Bryston 9B SST Five-Channel Amplifier Reviewed

Published On: October 26, 2008
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
We May Earn From Purchases Via Links

Bryston 9B SST Five-Channel Amplifier Reviewed

You don't get much more of a storied brand in AV than Bryston. Their amps are well known to be fantastic sounding and very powerful. The 9B SST pumps out 140 watts for each of its five channels, and it even has a 20 year warranty.

Bryston 9B SST Five-Channel Amplifier Reviewed

By Author: Jerry Del Colliano

bryston_9b_sst.gifBryston is one of the most famous names in professional audio amplifiers. Known for stunning reliability and incredible build quality, the amps come with an unheard-of 20-year warranty. The Canadian-designed and built Bryston 9B SST is a five-channel power amplifier that can produce 140 watts per channel into eight ohms and 200 watts per channel into four-ohm speaker loads. The amp comes with a faceplate in either silver or black, as well as options for standalone installation or a 19-inch rack-friendly faceplate. The Bryston 9B SST is priced at $6,495, which puts it toward the top of the food chain of consumer multi-channel amps, most of which come with seven, not five, channels.

Additional Resources

High Points
• The Bryston 9B SST five-channel amp delivers big, conservatively measured power for audiophile surround sound systems that can power even the toughest loads with ease. Mangenpans, Revels, Bowers and Wilkins, MartinLogans and Vandersteens are no challenge for this Bryston five-channel amp.
• Bryston's 20-year warranty is nothing short of a modern marvel. I know many studios that swear by Bryson amps, not just because of their vast power reserves, but because that they never fail, even when used professionally all day, every day.

Read The Low Points and Conclusion on Page 2

Bryston-9b-reviewed.gifLow Points
• While the bass control on the Bryston 9B-SST is very, very good, the high-frequency performance is just a little too bright for my tastes. You need to match this amp carefully with just the right speakers or the sound may be overly harsh on the high end for many listeners. Other five- and seven-channel amps from the audiophile brands such as Classé, Theta, Mark Levinson and Krell offer a more even sound over more channels for comparable money.
• While built like a tank, the look of the Bryston 9B-SST is very utilitarian overall. The front faceplate is nice and, if the amp is going in a rack, this may be no issue for you, but if you want to show off your amp like some audiophiles do, other products in the price category are built to look much better.

Conclusion
The Bryston 9B-SST is the definition of a robust amp that can be worked and worked and worked and always perform. The amp does have a specific sound that puts an emphasis on the high end, so you will want to audition it before making a purchase. Overall, this amp has what it takes to be the last multi-channel amp you ever buy, from a company willing to put their reputation where your money is.

  • Anonymous
    2022-02-06 12:25:05

    Is bryston a good match for a anthem avr50 processor

Subscribe To Home Theater Review

Get the latest weekly home theater news, sweepstakes and special offers delivered right to your inbox
Email Subscribe
HomeTheaterReview Rating
Value: 
Performance: 
Overall Rating: 
© JRW Publishing Company, 2023
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.

magnifiercross
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram
Share to...