Bryston 3B-ST or Emotiva XPA2

wizzy
wizzy Posts: 867
edited April 2009 in Electronics
Which would you pick ... or comments on why both choices suck balls.

This would be for a pair of LSi9's
Post edited by wizzy on
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited April 2009
    Bryston All the Way!

    I have nothing against EMO but 9+ years left on Bryston Warranty is solid. Every Bryston owner I know is very happy with the warranty coverage for their amp.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,105
    edited April 2009
    wizzy wrote: »
    Which would you pick ... or comments on why both choices suck balls.

    This would be for a pair of LSi9's

    Talk about comparing apples to oranges. Bryston without hesitation.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited April 2009
    Emotiva is a decent budget choice - bryston is just a good choice (based on warrantee, word of mouth, and reputation).

    I have read reviews of amps from both manufacturers but have no personal experience with them. I can say if it were my money and the bryston was even close on price - I would go bryston every time.
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited April 2009
    Im a Happy 3B user and think it would match up nicely with the 9's.
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited April 2009
    Bryston. 4b and 9b user here.

    That 3b has got four years MORE than the emovita on the warranty, and bryston's customer service is incredible. For amps prior to 2006, they don't care where you got it or what you've been doing with it. If a Bryston breaks within 20 years of when it left the factory, they'll fix it. Post 2006, you need a receipt from a dealer. There's only one way they can have a warranty that good: Have a good product.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited April 2009
    Let's see........Chevy Chevette (Emo) or Corvette (Bryston). Gee Wizz I don't know it's such a hard choice.................hmmmmm :D




    I'm going to go with Bryston.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Pedler
    Pedler Posts: 95
    edited April 2009
    That was to easy...(Answer=Bryston)
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2009
    I'm sorry, but how is this even a question? This is like asking, what bike Schwinn or Harley?
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  • bartimus
    bartimus Posts: 65
    edited April 2009
    I'll be the black sheep and say Emotiva. I absolutely love my XPA 2 and think it is an excellent value for the money! Bryston is certainly a very reputable brand, but I can say without hesitation that the Emotiva is a great product.
    Main System:
    Sony DA6400ES Receiver, Sony BDPS500ES Blu-Ray
    Denon DRS810 3 Head Cassette Deck, Sony KDA60ES3000 60" HDTV ,Emotiva XPA 2 Powering the A9's, Monster Power HDP 2550, Monster Power AVS 2000 SS Voltage Stabilizer, Direct TV HDTV Receiver,Polk RTIA9 Towers:D, Polk CSIA4 Center:D, Klipsch RC51 Surrounds, SVS PB13 Ultra Sub, Monster Cables HDMI 1000 Cables, Monster Cables M Series Speaker Cables
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  • wizzy
    wizzy Posts: 867
    edited April 2009
    Well, I would guess the Bryston too. Thanks for all the input ... basically just wondering if Bryston was frowned upon, but seems like everyone has a positive impression.
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  • Falcon01
    Falcon01 Posts: 89
    edited April 2009
    If I had the option of either one I would get the Bryston everytime. It really is top quality and like some have mentioned, their customer service is excellent.
    Pioneer 50" Plasma (PDP 5080 HD)
    Pioneer Elite VSX-01
    Panasonic BD35
    PS3
    Monster MP HTS1600 Power Conditioner
    Paradigm Monitor 7's v3 (Front)
    Paradigm CC370 v3 (Center)
    Paradigm ADP 370's v2 (Surround)
    Polk Audio Rti4's (Back)
    Paradigm PW 2100 V2 (Sub)

    Coming Soon: 5 channel or 7 channel amp.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2009
    Do you really have to ask?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited April 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    Well, the Chevette costs less to purchase and insure, it has better fuel mileage, and can accomodate two extra passengers, namely two children. With the difference in cost, I can buy a Camaro for my wife. The choice all depends on your situation and needs.

    Just think of the things you can purchase buying the XPA2 instead of the Bryson and remember the law of diminishing returns.

    All well and good, but the OP didn't specify a budget or anything like you suggest. Law of Diminishing Returns doesn't really apply because the Bryston is miles better than the Emo.

    Based on the very limited info the OP provided.................my answer is still Bryston...........by a wide margin.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,105
    edited April 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    Well, the Chevette costs less to purchase and insure, it has better fuel mileage, and can accomodate two extra passengers, namely two children. With the difference in cost, I can buy a Camaro for my wife. The choice all depends on your situation and needs.

    Just think of the things you can purchase buying the XPA2 instead of the Bryson and remember the law of diminishing returns.

    Superior quality does come at a price. Buy cheap...you get cheap. Plus if one is looking long term, the Bryston with a 20yr warranty is a bargain. Think twice, buy once.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited April 2009
    Ummm.... An 11 year old Bryston 3B-ST is going to run about $800... Emotiva XPA-2 costs $799. Price is equal. Also, the minute he gets outside the 30 day return policy, the Emovita will be worth about $500. Whereas the 3B will still be worth about $800- even 2-3 years from now.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited April 2009
    unc2701 wrote: »
    Ummm.... An 11 year old Bryston 3B-ST is going to run about $800... Emotiva XPA-2 costs $799. Price is equal. Also, the minute he gets outside the 30 day return policy, the Emovita will be worth about $500. Whereas the 3B will still be worth about $800- even 2-3 years from now.

    Well said,Bryston 3B-ST all the way!:D
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited April 2009
    It really is a ridiculous comparison. The two brands are positioned differently and appeal to each end of the spectrum. Performance wise they couldn't be farther apart. Emo, while it doesn't do it for me, seems to appeal to some first time amp buyers but it's not on the same level as Bryston no matter how many clever responses are posted.

    It would be like someone posting Pass Labs or Adcom....which should I get? Adcom is a damn fine brand but it's leaps and bounds behind a true Pass Labs piece. To suggest otherwise is foolish.

    Just like suggesting Emo and Bryston are comparable is foolish.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited April 2009
    The arguments for an against Bryston and Emotiva by both xcapri79 and unc are all very valid. The choice is, in my opinion, not as clear-cut as it may seem to be.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • wizzy
    wizzy Posts: 867
    edited April 2009
    unc2701 wrote: »
    Ummm.... An 11 year old Bryston 3B-ST is going to run about $800... Emotiva XPA-2 costs $799

    Oooh smart!

    That's why I didn't specify a budget in the OP :)
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,039
    edited April 2009
    wizzy wrote: »
    Which would you pick ... or comments on why both choices suck balls.

    This would be for a pair of LSi9's

    What pre and what source would you be using with the Polk's?
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • wizzy
    wizzy Posts: 867
    edited April 2009
    F1nut wrote: »
    What pre and what source would you be using with the Polk's?

    (Embarrassed) For now it would be using the pre-outs from either a HK AVI-200II (an older HK Integrated Amp) or the HK-3480

    I have a 3-4 year old Denon CD HDCD player w/ 20-bit burr-brown DACs (PCM-1748?) which isn't half bad. Not the bees knees, but not total crap. Does have variable line out so depending on gain at amp I might be able to run CD straight into amp and forego pre-amp.

    W
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited April 2009
    wizzy wrote: »
    (Embarrassed) For now it would be using the pre-outs from either a HK AVI-200II (an older HK Integrated Amp) or the HK-3480

    I have a 3-4 year old Denon CD HDCD player w/ 20-bit burr-brown DACs (PCM-1748?) which isn't half bad. Not the bees knees, but not total crap. Does have variable line out so depending on gain at amp I might be able to run CD straight into amp and forego pre-amp.

    W
    The Bryston could be easily driven by the CD player but is the volume control an anolog type (pot) or does it work in the digital domain.If it works from the remote and there is no motor driven pot then it is in all likelihood digital.Be aware that resolution suffers(bits get thrown away)when digital volume controls are used for attenuation.
    Testing
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,039
    edited April 2009
    wizzy wrote: »
    (Embarrassed) For now it would be using the pre-outs from either a HK AVI-200II (an older HK Integrated Amp) or the HK-3480

    I have a 3-4 year old Denon CD HDCD player w/ 20-bit burr-brown DACs (PCM-1748?) which isn't half bad. Not the bees knees, but not total crap. Does have variable line out so depending on gain at amp I might be able to run CD straight into amp and forego pre-amp.

    W

    No reason to be embarrassed, we all start somewhere. If you feel that your current sound is too warm/laid-back, then the Bryston would be the way to go. If you want a sound that's warmer than what you have now, I would suggest you look elsewhere.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited April 2009
    Some other thoughts re:Bryston...

    Have you considered the 5b (3ch) 8b(4ch) or 9b(5ch)? These all have basically the same circuitry as the 3b, but with more channels. The 5b should cost only a little more than the 3b, so the cost per channel goes down. 8b, you can biamp; 9b you can biamp and have a channel left for center or do full surround. Also note that you can bridge channels in all of these- All you need is a y cable and a short length of speaker wire to tie the grounds (although I think that the 5 & 8 have switches).
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited April 2009
    unc2701 wrote: »
    Also note that you can bridge channels in all of these- All you need is a y cable and a short length of speaker wire to tie the grounds (although I think that the 5 & 8 have switches).
    Yes the 5 and 8B have bridging switches, and no need for tieing the grounds as they are already tied together on the power supply board.The 2 Positive terminals are then used when bridged.
    Testing
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  • wizzy
    wizzy Posts: 867
    edited April 2009
    unc2701 wrote: »
    Some other thoughts re:Bryston...

    Have you considered the 5b (3ch) 8b(4ch) or 9b(5ch) ...

    Interesting. My thoughts were given my lack of a better quality pre & cd-player I would be better off (for now) going with as reasonably priced as I can on amp and putting any saved money into some of the supporting paraphernalia.

    That info is cool though :)
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