$12,000 Question - Best Monoblocks in this Price Range

Thanks in advance for your reply. I am a long time Bryston lover, but do not want to be short-sighted and eliminate other amps without taking some time get some real feedback. First of all, I am finding it difficult to determine what is actually available in this price range. I currently have the following setup :

Anthem d2v

B& W 803 D

bryston 9BSST

Servo15

Rotel CD Playeri

AudioQuest Cables and Power Cords

I am considering the purchase of a pair of 7BSST2 Monoblocks, BP-26 and MS-2 Powersupply. I recognize that the pre-amp and Powersupply will be an extra $4500, but I am struggling with the amplifier decision living in Iowa and having limited options for auditioning gear. I recently went to a friends house and he had an old pair of McIntosh 60 tube amps and I was amazed by the sound. Many critics say that Bryston is lifeless and very neutral which can be good or bad depending on your preference, but I really want to explore all my options. I know that there have been negative reviews of the 7BSST2's from this website and the 28BSST2's got good marks, but are out of my budget.

In any case, please share your thoughts and let me know my options.

Thanks,

Don

February 23, 2012 - 7:39am

tom collins

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Joined: Apr 3 2007 - 11:54am

simaudio

i have heard bryston and find it not to my taste for the reason you mention. for me, when the dealer puts in a simaudio product, be it an integrated amp (700i, you really should look into it right at $12K) or separates, it always becomes much more musical for me while still keeping dynamics and detailing, just not quite so much. i find this especially so with revealing speakers such as magico and dynaudio that they also sell.

good luck, let us know how it goes.

tom

February 29, 2012 - 5:27pm

dadams07

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Joined: Feb 22 2012 - 6:49pm

Thanks for the feedback Tom.

Thanks for the feedback Tom. I will see if I can find a dealer that carries Simaudio in the Chicagoland area.

Don

March 1, 2012 - 6:26am

tom collins

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Last seen: 11 years 2 months ago

Joined: Apr 3 2007 - 11:54am

simaudio

if it is no further to go to dayton, oh, you can look up "hansen audio" and listen there. they are very accomodating.

March 7, 2012 - 2:55pm

eattoride

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Last seen: 10 years 6 months ago

Joined: Sep 7 2009 - 5:52pm

I auditioned Boulder, Bryston

I auditioned Boulder, Bryston and Classe. I eventually settled on Classe CA-M300 monoblocks (about $11,000) and an Ayre preamp. This new gear replaced my Simaudio i7. The sound is breathtaking jawdropping georgeous though my Cremonas. I was fortunate enough to audition the amps through a pair of Cremonas at the dealer. Did I mention the sound is hair raising?

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