FS: Bryston 9B ST THX (Make an offer!)

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally a 9B ST THX, this was recently refurbished at Bryston where the factory "modified it to use the SST output devices. This modification makes the chance of output transistor failure much less likely, as these transistors are considerably more robust." The amp is still in the factory packaging as it was returned from Bryston and original manual/test results will be included.

The attached pictures were made before the trip to Bryston and, unfortunately, show a lot of dust, which can be cleaned easily, as well as minor scratches that are glaringly revealed by outdoor photography but which are nearly invisible when in use.

This is a substantial and clean-sounding amplifier that has served me well for many years. I was the original purchaser. With the new modifications, it should serve a new owner for many more.
Shipping weight: 70 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 26" x 26" x 11"


Please make an offer. I have no use for this and it seems a pity to let it sit in my basement. Bids should include shipping and preferred payment method.

 

[restorer-john]

You may achieve a better price if it comes with a "Kal Rubinson certified original owner signed certificate of authenticity".

 

[Kal Rubinson]

You may achieve a better price if it comes with a "Kal Rubinson certified original owner signed certificate of authenticity".

Sure. Why not?

 

[DonH56]

Old review: https://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/546/index.html

Sweet amplifier...

 

[tmtomh]

IMHO Bryston gear is one of the only brands you can truly buy sight unseen. Built like tanks, well-engineered, and fully transferable 20(!) year warranty. This unit is going to be a good value whatever the exact sale price ends up being here.

 

[pozz]

Lovely piece of gear.

 

[Vintage57]

I've been swearing by them and never at them for over 30 years. Solid product and service.

 

[restorer-john]

Old review: https://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/546/index.html

Sweet amplifier...

Sure is. Compare this to an AVR:

 

[gene_stl]

Each channel has its own toroidal power transformer so it shouldn't sag.

 

[BDWoody]

Sure is. Compare this to an AVR:
View attachment 91637

This is what drives the speakers the KAV 250a/3 doesn't in the big system. It is another 'relic from days gone by' that I'd have a tough time wanting to 'upgrade' from. Between those two amps (Well, 8 amps really), I feel like I've got what I need covered.

I'd give this one a 'highly recommended' from my personal experience. How old is it? Still got any of that 20 year warranty left? Whatever these go for, it's a bargain, imo.

 

[DonH56]

If you are looking for a classic "old iron" amplifier this is one worth looking at. I am seriously considering it for my planned overhead speakers. It is overkill for them, but this is a classic amp at a great price.

 

[restorer-john]

I am seriously considering it for my planned overhead speakers. It is overkill for them, but this is a classic amp at a great price.

Just buy it Don. It has to go to a US buyer (120V) and 30kg+ weight.

 

[BDWoody]

If you are looking for a classic "old iron" amplifier this is one worth looking at. I am seriously considering it for my planned overhead speakers. It is overkill for them, but this is a classic amp at a great price.

Knowing what you've got on the floor, what are you thinking for the ceiling speakers?

 

[DonH56]

Just buy it Don. It has to go to a US buyer (120V) and 30kg+ weight.

Ah, John, so good art thou at spending my money, I should have known. To be sure, I am sorely tempted, and working on how I might arrange it. I have heard many Brystons over the years but never owned one. Despite a few years in audio at the time, I first heard the name when a band on tour came through town and I helped set up their system, and noticed a rack of Bryston's to drive their array. Their soundman raved about them for sound and durability, and said he used them in his home system.

Knowing what you've got on the floor, what are you thinking for the ceiling speakers?

My room is not large, and I have panels overhead so hanging them low enough to clear the panels might lead to a few knocked heads, but I am looking at four Revel M80XC's aimed at the couch. That has been my plan for a while, and one reason for the SDP-75, but life's been crazy. Too many work hours, too much else going on, and funds are tight this year. I made up drawings months ago but my dealer was not sure how they'd fit so I am still cogitating. I got a box the size of the speakers today to see how I might position them. The M55XC's or SCS8's would be less imposing but I really want (not sure of need) the extra bass. Work in progress.

Kal has made me an offer I probably can't refuse, hope to work it out this weekend. There are some other considerations (unrelated to Kal, the amp, or audio) to be dealt with (no, not my wife, she knows me and feels much as John -- "Get it while you can!" -- I am blessed). Despite the ostensibly lower power I am tempted to replace my Emotiva XPA-5 on base duty (center, surrounds, rears) with the Bryston and use the Emo for the top speakers.

Just when I swore my next amp(s) would not be back-breakers...

Still, this would be an awesome amp for anyone.

 

[restorer-john]

@DonH56 Just go out to that shed of yours and find something super rare and collectible gathering dust and sell it to cover the Bryston. One new thing in, and an old thing out the door. Problem solved.

 

[RayDunzl]

How many decades of warranty does it have left?

 

[Dmitri]

Sure is. Compare this to an AVR:
View attachment 91637

There ya go! When I say “I want impressive” ...that’s exactly what I’m after.
None of those Nancy pants avr amps, and truthfully...though perhaps my bias doesn’t necessarily reflect reality...I’ll take an old school beast over class D any day. Sweet buy, and ya know it’s been loved. Envy is mine...

 

[Worth Davis]

Sign the top in white! Surely will pop it up $100!

 

[Kal Rubinson]

How many decades of warranty does it have left?

You can measure that in months but, probably, extended a bit by the recent factory refurbishment.

 

[Dmitri]

No personal experience, but I’ve heard Bryston is known for servicing amps at no charge past the 20 year warranty period. Regardless...I’m sure it’ll be a non issue.