Old Bryston 2B-LP

[svtcontour]

So I've acquired a Bryston 2BLP which is very clean and I'm listening to it and all in all it sounds quite good to my ears - like nothing jumping out as being objectionable. It sounds just a tiny bit darker up top than newer amps I've tried and bottom end a little fatter but not having measured it it could just be an illusion.

So I'm posting here to see what the general thought is on these old units. Looking online, it seems many dont like older Brystons saying they are forward or harsh but I dont find this to be the case at least this one.

 

[JSmith]

Bryston 2BLP

I can't believe it, I found a video review where actual measurements were done... almost fell off my chair;

More data in video... some a-weighted though.

Manufacturer specs;

Frequency Response:	<1Hz - 100kHz: -3dB
THD+N (20Hz-20kHz @ 60W, 8Ω):	<0.01%
Power Output (per channel):	60W @ 8Ω | 100W @ 4Ω
Noise:	XLR: <-100dB
Input Impedance:	Balanced 10kΩ

2B-LP Pro – Bryston

bryston.com

Reasonable performance it seems.


JSmith

 

[svtcontour]

Holy smokes!!!!!! Ok watching now. Excellent find!

 

[Blumlein 88]

Pretty good units if you ask me. I think they had a 20 year warranty.

 

[svtcontour]

Interesting video. I wonder if the left / right channel SNR difference is just age of the unit or design. I guess no way to know. At least when I'm listening I cant audibly find a fault, not that I would even with that level of difference in the video

 

[Ericco]

I've been using my 3B since I bought it used in the mid 80s. I always felt it had a musical sound and don't understand the forward, or harsh comments
you mention. In fact, my system seems more laid back than other, newer audiophile systems I've auditioned.

 

[fpitas]

I've been using my 3B since I bought it used in the mid 80s. I always felt it had a musical sound and don't understand the forward, or harsh comments
you mention. In fact, my system seems more laid back than other, newer audiophile systems I've auditioned.

Around here, we think online subjective reviews of electronics are worth what you paid for them. And give them all the thought they deserve.

 

[Ericco]

Around here, we think online subjective reviews of electronics are worth what you paid for them. And give them all the thought they deserve.

You mean like the OP?

 

[MAB]

So I've acquired a Bryston 2BLP which is very clean and I'm listening to it and all in all it sounds quite good to my ears - like nothing jumping out as being objectionable. It sounds just a tiny bit darker up top than newer amps I've tried and bottom end a little fatter but not having measured it it could just be an illusion.

So I'm posting here to see what the general thought is on these old units. Looking online, it seems many dont like older Brystons saying they are forward or harsh but I dont find this to be the case at least this one.

I have quite a few Bryston amps... The above YouTube measurements are consistent with what I measure, except the YouTube amp seems to have something going on with the right channel, I never see one channel more than a dB or so different... It is a transparent amp, and is incredibly reliable, and has about the best warranty service on the planet. I have PuriFi and Hypex ClassD amps too, and I can't hear the noise or any audible improvements with the ClassD gear.

 

[DSJR]

They're damned fine amps and in the UK, used to be almost affordable until fifteen - twenty years back when prices all but doubled! Twenty year warranties definitely and like my now ancient fifty year old Crown D Series amps, what comes out is basically what goes in, just louder and lacking added 'audiophool character or charisma'

Until pro speakers started incorporating dedicated amp packs, amps like these Brystons were used and thrashed for years into suitable studio monitors which back then were passive mostly I recall. Smaller ones could be used for headphones and the bigger ones for a wall of high quality sound

 

[pma]

2B-SST measurements

SoundStage! Measurements - Bryston 2B SST Stereo Amplifier (7/2008)

Very good results.

 

[fpitas]

You mean like the OP?

Notice though, we have measured results. Trust, but verify!

 

[SIY]

Interesting video. I wonder if the left / right channel SNR difference is just age of the unit or design. I guess no way to know. At least when I'm listening I cant audibly find a fault, not that I would even with that level of difference in the video

Which of the two channels is closer to the power supply?* And even more specifically, the power transformer?

*edit: by this I mean internally

 

[NiagaraPete]

Coming from a pro sound background we loved those amps. They were driven to abuse on almost every use.

 

[Ericco]

Notice though, we have measured results. Trust, but verify!

Noted. I didn't realize that was a forum rule.

 

[fpitas]

Noted. I didn't realize that was a forum rule.

It sure helps. Lots of people on the internet say a lot of things. Sometimes they're true, sometimes not. But the measurements don't lie. Bryston makes quality stuff, so the results aren't surprising.

 

[MAB]

Which of the two channels is closer to the power supply?* And even more specifically, the power transformer?

*edit: by this I mean internally

Dual mon, modular design. Is the right line-input wire flopped over near the transformer and power switch assembly? The right channel in the reviewer's unit had mains noise.

The SoundStage review saw elevated noise on the left channel:

The left channel of this unit had somewhat more power-supply line harmonics due to rectifier conduction-pulse ground currents than the quieter right channel.

I have the same 2B-LP as OP. Perhaps I need to measure it, I'm intrigued.

 

[Fledermaus]

I picked one up myself years ago, in not very fresh condition.
It sounds fine, but seems to heat up copiously, to the point that I can't leave my hand on the front heatsink - and emits quite a perceptible hum.
To other owners: does this seem like standard operation to you?

 

[SIY]

I picked one up myself years ago, in not very fresh condition.
It sounds fine, but seems to heat up copiously, to the point that I can't leave my hand on the front heatsink - and emits quite a perceptible hum.
To other owners: does this seem like standard operation to you?

Mine didn't run hot, but had mechanical transformer hum. I was able to fix that with some rubber bits and a lot of torque.

Maybe check the bias if the heat is excessive?

 

[Fledermaus]

Thanks for answering - then, having the bias checked surely won't do no harm.