While I have no idea why a 60 wpc amp would have cost you $1795 (or 300 less without the super basic remote) in 1998 when I'm sure the big mass-marked brands would have sold you one for 500 tops,
measurements indicate rock-solid performance. ().
FYI: below is a rundown from the October '98
Audio equipment annual. In the context of 'high-end' Bryston could be viewed as a value proposition. For watts/dollar and at the low end, Yamaha was the go to brand.
Burmeister 959 $6775.00 75 watts/ch (4ohms--8 not listed)
Cello Integrated $3500.00 50/100 watts 4-8 (I didn't know Cello made an integrated)
Electro ECI-1 $3495.00 100/180
Linn Majik $1345.00 33/66
Lux 507 $3600.00 100 watts 8 ohms (no 4 ohm rating)
Marantz PM-17 $1200.00 60/100
McIntosh MA-6850 $3500.00 150/150 (autoformer output)
ReVox E-450 $4900.00 120/200
Yamaha AX-592 $500.00 100 (no 4 ohm rating).