General Asylum: REVIEW: Bryston 4BST Amplifier (SS) by EdM

Model:	4BST
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3500 approx. Cnd.
Description:	SS Amp
Manufacturer URL:	Bryston
Model Picture:	View

Review by EdM on August 19, 2001 at 16:47:08
IP Address: 24.165.65.241

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for the 4BST

I used to scoff at the notion that amps of similar power could actually sound different, the Bryston proved me wrong. I did a three way comparison using my Denon 5700 alone, as a preamp with a Hafler 500 and as a preamp with the 4B-ST. The speakers are Energy C-8 with no added subwoofer (it was turned off). I bought my amp used so it's already broken in.
The 4B-ST "woke up" my music (Panasonic RP-91 DVD player - highly recommended).
Most of my listening for these tests consisted of Loreena McKennitt: " The Book of Secrets"
Track 1: "Prologue" I heard a heavy bass note I had not heard before, clearly and distinctly. The bass was so pronounced I got up and made sure the subwoofer was actually OFF. The whole track was alive.
Track 2: "The Mummer's Dance" - my favorite, I noticed something very startling I couldn't expect- the vocals were also clear and distinct. I could understand words I hadn't been able to before.
Track 8: "Dante's Prayer" - this track is great for equipment testing, in fact it could be THE Test Disk! There are some very low frequency notes at the beginning that if anything in your room is not firmly planted down it will vibrate loudly. My Hafler breaks up on these notes, at the time I thought I had blown a speaker driver but it was the amp. The 4B-ST reproduces these notes perfectly and then goes on immediately to Loreena's soaring vocal high notes that bring tears to my eyes.
In fact the whole CD came alive with rich soaring notes that were apparently muddy and hidden before.
The 4B-ST is a wonderful addition to my system. I love it's forward sound and amazing detail.

Product Weakness: None, although I wish this had remote turn on, I will leave it on.
Product Strengths: Very tight and generous bass. Very fast rise times and terrific vocal range and reproduction.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bryston 4B-ST
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Denon 5700
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Panasonic RP-91
Speakers:	Energy C-8
Cables/Interconnects:	CAT5 DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Loreena McKennit
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 12 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	Coming Soon
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 days, 8 hours
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	n/a

Product Weakness:	None, although I wish this had remote turn on, I will leave it on.
Product Strengths:	Very tight and generous bass. Very fast rise times and terrific vocal range and reproduction.