.S. I didn't realize SLM aka HTS carried Bel Canto.

[Gump]

I hear you. I didn't care much for Meridan when I heard the 803D's with them. Classe' on the other hand is on my short list, but it's doubtful I can swing my budget that high, wife has a baby on the way.

I am curious about the Bel Canto eVo's myself. Kindly share your opinions when you have the opportunity.

P.S. I didn't realize SLM aka HTS carried Bel Canto.

You are correct. SLM does not carry Bel Canto. The dealer is Bob Williams of "Audionut". He owns a small store at about 7200W Bell Rd. If your bored one day stop in and see him. He'll talk your ear off for an hour, but he's quite knowledgeable and a nice guy. Also carrys Halo, Meridian, NAD...
He seems to think that I will be audio-ly thrilled if I combine the 803D's with the eVo 4 bridged.

I went into SLM originally with full intentions of purchasing the 803S speakers with Rotel EQ. Just to satisfy my curiousity I asked to hear these new Diamond speakers I had been reading about. The 803S's sounded great---until I heard the 803D's. I was stunned by how full and dynamic they sounded. Then I was more stunned when he told me the price! I knew that if I bought the 803S speakers I would probably enjoy them, but I would always feel like I was missing something having listened to the D's.

It wasn't until later that I found out the demo was done with Meridian amps. So to be fair, I think I'll demo the Meridian in my home the same time I listen to the Bel Canto for comparison sake.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

By the way, I'm simpatico with you on the baby/money connection. We have a 7 month old right now. And, for some reason, my wife is stubbornly convinced that diapers and formula should take precedence over my stereo system.....now, how unreasonable is that? (feeble attempt at humor! :lol: )

[RebelMan]

You are correct. SLM does not carry Bel Canto. The dealer is Bob Williams of "Audionut". He owns a small store at about 7200W Bell Rd. If your bored one day stop in and see him. He'll talk your ear off for an hour, but he's quite knowledgeable and a nice guy. Also carrys Halo, Meridian, NAD...

Ahh yes, I know that place well, just down the street, actually. I have met Bob, and his son. I don't recall seeing the Bel Canto's when I auditioned the NAD's, Halo's and naim. Although, it has been a while since I have been in their shop. I guess it is time for another visit.

The 803S's sounded great---until I heard the 803D's. I was stunned by how full and dynamic they sounded. Then I was more stunned when he told me the price! I knew that if I bought the 803S speakers I would probably enjoy them, but I would always feel like I was missing something having listened to the D's.

This is true. Fortunately, it was the 803D's you heard first and not the 802D's. Perhaps then you would have settled on the 803S's.

I don't regret my decision for picking the 803S's. I am split 50/50 AV so the budget had to acommodate that priority. I really do not want to upgrade my (main) speakers so the emphasis this time will be on component matching, which I actually planned from the start. However, if I do need to upgrade, chances are it will be to the 803D's simply because the size of the 802D's would blow my wife over. She already thinks the 803S's are too big!

It wasn't until later that I found out the demo was done with Meridian amps. So to be fair, I think I'll demo the Meridian in my home the same time I listen to the Bel Canto for comparison sake.

This might shock you, but I thought the Rotel combo sounded better than the Meridian when driving the 800's. I thought the Meridian was a tad dry on the top end and muddy in the bass. Though, I still think they put out some great gear. I just didn't care for the B&W match up. You might feel differently though.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Looking forward to it.

By the way, I'm simpatico with you on the baby/money connection. We have a 7 month old right now. And, for some reason, my wife is stubbornly convinced that diapers and formula should take precedence over my stereo system.....now, how unreasonable is that? (feeble attempt at humor! :lol: )

I think this is another conspiracy... wives having babies so husbands can't have stereos!!! :rofl:

BTW, congratulations on your new addition. :T

[1oldguy]

Hi

Been following the thread since I have the 802D's and the 803D's with an HTM2D.
I have to buy before I can try so all this info is great from you guys who have the experience that i don't at this point.
I have been thinking about the Brystons to power the system.The 7bsst for the 802D.
But since my rears the the 803D are rated at 375 watts and the 6b SST is rated at 300 Watts I wonder if I will suffer any ill effects.I don't have the resources to buy again should I dislike my purchase ...So Any advise is invaluable.
The center matches up fine because it's rated at 300.
I am pretty serious about music and movies.
I was told by a guy from B&W that in his experience the Bryston's were a little harsh in the top end.And that the Mcintosh weren't.The Brystons would save me major cash but I really don't want buyers remorse on something I can't afford to buy again.
By the way I'm not as old as I seem lol.

[1oldguy]

Almost forgot.............To get the most out of the speakers without going over board would I really need to Bi amp or Bi-Wire.ALL new to me ....Pretty green,but man enough to admit it.:}
My Dealer can get Classe bye the way.
Again Thanks

[Russ L]

The new Bryston SST(squared) line of amps has apparently cleared up the high end harshness. Give the new amp a try. The Macs can be alittle bit dark. So if you want to spend alot of money go with Simaudio instead of Mac IMO. Good luck with the Demo on the Bryston Squared and try one of their new Torus Power Isolation Units for your amp...gives amazing bass, quickness and smoothness to even the most expensive of amplifiers.

[1oldguy]

Thank you for the advice.

Infact I was going to get the Torus Power Isolation Unit.So good to see I am on the right track as I've read good things about them.I don't own my own home so I would have to get the 15 amp version though I'd prefer the 20 model.Wondering how noticeable difference between the two amperage's.
Bryston and Classe I can get.The Mcintosh would be hard for my dealer to get but not impossible.Those are my options.Yes the sst Squared is the version I would get if going with Brystons.And I do admit saving cash would be helpful.The last thing I'd want is sibilance and wonder if that would be a concern with the speakers I have.Though given the number of people here who have B&W and Bryston I don't think that is a problem.
I like a clear sound with depth.But within reason.I wouldn't want it so clear it's brittle.Or has so much depth you would have to strain to really strain to pick out things.From my impression from what I've read here the Brystons seem like the best of both worlds.
I did read that the classe was prefered over Mcintosh but both were considered slow with regards to quick bass performance.
I should point out having said that I am not a bass oriented type.I just want it to be be as it should fast and evident when it is present.

[Russ L]

I have the Torus BX 10 on order for my amp which requires about 10 amps RMS average continuous (don't use the RMS peak measurement). So depending on the amp you choose-the 7B SST(SQ) monoblocks might require 2 Torus PIUs! Talk to your Torus dealer. I know they would require a dedicated circuit. I believe there is an option on the RM 20 Amp Torus that allows you to use it without a dedicated circuit. But also remember with the Torus isolated power supplies they make an amp perform far better than normal especially in the difficult areas of bass reproduction. So a 4B SST with 20 Amp Torus might actually outperform a pair of 7B SST without a Torus. Thats how good the Torus units actually are.
I'm not a bass guy either and thats why I like the Torus because the bass is tight, fast and no boominess because the amp has enough power to articulate even the most difficult bass passages. Even the best amps run out of reserve and can't draw current fast enough out of the wall.
Demo, demo, demo! :T
Try

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/i...?topic=65815.0

and here:http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/i...?topic=46895.0

Best of Luck. Regards, Russ

[1oldguy]

I called Bryston today and was told that using a 15 wall outlet I can still get the 20 Amp model if I get a modified cord from Bryston so it will work without having to beef up my wiring.Would prefer to beef it up but It's not my place.
The advantage is that in the future if I do have my own place I can then use the regular cord and get all the benefits if I so choose to have a dedicated 20 amp line.
He also said I should be ok with the 2 7B's and a 6B and my T.V.Which is a 60 inch Plasma.
The Rm 20 is the unit he suggested again with the upcharge for the 15 amp extra cord.

Again thank you Russ for helping me out.

[JargonGR]

Now all this talk makes me think that my Electrocompaniet Nemo monoblocks (1x600Watt 8Ohm/1200Watt 4Ohm) are too much power for my 800Ds. I am also using a Bryston 14BSST for my HTM1D (bi-amped) but I plan on getting another Nemo so I have the same amps for all three front channels. Yet I am using a pair of 803Ds for surrounds that for the moment are powered by a Crown XLS 802D (2x 500W@8ohm).

I was really wondering though about some things:

A) Would the 14BSST drive the 800Ds as well as the Nemos?

B) Is an Extra Nemo overkill for the HTM1D?

C) Would the 14BSST be wasted on the 803Ds as surrounds where I plan to move it in the future?


What do you think and what would you do? I am also planning to get a pair of 805s for rear surrounds and use the Crown on them till I get a better amp although they will only be used for movies.

[1oldguy]

I too have the 803d's for the rears.And and thinking about going with the 7bsst for all.Would like to give you the answer to your questions but being so new to all this you would know more than I.