Bryston 2B SST Stereo Amplifier Reviewed

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Performance
4 Stars
Value
4 Stars
Overall
4 Stars

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bryston-2B-SST-reviewed.gifThe Bryston 2B is a true audiophile classic. First released to the public in 1979, the Bryston 2B is an absolute workhorse of a stereo power amplifier that has successfully powered many of the most demanding speakers ever designed. Today's Bryston 2B SST version is still packing 100 watts per channel into eight-ohm impedance loads, but now boasts lower signal to noise ratios than past units, with balanced and unbalanced operation, as well as a greatly improved industrial design.

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Sonically, the Bryston 2B SST can best be described as a muscular amplifier. While you can get more power on the spec sheet at the $2,650 price point from other amps, the Bryston 2B SST has a solid, hefty sound that you won't find in those Class-D digital amps that are all the rage today. The Bryston 2B is perfectly suited for use with today's high-resolution surround sound codecs when placed in a cutting edge 7.1 surround sound system. Another place that the Bryston 2B SST thrives is in an audiophile system that uses a lower-resolution source, such as an MP3 player. The slightly bright high-frequency response that is characteristic of all Bryston amps is part of the appeal to its loyal fan base. The Bryston sound is more relevant that ever with MP3 and other sub-CD resolution music files. The Bryston 2B SST on all accounts breathes more energy and life into those often flat-sounding recordings. Considering how prevalent iPod devices have become as part of the way we listen to music, specifically with higher-end solutions like the WADIA and Krell iPod docs now on the market, the Bryston 2B SST today is more relevant of an amp than ever before.

High Points
• The build quality of the Bryston 2B SST is fantastic. This is an amp that will last a lifetime and is manufactured to amazingly high tolerances, especially internally.
• The Bryston sound has never been more sonically relevant than today, especially with ultra-resolution surround sound tracks via Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio, as well as the Bryston 2B's ability to play well with MP3 devices like iPods and iPhones.

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